Crime and crime prevention is a big part of society. Today, professionals work in multiple areas to properly handle a variety of situations. Students can enter vocational training at various educational levels to prepare for the field. Through the possibilities of professional criminal justice education, students can enter a large number of careers.
The identification and pattern of criminal behavior are explored during training. The programs examine to what level society can handle crime and delinquency. The legal methods used in the United States to solve crimes and work with criminals are explored along with appropriate punishment. Most majors require students to have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Advanced training is not required unless students wish to take on leadership roles. Within criminal justice degree programs, students typically take in-depth specialty courses that prepare them for their career goals.
Students who complete an associate degree program have multiple career options to choose from. This short two-year program teaches students to understand core areas of the field, such as the criminal justice system and American government. Entry level positions may include:
- Sheriff
- investigator
- Police officer
To successfully enter these areas, students work through courses that relate directly to constitutional criminal practice, criminology, evidence, and more. At criminal justice schools and colleges that focus on law enforcement, for example, students can expect to learn the regulations and procedures to protect the general public. Continuing education gives students the ability to specialize in various areas.
The judicial system is largely examined at the bachelor’s level of education. This allows students to apply their knowledge to various career fields when seeking a criminal justice education. Depending on the specialization, the student studies the main topics related to criminal justice, which includes cybercrime, crime scene investigation, and law enforcement. Students can enter the field and become:
- Drug Control Agents
- prison officers
- Police officers
Through courses in criminal law, judicial process, and juvenile justice, students learn to understand how to function within the industry. Students who want to enter management positions or want job promotions typically seek postgraduate training.
Advanced knowledge is gained within a master’s program as students study sociology, psychology, and business. The root causes of crime are investigated, which often includes learning about the social, economic, mental and personal reasons why people commit crimes. A strong emphasis is placed on research into leadership qualities, criminal investigations, corrections, and court systems. Career opportunities allow students to become:
- Teachers
- Law Enforcement Managers
- criminal justice consultants
Students continuing their education within doctoral programs will explore numerous areas. Criminological theory, public policy, psychology, organizational behavior, and criminal procedure are key categories of study. Forensic evidence training is a popular concentration at this level of education. Students learn to provide a high level of statistical research that professionals use in their jobs.
Students can begin training after spending adequate time researching their options and choosing the degree programs to complete. Start working through an accredited criminal justice program now and enter the field in as little as two years. The Accreditation Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (http://www.acics.org/) approves quality programs for full accreditation that demonstrate their ability to provide the best training possible.
DISCLAIMER: The above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not represent precise methods, courses, and/or approaches related to ANY of the specific schools that may or may not be advertised on PETAP.org.
Copyright 2010 – All rights reserved by PETAP.org.