Are you interested in pursuing a career in criminal justice? If you have always dreamed of being able to choose from a wide array of different criminal justice careers, the first step is to enroll in a criminal justice degree program. With a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice, you can become an FBI agent, a jail warden, a criminal psychologist, and even a youth counselor in the juvenile system. With so many different colleges offering Criminal Justice degrees, it can be difficult to choose the degree program that is best for you. If you know exactly what career you are aiming for, you can make sifting through the programs easier by choosing the program that offers the appropriate specialization courses.
What is a Specialization?
Criminal justice is a very broad term, especially when you are talking about a degree program. The program will include a wide array of different courses that cover the field, and then specialized courses that are designed to cater to students who are pursing a specific position. If you want to work in law enforcement, in the juvenile system, or in federal jails, there are specialization courses that will help you learn the practical knowledge you will need to know to get the job and become an asset.
What are Some of the Specialization Courses That Can Enhance Your Career in the Field of Criminal Justice?
There are several specialized criminal justice careers. Some of these careers include positions with the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, the ATF, and the Secret Service. While a bachelor’s degree is not required for every position in the field, to work with any one of these agencies applicants will need to possess a degree, and completing specialization courses in justice administration will give applicants an advantage in a highly competitive job market. Some of the specialization courses that you can enroll in when you attend a respected Criminal Justice program with an accredited institution include:
* Courses in Criminal Investigation that will cover theory and problem-solving methods
* Terrorism Investigation courses that will cover the roots of terrorism and challenges and laws both domestically and internationally
* Crime Scene Investigation course that covers how to examine a scene for evidence
* Courses in Criminal Law that cover procedures that law enforcement officers must take when interrogating, and other procedures in criminal law
* Courses in Policing
* Corrections specialization courses
* Emergency Management courses
Demand for Criminal Justice Majors
If you are pursuing a degree in criminal justice, you will be happy to hear that the field is growing. In fact, the job outlook for criminal justice majors is good, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimating that the need for some professionals like police and detectives to grow by 7% The need for other specialized professionals is expected to grow by more than this.
When you are comparing all of the Criminal Justice degree programs that are accepting students, be sure to consider what specialization courses are available. If you are not sure of what you want to do in the field, take a few different optional courses to determine what interests you the most before you waste your time pursuing a career that will not keep your interest.
