Overview

There is a growing demand for qualified professionals in the field of criminal justice. One option available to those looking to study in this area is to earn an online criminal justice degree. For many people studying at a traditional university or college can be difficult because of financial concerns and family responsibilities. Online criminal justice degree programs are geared towards working adults who have busy schedules and need a level of flexibility to return to school. An online school can provide the flexibility that a student needs to pursue this career option

Online Criminal Justice Degrees Schools

Criminal justice can be described as being the “study of the processes put in place by the government to prevent, deter and mitigate crime.” A criminal justice system that is efficient is a requirement for a free society that is well functioning. Those who earn their criminal justice degrees can look for work in a variety of areas in the criminal justice system. They can find work as a police officer or detective, a correction officer or probation officer or they can choose to work with forensics, immigration or security administration. Those with a criminal justice degree who wish to find work at the federal level can apply for work with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) if they so wish to.

Education Options for Criminal Justice Students

If you wish to study criminal justice you can choose to work towards your Associate’s in Criminal Justice (or Associate of Science in Criminal Justice) through an accredited online college. This general degree will give you the qualifications you require to look for employment in numerous areas of law enforcement, the police force, corrections and security.

If you prefer you can earn an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice which will teach you what you need to know about how law enforcement and the agencies that govern law enforcement function as well as how the courts work and the workings of correctional facilities. Another option is to earn your Associate’s in Criminal Investigations if you wish to work in this capacity for the criminal justice system.

If you are looking for a little more challenge for your future career then you can study for your Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice. Once you have completed all of the requirements for this online degree you will be prepared as well as fully qualified to look for an entry level position in the service of criminal justice.

Continuing Education Programs for Criminal Justice Students

An online criminal justice degree can be a steppingstone to further education and a very rewarding career. A background in criminal justice can open doors for you. If you wish to become a police officer then you will have to attend a police academy. If you wish to become a forensic analyst then you will be required to study research based forensic science and from there to earn your forensic science doctoral degree.

Earning a Master of Science in Criminal Justice can to provide you with a specialized level of knowledge in law enforcement. When you study for an online MS in Criminal Justice you will be taught about the scientific elements inherent in criminal justice such as the history behind law enforcement, the law, crime management and the psychology of crime. The MS will prepare you for a career in criminal investigation and crime prevention.

Another advanced level of education that is an excellent choice for the individual who has obtained a Bachelor’s Criminal Justice is the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice. The course of study for this degree will expand upon your present knowledge about the criminal justice system. You will study the courts in-depth, as well as the prison system and legal policy. This type of specialized degree is a wise choice for criminal lawyers, law enforcement personnel, and court administrators as well as corrections officers.

Studying for an online criminal justice degree offers convenience and versatility. There are numerous schools online that are accredited and offer a quality education. The time has never been better to study for an online criminal justice degree.