STUDYING CRIMINAL JUSTICE DOES MORE THAN TEACH ABOUT LAW ENFORCEMENT
Many people who are not familiar with the field of criminal justice automatically associate it with the police force and other local law enforcement. While it’s true that a criminal justice degree can prepare you for a career in law enforcement if you choose that route, a criminal justice education is broader than that. You’ll learn life-long skills that can help you succeed in nearly any career.
In addition to the opportunity to learn about criminal justice and hone your skills, some of the benefits of studying criminal justice include flexible learning options for earning your degree, the ability to make a difference in your community, and access to a variety of rewarding career options.
HONE YOUR SKILLS
In addition to studying criminal justice concepts in the classroom, students also learn to apply forensic methods to analyze evidence and learn how to better articulate societal goals for criminal justice. Criminal justice coursework also helps students become familiar with some of the common technology tools used in the industry. Finally, it provides ample opportunities to improve listening, written and oral communication, and other interpersonal skills.
LEARN IN A CONVENIENT FORMAT
Criminal justice degree programs are generally designed with busy learners in mind. You can find programs that will allow you to take evening classes, or you can earn an accredited degree entirely from the comfort of your home — on your schedule. This type of flexibility makes it easier to pursue career goals while still managing myriad other responsibilities.
BENEFIT YOUR COMMUNITY
Ultimately, criminal justice is about more than simply identifying and correcting criminal behavior. One of the most rewarding aspects of studying criminal justice and working in a related job after graduation is that you are helping build safer, more cohesive communities. People who choose criminal justice careers may not ever fully realize the impact their work has on other people — especially because that work can benefit generations of people who aren’t even born yet.
A RANGE OF PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY REWARDING CAREER OPTIONS
The benefits of having a criminal justice degree also include opportunities to pursue well-paying, in-demand job opportunities. Because of expected growth in criminal justice careers in the future, these roles also come with a certain amount of job security, steady pay, and benefits that you may not find in other positions.
Some of the most popular jobs for people with criminal justice degrees include the following:
- Police Officer
- State Trooper
- Corrections Officer
- Youth/Juvenile Corrections Counselor
- Probation Officer
- Private Investigator
- Fraud Investigator
- Border Patrol/Customs Agent
- Social Worker
- Victim Advocate
- Court Professional
- Paralegal
- Forensic Investigator
- Crime Lab Analyst
These job titles represent just a sampling of the available career choices you can find when you earn a degree in criminal justice. It is worth noting that while a college degree may not be required for every one of these jobs, having a degree can help you stand out from other applicants and may help you negotiate for a higher starting salary and benefits.
PREPARE FOR YOUR FUTURE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE WITH A DEGREE FROM GENERATIONS COLLEGE
Generations College, located in the heart of Chicago, offers a Criminal Justice program designed to prepare graduates to enter the workforce armed with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. If you choose, you can then continue your education by applying your associate degree credits toward completion of a bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution.
To learn more about the Generations College Associate of Science Degree in Criminal Justice, contact us. If you’re ready to take the next step toward your future, apply online today!
