Online Accelerated Degrees in Criminal Justice Administration: Program Info

Accelerated degree programs in criminal justice are available at the master's and bachelor's levels. The two programs are often combined, making for faster completion of both degrees. Online programs are usually flexible, allowing students to transfer credits from other institutions and maintain a work schedule outside of school.

Overview of Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Criminal Justice Administration

Criminal justice administration explores the entire criminal justice system, from policing and deterrence to court proceedings and detention. Bachelor's degree programs in the field cover a broad array of topics within the system in order to prepare students for the wide variety of professional opportunities, including careers in police departments, legal offices, prisons or public defender offices. . Online programs allow students to complete coursework as their schedule may permit and to finish accelerated degrees in less time than on-campus programs require.

Program Information and Requirements

Online bachelor's degree programs in criminal justice administration cover techniques crucial to work in many aspects of the criminal justice system, including supervision, leadership, management, problem solving, laws and research. All these general principles are related to current and historical approaches to controlling crime. Some online programs offer accelerated degree options. Accelerated degree programs allow students who have completed an associate's degree, or have earned credits from another university, to apply credits to the accelerated bachelor's degree program. Programs like this tend to be ideal for people looking to complete their degree while working full time. An accelerated bachelor's degree program can sometimes be completed in less than a year.
Online courses typically provide academic resources, support services and interactive learning tools for students. Specific hardware may be required, and software downloads may be necessary for certain courses. Lectures, exams, homework and class discussion are completed through the course website.

Common Coursework for Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in Criminal Justice Administration

Coursework covers a wide range of topics in criminal justice. Students will explore practical ideas and theories needed to work in criminal justice organizations, and to take on issues that may arise within the system.

Criminal Justice Administration Course

This course is an introduction to the structure, function and history of the U.S. criminal justice system. Students will focus on the various aspects of the administration of the justice systems.

Criminology Course

This course looks at theories related to the causation and nature of crime. Students will examine the reactions societies have to criminal behavior and crimes committed.

Agency Administration Course

This course examines management and administrative techniques. Students will study these techniques in relation to criminal justice organizations and agencies.

Career Information for Graduates

A popular career option for someone who has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice administration is to become a parole officer. As of May 2009, the average annual wage for parole officers was $50,550, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS (www.bls.gov) reported that between 2008 and 2018, job opportunities in the field are expected to grow by 19%.

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Overview of Online Master's Degree Programs in Criminal Justice

Many students who earn a bachelor's degree in criminal justice administration go on to pursue a master's degree in the field, and online programs tend to be readily available. Accelerated master's degree programs are available in the field, allowing students to complete graduate coursework within their bachelor's degree program. Online master's degree programs in criminal justice administration are typically meant to expand upon the knowledge a student already possesses, and increase proficiency within the professional working environment of the field. In comparison to bachelor's-level programs, special emphasis is placed on enhancing supervisory and research skills, to prepare graduates for higher-level management positions.

Program Information and Requirements

Accelerated master's degree programs allow students to apply course credit that they earned while completing a bachelor's degree toward their master's degree. Students who complete their bachelor's degree and are accepted into the master's degree program,will already have completed a number of courses required for the master's program. This accelerates the time it takes to complete both the bachelor's and master's degree programs.
Coursework is completed online, and everything from lectures to discussions take place through the course website. Students explore criminal behavior and how to research and address crime as a social phenomenon.

Common Coursework for a Master's Degree in Criminal Justice

Students will study legislation and law at the state and federal level. Courses focus on the structure of criminal justice organizations, management techniques, research and data evaluation, criminal procedure, civil rights and law enforcement.

Criminological Theory Course

This course analyzes criminal behavior and its causes throughout the world. Students also look at ethics and legal issues involved in dealing with criminal behavior.

Legal Issues in Criminal Justice Course

Students study recent laws and legislation, as well as administration of the criminal justice system. This course explores areas of law enforcement, criminal procedure and civil rights.

Research Methodology Course

Students explore research processes and how to better conduct research within the field of criminal justice. This course covers theories and methods in causation, validity and data analysis.

Career Information for Graduates

People who hold a master's degree in criminal justice often work as paralegals. As of May 2009, the average annual income for paralegals was $50,080, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov). The BLS reported that between 2008 and 2018, job opportunities in the field are expected to grow by 28%.