An online criminal justice degree offers a comprehensive education that prepares students for various roles within the criminal justice system, including positions as a law enforcement officer, detective, fish and game warden, and adult or juvenile corrections. These programs blend theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing graduates to tackle real-world challenges in criminal justice.
A Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice provides a critical step for those motivated to careers where they make a difference in the lives of others by creating a safer community. Graduates also understand the criminal justice system’s essential role in maintaining an orderly and just society.
Before deciding whether to enroll, it’s crucial to understand what students learn in a BS in Criminal Justice program.
The Core Curriculum in an Online Criminal Justice Degree Program
Students in an online criminal justice program delve into the intricate processes through which justice is administered in American society. They gain a comprehensive understanding of functions and operations in the justice system, encompassing law enforcement, the criminal court system, and corrections.
That academic journey begins with a core curriculum that covers several fundamental areas essential to understanding and working within the criminal justice system. These courses provide an overview of the system, including its primary components: law enforcement, the judiciary, and corrections. Students learn about the roles and responsibilities of various criminal justice professionals and how they interact to uphold the law and maintain public safety.
Specific topics students explore in a criminal justice program include the following.
Policing
Students explore the history, structure, and functions of police organizations. They learn about the importance of community relationships and the evolving role of policing in society. Topics include crime prevention, investigative procedures, and ethical considerations in law enforcement.
Criminal Courts
Students learn about the workings of the judicial branch by examining court structures, legal procedures, and the functions of different judicial actors. They gain insight into how laws are interpreted and enforced and the various stages of the criminal trial process.
Corrections
Students examine the correctional component of the criminal justice system, including incarceration, probation, parole, and alternative sentencing. They also learn about rehabilitation methods, the management of correctional facilities, and the challenges faced by correctional officers.
Criminology
Students explore the nature, causes, and prevalence of crime, as well as the methods for its treatment and prevention. The curriculum emphasizes the theories and methodologies used to study crime and criminal behavior as social phenomena.
Criminal procedure
Students learn about arrest procedures, the rules of evidence, the use of force, search and seizure, and other essential elements of legal criminal procedures.
Professional development and assessment
Students gain the information and perspectives necessary for a successful career search in the criminal justice field. They are encouraged to explore their values, skills, and competencies, leading to a better understanding of the unique qualities and abilities they can bring to their chosen profession.
Specialization and Practical Skill Development
In addition to learning foundational aspects of criminal justice, students can pursue further law enforcement knowledge through elective courses. They can choose from various courses, following their interests and career goals.
In the BS in Criminal Justice degree program from NMU Global Campus, students take elective courses in several disciplines, including criminal investigation, roles of the corrections client, use of force and less lethal weapons, interviewing and interrogation, environmental conservation criminology, media and crime, community-based corrections, forensic photography, American street gangs, wildlife crime, and domestic and international terrorism.
Online criminal justice degree programs also help students develop practical skills essential for careers in the field. For example, students gain problem-solving skills to analyze complex situations, identify underlying issues, and develop effective solutions.
Students also learn best practices for written and oral communication, how to prepare reports, deliver presentations, and engage with diverse communities. They examine various research methodologies and data analysis techniques and how to apply research findings to improve practices and policies within the criminal justice system.
NMU Global Campus BS in Criminal Justice
The 100% online BS in Criminal Justice from NMU Global Campus offers students the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of criminal justice and explore diverse criminal justice-related topics. Students graduate from the program with the skills and knowledge applicable to a variety of criminal justice careers.
NMU allows students to transfer up to 90 credits into the program, which requires 120 for graduation. The university also provides internship opportunities for students and expert faculty who prepare graduates for careers in corrections, investigations, and more at the local, state, and federal levels.
