Criminal Justice Degree: A Guide to Degree Programs (Seniors Welcome!)
Are you a senior and interested in studying criminal justice to get your bachelor or master degree? Do you want to find a flexible schedule for criminal justice courses in your area? Learn about criminal justice degrees and apply for your studies online!
Criminal Justice Degree Programs for Seniors in the US
Are you above 60 years planning a career change? Maybe you want to advance within the same career. Do you plan to enroll for a Criminal Justice Degree? It’s never too late to change the course of your life.
What is A Criminal Justice Degree?
A Criminal Justice Degree studies the three elements of justice – Law enforcement, the courts, and correction facilities. You’ll explore the procedure, prevention, and investigation of crime. Also, you’ll learn about the reform systems, including prison, psychiatric homes, and juvenile detention.
As a Criminal Justice major, you have two options – A bachelor of Science or Art. The first one is the theoretical and practical aspects. You’ll learn about crime scene investigation and law enforcement.
The second one – Bachelor of Art – is the prevention of crimes. You’ll learn criminal profiling and understand the “why” of offenses. Then, you’ll give solutions to minimize crimes and reform offenders.
In summary, as a Criminal Justice graduate, your job is to strike a balance between law enforcement, the court, and the corrections system.
Requirements for Criminal Justice Degrees
The general requirements for a Criminal Justice Degree are; High school diploma: An entry-level job in law enforcement requires only a certificate.
General Education in specialized courses: You’ll need basic knowledge of the social sciences. They are – Sociology, Psychology, Political Science, Public Administration, History, Economics, Philosophy, and Law. They’re the foundation upon which you build your degree.
No criminal record: The school would run a background check on you. Any run-in with the law is grounds for disqualification – you must have a clean record. Physical agility: You’ll undergo rigorous physical tests to get a job in criminal justice, so there’s a drill for applicants. The careers require workers to be in top shape because of their nature.
US Citizen: You must be a citizen of the United States of America to work in Criminal Justice. There’d be no point for an international student to study the course except they’re close to naturalization.
Age restriction: Applicants must be at least 21 years to qualify. There’s no age cap as it would be discriminatory.
What can I do with a Criminal Justice Degree?
Once you have a Criminal Justice Degree, the world of law enforcement is your oyster. The career opportunities are endless. It depends on your reason for getting the degree, though.
You can attend Law school for a Juris Doctor Degree. Some people use it as a leg-up to a more promising legal career. If you’d rather stay within the scope of Criminal Justice, there are two options – The private and Public sectors.
Private Sector
- Criminal Profiler
- Private Investigator
- Security Guard
- Substance Abuse Counsellor
Public Sector
- Corrections Officer
- Crime Prevention Specialist
- Crime Scene investigator
- Criminal Investigation Agency
- Detective – Homicide, Financial Crimes, and more.
- Drug Enforcement Administrative Agency
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Forensics – Nursing, Psychology, Science, and more.
- Paralegal
- Police Officer
Applying for a Criminal Justice Degree
Now that you’ve settled on a degree in Criminal Justice, here’s what you need to know;
Cost:
The cost of obtaining a Criminal Justice degree differs based on certain factors. The most defining of which is the school. The general idea is that Public schools cost more than Private schools, but that’s a lie. Prestigious public universities like the University of Columbia and Pennsylvania State University cost more than small private ones.
The actual Tuition fee is often within the range of $3,000 – after financial aid – to $8,000. The extra cost comes from accommodation fees, textbooks, and distance learning fees for online students.
We’ve made a shortlist of top Criminal Justice degree universities for you. It’ll give you an idea of what you’re up against.
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice - $7,470 - $15,420 Stephen F. Austin State University - $8,844 - $18,972 Northeastern University - $14,125 - $37,135 Fayetteville State University - $5,274 - $16,882
Coursework and Schedule
Each institution has a unique curriculum available only to students. There are, however, general courses across the board - General Education, Related Electives, Core course, and others. You need a cumulative credit in all subjects to pass.
General Education
They are Ethics, Math (College Algebra), English composition and Literature, Proficiency in writing, American Literature, and Introduction to Biology.
Related Electives
Social Sciences – Psychology, Economics, Public Administration, Philosophy, Political Science, and Sociology.
Core Courses
You have Introduction to Criminal Justice, American Court System, Law Enforcement, Theories of Crime causation, Victimology, and the Foundations of the Criminal Justice System. The university determines which other courses you need extra credit in. Most Criminal Justice degrees require 128 – 140 credits.
Bachelor or Master’s Degree
“Should I get a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree?” That depends on your reason for pursuing Criminal Justice. Both of them have far-reaching benefits. Do you need it as a springboard to a legal career or for a promotion?
A Bachelor’s degree would suffice for a simple law enforcement career. You can become a Corrections officer, paralegal, or legal secretary with a BA or BS in Criminal Justice.
A Master’s degree is advisable for promotion and a legal career. Higher levels attract more salaries and open more opportunities. You’re likely to get a managerial position with a master’s degree.
You, however, have to consider your age in choosing. A typical Criminal Justice degree lasts three to four years. There’s no doubt you’d reach retirement age by the date of completion. You’d have to meet the fitness standard for your career path.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Popular Criminal Justice Degrees?
The most popular criminal justice degrees in the US include;
- Bachelor of Arts/Masters of Arts in Criminal Justice (Crime control and prevention)
- Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Management
- Bachelor of Science/Masters of Science in Criminal Justice (Institutional Theory and Practice)
- Bachelor of Science/ Masters of Science in Criminal Justice Management
- Criminal Justice Dual admission program
- Juris Doctor Degree
How long does it take to get a Criminal Justice Degree?
A typical undergraduate course runs for four years. If it’s a Master’s Degree, that’ll last two years or the equivalent in credit hours.
What is the cost of a Criminal Justice Degree?
The cost differs based on certain factors – school, distance learning, and financial aid. It ranges, however, from $7,000 to $25,000.
What is the difference between a law degree and a criminal justice degree?
Law is an aspect of Criminal Justice with a limited scope. Criminal justice, on the other hand, gives you the chance to work in law enforcement. Law students must proceed to Law school after their Bachelor’s degree, while Criminal Justice students may stop at the undergraduate level.
Are there part-time Criminal Justice Degrees?
Yes. You can take online classes, enroll in a part-time course and get your degree at your pace.
Are there special requirements for Seniors to get accepted for criminal justice studies? No. All students use the same credentials to apply for a Criminal Justice Degree.
Conclusion
While it’s never too late to change your life, a Criminal Justice degree as a senior may be unnecessary. The official retirement age for law enforcement officers is 62 – 67. You may be unqualified for certain positions in Criminal Justice upon completing your degree.