Prospective students interested in
criminology can find a variety of degree programs available online at
the bachelor's and master's degree levels. In these programs, students
gain the necessary skills to pursue careers in law enforcement,
corrections, education, probation and private security.
Overview of Online Criminology Bachelor's Degree Programs
Students can take courses entirely online while earning a Bachelor of
Science in Criminology or Bachelor of Science in Criminology and
Criminal Justice. These programs include in-depth study of criminal behavior, violence, justice system practices,
law enforcement
and criminal rehabilitation. Skills are acquired in leadership,
professional ethics and communication. Upon graduation, students will
have a firm understanding of criminal justice theories, policies and
laws.
Programs are available entirely online and in a hybrid format.
Students can expect to graduate in 2-4 years, depending on both the
program and the rate at which students complete coursework. Online
criminology bachelor's degree programs are generally 120 credit hours in
length. Students communicate with instructors and other students via
message boards and e-mail.
It is necessary that students have access to a computer with a
high-speed Internet connection. It is also helpful if the computer has
an updated Web browser and operating system.
Typical Online Courses
Some degree programs offer courses in an accelerated online format
that can be completed in as little as five weeks. Coursework includes
electives.
Theory of Criminology Course
This course covers topics such as the psychology of criminal
behavior, potential consequences and prevention methods. Students learn
about socio-economic, gender and psychological issues in relation to
criminal behavior.
Criminal Justice Course
Students learn a basic overview of the justice system, including
court and correctional procedures. The roles of various levels of law
enforcement are also covered. Additionally, students study the theory
and philosophy of crime and punishment.
Crime Analysis Course
Students learn to apply criminology theory when assessing criminal
behavior. The course covers the technology used and the history of and
practices in modern criminal analysis.
Many careers fields within the justice system offer entry-level
employment for graduates, including corrections, private security, law
enforcement and probation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics (
www.bls.gov)., 103,400 probation officers and
correctional treatment specialists were employed nationwide in 2008, ,
with the number expected to increase 10% from 2008-2018. In May of 2009
the median wage of a probation officer was $45,5300 annually.
Overview of Online Criminology Master's Degree Programs
Criminology master's degree programs are designed for working
professionals who are seeking leadership and management positions within
their respective fields. Students will gain advanced knowledge of
criminal behavior and a more in-depth understanding of the justice
system. Students can earn a Master of Science or Master of Arts in
Criminology. In these programs, students acquire advanced leadership,
communication and management skills.
Students can expect to be enrolled for about two years. In general,
coursework is around 30 to 40 credit hours in length. The programs are
offered entirely online and courses are often delivered in an
asynchronous format, which is helpful to working professionals. Some
programs require that students have access to a television with a VCR,
so that students may view course-assigned videos.
Typical Online Courses
Depending on the program, curricula is made up of half core courses
and half elective courses. Coursework is often finished with a capstone
research project.
Criminal Justice Administration Course
Students gain the administrative and management skills needed to
effectively hold an administrative position in various criminal justice
fields, including law enforcement, the court system and correctional
facility administration.
Delinquent Crime Prevention Course
Students learn standard theory behind punishment and prevention of
criminal behavior in juvenile delinquents. This course emphasizes
prevention though community programs with the use of technology.
Criminal Justice Computer Applications Course
Students learn various uses of computers, including database
management, spreadsheets and graphics. Students also learn how to
utilize the Internet for communication and researching crimes and
criminal history.
Upon graduation, students are eligible to hold advanced
administration positions in the fields of law enforcement, corrections
and probation. In some states, students are eligible to teach
criminology courses at local colleges. According the U.S Bureau of Labor
Statistics, in May of 2009 there were 12,610 postsecondary criminal
justice teachers nationwide. The largest number of teachers in this
field taught at the junior college level, where the annual wage was
$61,870.
Students are able to pursue advanced degrees in criminology at the
doctoral level. One common degree program is the Ph.D. in Criminology.
This degree is rarely, if ever, available online due to the intense
research involved and the need to have access to applicable literature.
No comments:
Post a Comment