Criminal Justice Degree

Criminal justice is distinct from the field of criminology, which involves the study of crime as a social phenomena, causes of crime, criminal behavior, and other aspects of crime. Criminal justice professionals approach crime and injustice through a detailed, programmatic approach, to make sure the law is rightly for criminals.

Criminal justice professionals work to uphold justice and law within the community. They should have at least a bachelor’s degree in social work, criminal justice, or any related field that prepare students for employment in law enforcement, corrections, probation, immigration, security services, homeland security, forensics and comparable types of employment. They should also have fundamental knowledge in social and behavioural sciences. Like other professions, one can move up the ladder of criminal justice by hard work and consistently doing a good job. A master’s degree increases the chance of becoming a head of a criminal justice department.

The most popular career in criminal justice are usually found in law enforcement and corrections — whether local, state, Federal or private sector law enforcement. There are different jobs available in this field including:

• forensic science - computer forensic expert, forensic specialist
• law - court administrator, court clerk, district attorney, law clerk, law librarian, lawyer, litigation manager, paralegal, pre-trial service investigator
• social work - child support agency worker, child welfare caseworker, community service coordinator, juvenile court counselor, substance abuse counselor, victim service specialist, youth advocate
• probation and parole - parole officer, penologist, probation officer,
• corrections - corrections facilities manager, prison guard, warden
• police force - airport security officer, border patrol agent, deportation officer, drug enforcement agent, fish and game warden, park ranger, sheriff
• private security - body guard, detective, industrial security specialist, private investigator,
• state and federal law enforcement professionals - CIA agent, coroner, criminal investigator, criminologist, FBI agent, fingerprint specialist, military officer, naval investigator, public security officer, secret service agent, Postal Service investigator, customs agent, U.S. marshal,

The amount of work available in criminal justice varies widely and so is their respective salary. Salary.com reports that the median expected salary for different positions in criminal justice professionals in the United States are:

• Fire Fighter - $39,958
• Police Patrol Officer - $48,696
• Police Sergeant - $62,141
• Sheriff/Police Chief - $93,093

Take the first step to a secure, flexible and well-paying career by enrolling in an online Criminal Justice Degree Program. Whether you want to start or accelerate your career in criminal justice, explore the online certificate and degree programs below and request more information today.

We recommend getting information from several schools so you can compare the programs, costs, time commitments and financial aid options.

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