So what is criminal justice exactly? This field involves laws, practices, and institutions that are created by the government. It includes enforcement, organization, budgeting, and other aspects of the systems of law enforcement. Students also study theories of crime and public policy and how they affect the system.
Careers in Criminal Justice
A student who earns a criminal justice degree may work as a law enforcement officer, court administrator, crime scene investigator, social worker, parole officer, or security officer. A wide of specialties exist in the field, including careers in the FBI, CIA, ATF, Homeland Security, and immigration services. In addition, positions in military policing, industrial security, forensic psychology, private security, and foreign service are also available. Jobs continue to expand as society finds more ways to police its various levels and functions.
Featured Schools
Degrees in Criminal Justice
Students who are interested in criminal justice as a career can earn a 2-year degree at most community colleges around the country. Four-year bachelor’s degrees are offered at most universities. Graduate-level courses help to prepare students for high-level administration careers.
What type of Education is needed?
This degree program usually includes foundation courses in English, writing, mathematics, sociology, psychology, and an introductory course system. The higher-level core curriculum includes more extensive law enforcement organizational study, investigation techniques, constitutional rights, and management. Courses in corrections include the study of penal institutions and their management. Criminal justice majors may also take courses in homeland security and the juvenile system.
Criminal Justice Schools
Those who are interested in the field will find a wide range of education options available across the country. Some of the top degree programs are at the University of Maryland at College Park, University of Cincinnati, University of Albany (SUNY), and the University of Missouri at St. Louis. Other nationally recognized programs are available in the Midwest, Southwest, East, California, and Florida. Online programs degrees are also available for busy adults who may be working full-time. The University of Phoenix, Kaplan University, and Capella University all offer these degree programs.
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