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What is Criminal Justice?
The criminal justice system is a vital part of our society. It is entrusted with the goal of keeping our communities safe and ensuring that justice is served. There are many different colleges and universities that offer criminal justice degree programs. These programs can prepare you for a career in law enforcement, corrections, or even the legal system.
Choosing the right criminal justice college or university is an important decision. You want to make sure that you choose a school that is accredited and offers a program that fits your needs. There are many different types of criminal justice degree programs available, so it’s important to do your research before making a decision.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in criminal justice, there are many great colleges and universities to choose from. With so many options available, it’s important to find the right school for you. Do your research and take your time in making your decision.
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Online Criminal Justice Education in Florida
A criminal justice professional is someone who works in the field of criminal justice, which includes police officers, lawyers, judges, and corrections officers. Criminal justice professionals are responsible for enforcing the law and ensuring that criminals are brought to justice. They work to keep communities safe by investigating crimes and apprehending criminals.
Criminal justice professionals must have a strong understanding of the law and be able to effectively communicate with others. They must be able to think critically and make sound decisions under pressure. They must also be physically fit and have the stamina to work long hours.
Criminal justice professionals are dedicated to serving the public and keeping our communities safe. If you are interested in a career in criminal justice, there are many colleges and universities that offer degree programs in this field.
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Online Associate Degree in Criminal Justice (AS)
An associate in criminal justice is a two-year degree that provides students with the basic knowledge and skills necessary to work in the criminal justice field. In fact, many criminal justice roles require nothing more than an associate degree. For example, police officer roles may be held by those with a high school diploma, and those with an associate degree will earn more because of their extra education. These degree programs usually include coursework in criminology, criminal justice theory, and police science. Students who complete an associate degree in criminal justice can find entry-level positions in law enforcement, corrections, and private security.
Those who wish to pursue a career in criminal justice can easily do so by earning an associate degree in the field. This type of academic program typically takes two years to complete and provides students with the basics needed to work within this field. After you complete your general education and most of your core coursework, you might even find that you have access to internships or other hands-on learning experiences.
Online Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice (BS)
A bachelor's in criminal justice provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to not only pursue a career in the criminal justice field but to also gain promotions into higher-level roles in the field. There are many different types of careers available to those with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice including those in law enforcement, probation, and corrections.
A bachelor's degree in criminal justice can be obtained from many different colleges and universities. The coursework for a bachelor's degree in criminal justice typically includes classes on the legal system, criminology, and sociology. A bachelor's degree in criminal justice typically takes four years to complete, though you may be able to find an accelerated program.
After completing a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, graduates can pursue a variety of different careers. Some of the most popular career choices for those with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice include law enforcement officers, probation officers, and corrections officers.
Online Masters Degree in Criminal Justice (MS)
A master's in criminal justice is not necessary for many criminal justice roles outside of law and higher-level forensic science. However, it may also help you to move into a supervisory role in law enforcement, corrections, or private security. There are many different types of criminal justice programs, so it’s important to choose one that is right for you. Most criminal justice programs require students to complete a research project or thesis. No matter your specific field, if you are already working in the criminal justice field, a master's degree is a great way to advance your career.
Online PhD Degree in Criminal Justice (PhD)
A PhD in criminal justice is the highest degree that one can earn in the field. This degree signifies that the holder has completed extensive research and has a deep understanding of the criminal justice system. A PhD in criminal justice can open up many doors including teaching at the college level, working in government, or becoming a consultant.
Earning a PhD in criminal justice requires a great deal of dedication and hard work. Students must first complete a bachelor's and/or master’s degree, typically taking four to six years to do so. They then spend another two to three years completing their doctoral dissertation. This process can be quite challenging, but it usually, ultimately very rewarding. Those who earn their PhD in this field are most often employed in academia, as a consultant, in policy creation, or in research.
Online Criminal Justice Certifications
Criminal justice certifications can provide you with the specialized skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a career in this field. There are many different types of certifications available and each has its own set of requirements. However, most criminal justice certifications require you to complete a certain number of specific courses and pass an exam.
Some of the most popular criminal justice certifications include the Certified Protection Professional (CPP), the Associate Certified Fraud Examiner (ACFE), and the Certified Criminal Investigator (CCI). Each of these certifications has different requirements, but all three require you to have a certain amount of experience working in the field of criminal justice. If you are interested in advancing your career in criminal justice, then obtaining one or more of these certifications can help you stand out from the crowd.
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Become a Criminal Justice Professional in Florida
The steps necessary to become a criminal justice professional might seem daunting but, with the right education and training, you can achieve your goals. Here are some steps to take to become a criminal justice professional.
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Step 1: Get a degree in criminal justice
Criminal justice is a field of study that can lead to many different career paths. A degree in criminal justice can prepare you for a career in law enforcement, corrections, or even private security. There are many different types of criminal justice degrees available, so you can choose the one that best fits your career goals. An associate degree can be earned the most quickly and give you access to law enforcement and private security roles. A bachelor's degree in criminal justice will give you the basic knowledge and skills you need to begin your career and start advancing into higher-level roles in more complex fields. If you're interested in a more specialized field, such as forensic science or criminology, you may want to consider a specialized bachelor’s and a master's degree. No matter what type of criminal justice degree you choose, you'll be able to find a program that fits your needs and your budget. Many colleges and universities offer online degrees, which can be a great option for busy adults who want to continue working while they earn their degree.
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Step 2: Complete an internship program
An internship program is a great way to get your foot in the door of the criminal justice field. By completing an internship, you'll gain valuable experience and knowledge that can help you stand out when applying for jobs. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to network with professionals in the field. If you're interested in pursuing a career in criminal justice, look for internships at local police departments, law firms, or government agencies. Many colleges and universities also offer criminal justice internships through their career centers. Be sure to check with your school's career center to see what opportunities are available.
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Step 3: Join a professional organization
A professional organization can offer many benefits to those in the criminal justice field. These organizations can provide networking opportunities, job resources, continuing education and training, and a chance to give back to the community. Joining a professional organization can help you meet other criminal justice professionals and develop important relationships. These connections can be helpful when seeking out jobs or internships. Organizations also offer job postings and career resources on their websites and through their newsletters.
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Step 4: Get certified
There are many different types of careers in criminal justice, from law enforcement to private security. If you are interested in a career in criminal justice, you need to get certified as a criminal justice professional. There are many different types of certification programs available. You can choose to specialize in a specific area of criminal justice, or you can get a general certification that will give you the skills you need to work in any type of job in the field. The best way to find a certification program that is right for you is to research the different options online. You can also talk to people who work in the field and ask them for their recommendations. Once you have found a few programs that you are interested in, take the time to compare them and choose the one that will best meet your needs.
What Can I Do with a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice?
A bachelor's degree in criminal justice can lead to a career in law enforcement, corrections, or private security. Or, you could find yourself in a completely different field. Perhaps you will start working for a call center during your college experience and will end up working in a company’s fraud department. There are many different paths that graduates with this degree can take, and the possibilities are nearly endless. For those interested in working in law enforcement, a bachelor's degree in criminal justice is the perfect foundation, with more depth than an associate degree. Graduates will have the knowledge and skills necessary to work as police officers, detectives, federal agents, with corporate businesses, and more.
Potential Careers for Criminal Justice Professional Graduates
- State Trooper/State Highway Patrol Officer:
A state trooper is responsible for patrolling state highways and enforcing traffic laws. They may also be required to investigate accidents and provide assistance to stranded motorists.
Necessary Requirements:
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must have a valid driver’s license
- Must be willing to work long hours, weekends, and holidays
Estimated Salary
- The mean annual wage for police and sheriff's patrol officers in the US in 2021 was $70,750
- The mean annual wage for police and sheriff's patrol officers in Florida is $66,320
- FBI or CIA Agent:
A FBI or CIA agent is responsible for investigating and gathering intelligence on criminals, terrorists, and other national security threats. They use their skills to collect evidence, interview witnesses, and track down fugitives. In addition to investigative work, agents may also be involved in undercover operations, surveillance, and tactical training.
Necessary Requirements:
- A bachelor's degree in criminal justice, criminology, or a related field
- 2-5 years of experience in law enforcement or a related field
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Highly detail-oriented
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for police and detectives in the US in 2021 was $66,020
- The mean annual wage for detectives and criminal investigators in Florida is $81,850
- Crime Prevention Specialist:
A crime prevention specialist will work to prevent crime and keep the community safe. They will develop and implement programs to educate the public on crime prevention and will also work with law enforcement to develop strategies to reduce crime.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field
- Experience working in law enforcement or a related field
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for police and detectives in the US in 2021 was $66,020
- The mean annual wage for detectives and criminal investigators in Florida is $81,850
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- Probation Officer:
A probation officer is a law enforcement officer who works with offenders who have been convicted of a crime but are not in prison. They work to rehabilitate offenders and help them reintegrate into society.
Necessary Requirements:
- A bachelor's degree in criminal justice, sociology, or a related field
- Law enforcement experience
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists in the US in 2021 was $60,250
- The mean annual wage for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists in Florida is $42,390
- Police Officer:
A police officer is responsible for maintaining law and order, protecting the public and property, and preventing crime.
Necessary Requirements:
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Must have a high school diploma or GED
- Must have completed police academy training
- Must have a valid driver's license
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for police and detectives in the US in 2021 was $66,020
- The mean annual wage for police and sheriff’s patrol officers in Florida is $66,320
- Forensic Psychologist:
A forensic psychologist is a professional who applies psychological principles and methods to the field of criminal justice. Forensic psychologists work with law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional facilities to provide psychological expertise in areas such as criminal profiling, eyewitness testimony, and risk assessment. They may also work with victims and offenders to provide psychological counseling and support.
Necessary Requirements:
- A doctoral degree in psychology
- Experience working in the field of criminal justice
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for psychologists in the US in 2021 was $81,040
- The mean annual wage for psychologists (all other) in Florida is $103,240 and clinical and counseling psychologists earn $87,730
- Psychometrist:
A psychometrist will administer, score, and interpret psychological tests. They will also provide counseling and feedback to individuals based on test results.
Necessary Requirements:
- A master's degree in psychology
- Licensure as a Psychologist
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for psychologists in the US in 2021 was $81,040
- The mean annual wage for psychologists (all other) in Florida is $103,240
- Forensic Lab Scientist:
A forensic lab scientist is responsible for conducting scientific analyses of evidence collected from crime scenes. They use a variety of analytical techniques to examine evidence and provide scientific conclusions that can be used in criminal investigations and prosecutions.
Necessary Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in forensic science or a related field
- Experience working in a forensic laboratory
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for forensic science technicians in the US in 2021 was $61,930
- The mean annual wage for forensic science technicians in Florida is $55,690
- Detective:
A detective is a police officer who is responsible for investigating crimes. They collect evidence, interview witnesses, and write reports.
Necessary Requirements:
- Must be a police officer
- Must have excellent investigative skills
- Must be able to write clear and concise reports
Estimated Salary
- The median annual wage for police and detectives in the US in 2021 was $66,020
- The mean annual wage for detectives and criminal investigators in Florida is $81,850