Justice Administration

Although there are countless positions within the larger criminal justice system, what they all have in common, is a commitment to keeping the streets, and thus our communities, free of criminal and terrorist activity. Law enforcement officials, for example, track and apprehend criminals. Policy makers enact laws and legislation designed to keep our streets safe. Judges, lawyers, and paralegals help prosecute criminals and assess guilt or innocence.
While each of these jobs is incredibly specialized, it is only by working together that they can ensure the long-term safety and prosperity of our society. If this sounds like a challenge that appeals to you, consider applying to a justice administration degree program for formal training.

Which Justice Administration Degree Program Is Right for You?

The level and nature of your training ultimately depends on which aspect of criminal justice you want to pursue:

• Forensic scientists, for example, typically require bachelor's training in some aspect of biology, chemistry, or anatomy
• Lawyers require three years of graduate training plus licensing
• Paralegals actually don't require any formal training, but an associate's or bachelor's degree can potentially increase your earning potential and employability

Regardless of your education, however, you can expect much of your coursework to focus on legal studies, public policy, ethics, and information technology.

Attending an Online Justice Administration Degree Program

There are numerous opportunities to complete your education via an online degree program. The benefits of doing so are numerous. Online education offers flexibility and convenience. You don't have to commute daily to class, and you can work at a pace that suits your current schedule. In addition, by attending an online degree program, you have access to a broader range of schools than exists in your immediate vicinity.

Career Outlook after Your Online Justice Administration Degree Program

Job opportunities for criminal justice workers should be plentiful over the next decade. Demand for some positions, like lawyers and police officers, is expected to keep pace with the national average. New opportunities for paralegals are expected to grow twice as fast as the national average. Salary ranges are equally enticing. Paralegals, for example, can expect a median salary of $43,000 a year (especially if they have associate's training of higher). Lawyers can make well over $100,000 a year. Keep in mind, too, that private sector positions usually pay better than those in the public sector.
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Forensic Scientists
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Lawyers
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Police and Detectives