Criminal Justice Certificate
A criminal justice certificate can help individuals to prepare for a career in law enforcement and related fields while helping improve their attractiveness as a job candidate. While not all police departments require a college degree, many departments require some college credit or give preference to applicants with college experience.
Criminal Justice Certificate Programs
Criminal justice certificate programs are often shorter than associate’s degrees and can be completed within a few months instead of years. Certificate programs are generally less expensive than associate’s and bachelor’s programs and can help significantly increase your lifetime earning potential. According to a report from the Center on Education and the Workforce at Georgetown University, certificates add close to $117,000 in lifetime when compared to a high school diploma. Criminal justice certification programs typically provide a introduction to the basic aspects of criminal justice law and an overview of criminal behavior. An online criminal justice certificate program can be a convenient way to earn this degree without having to travel to campus and attend class.
>>Find a Certificate Program from a Criminal Justice Schools
Criminal Justice Career Outlook
There are several career paths available to individuals within the criminal justice field including police officer, crime scene technician, and border patrol agents to name a few. Job opportunities are favorable at many city police departments while competition for jobs is stronger at State and Federal agencies. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, police and detective jobs are projected to grow 10 percent from 2008-2018.
Certificate Degrees from Accredited Online Criminal Justice Schools
The Bush School
Popular Certificate Degree Programs:
- Graduate Certificate - Defense Policy & Military Affairs
- Graduate Certificate - Intelligence
- Graduate Certificate - Critical Infrastruction Protection
- Graduate Certificate - Emergency and Crisis Preparedness and Mgmt
- Graduate Certificate - Homeland Security Policy and Mgmt
- Graduate Certificate - National Security Policy
Northcentral University
Popular Certificate Degree Programs:
- Certificate – Criminal Justice
- Certificate – Homeland Security
Oregon State University
Popular Degrees:
- B.S. Fisheries and Wildlife
- Fisheries Management Graduate Certificate
- B.S. Natural Resources
- B.S. Environmental Sciences
Post University
Popular Degrees:
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Legal Studies
- Legal Nurse Consulting Certificate
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Management for Registered Nurse
- Forensic Accounting Certificate
Grantham University
Popular Degrees:
- Associate of Arts - Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Arts Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
- Certificate of Learning Computer Forensic Investigations
- Certificate of Learning Criminal Investigation
- Certificate of Learning Juvenile Justice
Penn Foster Career School
Popular Computer Forensics Degrees:
- Forensic Computer Examiner Certificate
Test Drive College Online
If you are thinking about online college but you’re not sure if it's for you, you should apply for Test Drive College Online. It is the only program that provides students with the opportunity to "try" online learning by taking a real college course online at no cost or obligation. Plus, the credits you earn may save you up to $2000 in tuition when you apply them toward a full degree. Get Started!
References:
1. Harr, J. Scott. Careers in Criminal Justice and Related Fields. Belmont: Wadsworth, 2010.
