what course do i take in a criminal justice career

What classes will I take in a criminal justice degree?

When it comes to preparing yourself for a career in criminal justice, earning a bachelor’s degree is a great way to gain the knowledge you’ll need on the job to protect individuals from criminals and help to rehabilitate those who commit crimes to rejoin society. Getting a formal education in …

What classes are required for criminal justice?

Below are some of the courses and skills that are important to focus on while completing your criminal justice degree at AIU. Criminal Justice Core Courses at AIU. Before you advance to the more in-depth, upper-level courses dictated by the criminal justice specialization you choose, …

What high school courses are required for criminal justice?

Sample courses for the CJ major may include Criminal Investigation and Procedure, Police in Modern Society, Forensics, and Criminology Theories. Other examples are classes in Criminal Justice Research Methods, Statistics for Criminal Justice, Socioeconomic Influences in Crime, …

What is the best college for a criminal justice degree?

During this area of study, students will learn all of the necessary procedures that one must follow in order to keep evidence clean of corruption, tampering, or degrading. Law and due process. …

What studies are in criminal justice?

What is the best major for criminal justice?

What do you do while studying criminal justice?

What degree is closest to criminal justice?

Is criminal justice an easy major?

Which criminal justice career pays the most?

How many years do you study for criminal justice?

Is criminal justice a course?

What can a degree in criminal justice do?

Regardless of your specific career path, a degree program can help you develop the skills and knowledge to help you contribute to the prosecution, rehabilitation, and management of individuals in various stages of the criminal justice system.

What are the skills needed to be a corrections officer?

Soft skills such as patience and calm under pressure, clear and concise oral communication, and the ability to command attention and respect can all be helpful across a range of jobs. From dealing with inmates as a corrections officer or case worker to interviewing witnesses or suspects in a crime, these types of skills are essential.

Why is it important to have good communication skills in criminal justice?

Many criminal justice positions rely on generating reports or other legally binding documentation. Because so much of what you document may be used as evidence or in another official capacity (such as in legal investigations or court proceedings), it's important to have strong, professional written communication skills. Use your coursework to practice your writing skills, and consider opportunities for additional tutoring in this area if you need it.

How to prepare for the field after graduation?

In order to be prepared to enter the field after graduation, you should work on developing a diverse and well-rounded skill set while you pursue your degree. In addition to the knowledge base established by your core courses, the following are some important skills to develop while taking classes.

Does AIU offer financial aid?

For important information about the educational debt, earnings, and completion rates of students who attended these programs, go to www.aiuniv.edu/disclosures . AIU cannot guarantee employment or salary. Not all programs are available to residents of all states. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

Does AIU offer a degree?

The degree programs offered at AIU will not necessarily lead to the featured careers. This collection of articles is intended to help inform and guide you through the process of determining which level of degree and types of certifications align with your desired career path.

What do colleges want you to have in your liberal arts major?

Colleges/universities want you to have a liberal arts education in addition to the courses related to the major. This major may explore the complex relationships among legal, historical, and psychological influences affecting the U.S. legal system.

What is elective course?

Elective courses offer a means to pursue your interests and professional aspirations. Your choice of electives can steer you towards your planned career in criminal justice administration, law enforcement, corrections, juvenile justice, sex crimes, or homeland security.

What is a masters in criminal justice?

A Master’s of Criminal Justice provides an advanced understanding of theory and best practices of individuals in management positions of criminal justice, fraud management, and law enforcement organizations .

What do you study in law school?

You may study the areas of law enforcement, forensic science, corporate security, criminal investigation, crime and punishment, and department of corrections. This may include a study of the U.S. court system, the U.S. Constitution, and corrections system.

What is an associates degree?

An Associate’s degree increases your job opportunities and could secure you an interview over a high school graduate. Or you currently work in the criminal justice field and want to upgrade your skills and knowledge. This degree can assist you in that goal. Of course, the classes vary according to each college’s program.

How long is a criminal justice program?

Many criminal justice programs allow you to focus on an area of interest, such as paralegal studies or forensic science. However, a typical four-year program teaches such topics as the role of technology in forensics and criminal justice, how the corrections system works, how the courts work with law enforcement, and criminal justice theory.

What subjects do you study in criminal justice?

In addition, as you proceed up the academic ladder, there are opportunities to select specialized areas of criminal justice. For example, forensics, psychology or computer fraud.

What is due process in criminal justice?

To do so, they must properly secure a crime scene, find and interview witnesses and potential suspects, and know how to procure warrants to search and arrest individuals. All of these steps must be done in accordance with certain laws and following due process as set out by county, state, and federal legislature. These are all areas of study covered by a criminal justice program , although graduates should expect to continually learn on the job.

What is criminal justice?

Criminal justice is a social science that aims to identify and explain that patterns of criminal behavior and how society and organizations can work to reduce and control criminal elements. Those who enroll in a criminal justice program can expect to learn a variety of things pertaining to the legal and correctional systems in this country.

What is investigative principles?

Investigative principles. It is very rare for a criminal to just come to you and say, in detail, what crime they committed and how they did it. As such, one of the most significant parts of law enforcement is the investigation of crimes. During the course of an investigation, law enforcement officials will need to know both how to secure and analyze a physical scene and how to research people, places, and criminal elements after a crime takes place. Coursework in investigative principles builds on the thousands of protocols and procedures that have been proven to be effective.

What are the areas of study covered by criminal justice?

These are all areas of study covered by a criminal justice program, although graduates should expect to continually learn on the job. Investigative principles. It is very rare for a criminal to just come to you and say, in detail, what crime they committed and how they did it.

Why is chain of evidence important?

Whether you aim for police work or legal work, chain of evidence is a critical component of law enforcement and procedure as breaking the chain of evidence can lead to the breakdown of a complete case and cause perpetrators of crimes to be set free. During this area of study, students will learn all of the necessary procedures ...

Do you need a criminal justice degree to work in correctional facilities?

Benefits of Pursuing a Criminal Justice Degree. In many areas, it is currently not necessary for correctional officers to have a degree in criminal justice before beginning work at an entry-level correctional job. However, that is changing as more and more facilities and organizations seek out more highly-trained individuals.

Do TV detectives fly off handle?

TV detectives seem to fly off the handle at any inconvenience. But real police officers and detectives need to be able to keep their cool, respond to problems professionally, and always remember their mission: to serve and protect the public.

What is forensic psychology?

Related to criminology is forensic psychology. In the forensic field, a psychologist will use their understanding of human behavior to assist in crime scene investigations. They also study the habits of criminals in order to gain a better understanding of the criminal mind. They may also be asked to predict crimes or interview criminals and their loved ones. This highly-specialized position requires conducting extensive research to aid in solving an intricate puzzle of crimes. Often, forensic psychologists will treat incarcerated criminals for substance abuse problems or other mental illnesses.

How is criminology similar to sociology?

Criminology is very similar to sociology in that it focuses on researching criminal’s minds to learn what makes them commit crimes and how to prevent them in the future. Criminal justice just deals with what to do after the crime is committed.

What is the difference between criminal justice and criminology?

Criminal justice deals with all aspects of a crime from the time the crime is committed right up until the criminal is found guilty and sent to prison. Criminal justice covers all areas of the American justice system. Criminology deals not so much with the actual crime but rather on why it happened.

What do criminologists study?

Criminologists study and consider various factors to understand why criminals commit the crimes that they do. They often take a psychological approach, paired with a biological and social method to understand more about an individual criminal, or a number of criminals.

What is the career path of FBI agent?

The career path of an FBI Agent is an interesting one that requires additional training after receipt of a criminal justice degree. FBI agents conduct sensitive investigations for matters such as terrorism, cyber-crime, white-collar crime, civil rights violations, extortion, and other violations of federal statutes.

What does a criminal lawyer do?

A criminal lawyer represents a defendant in the criminal court system at the federal, state, and local levels. Criminal lawyers may work on many cases at once, counseling clients on the best course of action. They also spend time gathering evidence via eyewitness accounts, police reports, and any other information relevant to the case at hand. Other tasks a criminal lawyer performs on the job include:

What are the highest paying jobs in criminal justice?

The United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the highest levels of employment in the Criminal Justice field are: colleges and universities, junior colleges, state government, business, and technical schools. They further reported that the top-paying industries were schools and state government agencies.

What kind of careers can you go into as a criminal justice major?

First things first: what kind of careers can you go into as a criminal justice major? Almost anything related to the criminal justice system! The justice system spans from crime prevention to legal careers to correctional and rehabilitation careers, so there are many job opportunities to suit your interests.

What can a criminal justice major specialize in?

Criminal justice majors can specialize in work at any stage of the corrections system. As you can imagine, this means a wide variety of job titles are open to those who hold a Criminal Justice degree! We analyzed more than 4,000 job postings to uncover the top job titles for criminal justice majors: 1. Security officer.

Why are criminal justice jobs in demand?

According to the latest salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), criminal justice careers are in demand with reasonable salaries to account for the important role these men and women play in our society.

What skills do you need to be a criminal justice officer?

Physical abilities. Research. Attention to detail. Computer literacy. Relationship building. As you can see, it does take a certain skill set to be successful in criminal justice careers, but you might be surprised to discover you already have many of the transferable skills that could come in handy on the job.

How much does a police officer make?

Law enforcement officers, like police and detectives, earned a median salary of $62,960 in 2017. 2 Police officers also enjoy additional benefits, like the potential for early retirement options and insurance benefits that go beyond what many employees are offered. Top it all off with a projected 7 percent growth in employment, and you can see why this criminal justice career is appealing. 2

What are some good shows to watch at the end of a long week?

Your favorite way to relax at the end of a long week is to settle in with a marathon of your favorite TV shows like “CSI,” “Law and Order” and “Orange Is the New Black.” As you watch your favorite characters investigate crime scenes, pace the courtroom floor and navigate life behind bars, you can’t help but wonder whether a career in the criminal justice system could be right for you.

Do you spend time on course materials while working on a degree?

It’s no secret that students spend plenty of time with their course materials while working toward a degree. Before putting in that time hitting the books, you need to know whether the required courses will give you the skills and knowledge you need to find work in the field—and whether you’ll enjoy your classes.

What is criminal justice certification?

There are many types of criminal justice certification in the field that focus on coursework in a specific area, such as security management, corrections leadership, and juvenile justice leadership. There are also criminal justice certification programs that specialize in youth intervention, as well as certificates in technical crime specialization. Any of these certifications offer a chance to retain advanced knowledge and learn ways to begin making a difference to the people in the community.

Why is criminal justice accreditation important?

A program with criminal justice accreditation provides the skills needed for jobs in the industry. Regardless of the job within the criminal justice field, all students need in-depth understanding and background on the legal system. This is constantly changing as laws are changed and created every day, which changes the information thought in class. This is one of the reasons why a criminal justice accreditation is important. Employers expect that job candidates with degrees in criminal justice will have the needed understanding and background.

Why is a criminology degree important?

So is a criminology degree useful? Obtaining a degree in criminal justice lays the foundation to develop the skills needed to do the job. Having a degree shows that an individual has to ability to learn , takes initiative and has discipline. Study today also incorporates the use of technology which is more readily used in the field. For these reasons, a candidate with a degree is in a better position when applying for a job.

What is the career in criminal justice?

A career in Criminal Justice reaches far beyond dispatchers and corrections officers, and criminal justice degree benefits are many. It’s typically thought of as the process of catching, trying and punishing criminals, but it also includes the study of crime.

What is the most valuable thing about a bachelor's in criminal justice?

The most valuable thing about a bachelor’s in criminal justice or a bachelor’s in criminology is the enormous range of options they give you. Criminal justice jobs can put you on the street as an investigator or safe in an office as an administrator; you may work in a lab, a classroom, or any number of other settings.

How to become a forensic technician?

Schooling for criminal justice to become a forensic technician can start as early as high school by focusing on science and math. A degree in forensic science will allow forensic technician candidates to achieve more success within their career. A forensic technician works in labs, courtrooms, and other places where they reconstruct events and crime scenes based things like hair samples, broken material, and fingerprints.

What degree do I need to become a criminal justice agent?

FBI Agents are required to have a Bachelor’s Degree, so you must have some type of schooling beyond high school for this career.

Why do we need persistence in criminal justice?

Persistence is needed across the criminal justice field, from detectives investigating a tricky case to paralegals searching through evidence for the information they need. If you can show persistence in difficult situations, you might have the makings of a criminal justice professional.

Why is problem solving important in criminal justice?

Problem-solving is a top skill to have in many industries, but it’s especially important in criminal justice. “In every criminal matter, there is always a point where police, prosecutors and defense lawyers need to make decisions about how to proceed, resolve or litigate a case,” says Stephen Riebling, attorney at Riebling and Payton, PLLC.

Why is it important to be empathetic?

Being empathetic allows you to put yourself in someone else’s shoes so that you can see things from their perspective. “When dealing with someone who may have broken the law, it is vital to be able to see the world the way they do and understand the reasons behind their actions,” Sheely says.

How do criminal justice professionals communicate?

Criminal justice professionals communicate with others all day long, including team members, colleagues in other departments, attorneys on the other side of the table, witnesses and suspects. Strong communication isn’t just about talking; listening is a key part of the equation, too. “This would include listening to clients, victims and witnesses with empathy and respect,” Riebling says. “The verbal and non-verbal communications of individuals are important to assess credibility, which is always a central issues in the area of criminal justice.”

What are the soft skills required for criminal justice?

There are plenty of soft skills that lead to success in the criminal justice field. These qualities are difficult to teach, so if you have any of these traits, you’re already one step ahead on the road to a criminal justice career. 1. Your curiosity can’t be stopped. Curiosity may have killed the cat, but it’s one of the top traits you’ll need ...

What are the traits of a criminal investigator?

1. Your curiosity can’t be stopped. Curiosity may have killed the cat, but it’s one of the top traits you’ll need to work in criminal justice. “If you have a curious nature and always wonder how things work, then you may have what it takes to be a criminal investigator or detective,” says criminal defense attorney Kathryn Sheely. ...

Is criminal justice a flashy career?

Working in criminal justice isn’t always as flashy as it appears in the media. We spoke with professionals working in the field to bring you these signs you should consider a criminal justice career. See if you recognize yourself in this list!

What is a computer forensics investigator?

Computer Forensics Investigator — You’ll need advanced computer science forensic skills for this line of work , which often involves tracking or recovering electronic evidence that criminals may have tried to conceal or destroy. This is a great criminal justice career for those who possess a knack for understanding the inner workings of computers.

What is the role of forensic psychologist?

Forensic Psychologist — If you’re looking to combine a specialization in psychology with a career in criminal justice, the role of forensic psychologist offers a chance to utilize deep understanding of human behavior to develop criminal profiles that law enforcement agencies can use to identify suspects and solve crimes.

What is an advanced degree in criminal justice?

An advanced degree in criminal justice or a related discipline is typically required to work in the classroom as a criminal justice professor, teaching courses in criminology, corrections and law enforcement operations and administration, and more — focusing on curriculum that combines cutting-edge theory with real-world applications.

What is the job of a correctional officer?

Correctional Officer — Correctional officers work primarily within jails and prisons at the local, state and federal levels to supervise individuals who are convicted of crimes or awaiting legal proceedings. This extremely challenging, entry-level role can lead to advancement within the corrections system and can also be a foundation for exploring other aspects of the criminal justice world.

What is fire investigator?

Fire Investigator — Much like a police investigator analyzes a crime scene, fire investigators are responsible for determining the cause of the fire. In cases of arson, the property becomes a crime scene and a criminal investigation is launched. As a fire investigator, you may work closely with law enforcement officials to identify, ...

What is the importance of a criminal justice degree?

The important and necessary work of defending and protecting the rights and safety of others involves a career path that typically includes a focused approach to education and training — a degree in criminal justice can prepare you to serve your community and uphold values of justice and peace throughout your career.

What is the job of a police officer?

Police Officer — The duty to “protect and serve” is an ideal calling if you’re looking to put your criminal justice education to work in any of a wide variety of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. This front-line criminal justice role is a time-honored way to build a career serving your community, as well as to advance into a variety of other fascinating law enforcement jobs.

What are the benefits of criminal justice?

One of the true benefits of a criminal justice degree is that it allows a job seeker to look for work in many industries, unlike degrees with tighter specialization. For example, a job seeker can work in any one of the three major components of the criminal justice system. Those components include the police, the courts, or corrections.

Is criminal justice a good degree?

A criminal justice degree provides a good start for students who want to continue onto law school. Although it’s possible to major in almost anything and go to law school, a criminal justice degree is a terrific choice because it offers instruction in an applicable field. Some of the best lawyers working today have direct experience with the criminal justice system and aren’t working as an outsider. Additionally, lawyers have tremendous earnings potential.