What is criminal justice?
The term “criminal justice” includes apprehending, arresting, prosecuting, defending, punishing, incarcerating, and rehabilitating perpetrators of crimes. Because it covers many different aspects of crime, a criminal justice degree is extremely versatile and can be applied to a wide number of careers and disciplines. Also, as the concern for safety continues to increase among the general public, the criminal justice field remains one of the hottest areas of employment.

Why choose to pursue a criminal justice degree online?
Earning a criminal justice degree online allows you to do the following:

• Continue your education according to your own schedule, budget, and pace
• Work a full-time job as you earn a degree
• Increase your earning potential
• Save money as online courses are less expensive than traditional ones

Moreover, criminal justice degree online programs are becoming more popular than ever, and one in particular was in the news recently: the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences announced the certification of Penn State’s online criminal justice program.

What types of criminal justice degrees online are available?
Criminal justice degrees are available online at every level, including associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in criminal justice, as well as a Juris Doctor, or law degree. There are also specialized certificates in criminal justice as well.

What are some areas of concentration for criminal justice degrees online?
Popular areas of concentration for those pursuing criminal justice degrees online include the following:

• Corrections/Law Enforcement
• Crime Scene Investigation
• Criminal Justice/Criminal Justice Administration
• Emergency Preparedness and Management
• Forensic Psychology
• Homeland Security
• Internet, Computer Crime, and Cybercrime
• Justice Studies/Legal Studies
• Juvenile Justice
• Legal Transcription
• Law
• Paralegal Studies
• Public Safety
• Security Management

What are the admissions requirements for criminal justice degree online programs?
Most criminal justice degree online programs require a high school diploma or its equivalent, such as a GED. Standardized tests scores from the SAT or ACT are also often required, but be sure to check specific criminal justice program requirements.

What are criminal justice degree online programs like?
Depending on the particular area of knowledge, you may focus more on theoretical aspects of criminal justice or you may be exposed to opportunities like internships and on-the-job training that allow you to learn more about the practical side as well.

You should have an idea of what kind of criminal justice career you would like to pursue before enrolling in a criminal justice degree program so you can choose the one that will best prepare you for your intended career.

What kinds of criminal justice careers can I pursue?
While most entry-level jobs in criminal justice require a bachelor’s degree, some employers will accept an associate degree or certificate and then train candidates on the job. Be sure to check specific employer requirements.

Some of the most popular fields of criminal justice careers include the following:

*Corrections Those in the field of corrections work with convicted offenders during and after incarceration, which can also include helping them meet conditions of parole or probation. Corrections careers include the following:

• Correctional officers
• Parole officers
• Probation officers

*Forensic Science
The field of forensic science as it relates to criminal justice involves investigating crimes by collecting and analyzing scientific evidence. Some careers in forensic science include the following:

• Crime scene investigators and technicians
• Forensic nurses
• Forensic scientists or technicians

*Law and the Court System
Those in the law and court system work to ensure the fair, speedy administration of justice and may serve in some of the following positions:

• Attorneys or lawyers
• Bailiffs
• Court clerks
• Court reporters
• Legal assistants
• Paralegals

*Law Enforcement
Law enforcement officials help maintain law and order by preventing, investigating, and controlling crime. Law enforcement careers include the following:

• Armored car guards
• Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) agents
• Bounty hunters
• Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) agents
• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents
• Detectives
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents
• Game wardens
• Homeland Security agents
• Immigration officials
• Police officers
• Private investigators
• Security guards
• Sheriffs
• Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team members

What is the projected job growth for those with criminal justice degrees?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects many criminal justice fields to expand at a rate faster than the average for all occupations through 2016. In particular, the following occupations are predicted to see excellent job growth:

• Police officers and detectives: 11%
• Correctional officers: 16%
• Private investigators: 18%
• Paralegals and legal assistants: 22%
• Gaming surveillance officers: 34%

What are some personal characteristics useful for those pursuing a criminal justice degree online?

Those who wish to pursue a career in criminal justice should have at least some of the following attributes:

• Fair, solid sense of justice
• Strong personal ethics and morals
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Even temperament
• Acceptance of various cultures, ethnicities, races, and ideas
• Ability to work independently and on a team
• Desire to help others

Are you ready for the challenge of pursuing a criminal justice degree online? Get started by looking for a program right here at CriminalJusticeDegreeOnline.com!