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Law and Criminal Justice Careers Put Good Values to Work Defending the accused, prosecuting law breakers, fighting crime, preventing terrorism--if you have a passion for justice, a career in law and criminal justice will put your values to work. With a law or criminal justice degree, you may become a judge, lawyer, or paralegal. Law enforcement officers prevent crime and catch criminals on local, national or international levels. Careers in Criminal Justice and Law Aren't Just for Lawyers and Police Officers Just because you have a degree in criminal justice or law doesn't mean you have to be a police officer or lawyer. Working in rehabilitation, you advocate for the well-being of individuals within the criminal justice system and help them build new lives after their sentences are served. Criminal justice and law careers offer meaningful opportunities to help society while providing an exciting challenge. Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice An associate's degree program in criminal Justice provides students with a basic understanding of the criminal justice system, while preparing them for entry-level positions or advancement into a bachelor's degree program. Students gain fundamental knowledge of the parole system, law enforcement, corrections, investigations and the legal branches of the U.S government. The social science portion of this degree program teaches students how society and criminal law relate and addresses issues regarding race, class and gender, as well as global concerns. Educational Prerequisites Criminal justice programs are often offered at community colleges and some universities. Admission into the program requires a high school diploma or GED, SAT or ACT scores and typically an essay and letters of recommendation. Program Coursework In the associate's program, students learn the fundamentals of the legal system and criminal law, in courses such as: Police management Corrections Criminology Criminal investigation Juvenile delinquency Criminal justice system Popular Career Options With an associate's degree in criminal justice, students may find employment in several entry-level positions, including: Corrections officer Juvenile detention officer Court clerk Detective Continuing Education Information Students are eligible to apply to a bachelor's degree program in a related field. Others may seek employment in an entry-level position while earning a bachelor's degree. Associate's Degree in Law Enforcement An associate's degree in law enforcement differs from a similar degree in criminal justice in its emphasis on issues of law enforcement in particular and on the role of public safety officials, such as police officers. This 2-year program teaches skills such as interviewing, evidence handling, and investigating, as well as technical skills, such as computer use. Those who want a career protecting the public learn about sources of crime, the U.S. justice system, criminal law and social problems. In this program, students are often trained in self-defense, firearms, surveillance and crime scene evaluation. The material and hands-on training provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills needed to successfully perform as public law enforcement officers at the state or national level. Educational Prerequisites Admission to this law enforcement program requires a high school diploma or GED, high school transcripts and ACT or SAT scores. In addition, some colleges require an interview, letters of recommendation and personal essay. Program Coursework Law enforcement majors learn about how police and other law enforcement officers interact and perform in society. Classes include: Juvenile justice Police and society Legal procedures Sociology Psychology Popular Career Options After completion of this associate's degree program, students earn the skills needed to apply to entry-level positions such as: Police officer Criminal investigator Deputy sheriff State trooper Security guard Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice With a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, graduates may seek a career in areas such as probation, corrections, law enforcement; graduates may also choose to advance into a pre-law program. The B.S. in Criminal Justice program combines fundamental criminal justice courses, while explaining how the components of the legal system, personnel involved and their public role compliment each other. Students will examine aspects of the justice system including supervising offenders, correctional counseling and treatment, preventing crime and dealing with electronic crimes. Education Prerequisites Most colleges and universities accept bachelor's degree prospects with either an associate's degree with all applicable transfer requirements or as a freshmen applicant. New applicants should have at least a 2.5-3.0 GPA, SAT or ACT scores and be a high school graduate. Some schools may also require an essay, interview or letters of recommendation. Program Coursework Bachelor's level courses not only introduce the criminal law system, but may also cover special topics, such as behavior, terrorism and computer crimes. Courses include: Criminal court Research methods Legal writing and research Crime and drugs Criminal behavior Crime prevention Popular Career Options Graduates with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice may seek employment in local, state and federal positions, such as: Private investigator Social worker Court counselor County police officer Correctional administrator Bachelor of Criminal Justice in Corrections The bachelor's degree in corrections program is designed for individuals who have an interest in working in the parole and corrections division of the criminal justice system. While the program emphasizes sociology and counseling. students typically learn from faculty members who have had hands-on professional experience working in jails, prison and courts. The BCJ in Corrections program equips students with the skills needed in the treatment of offenders, understanding of legal issues and policy, management of offenders and discussion of specialized offenders such as sexual predators. The program also covers juvenile corrections, private security and the psychology of offenders. Educational Prerequisites A high school diploma or GED is required for entry into the BCJ in Corrections program. Students with an associate's degree may submit transfer credits for entry, while others may apply as a freshman applicants. New applicants may need to supply standardized testing scores, an essay and letters of recommendation. Program Coursework Corrections courses combine management, theory and general corrections issues. Classes include: Case management Crisis strategies Probation and parole Constitutional rights Law enforcement Popular Career Options Corrections graduates may find work in settings such as governmental agencies, courts, jail and prisons. Possible positions include: Case manager Bailiff Parole officer Correctional specialist Prison inspector Continuing Education Information Individuals with a bachelor's degree in an area of criminal justice may proceed to law school or apply for a job in the criminal justice field. Many colleges and universities offer graduate degree programs for those seeking advanced education in criminal law or criminal justice. You May Qualify For Financial Aid.
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