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Pick Your Path: Careers in Criminal Justice

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CRIMINOLOGY VS. CRIMINAL JUSTICE The terms "criminology" and "criminal justice" are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Criminology is a behavioral science which focuses on the study of crime and criminal behavior. Criminal justice refers to the system used to deal with crime, from detecting and detaining through prosecuting and punishment. type of criminal justice degrees are available? Criminal justice degrees are available from the associate through the doctoral level. There are different areas of study and specializations within criminal justice as well. For instance, one may earn a of science in the administration of justice and security or a doctor of criminal justice with a special- in homeland security. The path you choose depends upon your goal after graduation and the offerings of the educational institution you type of careers are available? component of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, the court system and the correction system, has opportunities for those with right education and experience. Positions range entry level through executive and are based the laws of the jurisdiction and how an organi- is structured. This may create an environment allows one to enter the field and work their up as they gain experience and knowledge. Some careers within the field involve working directly with offenders, defendants and those on probation. This type of work may be best suited for those interested in case management, rehabilitation and community welfare. Other careers focus on adminis- trative aspects within the criminal justice system. These roles may be best suited for those interested in how an organization functions and developing policies and procedures to improve safety and efficiency. There are also numerous paths that can lead to a career in criminal justice depending upon your background, interests and goals. People with under- graduate degrees in any area can become qualified for a criminal justice career by pursuing a graduate degree related to criminal justice. In fact, many people with backgrounds in science or behavioral science use their unique experience to distinguish themselves in the workplace. For instance, someone with a bachelor's in psychology could earn a master's in criminal justice to transition into the field. CRIMINOLOGY VS. CRIMINAL JUSTICE The terms "criminology" and "criminal justice" are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Criminology is a behavioral science which focuses on the study of crime and criminal behavior. Criminal justice refers to the system used to deal with crime, from detecting and detaining through prosecuting and punishment. What type of criminal justice degrees are available? Criminal justice degrees are available from the associate through the doctoral level. There are different areas of study and specializations within criminal justice as well. For instance, one may earn a master of science in the administration of justice and security or a doctor of criminal justice with a specialization in homeland security. The path you choose depends upon your goal after graduation and the unique offerings of the educational institution you attend. What type of careers are available? Each component of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, the court system and the correction system, has opportunities for those with the right education and experience. Positions range from entry level through executive and are based upon the laws of the jurisdiction and how an organization is structured. This may create an environment which allows one to enter the field and work their way up as they gain experience and knowledge. Some careers within the field involve working directly with offenders, defendants and those on probation. This type of work may be best suited for those interested in case management, rehabilitation and community welfare. Other careers focus on adminis- trative aspects within the criminal justice system. These roles may be best suited for those interested in how an organization functions and developing policies and procedures to improve safety and efficiency. There are also numerous paths that can lead to a career in criminal justice depending upon your background, interests and goals. People with under- graduate degrees in any area may become qualified for a criminal justice career by pursuing a graduate degree related to criminal justice. In fact, many people with backgrounds in science or behavioral science use their unique experience to distinguish themselves in the workplace. For instance, someone with a bachelor's in psychology could earn a master's in criminal justice to transition into the field.

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