The number of students pursuing a degree with a criminal justice career major has grown to 350,000, according to 1998 figures. Students currently intending to enter a career in criminal justice are prepared to serve in a wide variety of professions within the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections positions. Although some positions require only a high school education, workers who have earned an associate degree in criminal justice are prepared for a wider variety of occupations and typically earn higher salaries.
What is Criminal Justice?
The field of criminal justice refers to the system set up by the government to maintain social order. Law enforcement and justice administration are additional dimensions of the criminal justice system. The three main branches of criminal justice are: law enforcement, the judicial system, and corrections. The three branches work in tandem in an attempt to achieve the ideal of justice.
What Jobs in Criminal Justice are available with an Associate’s Degree?
An associate degree in criminal justice prepares students for a variety of occupations within the field. Graduates of associate in criminal justice degree programs may work in police departments or correctional institutions. Some graduates may also choose a career in criminal justice by working in private security or inventory protection.
Although the educational requirements of a career in criminal justice vary by occupation, as well as location, the majority of employers actually prefer to hire workers who have earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice. Earning an associate’s degree in criminal justice demonstrates that a worker has completed educational requirements that develop critical thinking skills along with practical field knowledge. An associate’s degree in criminal justice also translates into financial advantages. The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that, in 2001, a worker with an associate’s degree earned an extra $128 per week compared to a worker with only a high school education.
Choosing an Associate Degree Criminal Justice Program
A career in criminal justice can get off to a successful start by choosing a high-quality training program. Topics of training may include learning state and local laws, criminal behavior patterns and causes, and law enforcement skills. Programs also prepare students for jobs in criminal justice field settings, by encouraging the development of good communication skills and exposure to ethical issues within the criminal justice system.
Many students are now choosing to enroll in an online associate degree in criminal justice program. Many online associate degree criminal justice programs are designed specifically for working professionals who need to maintain work and family responsibilities during their education training period. The Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice at the University of Phoenix is a program that can either prepare students for a career in criminal justice or for entry into the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program. Prospective students may visit College-Pages.com, a leading education and career resource website with an extensive list of available programs.
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