What is Criminal Justice?
A criminal justice professional is someone who works in the field of criminal justice, which includes police officers, lawyers, forensic technicians and scientists, and more. This is why it’s impossible to tell you what a day in the life of a criminal justice professional will look like. Generally, criminal justice professionals work to keep the public safe and to ensure that criminals are brought to justice.
These professionals need to have a strong understanding of the law, as well as being able to communicate effectively and work well under pressure. They should be able to make quick decisions in difficult situations.
Criminal justice professionals are vital members of society who work hard to keep the public safe. If you are interested in a career in criminal justice, then you should consider studying at one of the many criminal justice colleges across the country.
Online Criminal Justice Education in Mississippi
Criminal justice is a field of study that can lead to many different career paths. And students who are interested in pursuing a career in criminal justice can find many colleges and universities that offer degree programs in this field.
There are many different types of criminal justice degrees available, from associate degrees to doctorates. Students can choose to specialize in areas such as law enforcement, corrections, or forensics. Many programs also offer internships and field placements, which can give students the opportunity to gain real-world experience in the criminal justice field.
Because of the variety of focus options, graduates of criminal justice programs can find careers in a variety of settings such as law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional facilities. They may also work for private companies or non-profit organizations that focus on crime prevention or victim advocacy.
Online Associates (AS)
An associate degree in criminal justice can be a great steppingstone into a career in law enforcement or corrections. Many people who have an associate degree in criminal justice go on to work as police officers, detectives, or security guards. Some may even become lawyers or judges, though they’ll need more education to get into those careers.
An associate degree in criminal justice typically takes two years to complete and is available at most community colleges and some four-year universities. The coursework for an associate degree in criminal justice typically includes classes on the American legal system, criminology, and sociology.
If you’re interested in a career in criminal justice, an associate degree is a great place to start. It will give you the basic knowledge and skills you need to begin your career. And, if you decide to continue your education later on, you’ll already have a head start if you can transfer the credits you earned in your first degree.
Online Bachelors (BS)
A bachelor's degree in criminal justice can open up many doors for a career in law enforcement. With a degree in criminal justice, you will have the opportunity to work as a police officer, detective, federal agent, and more, and you’ll most likely get paid more than you would with an associate degree. There are many different types of criminal justice degrees available, so you should be able to find one that fits your career goals.
If you are interested in working as a police officer, you will need to complete an associate degree or higher in criminal justice, though a bachelor’s will increase your pay. Once you have completed your degree, you will be able to apply for positions with local police departments. If you are interested in becoming a detective, you will need to complete a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Once you have completed your degree, you will be eligible for positions with state and local police departments.
Online Masters (MS)
A master's degree in criminal justice can lead to a career in law enforcement, corrections, or private security. Or it can allow you to work at the head of a fraud investigation team, as a security executive with a company, and more. With a master's degree, you may also qualify for positions such as police chief, detective, or parole officer. You could work as a criminologist or criminal justice professor.
Most master's programs in criminal justice are designed for working professionals and offer evening and weekend classes. The curriculum generally includes core courses in research methods, statistics, and ethics, as well as specialization courses such as forensics, homeland security, or juvenile justice.
Online Doctorate (PhD)
A PhD in criminal justice is a terminal degree in the field, and is the highest academic degree that can be earned. Individuals with a PhD in criminal justice will have gone through years of schooling and research and are considered experts in the field. They often work as professors or researchers at universities, or as consultants for government agencies.
PhD programs in criminal justice are interdisciplinary and students take courses in a variety of subjects such as criminology, sociology, psychology, law, and political science. In addition to coursework, students must complete a dissertation, which is an original research project on a topic of their choice. Earning a PhD in criminal justice takes many years of hard work, but it is an accomplishment that can lead to a fulfilling career.
Online Certifications
There are many different criminal justice certifications that one can obtain to help further their career in the criminal justice field. Some of these certifications include the following.
- The Certified Protection Professional (CPP) certification is a global standard for security management professionals. To earn the CPP, individuals must have at least five years of experience in security management and pass an exam.
- The Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) credential is earned by passing an exam and having at least two years of professional anti-fraud work experience.
- The Associate Security Officer (ASO) certification is designed for entry-level security officers who have completed a training program.
- The Physical Security Professional (PSP) credential is for security professionals who design, implement, or manage physical security systems. PSPs must have at least four years of professional experience and pass an exam.
How to Become a Criminal Justice Professional in Mississippi
The criminal justice field is one of the most important in our society. It is a growing field with many opportunities. Here are some steps on how to become a criminal justice professional in Mississippi.
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Step 1: Get a degree in criminal justice or a related field
Criminal justice is one of the most popular college majors, and for good reason. A degree in criminal justice or a related field can lead to a rewarding career in law enforcement, corrections, private security, or another area of the criminal justice system. There are many colleges and universities that offer criminal justice programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students can choose from a variety of specialties such as criminology, forensic science, and victimology. Most criminal justice programs include coursework in law, psychology, sociology, and statistics. Students learn about the causes of crime, the legal process, and ways to prevent and control crime. They also gain important critical thinking and writing skills that will be useful in any career.
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Step 2: Complete an internship or volunteer in the criminal justice field
If you want to work in the criminal justice field, you should consider completing an internship or volunteering. There are many opportunities available to gain experience in this field. You can intern with a police department, a law firm, or a government agency. You can also volunteer with a local organization that works with the criminal justice system. By gaining experience, you will be better prepared to enter the workforce and make a difference in your community.
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Step 3: Start your career in law enforcement, corrections, or another area of the criminal justice system
A career in law enforcement, corrections, or another area of the criminal justice system can be both challenging and rewarding. There are many different types of positions available in the field, so it’s important to do some research to find the one that best suits your skills and interests.
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Step 4: Join professional organizations and get involved in your community
There are many professional organizations that exist to support those in the field of criminal justice and getting involved in your community is a great way to network and learn about new opportunities. These organizations can offer resources, job postings, and connections to professionals in your area. They can also provide you with information about upcoming events and conferences. Joining a professional organization is a great way to get involved in your community and stay up to date on the latest news in the field of criminal justice.
What Can I Do with a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice?
A degree in criminal justice or a related field can provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career in the criminal justice system. Criminal justice degrees are available at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and many schools offer online programs. Students interested in a career in criminal justice can choose from a variety of degree programs including those in criminology, forensics, and law enforcement. However, those with this degree can also work in security for a business, a hospital, credit card companies, and much more. Or you can take your passion for security and gain some training in cyber security. There are always positions open in this exciting and in-demand field. The sky’s the limit.