Criminal Justice and Law Programs

Programs Available

Overview of Criminal Justice and Law Programs

The field of criminal justice revolves around both protecting innocent people and doling out appropriate punishment to those who break the law. Some jobs, like police officer, focus more on the former, while programs training paralegals and even private investigators pay more attention to the enforcement of laws.

Depending on where prospective employees expect to land professionally, criminal justice classes may include physically rigorous activities, so interested people should be fit. Deductive reasoning skills, patience, and initiative come in handy, as well.

Criminal Justice and Law Requirements

Qualifications vary by profession and state. For example, private investigators might complete criminal justice programs but do much of their training on the job. Traditionally, those wishing to practice must have a license.

Police officers may need four-year degrees to receive employment, though most departments have new members go through their own criminal justice schools as additional preparation. Finally, paralegals must typically earn a two- or four-year degree, most commonly relating to law in some way. Completing a criminal justice program is optional, but could prove useful.

Criminal Justice and Law Career Outlook

Because law enforcement jobs remain in demand throughout the country, interested professionals can expect steady employment options. Police officers, private investigators, and paralegals alike make anywhere from $50k to $60k each year.

Common Tasks

While enrolled at a criminal justice trade school, job hopefuls learn proper interview protocol and surveillance techniques, as well as how to successfully write reports. Among their daily tasks, all criminal justice and law careers must gather and organize information so that the results will hold up in a court setting.

Trade Schools with Criminal Justice and Law Programs

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