3 answers
Sophia
Student
Rock Hill, South Carolina
1
Question
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Why do we have to go to college for criminal justice?
Why do we have to go to college for criminal justice?
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3 answers
Michael Rose
Senior Director, Presales Architects
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Whenever there's a "why" question, the first response is "well, is that actually true?" You might be able to find roles in the criminal justice area (or in facilities/business security) with a high school diploma, if you look thoroughly.
However, if a higher education credential is required, perhaps an associate degree would suffice — and there are several distance/online programs that provide an AA/AAS in criminal justice. Check them out.
https://www.snhu.edu/online-degrees/associate/as-in-criminal-justice
https://www.degreeplanet.com/is-an-associates-degree-in-criminal-justice-worth-it/
However, if a higher education credential is required, perhaps an associate degree would suffice — and there are several distance/online programs that provide an AA/AAS in criminal justice. Check them out.
Michael recommends the following next steps:
Tracie Boudreaux
criminologist
2
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Tracie’s Answer
Criminal Justice is an interdisciplinary field that draws upon numerous social and behavioral sciences to study and analyze crime, criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system. While it is grounded in factual data and theoretical frameworks, it also employs qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to examine various aspects of crime, as well as the responses and solutions to crime in society.
Studying Criminal Justice not only entails understanding the definitions of crime and the various factors that contribute to criminal activity, but it also delves deeply into the complex relationship between crime and social structures such as race, gender, and socioeconomic status. Students of Criminal Justice explore an array of crime theories, which seek to explain the motivations behind criminal behavior and the dynamics of crime across different settings and contexts.
A key focus in the study of Criminal Justice is the examination of the juvenile justice system, which deals with young offenders and operates with distinct goals and objectives as compared to the adult system. In addition, the field explores the experiences of crime victims, addressing the causes and consequences of victimization and the resources and services available to support victims and their families.
A comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system requires knowledge of the law and its processes, including constitutional law and the rights and protections afforded to individuals. This also encompasses the various stages within the criminal justice system, from arrest to release or incarceration, as well as the role played by law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional institutions.
Moreover, students of Criminal Justice acquire expertise in ethical principles and decision-making skills, which are essential for professionals working in this field, to ensure fair and just outcomes for all individuals involved in the criminal justice process.
The study of Criminal Justice also involves examining the psychological principles and theories that underpin criminal behavior. This component of the discipline sheds light on why some individuals are more prone to engage in crime compared to others and explores the possible prevention and intervention strategies that can mitigate criminal activity and promote public safety.
Overall, the study of Criminal Justice offers a fascinating and multi-faceted perspective on the intricacies of crime and the various societal, legal, and psychological elements that contribute to the manifestation and perpetuation of criminal activity. For those interested in pursuing a career in this field, it provides an enriching and diverse foundation for understanding the complex and dynamic nature of crime in our society.
Studying Criminal Justice not only entails understanding the definitions of crime and the various factors that contribute to criminal activity, but it also delves deeply into the complex relationship between crime and social structures such as race, gender, and socioeconomic status. Students of Criminal Justice explore an array of crime theories, which seek to explain the motivations behind criminal behavior and the dynamics of crime across different settings and contexts.
A key focus in the study of Criminal Justice is the examination of the juvenile justice system, which deals with young offenders and operates with distinct goals and objectives as compared to the adult system. In addition, the field explores the experiences of crime victims, addressing the causes and consequences of victimization and the resources and services available to support victims and their families.
A comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system requires knowledge of the law and its processes, including constitutional law and the rights and protections afforded to individuals. This also encompasses the various stages within the criminal justice system, from arrest to release or incarceration, as well as the role played by law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional institutions.
Moreover, students of Criminal Justice acquire expertise in ethical principles and decision-making skills, which are essential for professionals working in this field, to ensure fair and just outcomes for all individuals involved in the criminal justice process.
The study of Criminal Justice also involves examining the psychological principles and theories that underpin criminal behavior. This component of the discipline sheds light on why some individuals are more prone to engage in crime compared to others and explores the possible prevention and intervention strategies that can mitigate criminal activity and promote public safety.
Overall, the study of Criminal Justice offers a fascinating and multi-faceted perspective on the intricacies of crime and the various societal, legal, and psychological elements that contribute to the manifestation and perpetuation of criminal activity. For those interested in pursuing a career in this field, it provides an enriching and diverse foundation for understanding the complex and dynamic nature of crime in our society.
Erik Yewell
Sales Engineer / Technical Architect
7
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Erik’s Answer
The short answer is "you don't", but you will have better job options open to you if you do.
With no college degree, you could still become a crime scene inspector, other roles in the space. I assume those jobs also will need SOME kind of 1-2 years of training after high school. The police force and local courts need to know that you at least have researched this job and that they can count on you to work for them for a year or two.
I assume by "criminal justice" you mean being a defense attorney... But there are many jobs in this space - like forensics, or public policy (helping to create laws), etc...
There are jobs in the space that don't require college - you could be a paralegal (someone who helps lawyers do research to defend their clients) - this does not require a college degree, but probably requires some kind of formal training.
With college:
The best law firms with the best paying jobs can afford to be very picky - and there is a lot of competition for their jobs. There is a LOT of reading and writing as a lawyer, and college help to prepare you for that - you would take courses on how to make persuasive arguments, how to summarize many pages and paragraphs into just the essential substance of a case.
In Law School, which takes 3 years in the US, you will go deep into know how tons of other cases have been won, or lost, so you can be a great lawyer... and you need to know the rules and laws of the state/area in which you work...
With no college degree, you could still become a crime scene inspector, other roles in the space. I assume those jobs also will need SOME kind of 1-2 years of training after high school. The police force and local courts need to know that you at least have researched this job and that they can count on you to work for them for a year or two.
I assume by "criminal justice" you mean being a defense attorney... But there are many jobs in this space - like forensics, or public policy (helping to create laws), etc...
There are jobs in the space that don't require college - you could be a paralegal (someone who helps lawyers do research to defend their clients) - this does not require a college degree, but probably requires some kind of formal training.
With college:
The best law firms with the best paying jobs can afford to be very picky - and there is a lot of competition for their jobs. There is a LOT of reading and writing as a lawyer, and college help to prepare you for that - you would take courses on how to make persuasive arguments, how to summarize many pages and paragraphs into just the essential substance of a case.
In Law School, which takes 3 years in the US, you will go deep into know how tons of other cases have been won, or lost, so you can be a great lawyer... and you need to know the rules and laws of the state/area in which you work...