Tuesday, 29 May 2012

Online Criminology Degrees by Program Level

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.

Program Information and Requirements

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.

Career Information for Graduates

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.

Program Information and Requirements

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.

Career Information for Graduates

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.

Continuing Education Information

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