Expand in page Navigation

Get Matched With Criminal Justice Programs

What is Criminal Justice?

Most people associate the criminal justice field with police officers and detectives, but there are actually many different types of criminal justice professionals. These include corrections officers, probation officers, lawyers, and judges. Each type of criminal justice professional has a different role to play in the system, but they all work together to ensure that criminals are brought to justice and that victims receive the support they need.

However, the huge variety of roles means that it’s difficult to provide you with a list of responsibilities you are likely to have after you graduate and begin your career. If you work as a paralegal, you might perform interviews, file paperwork with the court, and help with research. If you work as a highway patrol officer, you will likely spend much of your time in a vehicle, keeping an eye open for traffic violations, vehicles reported stolen, and dangerous situations. If you work in corrections, you will mostly keep an eye on inmates, maintain safety for all, and transport prisoners from one area to another. All of these come with varying degrees of difficulty and danger, so you’ll want to think long and hard before you choose which part of criminal justice you are interested in joining.

If you’re interested in a career in criminal justice, there are many different colleges and universities that offer degree programs in this field. You can also find programs that allow you to specialize in a specific area of interest, such as law enforcement or corrections.

Compare Popular Online Criminal Justice Programs

Online Criminal Justice Education in Vermont

Online criminal justice degree programs are designed to prepare students for careers in the field of criminal justice. These programs typically offer courses in law, criminology, and investigative techniques. Students who complete a criminal justice degree program may find employment as police officers, probation officers, or corrections officers.

There are many different types of online criminal justice degree programs available to students. Some programs focus on specific areas of criminal justice, such as forensics or juvenile justice. Other programs offer a more general overview of the field. Students should consider their career goals when choosing a college or degree program.

Some criminal justice online colleges and degree programs require students to complete an internship before graduation. Internships provide students with hands-on experience in the field of criminal justice and can give them a competitive edge when applying for jobs after graduation.

Find Your Online Criminal Justice Program

Online Associate Degree in Criminal Justice (AS)

An associate degree in criminal justice could be the first step in your journey to a career in law enforcement or corrections. This type of degree can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in these fields, as well as offer opportunities for advancement.

If you're interested in working in law enforcement, an associate degree in criminal justice can give you the basic knowledge and skills you need to start your career. You'll learn about the criminal justice system, how to investigate crimes, and how to write reports. You'll also gain an understanding of the laws that govern law enforcement officers.

If you're interested in working in corrections, an associate degree in criminal justice can provide you with the foundation you need to start your career. You'll learn about the different types of correctional facilities, the procedures for handling inmates, and the laws that govern corrections officers.

Online Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice (BS)

For many students, a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice is the first step on the path to a career in law enforcement or other aspects of the criminal justice system. However, a criminal justice degree can also lead to careers in other fields, such as social work, probation, and corrections.

A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice typically takes four years to complete and includes courses in law, sociology, psychology, and criminology. Students who are interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement may want to consider a specialization in police science or forensics.

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can find entry-level positions in various fields, such as probation officers, correctional counselors, and loss prevention specialists. With experience and additional education, they may advance to positions such as detective or police chief.

Online Masters Degree in Criminal Justice (MS)

Earning your master’s degree in criminal justice can help you qualify for many different types of jobs in the field of law enforcement and corrections. With a master’s degree, you may be able to find a job as a police chief, detective, federal agent, or probation officer. You can also use your degree to become a lawyer or a judge.

If you are interested in working in the field of criminal justice, there are many different types of colleges and universities that offer programs at the bachelor’s and master’s level. Some schools offer online programs, which can be convenient if you have a full-time job or other commitments that make it difficult to attend classes on campus.

When you are choosing a school to attend, it is important to consider the type of program that is offered and the requirements for admission.

Online PhD Degree in Criminal Justice (PhD)

If you want to pursue an active career in the criminal justice field as a police officer or even in the Department of Homeland Security or another similar agency, you’re not likely to need a PhD in criminal justice. However, a PhD in this field can prepare you for a variety of careers including working as a professor or researcher at a university, working at a high level in government, or working as a consultant.

There are a few different types of PhD programs in criminal justice, so you’ll want to do some research and find the one that best fits your goals for your career. Some programs focus on theory or teaching, while others focus on research. You should also consider whether you want to study full-time or part-time as this will affect how long it takes to get the degree.

Getting a PhD in criminal justice can take anywhere from four to seven years, depending on your program and whether you study full-time or part-time. During your studies, you will take classes on topics like criminology, criminal law, and research methods.

Criminal Justice Certifications

Criminal justice certifications can help set you apart from the competition when applying for jobs. There are many different types of certifications available, so it’s important to do your research to find the right one for you. However, it should be pretty obvious once you start looking around. After all, if you are a patrol officer, you probably don’t need a technical certification meant for forensic technicians. Even so, there are a variety of certifications available from schools and associations, so there’s probably one that’s right for you. Here are just a few options.

The National Criminal Justice Association offers the Certified Criminal Justice Professional (CCJP) credential, which requires at least a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field and two years of professional experience.

The American Correctional Association offers the Certified Corrections Professional (CCP) credential, which requires at least a high school diploma or equivalent and three years of full-time experience working in a corrections setting.

The International Association for Property and Evidence offers the Certified Property and Evidence Specialist (CPES) credential, which requires at least a high school diploma or equivalent and two years of full-time experience working in property and evidence management.

Find Online Criminal Justice Schools

Become a Criminal Justice Professional in Vermont

A career in criminal justice can be both exciting and rewarding. If you're looking to start a career in this field in Vermont, there are a few things you'll need to do.

  • Step 1: Earn a degree from an accredited criminal justice college or university:

    If you want to pursue a career in criminal justice, you might want to earn a degree first, and you should give preference to an accredited college or university as you search for a school. There are many different types of criminal justice degrees available, so you'll need to choose the one that best fits your career goals. If you're not sure what type of degree you need, you can consult with a career counselor or an admissions counselor at a criminal justice college. However, it’s important to note that, if you want to work as a police officer, you may not need any higher-level education. For that, you’ll just need to complete a Basic Training Academy Program in the state. But having more education can help you earn more and be promoted more quickly and to higher positions, so earning at least an associate degree is a smart choice, even for those who don’t necessarily have to have one. Some positions, such as detective or crime scene investigator, may require a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.

  • Step 2: Gain experience through internships or volunteer work

    If you're interested in pursuing a career in criminal justice, you can gain experience through internships or volunteer work. This can help you learn more about the field and decide if it's the right fit for you. It can also give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs after graduation. There are many opportunities for internships in criminal justice. You can contact your local police department or sheriff's office to inquire about internship programs. There may also be opportunities with state and federal agencies, such as the FBI or DEA. Or you could look into volunteering with a nonprofit that works with victims of crime or help ex-offenders reintegrate into society. Gaining experience through internships or volunteer work is a great way to learn more about criminal justice and explore whether it's the right career path for you.

  • Step 3: Stay up to date on developments in the criminal justice field

    The criminal justice field is always evolving and changing. To be a successful criminal justice professional, it’s important to stay up to date on the latest developments. There are many ways to stay informed including reading industry publications, attending conferences, and networking with other professionals. One of the best ways to stay informed about developments in the criminal justice field is to read industry publications. These publications typically cover a wide range of topics, from new legislation to advances in technology. Reading these publications can help you keep abreast of the latest changes in the field so that you can be prepared for whatever comes your way.

What Can I Do with a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice?

A bachelor's degree in criminal justice provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a variety of careers in the field of criminal justice. Graduates can pursue careers as police officers, detectives, federal law enforcement agents, probation officers, and more. In addition to providing graduates with the practical skills necessary for a career in criminal justice, a bachelor's degree also provides students with an understanding of the theoretical and legal aspects of the field. Students learn about the history and philosophy of criminal justice, as well as the constitutional basis for law enforcement. This knowledge is essential for those interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement or working as a lawyer specializing in criminal defense.

Potential Careers for Criminal Justice Professional in Vermont

  • Criminal Justice Professor:

    A criminal justice professor is responsible for teaching courses in the field of criminal justice, conducting research, and publishing scholarly work. They may also serve on committees and provide service to the department, university, and community.

    Necessary Requirements:

    • An earned doctorate degree in criminal justice or a related field from an accredited institution
    • Previous teaching experience at the college level
    • Evidence of scholarly research and writing

    Estimated Salary

    • The mean annual wage for criminal justice and law enforcement teachers, postsecondary in the US in 2021 was $81,730
    • The mean annual wage for postsecondary teachers (all other) in Vermont is $111,760
  • Detective:

    A detective position is responsible for investigating crimes and gathering evidence. They work with law enforcement to solve crimes and bring the perpetrators to justice.

    Necessary Requirements:

    • A bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field
    • Several years of experience in law enforcement or investigations
    • Excellent critical thinking and problem solving skills

    Estimated Salary

    • The median annual wage for police and detectives in the US in 2021 was $66,020
    • The mean annual wage for police and sheriff’s patrol officers in Vermont is $57,780
  • Forensic Science Technician:

    A forensic science technician is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting evidence from crime scenes. They use their knowledge of science and technology to identify and investigate physical evidence.

    Necessary Requirements:

    • A bachelor's degree in forensic science or a related field
    • Experience working with law enforcement or in a laboratory

    Estimated Salary

    • The median annual wage for forensic science technicians in the US in 2021 was $61,930
    • The mean annual wage for clinical laboratory technologists and technicians in Vermont is $59,180
  • Probation Officer:

    A probation officer is responsible for monitoring and working with offenders who have been placed on probation by the court. They work to ensure that offenders abide by the conditions of their probation and work to rehabilitate them so they can successfully reintegrate into society.

    Necessary Requirements:

    • A bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field
    • Experience working with offenders or in the criminal justice field
    • Strong communication and interpersonal skills

    Estimated Salary

    • The median annual wage for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists in the US in 2021 was $60,250
    • The mean annual wage for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists in Vermont is $67,970
  • Corrections Manager:

    A corrections manager is responsible for the management and operation of a corrections facility. They oversee the staff and inmates, and ensure the safety and security of the facility. They also develop and implement policies and procedures and monitor compliance with state and federal regulations.

    Necessary Requirements:

    • Bachelor's degree in criminal justice, corrections, or a related field
    • 5+ years of experience working in a corrections facility
    • Managerial experience

    Estimated Salary

    • The median annual wage for first-line supervisors of correctional officers in the US in 2021 was $69,750
    • The mean annual wage for first-line supervisors of correctional officers in Vermont is $66,220

    Search Programs Offering Criminal Justice Majors

  • FBI Agent:

    An FBI agent is responsible for investigating and gathering intelligence on criminal organizations and national security threats. They work in partnership with other law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute cases.

    Necessary Requirements:

    • Bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field
    • At least three years of experience working in law enforcement or intelligence gathering
    • Pass a comprehensive background check

    Estimated Salary

    • The median annual wage for police and detectives in the US in 2021 was $66,020
    • The mean annual wage for police and sheriff’s patrol officers in Vermont is $57,780
  • Police Officer:

    A police officer is responsible for maintaining law and order, deterring crime, and keeping the peace within the community.

    Necessary Requirements:

    • High school diploma or GED
    • Valid driver's license
    • 21 years of age or older
    • No felony convictions

    Estimated Salary

    • The median annual wage for police and detectives in the US in 2021 was $66,020
    • The mean annual wage police and sheriff’s patrol officers in Vermont is $57,780
  • Emergency Management Coordinator:

    An emergency management coordinator is responsible for coordinating the emergency management activities of the organization. This includes developing and implementing emergency plans, coordinating with other agencies, and training staff.

    Necessary Requirements:

    • Bachelor’s degree in emergency management, public administration, or a related field
    • 3 years of experience in emergency management or a related field
    • Knowledge of emergency management principles and practices

    Estimated Salary

Sources:

Search All Programs