If a career in Criminal Justice sounds exciting to you, check into the Criminal Justice Degree program at Florida National University (FNU). Our university is regionally accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associates, bachelors, and master’s degree to students who successfully complete our programs. The goal of this bachelor of science degree program is to provide the foundation for an entry-level career in Criminal Justice or prepare graduates to apply to a masters and/or doctoral program in this field.
What Can I Do With a Criminal Justice Degree?
Criminal justice covers all aspects of law and law enforcement from paralegals to police officers. This is a great way to begin a new career path, facilitate career advancement in your current job, or use as a stepping stone toward a career as a judge or in politics. There are also some not-so-obvious occupations that you can pursue once you’ve completed your education. Here are a few examples:
- Customs and Import Agent – You’ll play a vital role in national security by assessing the value of items being brought into the country, assisting with investigation relating to smuggling and other international crimes, and helping to maintain border security.
- Computer Forensics Investigator – This career path is ideal for someone who has the passion to pursue a career in Criminal Justice and technology. You can help recover deleted or destroyed evidence from computers and electronic devices, provide expert testimony, and devise electronic security protocols.
- Loss Prevention Specialist – Work as a freelance consultant or on the payroll of a company. With this job, you’ll be responsible for identifying and eliminating external and internal threats, and security breeches. These threats can be theft of physical property or data. It’s up to you to assess companies or systems for weaknesses and make recommendations. You may also have to do some detective work to catch the culprit or find evidence.
- Private Investigator – Although this occupation is not quite as gritty or glamorous as television and movies would have you believe, it still can be an exciting job. You may work with individuals, court systems, law offices or businesses to investigate possible criminal activity, locate missing persons or witnesses, and find evidence. You can also work on your own or on a retainer for a company.
- Crime Victim’s Services Coordinator – This is a support position helping crime victims and their families take care of necessary details related to their case. In addition to emotional support, you may make arrangements or appointments with lawyers, medical professionals, and therapists or counselors. In short, you’ll see to the victim’s well being during an investigative court process.
The Future for Criminal Justice-Related Careers
The job prospects for police and detectives alone are expected to grow by 7% through 2026. The median salary income for an entry-level police officer or detective is $62,960 to $79,000. Crime scene investigators are another growth occupation in law enforcement that is expected to increase by 20% within the next two years; the average median income for this occupation is $57,850.
If you’re interested in working in the private sector, the demand for trained professionals in security and related fields is also expected to increase. Consultants can expect to make upwards of $100,000 a year, depending on whether they work for the government, a corporation, or a private business.
Top 5 Jobs You Can Get with a Criminal Justice Degree
What Can Type of Education Can I Expect from Florida National University?
Florida National University (FNU) provides you with the skills and knowledge you need for almost any entry-level job within the criminal justice sector. This type of education is ideal for students who are interested in our online degree program. Best of all, your education will be as complete and comprehensive as the courses offered on our two campuses in South Florida.
With this study option, you can complete your degree at your own pace, without disrupting your life or relocating. Since we’re a regionally accredited university, we’re able to offer access to financial aid programs, grants and scholarships at the state and federal level. Regional accreditation also means that any credits or degrees you earn are transferable.
The Criminal Justice program at FNU requires you to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours, 26 of which are in general education, behavioral sciences, and technology. The bulk of your studies will include:
- 12 credits of lower-level courses in subjects like criminal law, corrections, and criminal investigations
- 9 credits in lower-level electives like constitutional law, research methods, ethics, and a criminal justice capstone project
- 30 credits in upper level electives that might include forensic pathology, terrorism, and private security
Florida National University Gives You Options
As one of the leading institutes of higher learning offering Criminal Justice degrees in the Miami area, we’re proud to make getting an education as hassle-free as possible. In addition to fully equipped, modern campuses in Hialeah and Miami, 100% of this degree program is available online for distance learners.
There’s No Need to Wait When You Can Apply Today
The world isn’t becoming any safer, so we need more qualified Criminal Justice professionals on all sides of the equation. If this sounds like the kind of career you’ve been looking for, Florida National University is ready to open the doors to your future. You can create an account and apply online, ask about financial aid, or simply contact FNU to learn more about our programs and admissions requirements.
