Criminal Justice

Various components of the criminal justice system – policy makers, law enforcement, courts and corrections – work together to maintain public safety and security. This joint effort helps deter unlawful behavior by punishing criminal offenders. For example, having a law against burglary deters most individuals from the act, although some still steal from homes and businesses. The governing police force must react quickly to catch and detain perpetrators, allowing the courts to try the offenders and correctional officers to carry out the appointed sentences. Online colleges offer bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice that can help students connect and discern the distinct purposes of each component.

What Does a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from an Online College Entail?

Online colleges offer multiple bachelor’s degree options for criminal justice studies. Some universities offer a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, while others offer a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a specific concentration in management, human services, or institutional health care. In both types of programs, students study a broad variety of topics, including security and police administration, contemporary corrections, forensics, juvenile justice, and safety and risk management. In addition to major-specific courses, the curriculum may also include introductory classes in economics, ethics, geography, humanities and psychology.

Many online programs offering bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice are considered “military friendly,” and allow service experience to be used as credit toward a degree in the area. The American Council on Education evaluates a prospective student’s military occupation specialties and associated rank to determine how much college credit should be awarded. It is important to ask an admissions counselor about the school’s policy for accepting military experience before enrolling.

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Related Careers for Graduates of Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Criminal Justice

Graduates who earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice might enter the workforce in entry-level positions in law enforcement, as well as administrative roles in courts and correctional facilities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov, 2012), some relevant fast-growing careers include crime scene examiners and technicians, private investigators, and courtroom interpreters. Bls.gov projects that between 2010 and 2020, these occupations will grow 19 percent, 21 percent and 42 percent, respectively.

Bls.gov also reports that the surge in jail and prison populations has required a reevaluation of sentencing and paroling strategies. Criminals who are considered less of a risk to society are receiving reduced sentences, and ultimately spending less time behind bars. This has resulted in a greater need for professionals on the backend of the criminal justice system. Bls.gov projects that probation officers and correctional treatment specialists positions are expected to grow by 18 percent between 2010 and 2020.

For those interested in taking the next step in their education, request information from one of the online colleges below to speak with an admissions counselor about degree options and program specifics.

Sources:
American Council on Education
Forensic Science Technicians, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012
Interpreters and Translators, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012
Private Detectives and Investigators, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012

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