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What is Criminal Justice?
The State of New Hampshire has a rich history and students who are interested in pursuing a career in criminal justice will find many opportunities to do so in New Hampshire. The state offers a variety of degree options for students. When choosing a school, you should consider the faculty's experience and qualifications, the cost of attendance, and the location. You should also make sure that the program you choose meets all of your state's requirements for licensure or certification in the field you wish to enter.
When most people think of criminal justice, they think of police officers, detectives, and FBI agents. However, there are many different careers within the criminal justice field. There are also many different levels of education one can obtain in order to pursue a career in criminal justice.
A career in criminal justice requires a person with exceptional communication skills and strong analytical abilities, no matter what field they enter. These professionals often deal with highly stressful situations and must be well organized and composed in their decision-making process. They may also need to be well-versed in ethics and the latest technologies.
A criminal justice professional is someone who has dedicated their life to studying and working in the criminal justice system. They may work as a police officer, detective, forensic scientist, a prosecutor, defense attorney, judge, corrections officer, and more. Whatever their role within the system, these professionals are committed to upholding the law and ensuring that justice is served.
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Online Criminal Justice Education in New Hampshire
There are multiple colleges and universities that offer degree programs in criminal justice all over the country and in New Hampshire, as well. The most common degrees obtained in this field are associate and bachelor's degrees. There are also certificate programs available for those who want to specialize in a certain area of criminal justice or for those who want to enter the field but do not have time to complete a full degree program. The types of jobs that can be obtained with a degree in criminal justice vary greatly depending on the level of education obtained.
The criminal justice system in the United States is a vital part of our society. It is responsible for upholding the law and ensuring justice is served. This system is made up of many different parts, all of which are necessary for it to function properly. Workers in a variety of these parts of the overall system might be called criminal justice professionals. These include patrol and police, those working in the court system, those in corrections, and those working with people who are trying to stay out of trouble such as social workers or parole officers.
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Online Associate Degree in Criminal Justice (AS)
An online associate degree in criminal justice program, whether completed in person or online, focuses on criminal laws and the criminal justice system, and prepares students for law enforcement jobs and a career in corrections. Online courses are flexible and designed for working professionals who may not have time to attend traditional classes. Students may complete their coursework in the evenings or on weekends, and traditional lectures may be replaced by live chats and emails. Depending on the school, you may be able to focus on a specific area of criminal justice, such as criminal forensics, law, or police work. Other programs will provide general education courses for you to take if you are considering a career in law enforcement.
An associate degree in criminal justice prepares you for a career in law enforcement, corrections, or security. Coursework focuses on the American criminal justice system, crime scene investigation techniques, and communication skills. Graduates may also be able to demonstrate their working knowledge of criminal law, juvenile justice, and corrections. There are many options for jobs after earning an associate degree in criminal justice. Or you may choose to pursue your bachelor's degree to further your knowledge.
Online Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice (BS)
Criminal justice is an important and growing field, and more and more people are interested in pursuing a career in criminal justice. However, not everyone can afford to attend a traditional four-year college or university. For these people, online bachelor's degree programs in criminal justice may be the perfect option.
An online bachelor's degree program in criminal justice can provide students with the same level of education as a traditional program, but it allows them to study from home and at their own pace. This flexibility can be especially helpful for students who are already working or have family obligations. There are many different online bachelor's degree programs in criminal justice available, so it’s important to do your research before choosing one. Make sure you find a program that is accredited and has a good reputation.
These online degrees can take up to four to five years to complete, and they may take even longer if you attend online part-time. You can expect a bachelor’s degree to require up to 120 credit hours all together, though if you have already completed an associate degree, you ma be able to start school as a junior rather than a freshman, assuming you took those courses from an accredited university that supports credit transfers to your four-year school of choice. No matter how long it takes to complete your degree, at this level, you will have many more options for concentrations, so you will have more opportunity to gain an education in legal studies, forensics, or general criminal justice.
Online Master's Degree in Criminal Justice (MS or MC)
An online master’s in criminal justice degree can be an important asset for those who are interested in advancing their career in the field. However, it can be even more difficult to obtain this degree, as you are likely to need to already be working in the field for a few years before you are able to start classes, and not everyone has the time or resources to do so. Again, online courses and programs offer everything you need and are designed for working professionals.
As there are many different online master's degree programs in criminal justice available, it’s important to do your research to find the program that best suits your needs. Consider where you want your current career to take you. Do you need more science courses to move up in forensics? Do you need administration knowledge to get to the top of your department? Some programs focus on management and leadership within the criminal justice system, while others provide more specialized training in specific areas such as forensic science or law enforcement. No matter what program you choose, a master's degree in criminal justice can open up many new career opportunities for you and can even increase your pay within your current position. Just make sure you know where you’re headed before signing up for any program.
Online PhD Degree in Criminal Justice (PhD)
A PhD in criminal justice is a great choice for students who want to work in top-level academic or research positions or who are looking to become subject matter experts in forensics or criminal psychology. While the master's degree offers greater study depth than a baccalaureate degree, a doctorate allows students to study more theoretical frameworks and may let them earn more money. This degree also provides graduates with the authority to teach, design courses, and lead lectures if they are looking to move into academia or move up to the position of dean after they have been in academia for a while.
Admission requirements for an online PhD in criminal justice program vary from school to school. Some require a master's degree in criminal justice, while others are open to students with graduate degrees in unrelated fields. All applicants need to submit official transcripts from all previous schools, GRE scores, and letters of recommendation, while international students should also submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.
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Certifications in Criminal Justice
Today, more and more people are finding online criminal justice certifications to be a convenient and affordable way to gain the skills they need for a successful career in criminal justice. An online criminal justice certification can provide you with the education and training you need to pursue a career in this field or to shift careers within the field or gain access to more responsibilities. There are many different types of online criminal justice certifications available, so it is important to do your research to find the one that is right for you.
When choosing an online criminal justice certification, it’s important to consider your goals and interests. Are you interested in becoming a police officer, detective, or moving to SWAT? Or maybe you would like to work as a probation officer or correctional officer. No matter what your goals may be, there is likely an online criminal justice certification that will suit your needs. The benefits of earning an online criminal justice certification include flexibility, affordability, and convenience.
Some of the options for those looking to earn criminal justice certifications are those in the following fields.
- Corrections
These certifications can give you access to higher-level careers in jail administration, such as supervisor or executive. - Court
Certifications focused on the courts can let you work as a municipal clerk, a court reporter, and other court-related positions. - Forensic Science
Certifications in this field can let you work with specific evidence or even to run your own lab. - Law Enforcement
These certifications can help you earn access to specific careers in the field such as analyst, training officer, investigator, and more. - Legal
Most of these certifications help you find work with lawyers, attorneys, or inside the court as paralegals, bailiffs, etc. - Security
This includes cyber security and physical security options. Those working in cyber security can gain access to more responsibility, while those earning physical security certificates can use those certifications to find work without a degree.
Become a Criminal Justice Professional in New Hampshire
If you are interested in becoming a criminal justice professional in the state of New Hampshire, there are a few steps you need to take.
- Research the different careers available in the criminal justice field.
There are many different careers in the criminal justice field to choose from. You can be a police officer, detective, or work in the forensics lab. You could also be a prosecutor or defense attorney. There are also many opportunities for those with an administrative background, such as working in records or as a probation officer. No matter what your interests, there is a career in criminal justice for you. However, these different careers require vastly different educations, so make sure you know what you’re interested in before you get too far into your education. - Get a degree in criminal justice.
There are many different ways to obtain a criminal justice education including online programs, community colleges, and universities. No matter which route you choose, be sure to find an accredited program that will equip you with the skills you need to pursue your chosen career in criminal justice. In addition to learning about the law and the criminal justice system, you can also gain hands-on experience through internships and other opportunities. With a criminal justice education, you'll be well-prepared for a career in this exciting field. - Get experience in the field.
In order to be successful in your chosen career, it's important to gain experience in the field. This can be done by finding internships or volunteer opportunities. Internships are a great way to learn about the industry you're interested in and get your foot in the door. Volunteer work is also a great way to gain experience and make connections. Volunteering can help you develop new skills and knowledge, which can help you land your dream job. Either of these options might turn into a job offer once you gain your degree. - Network with professionals in the criminal justice field.
If you're thinking of a career in criminal justice, it's important to network with professionals in the field. Meeting people who are already working in criminal justice can give you an idea of what each job is like and what kind of training you need. It can also help you find mentors and opportunities for internships and jobs. Networking events are a great way to meet professionals, and there are many online resources that can help connect you with them.
What Can I Do with a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice?
Working in criminal justice can be both exciting and rewarding. A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can open many doors for you in the field, and there are many different careers to choose from. You could work as a police officer, detective, or investigator, as a probation or parole officer, or in corrections. With a degree in criminal justice, you will have the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career in law enforcement or to work with offenders who have been convicted of crimes.
The criminal justice field is large and diverse. Entry-level jobs may require only a high school diploma, but higher-level positions often require a bachelor's degree. In addition, some of the most lucrative jobs require a master's degree.
Careers for Criminal Justice Graduates
- Forensic Accountant
Job Description: A forensic accountant is a financial investigator who uses accounting knowledge and skills to conduct financial investigations. These professionals are most useful in white collar crime, such as when an employee is embezzling from a company or when a spouse is trying to hide assets in a divorce.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field
- CPA or CFA designation preferred
- Strong analytical and investigative skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Salary:
- The median annual wage for accountants and auditors was $77,250 in 2021 in the US.
- The mean annual wage for accountants and auditors in New Hampshire is $78,770.
- Social Work
Job Description: A social worker is responsible for providing social and emotional support to clients in need within their community. They will work with individuals, families, and groups to assess needs and provide resources and referrals as needed. They will also advocate for their clients and work to ensure their rights are protected.
Requirements:
- Master’s degree in social work
- Licensed social worker
- Experience working with clients in need
Salary:
- The median annual wage for social workers in the US in 2021 was $50,390.
- The mean annual wage for child, family, and school social workers in New Hampshire is $55,650. For healthcare social workers it is $68,240, mental health and substance abuse social workers earn $60,950, and all other social workers earn $77,630.
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- Homeland Security Professional
Job Description: A homeland security professional is responsible for the safety and security of the United States. They work to protect the country from terrorist attacks and natural disasters. They may also work to prevent crime and illegal immigration.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in homeland security, emergency management, or a related field
- Five years of experience in security or emergency management
- Knowledge of security principles and practices
- Ability to develop and implement security plans
- Ability to communicate effectively
Salary:
- The mean annual wage for protective service workers in the US in 2021 was $42,160. That of first-line supervisors of protective service workers was $63,910.
- The mean annual wage for protective service workers in New Hampshire is $55,200 and first-line supervisors make $82,420.
- Substance Abuse Counselor
Job Description: A substance abuse counselor is responsible for providing counseling and support to individuals with substance abuse problems. They work with clients to help them overcome their addiction and develop healthy coping mechanisms. They also provide education on the risks of substance abuse and how to avoid relapse.
Requirements:
- Master’s degree in counseling or a related field
- Licensed as a professional counselor in the state of practice
- two+ years of experience working with clients with substance abuse problems
Salary:
- The median annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in the US in 2021 was $48,520.
- The mean annual wage for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in New Hampshire is $47,610.
- Corrections Officer
Job Description: A corrections officer is responsible for the custody and care of inmates in a prison or jail. They are responsible for ensuring the safety of inmates, staff, and visitors, and for maintaining security and order within the facility. Inmates may be housed in individual cells or in group settings and they must be able to maintain control in both types of environments. They must also be able to deal with difficult or aggressive inmates, and handle crisis situations calmly and efficiently.
Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Previous experience working in a prison or jail
Salary:
- The median annual wage for correctional officers and bailiffs in 2021 in the US was $47,920.
- The mean annual wage for correctional officers and jailers in New Hampshire is $51,380, while the wage for first-line supervisors of corrections officers is $70,980.
- Parole Officer
Job Description: A parole officer is responsible for supervising offenders who have been released from prison on parole. They work with parolees to help them reintegrate into society and to prevent them from committing new crimes.
Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social work, or a related field
- Experience working with offenders or in a law enforcement or social service capacity
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 New Hampshire is $65,610.
- Crime Scene – Forensic Science Technician
Job Description: A crime scene forensic analyst or science technician is responsible for investigating crime scenes and collecting evidence. They use a variety of scientific techniques to analyze evidence and solve crimes.
Requirements:
- A bachelor's degree in forensic science or a related field
- Experience working with law enforcement or in a crime lab
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Salary:
- The median annual wage for forensic science technicians was $61,930 in the US in 2021.
- The mean annual wage for forensic science technicians in New Hampshire is $72,060.
- ATF/DoD/DEA/FBI/CIA/NSA/Secret Service Agent
Job Description: A secret service agent is responsible for protecting the President of the United States, the Vice President, and other high-ranking officials. They also investigate crimes involving counterfeiting, forgery, and other financial crimes.
Requirements:
- A minimum of 21 years of age
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
- At least 3 years of experience in law enforcement or a related field
Salary:
- The mean annual wage for protective service workers in the US in 2021 was $42,160. That of first-line supervisors of protective service workers was $63,910.
- The mean annual wage for protective service workers in New Hampshire is $55,200 and first-line supervisors make $82,420.
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