In this article, I will be answering the question of whether or not an associate degree in criminal justice is worth it.
We would explore the job prospects ad educational requirements to give you a closer idea of what to expect.
Keep reading and find out all you need to know about an associate degree in criminal justice.
Is An Associate’s Degree In Criminal Justice Worth It?
Choosing to further your education is a good decision because it allows you to improve your life and finances.
An associate degree in criminal justice can give you the financial security that you need. It can also open up many job opportunities for you.
Some of the job opportunities for graduates in criminal justice are court officials, police work, security officials, law, and forensic studies.
No matter what area of criminal justice you wish to concentrate a degree with this course would arm you with the qualifications and experience you need in serving your community.
A degree in criminal justice would distinguish you from other candidates who are chasing the same position.
This blog post would showcase all you need to know about getting an associate degree in criminal justice. It would cover the best careers in criminal justice that would offer you the financial freedom that you are seeking.
We assure you that this article would answer your question “is an associate degree in criminal justice worth it”? Read on!
Career Opportunities For An Associate Degree In Criminal Justice.
The future is promising for graduates of an associate degree in criminal justice because the sad reality of life is that crime would never go away in society
It would continue to be a concern for people around the world because of this factor three would always be a need for crime fighters.
Now let’s take a look at some of the career opportunities that are available for graduates with an associated degree in criminal justice.
1. Forensics
Forensics cut across so many fields of study like the medical and legal sectors. Forensic officials solve essential roles in society because they help in solving serious issues relating to defense and prosecutions in court.
To specialize in forensics, you must take courses in chemistry, biology, and physics, so that you would able to examine and inspect criminal-related cases.
The multidimensional aspects of an associate degree in criminal justice are what make it worth your stress.
The job opportunities for forensic officials are what make an associate degree in criminal justice worth it. Below are some of the best forensic scientist jobs that you can chase:
A. Fingerprint Analyst
A fingerprint analyst is responsible for studying and evaluating fingerprint analyses that are related to criminal cases.
A fingerprint analyst earns about $40,840 every year.
B. Evidence Technician
An evidence technician accumulated and process evidence for legal processions. An evidence technician earns about $55,000 every year.
C. Forensic Science Technician
Forensic science technician also works at crime scenes, they help gather and examine evidence relating to crime.
You can find forensic science technicians working at crime labs, police departments, and medical offices.
They earn an average of $40000 every year.
D. Forensic Specialist
They examine critical evidence materials that are found at crime scenes. Forensic scientists examine materials like drugs biological fluids and gunshot remains.
They also work in the courts as expert witnesses. Forensic specialists earn an average of $69,000 every year
E. Forensic Pathologist
These set of professionals conduct autopsies to ascertain the cause of death. They also assist in the investigation of crimes
Forensic pathologists earn about $185,000 every year.
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2. Juvenile Justice
Do you love kids? If yes, you should consider getting an associate degree in criminal justice.
Juvenile officials work closely with kids who are troubled or have been convicted of crimes that might result in serving a jail sentence.
They also work as detention officers, who monitor kids and teens who are serving a sentence in a juvenile justice facility.
This is a serious job that needs someone responsible, sincere and committed to working.
What makes it rewarding is the fact that you are going to help kids trail the right path in life and correct their mistakes at an early age.
The Responsibilities Of A juvenile official include:
- Guiding and teaching troubled youth
- Supervising probationary children who committed crimes.
- Offering courtroom testimonies on juvenile cases.
- Producing written reports on cases.
- Examining the progress of juvenile offenders
- Assisting and mentoring incarcerated youth
- Working closely with police officers, lawyers, and court officials.
- They also work with the parents and guidance of juvenile offenders.
These professionals are important in the society because they work hand in hand with parents and law officials to save troubled youth who are often regarded as miscreants by other members of society.
All these processes help kids and young adults to become trusted and productive adults in society.
According to research the average annual salary of probation and juvenile officers is around $50,000.
3. Crime Scene Investigation
An associate degree in criminal justice is the best career for you If you love crime scene movies.
These set of professionals are assigned with the responsibility of documenting and assisting crime officials to solve crimes in society.
They also compile and examine evidence at crime scenes to gather theories regarding potential criminal events that might have occurred.
Although CSI officials are not the heads of investigations, they are however among the decision-makers who guide the team of investigators with their dedication and rigor.
The responsibilities of crime scene investigators include:
- Collecting fingerprints from investigators.
- Collecting and documenting trace evidence of DNA from investigators
- Determining the time and cause of death of the victim
- Examining weapons and devices used in committing a crime.
- Testifying as part of the expert witnesses in court
- Conducting interviews with relatives of the victim, law enforcement officials, and medical officials.
According to research, crime investigators earn more than $50,000 every year.
4. Criminal Psychologist
As we stated earlier, crime would continue to happen in a society which means there would e a continuous need for people to take an associate degree in criminal justice.
A carer in criminal psychology is one of the best courses for those who love watching crime scenes and evaluating accused victims.
They are also part of the testimony officials who works in civil, military, family, and criminal court.
A criminal psychologist offers therapeutic services to those who require treatment in court custody.
This also includes therapy for convicts or individual therapy for people who have been found guilty of a crime.
Criminal psychologists earn more than $58,000 every year.
5. Homeland Security
Are you interested in protecting your country from enemies and catastrophic events? If yes, homeland security is what you need.
Graduates of this degree work in law enforcement agencies, government agencies, and private organizations.
Getting an associate degree in criminal justice can assist you in your career as a homeland security official.
The degree gives you the fundamental knowledge, that is required to specialize in areas like homeland security, border patrol, and many more opportunities that are available.
The degree doesn’t only earn you the respect of members of society but it also gives you pride for serving and protecting the borders of your country.
Research has proven that homeland security officials and emergency management directors would have excellent job offers in the coming years.
Homeland security officials earn an average of $83,000 every year while emergency management directors earn about $70,000 annually.
6. Cybersecurity
Technology has improved the increase of hackers and cybercriminals.
These miscreants create and launch new and sophisticated computer viruses that destroy important data of companies, government agencies, and businesses.
Research has shown that hackers steal more than $900 billion every year from the world’s economy. This is why we need cyber security officials.
Cybersecurity officials are one of the most sorts after technologists in the world They are the real superheroes to companies and businesses.
They constantly fight against cyber criminals that are stealing billions from the world’s economy. They block the links these cyber criminals have to information and funds.
Cyber security officials keep our countries safe from criminals who wish to harm us.
Companies and businesses are constantly in need of beefing up their network security protocols. This is why an associate degree in criminal justice is worth it.
From hospitals to cooperations and construction industries, no industry can afford to lose millions of dollars to cyber hackers this is why there’s an increase in demand for cybersecurity officials.
With the growing digital community, there would be a 32% increase in the employment rate of cybersecurity analysts. This is almost 7 times the growth of other occupations in the world.
cyber security analysts earn about $88,000 every year. Below are the sectors that work with cyber security analysts.
- Finance and insurance
- Computer systems design and related services
- Information
- Management of companies and enterprises
- Administrative and support services
Can I Get An Online Associate Degree In Criminal Justice?
The simple answer is yes! You can get an online associate degree in criminal justice, unlike some science degree courses that require lots of lab work.
Technology has made it easy for you to get any degree online. It has allowed adult learners to manage schooling, work, and family life.
Adult learners face many challenges whenever it comes to going back to college. Studying and working are not easy that’s why we advise adults student to pursue an online degree.
Everybody should have access to university education, so they can become empowered to cater to themselves and contribute to societal growth.
That is why we feel an associate degree in criminal justice is the way to go. Below are some reasons why you should consider taking an online associate degree in criminal justice
1. Flexible Schedule
This is one of the main reasons people choose online degrees.
A flexible schedule would give you, time to work and source for schooling funds and also take care of family responsibilities.
Working full-time and taking care of your family shouldn’t be the reason you cannot get a degree with an online degree in criminal justice you are sure going to have a smooth learning experience
This means never missing work or your child’s swimming game!
2. Affordable Tuition
We cannot deny the fact that being a physical student cost more than taking online classes. It doesn’t require much preparation all you need is an internet-accessible device.
You don’t need to prepare or buy new schooling materials or even gas money to get on campus. Bonus, you get to work and chase your degree.
3. Flexibility
It allows you to combine schooling and work without compromising any area of your life.
An online accelerated degree in criminal justice allows you to study at your own pace when it’s very convenient for you.
Why Should I Get An Associate Degree In Criminal Justice Degree
There are many reasons to get an associate degree in criminal justice but here are a few.
1. Market Demand
The skills and training you would get in a criminal justice degree are always in demand.
The truth is that crime would always exist in society which means, there would continue to be a demand for crime figures.
Let’s face it we can never know what might happen tomorrow, but we would always need a justice system to fight crimes.
A degree in criminal justice would offer you full-time job security, fulfillment, and high-earning opportunities.
Furthermore, candidates who have taken a bold step to further their degree will have a greater chance in terms of job opportunities.
2. High Earning Potential
As you have seen many specializations in criminal justice earn well. This degree gives you a lucrative and stable career path.
When you further your degree in criminal justice you would have the potential to earn more.
3. Job Versatility
Many people in the workforce hope for a time when they can make a change in their specialization.
Maybe they have lost love for the field, picked a new field that they love, or simply aren’t making enough money to cater to their needs from the field.
Worry no more because a criminal justice degree covers a huge range of job opportunities that can allow you to shift between various career paths.
An associate degree in criminal justice can earn you a position in the law, homeland security, detective, forensic specialist, DEA agent, probation officer, and a lots more. You would never be short on career options.
If you seek a great work-life experience and want to serve your country, then you should consider taking up an associate degree in criminal justice.
Cost And Tuition Of Getting An Associate Degree In Criminal Justice.
Getting a degree in criminal justice is a financial investment for you and your family.
And money shouldn’t be a reason why you cannot get a degree because many financial aid options can assist you in saving for school.
Three are many saving options out there, all you need to do is to go through your school’s grant requirement and gather the necessary documents that are used in applying for grants.
Furthermore take advantage of free courses, discounts, and many more opportunities that are created to assist students in saving and getting affordable education.
The Best School To Get An Associate Degree In Criminal Justice
Now you know why you should consider taking a degree in criminal justice, what are the best schools to get this degree from? Well, let’s check them out below.
1. University Of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania was created in the early 17th century.
It is one of the oldest universities in the United States. The University Of Pennsylvania has continued to offer the best to its students since its creation.
The school has a department of criminology. It offers a national award to the best undergraduate in the department of criminology.
Furthermore, you would take core courses like introduction to criminology, race and ethnic relations, and criminal justice when you get admitted into this prestigious school.
Supreme court justices, governors, and senators are some of the notable alumni of this university.
2. The University Of Florida
This university offers one of the best criminology degrees in the world. It was created in the late 80s.
Students at this school are required to complete at least 100 semester credits.
Some of the courses you would take when you get admitted into the department of criminology are crime and punishment, US legal history, law and economics, and many more.
Furthermore, the university also provides grant options to assist students in funding their education.
3. The University Of Maryland
This institution is also a great place to pursue an associate degree in criminal justice. The landmass of this school can serve more than 40,000 students.
Some of the courses you would take after you get admitted to study criminal justice at the University of Maryland are crime and delinquency prevention, statistics for criminology, and criminal justice research.
To get a good GPA in this course you must graduate with a minimum of 39 credit units after your period of learning at this school.
This course is one of the most innovative degrees in Maryland and beyond.
4 The University Of Califonia
The University of California is another great school to get a degree. Her criminal justice degree concentrates more on the relationship between law, society, politics, and crime.
When you get admitted to study criminal justice at the University of California you would take courses in criminology, law, and society, American law, and criminal justice programs.
Degrees In Criminal Justice
What kind of degrees are you searching for? Let’s take a look at some of them.
1. Associate’s Degree In Criminal Justice
An associate degree is a two-year degree that can be gotten online or at a traditional school.
Getting an associate degree in criminal justice would equip you with the right mindset and skills that are needed for criminal justice positions.
For instance, many crime fighters pursue an associate degree in criminal justice to be able to handle administrative positions.
Nonetheless, if you desire to reach senior-level positions such as chief detective you must furthermore your degree because more responsibility needs more knowledge.
An associate degree in criminal justice would give you an edge over other candidates and can assist you in achieving more over a short period.
2. Bachelor’s Degree In Criminal Justice
After your associate degree, you can enroll immediately in a bachelor’s degree program in criminal justice. This is because bachelor’s degrees are required by most employers.
This degree would assist you in being different and special from the crowd which can in turn increase your job chances and payment.
3. Master’s Degree In Criminal Justice
After completing your bachelor’s degree this is the next step you should take.
A master’s degree course can vary according to the school and kind of course that you are taking. Most master’s degree courses require 12 months to 4 years of continuous studies.
However, you might ask “Is worth it to get a master’s in criminal justice?” the answer is yes. After all the hire your degree the hirer your salary and payment would be.
So why not register for a master’s degree in criminal justice from any reputable university today?
Furthermore, getting a master’s degree in criminal justice can lead to greater career advancement and better opportunities.
It also allows you to pursue specialization work and cahs administerial positions in criminal justice.
4. Doctor’s Degrees
This is the most advanced degree in the university. A doctorate in criminal justice gives you an authority in the field of criminal justice.
A doctorate also attracts higher pay, advanced option, and juicy incentives. There are several doctorate options in this degree all you need to do is choose the path that best suits you.
Furthermore, a doctorate in criminal justice can earn you employment at a university or college.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s The Highest-paying Job In Criminal Justice?
Judges, lawyers, FBI specialists, FBI agents, and criminologists are the highest-paying careers in criminal justice.
What Criminal Justice Jobs Are In Demand?
Security guards, correctional officers, human services assistants, and police patrol officers are the most joe in demand relating to a degree in criminal justice.
What Is Better Criminal Justice Or Criminology?
Both are excellent fields of study. However, you should take a degree in criminology if you love research and policies while those that have picked an interest in the law enforcement system should tackle a degree in criminal justice.
Is Criminal Justice Hard?
Criminal justice is neither hard nor easy. Just like every other course, you need to work hard and be determined to succeed.
Is Criminal Justice A Good Career?
Criminal justice is a great career, it’s one of the best ways to give back to the community.
Is Criminology A Good Major For The FBI?
Yes, candidates with degrees in criminology have a greater advantage to progress in the law enforcement agency.
Is A Master’s In Criminal Justice Worth It?
Yes, a master’s in criminal justice allows you to get better job offers and advance your career.
Is There A Lot Of Writing In Criminal Justice Major?
You cannot be great at this career without reading, writing, and critical thinking critically within a program
Conclusion.
Its no doubt that your question “is an associated degree in criminal justice worth it” has been answered
Go through the steps and degrees that were stated in this post and pick the best course that suits you.
Are you currently taking an associate degree in criminal justice? If yes, tell us about it in the comment section.
