Benefits of Getting an Online Criminal Justice and Law Degree

The criminal justice and law field has the power to change the lives of millions of Americans. It is responsible for protecting people's rights, keeping the streets safe and maintaining national security. A surprising 27 percent of Americans believe that the criminal justice system is flawed, according to the University at Albany’s Sourcebook of Criminal Justice Statistics. Those looking to join the field have the opportunity to address the problems people have with the justice system and help remedy the situation. The online learning format can be advantageous to students pursuing this degree because law can be a confusing subject to study. With the abundance of literature available to distance learners at the click of a button, students can focus on reading and absorbing the material rather than trying to keep up with a professor’s lecture in a classroom setting. Shy students often find it easier to speak up and ask questions in the less intimidating online platform.

AA in Criminal Justice	BS in Criminal Justice	BS in Forensic Science

What Will I Learn in a Criminal Justice and Law Program?

Criminal law and justice programs offer a wide range of topics. Basic courses include an introduction to the criminal justice system, criminal procedures, criminology, investigation and ethics. Other courses cover subjects that are directly related to the student’s area of concentration. For example, students focusing on forensic psychology would take classes on identifying and interacting with mentally ill individuals and understanding the impact of crime on the community. These concentrations vary greatly and could include administration, management or homeland security. Together the courses provide graduates with a solid understanding of how the criminal justice system operates.

Popular Majors in the Criminal Justice and Law Field

Law enforcement and criminal justice administration and management are the most popular majors in the field. Law enforcement majors learn about landmark American court cases, how the U.S. Constitution applies to those cases and the basics of modern law enforcement organizations. Criminal justice administration and management majors focus on the organization, problem solving, leadership and research issues of justice system functions.

Popular Jobs for Criminal Justice and Law Students

Law enforcement officers and lawyers may be the most iconic figures in the criminal justice field thanks to television shows such as "Law & Order," but there are a wide variety of occupational opportunities available to those holding a law and justice degree. Forensic and detective work are exciting and in-demand jobs. These positions play a key role in piecing together the facts and circumstances of criminal cases. Law enforcement positions on the national level, such as in homeland security, and on the local one are also popular paths for graduates.

Job Prospects in the Criminal Justice and Law Field

Law enforcement positions such as police officers are expected to grow by 11 percent over the next seven years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Job prospects will be plentiful but competitive in all of the criminal justice sectors as society continues to become more security conscious. The aging baby boomer population will begin retiring over the next few years, allowing new employees to move in to take their place. Federal and state positions will be more competitive than local ones.

AS in Paralegal Studies	BS in Crime Scene Investigation