Online General Criminal Justice Degree

Online General Criminal Justice Degree

A criminal justice degree can invariably lead to a wide variety of career opportunities. The criminal justice system is so large and expansive that you could choose to become a police officer, detective, or sheriff's deputy. You could choose to work in justice administration or the juvenile system, as well as corrections and more. Your career in criminal justice will introduce you to a wide variety of related professionals including prosecuting and defense attorneys, judges, probation officers, court reporters, paralegals, and others.


An online criminal justice degree can be earned as an associates, bachelors, masters, or doctorate. Additionally, many colleges offer professional certification in a number of specialized areas. The degree you earn will generally determine what kind of job you can get after you graduate. Typically police officers and other law enforcement individuals can join the force with as little as an associates degree. It is likely you will have greater access to many high-level supervisory, administrative, and leadership positions with a bachelors or higher. Many federal openings require at least a bachelors degree and several years experience in civilian law enforcement. The more advanced your degree, the more often you will have a choice of premium offers and higher salaries.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs among several criminal justice areas are expected to grow in demand by 11 to 17-percent through 2016. In 2006, the annual median salary for police officers was close to $50,000; corrections officers $27,000; police supervisors over $72,000; and detectives or criminal investigators made nearly $60,000.