Grown-Up Careers in Juvenile Justice

Handling criminal acts committed by minors is a delicate issue. On the one hand, the damage, violence, and emotional toll that they inflict are just as powerful as those inflicted by adults. On the other hand, minors don't always understand or appreciate the consequences of their actions. As such, dealing with younger criminals requires a certain level of specialized training and sensitivity. This is why completing a juvenile justice degree program is crucial for success in this field.

What a Juvenile Justice Degree Program Can Teach You

Depending on which aspect of juvenile justice you want to explore, you might need an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree from your program. Social workers and psychologists who work with at-risk minors typically need a bachelor's degree, although master's training or above is preferable. The same is true of probation officers. Police officers, on the other hand, often require vocational training at an academy. It's also possible to become an educator who works with at-risk minors within the larger school system. For this, you can potentially work as a teaching assistant with an associate's degree. Regardless of your training, much of your coursework focuses on psychology, conflict management, civics, sociology, legal studies, and related fields.

Online Education in Juvenile Justice

If you have a hectic schedule or don't live near a juvenile justice school, you might consider enrolling in an online degree program to complete your education. Class times are usually flexible, and you can work at a pace that melds nicely with your current commitments. In addition, you don't have to live near your online degree program to take full advantage of its offerings. All you need is a stable Internet connection.

Career Outlook after Your Online Degree Program in Juvenile Justice

Fortunately (or unfortunately), demand for juvenile justice specialists is likely to either match or exceed the national average for most other occupations. Police and probation officers can expect to enjoy 11 percent growth through 2016, making between $42,000 and $50,000 a year. Job opportunities for social workers, on the other hand, are expected to increase by as much as 22 percent over that same period. This should help push up the current median salary of $37,000 a year substantially.
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, police and detective education and training information
Bureau of Labor Statistics, probation officer and correctional treatment specialist education and training information
Bureau of Labor Statistics, social worker career outlook information