Online degrees in criminal justice have become some of the most popular and fastest growing distance learning programs. Online colleges and universities offer criminal justice degrees at all levels, from associate degrees to PhDs, and students have the option to major in a growing number of specialties.
For students who are interested in pursuing an online degree in criminal justice, here are some of the options available for specialization.
Online Degrees in Law Enforcement and Administration
Associate and bachelor's degrees in law enforcement offer students fundamental information about police procedures, crime prevention, and theories of crime and criminal behavior. Some students take these programs in conjunction with police training programs to become officers. Other graduates become corrections officers, probation officers, and private security guards, while some go into victim services or court administration. This specialty also can be a useful choice for students who plan to go to law school or to become a paralegal.
Masters and doctoral degrees in law enforcement and administration equip students with a more sophisticated and theoretical understanding of criminal behavior, prevention, and psychology. These programs typically prepare students for leadership and administrative positions in law enforcement.
Online Degrees in Corrections
Many online colleges offer a specialty in corrections facilities and management. These degrees are designed to help prepare students to work as jail or prison wardens or in jail and prison administration. Other graduates with this degree become bailiffs, who assist with security in courtrooms. Since corrections officers are required to have at least a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, this specialty can be essential for individuals who want to go into this area.
Distance Learning Degrees in Forensics
Forensic science is the study of physical evidence for the purpose of solving crimes, and thus this degree has a much stronger emphasis in science than other criminal justice degrees. Many forensics students earn a general degree in forensic sciences, and then earn an advanced degree in a specialized area of the discipline. Specialties include everything from forensic toxicology (the study of poisons), forensic geology (the study of soil and similar residue found at crime scenes), and forensic DNA analysis.
Online Degrees in Homeland Security
Since the 9/11 attacks, homeland security has become a quickly growing area of criminal justice, and many online colleges and universities offer degrees in this area. Homeland security professionals learn skills that are needed to protect their countries from outside enemies, and also learn to secure the security of the nation from serious inside threats. Some homeland security programs overlap with public safety programs and offer courses in how to protect the public in times of national disaster.
The Growing Array of Online Degrees in Criminal Justice
Criminal justice is a growing field, both because of terrorist attacks and because of the growth in criminal justice technology. There are hundreds of online colleges and universities criminal justice programs and specialties, so it's important for students to do their research and find the programs best suited for their career goals and interests.
Naomi Rockler-Gladen - Instructional designer and freelance writer, Naomi Rockler-Gladen writes some of Suite101's most read work.
