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Criminal justice colleges and degree programs offer students the opportunity to pursue a career in law enforcement, corrections, or other areas of the criminal justice field. There are many different types of programs available, so it’s important to choose one that fits your interests and goals.
Some criminal justice colleges and degree programs focus on specific areas of study, such as forensics or criminology. Others provide a more general education in the criminal justice field. There are also online programs available for those who want to study at their own pace. Graduates from these programs can work as police officers, detectives, federal agents, probation officers, or even lawyers.
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Online Criminal Justice Education in Wisconsin
A criminal justice professional is someone who works in the field of criminal justice, which is the system of practices and institutions of governments directed at upholding social control, deterring and mitigating crime, or sanctioning those who violate laws with criminal penalties and rehabilitation efforts.
Criminal justice professionals can work in a variety of settings, though we most often think of law enforcement officers when we think of criminal justice. However, those who wish to work in the nearby fields of forensic science, law, or even social work or substance abuse counseling may also have much to gain by adding criminal justice to their education.
Criminal justice professionals need to have strong communication skills and be able to interact with people from all walks of life in nearly any area they may choose to specialize in. They should be able to think critically and make quick decisions, and they must also have strong problem-solving skills.
Online Associate Degree in Criminal Justice (AS)
If you're looking to enter this field, earning an associate degree in criminal justice is a great place to start. An associate degree will give you the knowledge and skills you need to pursue a career in law enforcement, corrections, or even private security without much more education, though some careers may only become available once you have some experience.
Most associate degrees in criminal justice take two years to complete, although some schools offer accelerated programs that can be completed in as little as 15-18 months. Once you've earned your degree, you'll be eligible for entry-level positions in a variety of criminal justice settings. And, if you decide to continue your education, you can use your associate degree as a springboard into a bachelor's or master's program in criminal justice. This is why it’s important to make sure you attend a fully accredited program, so that your earned credit hours will transfer if you need more education to advance your career later on.
Online Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice (BS)
A bachelor's degree in criminal justice provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a career in the criminal justice system at a higher level. Graduates of these programs can move into detective positions, work in fraud prevention, and find a host of other careers outside law enforcement agencies that might not be accessible to those with just an associate degree.
A bachelor’s degree is also the first step for those looking to work in law. A bachelor's degree in criminal justice is a great option for those looking to earn their JD and go on to work as a lawyer, judge, etc. A bachelor’s is also a requirement for most federal positions, such as that of ATF agent or secret service agent. The skills and knowledge you will gain from a criminal justice program will prepare you for a successful career no matter where you end up.
These degrees usually take around four years to earn, unless you are able to transfer credits from an associate degree, in which case you may start as a junior rather than a freshman. However, you’ll still have most of your core courses to complete, which may include topics such as police and society, criminology, American constitutional law, civil liberties, forensic science, investigations, and more.
Online Masters Degree in Criminal Justice (MS)
A master's degree in criminal justice can open up many more doors in the field of law enforcement, especially at the supervisory level. These degrees usually take between 18 months and two years to complete and are designed for busy, working professionals.
There are many universities that offer a master's degree in criminal justice. However, each school has their own specific curriculum, which might focus on law enforcement management or investigations, etc. So it’s important to do your research and choose the program that best fits your needs and interests. Once you have earned your degree, you will be prepared for a variety of exciting and challenging careers in the field.
Online PhD Degree in Criminal Justice (PhD)
There are many different ways to obtain a PhD in criminal justice, including an online program. The best option for you will depend on your schedule and your desired course of study. Online and on-campus PhD programs in this field typically take around three to five years to complete. Part-time learners may need more time to complete their programs, but these programs are also made for working professionals.
A PhD in criminal justice is a difficult degree to earn, but it’s also a huge accomplishment. However, there aren’t many roles in law enforcement that require a degree of this kind, so you may only need to earn a PhD if you are working in a forensic science position, a high-level law role, or as a policy creator or researcher. Regardless of your reason for earning a PhD, it is important to find the right program for you.
You can choose a traditional campus-based program or an online hybrid program, depending on your lifestyle, schedule, and the schools you have access to nearby. A hybrid program is usually a combination of online study and classroom study or seminars. For example, a college may offer a fully online PhD in criminal justice, but you may still have to attend a few on-campus intensives every year. This is why it’s important to know all the requirements of a program before you sign on.
Online Criminal Justice Certifications
Criminal justice is a field that offers many opportunities for those who are looking to enter the workforce. There are many different types of criminal justice jobs, and each requires its own set of skills and knowledge. While a college degree is not always required for criminal justice jobs, it can give you an edge over the competition. There are also many types of criminal justice certifications that you can earn. These certifications can help you stand out from the crowd when you are applying for jobs. They can also help you advance in your career once you have been hired, especially in careers such as forensic science, where a certification can help you specialize.
Some available criminal justice certifications include Certified Criminal Justice Professional (CCJP), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Forensic Interviewer (CFI), and Certified Forensic Scientist (CFS). Each of these certifications requires different levels of education and experience.
Become a Criminal Justice Professional in Wisconsin
Criminal justice is a field of study that can lead to many different career paths. If you're interested in becoming a criminal justice professional, here are a few steps to get you started.
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Step 1: Get a degree in criminal justice
Earning a degree in criminal justice can lead to many different career options. A criminal justice degree can help you become a police officer, detective, federal agent, or even a lawyer. There are many different types of criminal justice degrees available, so you can find one that fits your career goals. You can earn an associate degree or a bachelor’s to get you started. If you want to work in law enforcement, there are degrees available in police science and administration. If you want to work in the court system, there are degrees available in legal studies and forensics. No matter what your career goals are, there is a degree that can help you achieve them. With the right education, you can make a difference in your community and help keep everyone safe.
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Step 2: Consider getting certified
There are many reasons you should consider getting certified in criminal justice. With a certification, you will have the opportunity to move into work in a variety of settings or advance your current career. A certification could help you earn a higher salary or expand your responsibilities and move into a new career.
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Step 3: Join professional organizations
When you're ready to start your career in criminal justice, there are a few things you can do to set yourself up for success. One of those things is to join a professional organization. These organizations can help you network with other professionals, learn about the latest news and developments in the field, and find job opportunities.
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Step 4: Stay current on trends and issues in criminal justice
As a criminal justice professional, it’s important to stay current on trends and issues in the field. There are many ways to stay informed including subscribing to journals and magazines, attending conferences and workshops, and taking advantage of online resources.
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What Can I Do with a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice?
A bachelor's degree in criminal justice can open up a number of career opportunities. With this degree, you can work in law enforcement, corrections, or even become a lawyer. If you're looking to enter the field of law enforcement, a bachelor's degree in criminal justice will give you the necessary education and training. You'll learn about the different types of crimes and how to investigate them. You'll also gain an understanding of the legal system and how it works. If you're interested in working in corrections, a bachelor's degree in criminal justice will prepare you to work with inmates. You'll learn about prisoner rehabilitation and how to manage a correctional facility. You'll also gain an understanding of the criminal justice system from a different perspective.