4 answers
Leannie
Student
Miramar, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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What master’s could I get with a bachelor's in criminal justice?
I am graduating soon with a bachelor's in Criminal Justice. I’m considering getting my master's, and I'm not sure what my options are. I don’t want a master's in criminal justice. What are my other options?
#masters #criminaljustice #bachelors
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4 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1616
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Generally speaking Leanni, you certainly can.
However, certain graduate-level programs might require that you complete some undergraduate-level coursework (prerequisites) relevant to intended graduate major. For instance if you decided you wanted to proceed with a masters in computer science with your BA in criminal justice you may have to take a few undergraduate courses in high-level languages such as Java and C++ etc.
MASTERS IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP
If you want to take control of your future Leanni or start your own business then a master’s degree in entrepreneurship would be perfect. Many colleges and universities offer programs that teach students the elements behind starting up and successfully running a business. The best part is that students can learn these things from their own couch at home, as many schools offer fully online entrepreneurship programs. These teach leadership, development, growth, and management skills, so students are prepared to get started once they complete the degree. Students can get hands-on experience and work with faculty members who are also entrepreneurs, thus giving them real-world experience and first-hand knowledge of what it takes to succeed with just an idea. Students learn how to raise capital for a business, how to market a company, how to lead and manage new ventures, and how to communicate with investors and partners. Most programs require anywhere from 30 to 40 credits and can take anywhere from one to two years to complete. According to U.S. News & World Report, the top schools for those pursuing a master’s in entrepreneurship are: Stanford University; Harvard University; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; and the University of California, Berkeley.
Hope this was Helpful Leanni
Establishing a positive and productive relationship with your faculty adviser is a critical step in achieving graduate school success. You can begin this relationship by planning your first meeting(s) ahead of time so that you discuss the topics that are important to you.
However, certain graduate-level programs might require that you complete some undergraduate-level coursework (prerequisites) relevant to intended graduate major. For instance if you decided you wanted to proceed with a masters in computer science with your BA in criminal justice you may have to take a few undergraduate courses in high-level languages such as Java and C++ etc.
MASTERS IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP
If you want to take control of your future Leanni or start your own business then a master’s degree in entrepreneurship would be perfect. Many colleges and universities offer programs that teach students the elements behind starting up and successfully running a business. The best part is that students can learn these things from their own couch at home, as many schools offer fully online entrepreneurship programs. These teach leadership, development, growth, and management skills, so students are prepared to get started once they complete the degree. Students can get hands-on experience and work with faculty members who are also entrepreneurs, thus giving them real-world experience and first-hand knowledge of what it takes to succeed with just an idea. Students learn how to raise capital for a business, how to market a company, how to lead and manage new ventures, and how to communicate with investors and partners. Most programs require anywhere from 30 to 40 credits and can take anywhere from one to two years to complete. According to U.S. News & World Report, the top schools for those pursuing a master’s in entrepreneurship are: Stanford University; Harvard University; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; and the University of California, Berkeley.
Hope this was Helpful Leanni
Doc recommends the following next steps:
Thank You Kim. Alone, we can do so little; together we can do so much. – Helen Keller
Doc Frick
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1750
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Leannie,
Your question begs the question: What do you want to be when you complete your schooling? It sounds like you may not know. If that's the case, why continue your schooling? Why did you originally choose to major in CRJ? What has changed?
I went straight to college from HS. Then, 25 years later, I returned to college for my master's. Having real life working experience allowed me to gain a lot more from my schooling than I would have had I not had any experience. I was able to relate to that which was being taught, and had examples that I could contribute.
Until you actually get out in the working world, you have no idea if a job is for you or not. Unless there is a strongly compelling reason to get your master's right now, I'd hold off. (Compelling - someone else is going to pay for your education.) Besides, if you get a job, it's entirely possible the employer will offer tuition assistance, which is always a nice benefit.
With your bachelors in CRJ, you can go to work in positions like law enforcement, crime victim advocate, social services, as well as some non-profits that help people with criminal records reenter the outside world. In law enforcement, there are many civilian positions, from dispatch to evidence technician to data analysis.
Why do you not want your masters to be in CRJ?
Have you considered becoming a paralegal? With a bachelors, you can take a paralegal certification program. If that is something that interests you, please make sure it is a program approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). Not all paralegal programs are the same! Have you considered going to law school? Do you want to go into management? A masters in Public Administration, Urban Planning, etc. . .would complement a CRJ degree.
You may also consider doing something such as going through the Citizens Police Academy. Especially if you want to go into a management position. It's nice to have a little perspective of what's really going on.
I hope this advice helps. I'm happy to discuss this more if you'd like to give some feedback about where you would like to be headed.
Kim
Your question begs the question: What do you want to be when you complete your schooling? It sounds like you may not know. If that's the case, why continue your schooling? Why did you originally choose to major in CRJ? What has changed?
I went straight to college from HS. Then, 25 years later, I returned to college for my master's. Having real life working experience allowed me to gain a lot more from my schooling than I would have had I not had any experience. I was able to relate to that which was being taught, and had examples that I could contribute.
Until you actually get out in the working world, you have no idea if a job is for you or not. Unless there is a strongly compelling reason to get your master's right now, I'd hold off. (Compelling - someone else is going to pay for your education.) Besides, if you get a job, it's entirely possible the employer will offer tuition assistance, which is always a nice benefit.
With your bachelors in CRJ, you can go to work in positions like law enforcement, crime victim advocate, social services, as well as some non-profits that help people with criminal records reenter the outside world. In law enforcement, there are many civilian positions, from dispatch to evidence technician to data analysis.
Why do you not want your masters to be in CRJ?
Have you considered becoming a paralegal? With a bachelors, you can take a paralegal certification program. If that is something that interests you, please make sure it is a program approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). Not all paralegal programs are the same! Have you considered going to law school? Do you want to go into management? A masters in Public Administration, Urban Planning, etc. . .would complement a CRJ degree.
You may also consider doing something such as going through the Citizens Police Academy. Especially if you want to go into a management position. It's nice to have a little perspective of what's really going on.
I hope this advice helps. I'm happy to discuss this more if you'd like to give some feedback about where you would like to be headed.
Kim
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
751
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
You could get a Master's in Psychology or Criminology.
Or if you want branch out into other areas or occupations, a Master's in Public Administration (MPA).
Or if you want branch out into other areas or occupations, a Master's in Public Administration (MPA).
Rebecca (Becky) Sindelar, SHRM-CP, CPCC
Senior Career Development Consultant
3
Answers
Saint Edward, NE
Updated
Rebecca (Becky)’s Answer
The question is what do you want to do with it? Don’t just get a Masters for the sake of getting a Masters, that is a waste of time and money-not to mention that depending on what you want to do it could create a situation where you are overqualified. Figure out what you want to do with it and that will help answer your question.