Criminal Justice in Massachusetts - Criminal Justice Degree Hub

Earning any type of criminal justice degree in the state of Massachusetts holds value. Earning it online gives you an opportunity to maximize your full potential. Most people who choose to enroll in an online degree program are already employed and don’t want to lose any seniority they may have. With an online degree, they are able to work either full or part-time and still take the classes they need to earn their degree. The lessons they learn in class can be immediately applied to their work, giving them an opportunity to retain what they are learning. The convenience of online learning extends much further than just being able to continue working while they attend school. Online criminal justice degree programs offer the same high-quality education as that which is offered in a classroom setting. Students have access to the same resources and can actually communicate with faculty members without fear of being interrupted or sidetracked by other distractions. Students who have anxiety issues and don’t like large crowds can still get the education they deserve and study in an environment where they feel most comfortable.

What Is a Common Criminal Justice Salary in Massachusetts?

The salary you receive when you are hired into a criminal justice position in one of the many different fields will vary. The amount will always be contingent on the amount of experience you have, your highest level of completed education, the location of your job, and your willingness to take on new responsibilities. The lowest starting wage is normally around $32,000 per year. At the high end of the scale, you may be able to find individuals who may earn as much as $110,000 per year. It’s important to remember that there are specializations in the criminal justice field that will dramatically increase your earning potential. The more education you have, the better off you will be. Your willingness to continue your education may be one of the reasons a new employer hires you. Most employers look for candidates who are motivated enough to face challenges head-on. Employees will make more money on average if they set goals and then do whatever it takes to reach them. For some, it is continuing their education. For others, it is pursuing on-the-job training or accepting an apprenticeship. Once you have been hired by a company, look for new opportunities that will allow you to grow and continue to reach your full potential.

Will My Employer Trust an Online Criminal Justice Degree?

Employers are quickly learning that online criminal justice degree programs are just as good as the degree programs taught in a classroom setting. They also realize that by enrolling in an online degree program, their employees don’t have to miss work or take a leave of absence to attend school. Instead, they study when it is most convenient and are able to begin applying their newly learned skills while on the job. Employers understand that by encouraging students to enroll in online classes, they will also be able to reap the rewards. Employers who understand the importance of allowing their employees to return to school begin to see benefits almost immediately. Not only do students have more advanced skills, but they are also more confident and will try new things as they continue learning. This allows employers to fill new positions from inside their own ranks instead of bringing new hires they will have to retrain to follow company protocols.

What Are the Most Common Criminal Justice Jobs in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, there are several criminal justice jobs that people can apply for once they have graduated. Criminal justice jobs can be found in law enforcement, forensics, private investigations, paralegals, judicial courts, law clerks, and many other positions that require a solid knowledge of the criminal justice system. While many of these jobs are in law enforcement or law offices, many can be found within the city, state, and federal courts as well. The diversity of these jobs makes them quite rewarding for individuals who enjoy facing new challenges. While there is always an abundance of jobs in the public and private sector, there are some individuals who have earned a criminal justice degree who were destined to be teachers. They may choose to teach in a college or university, while some may prefer to offer skills training within a law enforcement agency or another type of facility where security personnel may need additional training throughout the year. These small refresher courses are designed to keep officers and staff as up-to-date as possible on new advancements and protocols.

Financial Aid in Massachusetts

The following are just a few of the various state-based grants and scholarships that are offered to Massachusetts college students, including those pursuing a criminal justice degree:

Massachusetts Cash Grant Program – awarded to financially needy students to cover institution charges, mandatory fees, and non-supported state tuition.
Massachusetts Public Service Grant Program – provided to enrolled full-time undergraduate students at eligible postsecondary institutions who have experienced the tragic loss of a parent or spouse being killed in the line of public service duty.
Paul Tsongas Scholarship Program – granted to college-bound high school seniors who have achieved academic success with a minimum GPA of 3.75 and a SAT score of at least 1200.