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Criminal Justice Degree ProgramsA good criminal justice degree program at a reputable college will prepare you for a range of careers. Some popular criminal justice concentrations available include:
Most programs cover the basics of law, crime, public policy and social systems, emphasizing the development of logical reasoning, problem-solving abilities and communication skills. Types of Criminal Justice Degree ProgramsSome college’s programs are provided through a distinct criminal justice department. Because criminal justice and criminology are multidisciplinary studies (i.e. fields of study that include a few different fields), other colleges offer criminal justice concentrations within related fields such as anthropology, sociology or political science. If your goal is to get a master’s degree, consider a double undergraduate major or a related minor that will give you additional training. Examples of related minors are:
With a criminal justice degree, you can enter law enforcement, corrections or security administration fields. Correctional and law enforcement agencies are increasingly recognizing an associate degree as desirable or required, and federal and state agencies usually require a college degree. Here is a list of the types of degrees you can earn:
Looking for a school that focuses on this subject?
Here is a list of institutions and the number of programs they offer.
Colleges and universities are offering online programs in criminal justice that are just as good as traditional programs in physical classrooms. The Internet is becoming a popular way to earn a degree since busy lifestyles and commute time can conflict with class schedules. Check for Web sites that offer comprehensive lists of these distance-learning schools. Also look into other types of instructional delivery systems programs offer, such as:
Tips on Choosing a Criminal Justice ProgramWhen evaluating programs offered by colleges and universities, follow the National Association of Legal Assistants’ guidelines that apply to any education related to the legal field. The criminal justice community and general public should hold the school’s program in high regard. A good school should also provide:
Other ideal amenities for a good education include a research library for instruction and up-to-date computer laboratories for instruction and student use. The National Association of Legal Assistants' guidelines also suggest that practical job skills should be taught as part of good legal theory/application courses. As a result, when choosing a criminal justice program, look for one affiliated with honor societies and community centers that will provide you with outlets for volunteer work in the criminal justice community. Most importantly, the school's faculty should have appropriate academic credentials. Check for accreditation by one of the regional accreditation organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Cost of Criminal Justice ProgramsCommunity college degrees or specialized certificates will probably cost less than four-year programs at state and private colleges and universities. Certificate tuition can be about $16,000 per year, while a four-year private college degree will most likely cost more than $20,000 per year. Note that tuition costs at colleges and universities are continually rising. Financial aid can help cut out-of-pocket costs. Information on school-specific financial aid and scholarships is usually on school Web sites and available through admissions and financial aid departments. If you are already working, your employer might help with tuition costs.
Top-Ranking ProgramsAccording to U.S. News and World Report, the three colleges with the most reputable and/or successful programs in criminal justice are:
Do you have a program in mind?
Research different schools that offer any of the below programs with the links below. Associate's Programs
Bachelor's Programs
Master's Programs
Doctoral
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