Criminal Justice and Law Degrees
Benefits of Getting an Online Criminal Justice and Law Degree
The criminal law and justice field has the power to change the lives of millions of Americans. It is responsible for protecting citizen rights, keeping the streets safe for children and adults alike, and maintaining national security so that people may fully enjoy their day-to-day lives. An astounding 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 amazing opportunity to address the problems citizens have with the justice system and remedy the situation. The online learning format will be advantageous to students pursuing this degree as 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 try to keep up with a professor’s lecture in a classroom setting. Shy students also often find it easier to speak up and ask questions in the less intimidating online platform.
What Will I Learn in a Criminal Justice and Law Program?
Criminal law and justice programs offer a wide range of topics that are sure to appeal to people of all interests. 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 about identifying and interacting with mentally ill individuals, understanding the impact of crime on the community, and other related topics. These concentrations vary greatly, from administration and management to homeland security. All of the courses work to provide graduates with a solid foundation of knowledge about 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 cases in the U.S., how the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights applied to those cases, and the basics of modern law enforcement organizations. Criminal justice administration and management majors focus on organization, problem solving, leadership, and research to ensure that the justice system runs smoothly.
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 is 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 local and the national level, such as in homeland security, are also popular positions for graduates.
Job Prospects in the Criminal Justice and Law Field
Law enforcement positions, such as police officers and detectives, 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 modern society grows 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 also be more competitive than local positions.
