Introduction to Criminal Justice to every day around the globe, crimes are committed against people, property, or even statutes. This can be an apt an online degree in criminal justice explores the various policies, components, and practices of the existing criminal justice system. It also includes concepts like law enforcement, corrections, courts, and security. You can also go through law school before being able to step into the legal profession as a practitioner.

Certain online programs give an Introduction to criminal justice and also focus on homeland security, victim advocacy, and juvenile justice. Students who earn an online criminal justice degree can work in the capacity of police officers, detectives, correctional treatment specialists, probation officers, investigators, and private detectives.

Introduction to Criminal Justice-Objectives

The primary objectives of a criminal justice system are:

1.      Retribution

2.      Deterrence

3.      Incapacitation

4.      Rehabilitation

5.      Restoration

3 Major Components of Criminal Justice System- Pillars of Criminal Justice.

To know about components of Introduction to Criminal Justice you must go through, the 5 major pillars of criminal justice are:

1.      The Community

2.      The Law Enforcement

3.      The Courts

4.      The Prosecution

5.      The Correction

Introduction To Criminal Justice Course – Top Major Justice Perspectives

Here are the major perspectives taught in a criminal justice course:

1.      Crime control Perspective

2.      Rehabilitation Perspective

3.      Due-process Perspective

4.      Non-intervention Perspective

5.      Equal Justice Perspective

6.      Restorative Justice Perspective

Difference between an Associate Degree and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice

You see, the major difference between these two degrees is the total duration of the course. An associate degree is a 2-years course, whereas a bachelor’s degree is of 4 years. Needless to say, the coursework in a bachelor’s degree is more than the associate one.  Moreover, a bachelor’s degree is focused on a chosen field of study, thus giving an extra edge to its students.

Apart from this, the major difference between the courses in their curriculum and employment options. An associate program will incorporate entry-level courses like the intro to criminal justice, whereas, a bachelor’s course will include more detailed and in-depth concepts. Bachelor’s degree allows the students to concentrate more in a particular area of the subject.

Importance of criminal justice system – You see, an associate degree will prepare a student for further studies or entry-level job opportunities, or even both. Many students prefer to work for some time after gaining their associate degree in criminal justice, before starting their bachelor’s course.

These students must ensure that their credits from the associate programs are transferable to the majority of the schools. They must also ensure that they have ample time to return for further studies before the credits expire.

What is the purpose of the criminal justice system – Here are some promising career options for these associate program graduates. However, please note that further special training and certifications are also required to maintain their positions.

·         Police officer

·         Corrections officer

On the other hand, a bachelor’s degree opens avenues for higher job profiles. However, additional field experience will open avenues for better and higher profiles for these graduates. The best part is, students with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can directly join a job position after selection.

·         Probation Officer

·         Private Detective

·         Forensic Science Technician

·         Crime Scene Investigator

·         State Trooper, and so on.

 

Students who wish to refine their criminology skills can opt for a Master’s in criminal justice. This degree can qualify these students for high-end profiles in criminal psychology, profiling, and forensic departments.

You see, an associate degree is perfect for a student who has time constraints and is not sure of his future in this industry. However, they should understand that if they decide to join this sector, they need to undergo further education and training to move beyond these entry-level positions.

Common Courses in Introduction to Criminal Justice

Although every online criminal justice course is different in different colleges, here are some courses that are common in all of them.

·         Criminology – This course is concerned about exploring the patterns and origins of crime. It offers a detailed overview of the primary schools of thought in modern criminology theories. Students are also engaged in critically analyzing the response and cultural representation of the crime, criminal activities, and criminals. Apart from this, it also deals with the uses and origins of crime statistics.

·         Criminal Law – This course focuses on the criminal justice system, by understanding how law enforcement, corrections, and courts work to reduce the crime rates and protect the citizens. It also examines the practices and principals of punishment and justice through introduction to criminal justice.

·         Criminal Justice Ethics – This course will teach the basic ethical codes followed in this sector. Students also get acquainted with various ethical strategies for solving problems and conflicts.

·         Quantitative Methods – Quantitative methods are an integral part of criminal justice. The course analyses complex social and economic issues that give rise to crime. It also focuses on data collection and analysis.

·         Critical Analysis of Criminal Justice System – Students in this course examine the current reduction in crime rate and safety methods used in the criminal justice system and organizations. Research, critical evaluation and case studies are also a part of this course. If you want more information regarding introduction to criminal justice, please visit The Best criminal justice program.

Introduction to Criminal Justice Graduates Salary- Legal Profession

As per the latest stats released by the Bureau of Labour Statistics, the median salary of detectives and police officers is around $63,380 per annum. Let’s have a look at their designation wise salary details:

Salaries in the Legal Profession:

·         Paralegal – $49,500 per year

·         Legal Secretary – $45,900 per year

·         Law Officer Manager – $90,050 per year

·         Legal Nurse Consultant – $68,450 per year

·         Mediator – $59,770 per year

·         Court Reporter – $51,320 per year

Salaries in the Law Enforcement sector

·         Police Officer – $61,600 per year

·         Transit and Railroad Police – $61,600 per year

·         Federal Law Enforcement Agent – $61,600 per year

·         Security Guard – $25,770 per year

·         Private Investigator – $48,190 per year

·         Criminologist – $56,750 per year

Salaries in the Forensic Department

·         Forensic Science Technician – $56,750 per year

·         Forensic Psychologist – $75,230 per year

·         Criminal Investigator – $78,120 per year

Corrections Salaries

·         Correctional Administrator – $60,560 per year

·         Corrections Officer – $42,820 per year

·         Probation Officer / Treatment Specialist – $50,160 per year

Criminal justice is a challenging and progressive field. It offers many lucrative job opportunities for dynamic and passionate individuals who wish to build a safe and crime-free society. 

If you also aspire to make it big in this sector, please understand that mere Introduction to Criminal Justice will not be sufficient. You must refine your skills by pursuing higher courses in criminal justice. Write us your queries! For more information about this, please visit our home page Online Schools Near Me.