Law and Criminal Justice Careers Put
Good Values to Work
Defending the accused, prosecuting law breakers, fighting
crime, preventing terrorism--if you have a passion for justice, a career in law
and criminal justice will put your values to work. With a law or criminal
justice degree, you may become a judge, lawyer, or paralegal. Law enforcement
officers prevent crime and catch criminals on local, national or international
levels.
Careers in Criminal Justice and Law
Aren't Just for Lawyers and Police Officers
Just because you have a degree in criminal justice or law
doesn't mean you have to be a police officer or lawyer. Working in rehabilitation,
you advocate for the well-being of individuals within the criminal justice
system and help them build new lives after their sentences are served. Criminal
justice and law careers offer meaningful opportunities to help society while
providing an exciting challenge.
Associate's Degree in Criminal
Justice
An associate's degree program in criminal Justice provides
students with a basic understanding of the criminal justice system, while
preparing them for entry-level positions or advancement into a bachelor's
degree program. Students gain fundamental knowledge of the parole system, law
enforcement, corrections, investigations and the legal branches of the U.S
government. The social science portion of this degree program teaches students
how society and criminal law relate and addresses issues regarding race, class
and gender, as well as global concerns.
Educational Prerequisites
Criminal justice programs are often offered at community
colleges and some universities. Admission into the program requires a high
school diploma or GED, SAT or ACT scores and typically an essay and letters of
recommendation.
Program Coursework
In the associate's program, students learn the fundamentals
of the legal system and criminal law, in courses such as:
- Police management
- Corrections
- Criminology
- Criminal investigation
- Juvenile delinquency
- Criminal justice system
Popular Career Options
With an associate's degree in criminal justice, students may
find employment in several entry-level positions, including:
- Corrections officer
- Juvenile detention officer
- Court clerk
- Detective
Continuing Education Information
Students are eligible to apply to a bachelor's degree
program in a related field. Others may seek employment in an entry-level
position while earning a bachelor's degree.
Associate's Degree in Law
Enforcement
An associate's degree in law enforcement differs from a
similar degree in criminal justice in its emphasis on issues of law enforcement
in particular and on the role of public safety officials, such as police
officers. This 2-year program teaches skills such as interviewing, evidence
handling, and investigating, as well as technical skills, such as computer use.
Those who want a career protecting the public learn about sources of crime, the
U.S. justice system, criminal law and social problems.
In this program, students are often trained in self-defense,
firearms, surveillance and crime scene evaluation. The material and hands-on
training provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills needed to
successfully perform as public law enforcement officers at the state or
national level.
Educational Prerequisites
Admission to this law enforcement program requires a high
school diploma or GED, high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. In addition,
some colleges require an interview, letters of recommendation and personal
essay.
Program Coursework
Law enforcement majors learn about how police and other law
enforcement officers interact and perform in society. Classes include:
- Juvenile justice
- Police and society
- Legal procedures
- Sociology
- Psychology
Popular Career Options
After completion of this associate's degree program,
students earn the skills needed to apply to entry-level positions such as:
- Police officer
- Criminal investigator
- Deputy sheriff
- State trooper
- Security guard
Bachelor of Science in Criminal
Justice
With a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, graduates may
seek a career in areas such as probation, corrections, law enforcement;
graduates may also choose to advance into a pre-law program. The B.S. in
Criminal Justice program combines fundamental criminal justice courses, while
explaining how the components of the legal system, personnel involved and their
public role compliment each other. Students will examine aspects of the justice
system including supervising offenders, correctional counseling and treatment,
preventing crime and dealing with electronic crimes.
Education Prerequisites
Most colleges and universities accept bachelor's degree
prospects with either an associate's degree with all applicable transfer
requirements or as a freshmen applicant. New applicants should have at least a
2.5-3.0 GPA, SAT or ACT scores and be a high school graduate. Some schools may
also require an essay, interview or letters of recommendation.
Program Coursework
Bachelor's level courses not only introduce the criminal law
system, but may also cover special topics, such as behavior, terrorism and
computer crimes. Courses include:
- Criminal court
- Research methods
- Legal writing and research
- Crime and drugs
- Criminal behavior
- Crime prevention
Popular Career Options
Graduates with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice may
seek employment in local, state and federal positions, such as:
- Private investigator
- Social worker
- Court counselor
- County police officer
- Correctional administrator
Bachelor of Criminal Justice in
Corrections
The bachelor's degree in corrections program is designed for
individuals who have an interest in working in the parole and corrections
division of the criminal justice system. While the program emphasizes sociology
and counseling. students typically learn from faculty members who have had
hands-on professional experience working in jails, prison and courts. The BCJ in
Corrections program equips students with the skills needed in the treatment of
offenders, understanding of legal issues and policy, management of offenders
and discussion of specialized offenders such as sexual predators. The program
also covers juvenile corrections, private security and the psychology of
offenders.
Educational Prerequisites
A high school diploma or GED is required for entry into the
BCJ in Corrections program. Students with an associate's degree may submit
transfer credits for entry, while others may apply as a freshman applicants.
New applicants may need to supply standardized testing scores, an essay and
letters of recommendation.
Program Coursework
Corrections courses combine management, theory and general
corrections issues. Classes include:
- Case management
- Crisis strategies
- Probation and parole
- Constitutional rights
- Law enforcement
Popular Career Options
Corrections graduates may find work in settings such as
governmental agencies, courts, jail and prisons. Possible positions include:
- Case manager
- Bailiff
- Parole officer
- Correctional specialist
- Prison inspector
Continuing Education Information
Individuals with a bachelor's degree in an area of criminal
justice may proceed to law school or apply for a job in the criminal justice
field. Many colleges and universities offer graduate degree programs for those
seeking advanced education in criminal law or criminal justice.
