|
Bachelors Degree – Criminal Justice
A Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice will prepare you for advanced careers in the courts system, probation and corrections, forensic science, immigration, law enforcement, homeland security, and many national government agencies. Most degree programs also offer different fields of specialization. For example, if you are interested in the courts system, you can concentrate on paralegal studies.
Put into the simplest terms, criminal justice is the lawful process of controlling crime. This is a comprehensive undertaking and initially includes finding, investigating, apprehending, detaining, and questioning those suspected of crimes in order to uphold the law. Suspects of crimes then progress through the courts system, which involves a trial, possible conviction, and upon conviction, sentencing. Finally, criminals are imprisoned or put on probation, which is the final part of the criminal justice system. Every part of this complex system must be managed by competent justice professionals who are educated in the latest technology and advancements in the science of criminal justice in order for the system to stay ahead of those who wish to break the law. Civilized society depends on the efficiency of the criminal justice system to maintain order and remain peaceful.
A criminal justice degree starts with learning the three basic fields of criminal justice: law enforcement, the court system, and the correctional/prison system. Through this course of study, you will learn about the new technology used to solve crimes, how to solve crimes using scientific research methods in an open systems framework, make informed decisions regarding the impartial treatment of people from diverse cultures, ethics of law enforcement, criminological theories, effective collaboration with different branches of the legal system, changing needs of the criminal justice system, leadership skills, and the principles of effective criminal justice organizations. From here, you can obtain a general degree or specialize in court administration, paralegal services, law enforcement, crime scenes and forensics, forensic accounting, corrections, public safety, or loss prevention. You can also go on to obtain a master’s in criminal justice or earn your law degree.
To start a bachelor’s degree program in criminal justice, you will need a two year associate’s degree. This is because a bachelor’s degree curriculum in criminal justice is generally made up of classes relating to this degree. Most schools will accept associate’s degree credits transferred from any accredited college. An associate’s degree will serve as your general education and your upper division credits will compromise your criminal justice bachelor’s degree. General classes will include introduction to criminal justice, law enforcement, court systems, corrections theory and systems, criminal behavior, criminal justice information systems, juvenile justice systems, and liability and career issues in criminal justice. Those who want to further specialize can do so in police work, court systems, corrections, crime scene investigation, public safety, or private security.
Career Opportunities in Criminal Justice
Because the criminal justice system’s goal is to remain progressive and comprehensive, career opportunities in criminal justice are plentiful and are continually evolving. There are new opportunities in terrorism prevention and homeland security, forensics, drug enforcement, border patrol, and international government agencies. There are also local opportunities in court administration, social work, and parole and probations. Law enforcement includes police work, detective work, and crime scene forensics in various branches of local and federal government. In the private sector, graduates can explore career possibilities in private investigation and security management.
The featured colleges below offer bachelor degrees in Criminal Justice
 |
 |
American Intercontinental University
American InterContinental University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award Associate, Bachelor's and Master's degrees. |
 Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice - Forensic Science
AIU Online is also introducing a BSCJ with a concentration in Forensic Science for those students interested in career opportunities like Crime Scene Analyst, Non-Sworn Forensic Personnel and many others. This course of study offers an opportunity to study career-focused course material that includes: Clear explanations of the techniques, abilities and limitations within the field of forensic science and its applications to criminal investigations. Forensic science techniques of criminal investigations, how to process a crime scene and notify the next of kin. Appropriate techniques to safeguard evidence and interact with investigative authorities.
|
 |
Kaplan University
Kaplan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. |
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Kaplan University has online criminal justice degree programs to fit your educational and professional goals. If you want to begin or advance your career in law enforcement, private security, or corrections, we have the online criminal justice degree programs you need. You’ll find that our online course study is comprehensive, and that our educators are practicing experts in their field, each one a professional qualified to teach the up-to-date knowledge you’ll need to excel. Specializations include Computer Crime, Corrections, Crime Analysis, Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Psychology, Fraud Examination and Investigation, Homeland Security and Counter terrorism, Juvenile Justice.
|
 |
University of Phoenix Online
University of Phoenix was founded in 1976 and accredited in 1978. University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. |
Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice Administration
The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration is to equip adult learners with a fundamental understanding of the nature of delinquency and crime, criminal law and procedure, the goals and essential components of the American criminal justice system, and to teach basic management and administrative skills to run organizations in this area. The program also strives to familiarize students with current trends, research techniques, and technological advances in the discipline.
|
 |
Capella University
Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. |
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Public Safety – Criminal Justice
Criminal justice careers put you on the front line, protecting and serving your community. This specialization provides an overview of public safety research, theory and principles, with a focus on criminal justice processes and procedures. Course work includes such topics as corrections and judicial systems, criminal law and the legal process, police-community relations, white collar and organized crime investigations, and criminal procedure and evidence. People who choose this specialization are often pursuing entry-level officer positions or career advancement within law enforcement agencies, corrections departments, and federal regulatory or enforcement agencies.
|
 |
Anthem College Online
Anthem College is the online division of High-Tech Institute, Phoenix, which is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT). |
Bachelor of Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice An increased emphasis on homeland security and intelligence has created a new demand for educated criminal justice professionals, like detectives, police officers, border patrol agents, probation counselors, juvenile judges, court clerks and more.
|
 |
Westwood College Online
Westwood College Online is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology |
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
The Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice equips students academically and professionally by developing a knowledge base, social awareness and technological skills for an entry-level position in today's criminal justice environment. This program covers topics such as: Introduction to Criminal Justice, Criminology, Criminal Procedure, Criminal Investigation, and Juvenile Justice. This program also includes critical courses that cover such topics as Interpersonal Communication, Victimology, and Ethics in Criminal Justice. The curriculum will provide an understanding of criminal justice methods, techniques, technologies and required skills and abilities. Entry level positions for students who graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice include Correctional Treatment specialist, Probation Officer, Corporate Investigators, Correctional Officers, Victim Services Specialist.
|
 |
Colorado Technical University Online
Colorado Technical University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. |
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
Students entering the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program can earn their degree in as little as 15 months while gaining a solid knowledge base in the triad areas of the courts, corrections, and law enforcement. The Criminal Justice degree is a unique program in that it offers students a component of forensic study not usually available at the undergraduate level. A Bachelor's in Criminal Justice degree can prepare students for positions such as Police Officer, Fraud Investigator, Deputy Sheriff, Highway Patrol Officer and more. You can earn four Professional Certificates as you work toward the completion of your Criminal Justice Bachelors degree.
|
 |
Florida Metropolitan University
The Florida Metropolitan University is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to award diplomas, Associate’s degrees, Bachelor’s degrees, and Master’s degrees. |
B.S. - Criminal Justice
The Criminal Justice program provides a broad understanding of the criminal justice system and prepares graduates for entry-level career opportunities in probation, corrections, immigration, and case/social work. The program includes a comprehensive study of the United States court systems, correctional organizations, and law enforcement agencies. The curriculum is designed to offer a balance of theory and application that will prove to be challenging to students, and useful in the field. The Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice enhances the study of the criminal justice system and expands into areas such as gang activity, drug operations, probation, and criminal justice management. This provides students with a broader study for criminal justice's concepts and theories. Students in the Bachelor's program can further their education by taking optional courses in computer crime, cultural diversity for law enforcement, or concepts in criminal law.
|
 |
Keiser University Online
Keiser University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate and bachelor's degrees. |
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
If you are interested in a career in law enforcement, Homeland Security, forensic science or related fields that help your community and nation, this degree program provides instruction in current criminal justice issues such as law enforcement operations, the courts and correctional institutions, private investigations and victim and juvenile counseling. In addition to learning about theory and practice, students will gain exposure to the latest applied technology and interact with practitioners in criminal justice. Career opportunities include work in police agencies, private investigation agencies, state, federal and county corrections and probations offices and corporate loss prevention departments. This program also provides a strong foundation for students who are interested in continuing to law school.
|
 |
Portland State University
Portland State is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges & Universities. |
Bachelor of Science in Criminology & Criminal Justice
The B.S. in Criminology and Criminal Justice is designed for current or future criminal justice professionals seeking the flexibility of an online bachelor degree. You study theory and research on crime prevention, policing, courts and corrections. Portland State University can prepare you for a rewarding Criminology and Criminal Justice career path. Whether you are looking to pursue a career in law enforcement, criminal justice or investigation, this degree is geared to provide you with the knowledge to succeed.
|
|
