Police Officer Preparation & Law Enforcement Resource - Archive

Hi all,
I want to go for distance learning course in Criminal Justice and and I want to know more about it, like the scope of the course, what jobs can I get with this degree and any good colleges you can recommend. If you guys have any good resources that can help me with this information, please share with me.
Thanks for your help!!

Hi all,
I want to go for distance learning course in Criminal Justice and and I want to know more about it, like the scope of the course, what jobs can I get with this degree and any good colleges you can recommend. If you guys have any good resources that can help me with this information, please share with me.
Thanks for your help!!

Maniya, be sure to read through and research the threads already available in this forum, as just about all your questions have been already answered. Good luck.

Try SUNY Empire State College. If you aren't a New York State resident, it will be a bit expensive. However, they will tailor a degree plan according to your goals. Most of your mentors and professors will be retired LEO's.

As far as getting a job;

Most agencies and departments that require degrees don't really care what the degrees are in. Sometimes, agencies recruit to particular backgrounds, I.E. accounting, linguistics, etc. However, you'd need more than just the degree in that case anyway.

The trick to online colleges and universities is accreditation. A simple rule of thumb is to find an "actual" college that has a brick and mortar campus that ALSO has an online program.

Citicop.

Hey buddy,

I lost my job in a call centre in India and have now resorted to Spamming from various Indian proxy addresses. But it's a living!

Please visit my site!

It's in my signature line. Wait a second...

The trick to online colleges and universities is accreditation. A simple rule of thumb is to find an "actual" college that has a brick and mortar campus that ALSO has an online program.

Citicop.

That's a good recomendation, however there are accredited colleges out there that are regionally accredited but have no student campus.

I'm currently going through American Military University in their CJ program. I'm not sure if I'll end up getting my degree through them or not, I still have a bit to think about it.

Either way, it's credit hours at a fraction of the price of most online schools. Penn State also has a good online CJ program. They're a large post-secondary traditional educational provider in PA and have also been at the distance ed thing since 1892.

Give them a look aswell. Best of luck! :)

Hi all,
I want to go for distance learning course in Criminal Justice and and I want to know more about it, like the scope of the course, what jobs can I get with this degree and any good colleges you can recommend. If you guys have any good resources that can help me with this information, please share with me.
Thanks for your help!!

We have many unaccredited online universities in India. I know, because I graduated from one and now spam sites using proxy addresses.

See you soon!

with criminal justice degree you can get job of police officer (atleast it helps).As far as degree is concerned you can go for criminal justice degree from any university . simply compare fees rating of univ. etc before taking any decision.

Just keep in mind that to become a police officer you don't need to have a degree in CJ. I'm doing CJ because it's one of the only things I'm actually interested in.

Another popular area of study that's been mentioned before on here is Underwater Basket Weaving. See, you don't need a CJ degree to become a cop. ;)

what jobs can I get with this degree

I thought I wrote a list of careers that a CJ degree is applicable for, but I either didn't and thought I had, or wrote it on another site and thought it was here also. So, to make sure this information is available, here are "entry-level" jobs that college CJ programs tend to steer graduates towards:

*Law Enforcement (police)
*Probation and parole
*Court Administration
*Drug Counseling Programs
*Security
*Loss Prevention
*Private Investigations
*Corporate/Fraud Investigations
*Corrections
*Criminal Justice Support Personnel (ex: clerical positions with law enforcement/corrections/probation/parole)
*Dispatch

There are more, but this is intended to give a general idea of professions in the CJ system, not be a comprehensive list. Be warey of information out there on job prospects for CJ graduates, as some of it is totally bogus. If a school/college tries to sell you on the "fact" that their CJ degree will help you obtain a career as a "CSI Investigator", "forensic scientist", "CIA Agent", or half the stuff listed on this ad (click here (http://www.criminaljusticeusa.com/)), know that this information is false advertising, and is steering you in the wrong direction. A CJ degree will no more make you a scientist than it will an intelligence officer (both being career fields outside the knowledge and skill set a CJ degree is designed to teach).

Just keep in mind that to become a police officer you don't need to have a degree in CJ. I'm doing CJ because it's one of the only things I'm actually interested in.

Another popular area of study that's been mentioned before on here is Underwater Basket Weaving. See, you don't need a CJ degree to become a cop. ;)


Steve, you were talking with a Spammer. :D

Steve, you were talking with a Spammer. :D

*[opens eyes, looks around all confused]*

Really? :confused:








:p;)

Oh $hit! Now I sees it! :o:p

I really was talking with a spammer, wasn't I? :(

Now don't I feel dumb... :cool:

Oh ! Now I sees it! :o:p I really was talking with a spammer, wasn't I? Now don't I feel dumb.

No to worry, the information you gave was useful anyway! :D

Yeah, lots of people enjoy basket weaving, the degree just makes it even better :D and heck, doing it under water is pretty freaking impressive.:D

Hi all,
I want to go for distance learning course in Criminal Justice and and I want to know more about it, like the scope of the course, what jobs can I get with this degree and any good colleges you can recommend. If you guys have any good resources that can help me with this information, please share with me.
Thanks for your help!!

DON'T DO IT!!!!:D Well depending on what type of law enforcement arena you are entering.....

Just remember a CJ degree is not the key to getting in LE...there are other more valuable degrees

Hi,
I am new to this forum, and was wondering what degrees you consider more valuable than a degree in criminal justice?
Thanks,

Nothing wrong with a CJ degree, but it doesn't teach you a unique skill that separates you from the other applicants. On the other hand, a degree in Spanish (or other foreign language prevalent in the area you're considering policing), accounting (solid background for financial/fraud investigations), English (you write a lot of reports in any police agency), computer sciences (lots of computer crimes happening today)... too many to list a comprehensive list, but I think you get the point. A CJ degree is fine, but not unique in the application pool today. The other I named above are a bit more unique, and may help you sell yourself over other candidates.

I am fan of the major/minor concept. Major in one discipline and work on a minor in a second very loosely on completely not related field. It expands your knowledge base and makes you much more diversified. If I had to do it over I would have minored in a business discipline, probably accounting, while I majored in CJ.

Thank you so much for the input. The information was VERY helpful.
I have one more question: How useful would a degree in a natural science be? i.e. biology, microbiology.

I have one more question: How useful would a degree in a natural science be? i.e. biology, microbiology.

Depends on what you want to do with it. Biology and chemistry are good backgrounds for forensic fields, but if you want to be a forensic scientist, you'll likely need to pursue a master's and/or doctoral degree. A biology degree is a solid credential, and while not a background you may use much in patrol, can definitely be used in other positions if you choose to pursue them.

Thanks for your insight. I probably won't be pursuing a degree in biology or chemistry... As I really don't want to get a Master's/doctorate right off the bat... :-)
It's a lot of money to fork out...
So as a minor, a computer science would probably be a good choice?

So as a minor, a computer science would probably be a good choice?
Sure, computers are more and more a part of society, to include the Criminal Justice System. Good training to have. Wish I had pursued it.

Thank you so much for all your input!
It's been really helpful!

:)

Another popular area of study that's been mentioned before on here is Underwater Basket Weaving. See, you don't need a CJ degree to become a cop. ;)


I was going to look in to a degree in underwater fire prevention...

i agree

Has anyone here actually completed an online CJ course or know anyone that has?

I'm looking into AIU Online. However I've read some pretty bad things about them. But then hey, no one ever post the good stuff.

I'm looking for suggestions please, or any really world experience with any schhols.

Has anyone here actually completed an online CJ course or know anyone that has? I used to work for two online branches for two colleges, and ran the CJ department for one of them. My wife completed her MS degree online, as well. I guess you could say I've known a few who have done the online path and been successful with it.


I'm looking into AIU Online. However I've read some pretty bad things about them. But then hey, no one ever post the good stuff. Until I did a google search of AIU I'd never heard of them. If they are not accredited by an accrediting counsel recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (which does not seem to be the case for AIU), I'd avoid them. I'd specifically look for online programs that are regionally accredited, rather than nationally accredited, however, both are acceptable under the U.S. Dept of Ed. If you need help finding an accredited program, see here: http://forums.realpolice.net/showthread.php?t=45668

Has anyone here actually completed an online CJ course or know anyone that has?

One of the higher-ups in my department has a Bachelor of Arts from American Military University (can't remember the major).

I'm going through AMU's cj program. Online college isn't quite what I expected. For example, if you have a question or don't understand the course material you're often on your own to interpret the work for yourself, depending on the Professor anyway.

At least in a brick-and-mortar school you've got an infrastructure setup all around you.

Thanks for the input. AIU is regionally accredited, but they almost lost it. So I'm currently looking into Kaplan.

So I'm currently looking into Kaplan.
I used to teach CJ classes for Kaplan, so if you have any specific questions related to them, let me know.

I used to teach CJ classes for Kaplan, so if you have any specific questions related to them, let me know.

Thanks for the offer. So far they've been great to work with. In the process now, of getting all the financial stuff squared away. Hope to make the classes that start sept. 15th. Not looking forward to english and math again, but what can you do?

thanks for the offer. So far they've been great to work with. In the process now, of getting all the financial stuff squared away. Hope to make the classes that start sept. 15th. Not looking forward to english and math again, but what can you do?

clep

clep

I wish it was that easy. Well the math part is easy. But the english, I know I need to take it again, and maybe pay attention this time.

Hey buddy,
There are many online Criminal justice colleges out there to choose from. You should make sure to attend accredited colleges only. Graduates of criminal justice get good jobs such as Forensic Psychology, Law Enforcement, Private Security, Fraud Examination and Investigation, Corrections, Crime Analysis, Crime Scene Investigation and many more. Pay is very good too. For more information visit this link..

Hey buddy,
There are many online Criminal justice colleges out there to choose from. You should make sure to attend accredited colleges only. Graduates of criminal justice get good jobs such as Forensic Psychology, Law Enforcement, Private Security, Fraud Examination and Investigation, Corrections, Crime Analysis, Crime Scene Investigation and many more. Pay is very good too. For more information visit this link..

Hey buddy,

No advertising or spam without prior permission from the owner, especially ambulance-chasing lawyers shilling their services. If you can make a genuine contribution to this forum then do so.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Well i am going to Cappela. It has a ground campus. And has an endorsement from the F.BI. and The Dept. of Homeland Security. And it is regionally accredited. Thats the accreditation you want to look for in schools. Also those two agencies send their people to cappela for continuing education. That is a fact. St. Leo is another good one. Also Colorodo tech is another. But this is my opinion. I am curious what the police officers on this forum would like to comment on this post.

I am currently majoring in Criminal Justice and minoring in Forensic Psychology at Kaplan University. Just started but it seems awesome so far.

I'm studying C.J. at American Military University. I'll be done within the next six months. I like that they offer eight week semesters so you can move at a quick pace. AMU's courses are challenging and interesting.

I'm studying C.J. at American Military University. I'll be done within the next six months. I like that they offer eight week semesters so you can move at a quick pace. AMU's courses are challenging and interesting.

Ditto.

Due to my 'warped religious beliefs' :lol:, I am getting my CJ degree from Liberty University.

For those don't know, it is a VERY Christian University, but despite that, it is also one of the most affordable that I found when researching schools.

This has been an informative thread for me. When I went to undergrad, online courses were just starting to become popular. Due to my "elitist" and "traditional" schooling, I have always thought that online schools such as Cappela, Kapplan, and Devry were just a "here's a degree" school.

I have always wanted to go on for my Ph.D and have been giving some thought to online, but as it has been mentioned you must do your research on the school's accreditation. If I do continue with school, I will probably choose the more traditional route but thanks for giving me some new ideas.

My undergrad and first grad degree were done in school in the 'traditional' manner. This second Master's is done one night a week for 3 hours, one class at a time. Some of the classes have been all classroom instruction, some class and online, some classes entirely online. I always took it for granted that the online classes would be easier - dont ask why. Well, it's not that they were more difficult per se, but without the formal class meeting times I found myself always saying "I'll get to it tomorrow", then going "Holy smoke, I gotta lot to do!". Additionally, I've found that many of my prof's dont care its online. "On XX of January the 25 page research and marketing investigation paper is due" :wow: "On XX February the 25 page interview and analysis research paper is due" :wow::wow:

I'd rather have class...

My undergrad and first grad degree were done in school in the 'traditional' manner. This second Master's is done one night a week for 3 hours, one class at a time. Some of the classes have been all classroom instruction, some class and online, some classes entirely online. I always took it for granted that the online classes would be easier - dont ask why. Well, it's not that they were more difficult per se, but without the formal class meeting times I found myself always saying "I'll get to it tomorrow", then going "Holy smoke, I gotta lot to do!". Additionally, I've found that many of my prof's dont care its online. "On XX of January the 25 page research and marketing investigation paper is due" :wow: "On XX February the 25 page interview and analysis research paper is due" :wow::wow:

I'd rather have class...

I procrastinate enough as it is...online might get me into more trouble. Nice to someone else with two Master's. What are they in, (not sure if you have mentioned this before)?

I procrastinate enough as it is...online might get me into more trouble.
I used to teach for the online division of a college, and the students who had problems with being self-motivated to get the assignments done had the most trouble. It is a convenient way to get a degree, as well as being legitimate (many major universities have online programs now), but it's by no means an "easy" way to get one. My wife got her degree online through FSU, but she's a teacher so she has plenty of patience and self-motivation.

I used to teach for the online division of a college, and the students who had problems with being self-motivated to get the assignments done had the most trouble. It is a convenient way to get a degree, as well as being legitimate (many major universities have online programs now), but it's by no means an "easy" way to get one. My wife got her degree online through FSU, but she's a teacher so she has plenty of patience and self-motivation.

I don't know, I really like seeing the professors. As for self-motivation, I have no problem with that as my procrastination often leads me to do my best work. I have no idea why but they say there are different types of procrastination. Unfortunately, since I always ended up with A papers I never learned. Positive reinforcement at its finest.

I procrastinate enough as it is...online might get me into more trouble. Nice to someone else with two Master's. What are they in, (not sure if you have mentioned this before)?

MS in Exercise Physiology and finishing up my MBA.

MS in Exercise Physiology and finishing up my MBA.

Exercise Physiology. That's interesting, did you want to become a personal trainer? What can you do with a degree in that?

I started life as a strength and conditioning coach. Worked at a couple D1 schools, then left because I couldn't feed myself on the salary.

Went to work for Medically based fitness facility as the director of personal training. Basically, it was a gym owned by a hospital, so we had regular memberships, but also direct referrals from the hospital for injury/surgical rehabilitation. I had a staff of 18 certified trainers and therapists, and oversaw everything from pay to budget to program development. We also provided lectures to the community on fitness.

After a while, I decided bad hours and a complete lack of appreciation for my life-risking efforts would be more fulfilling, so the police I became!

I started life as a strength and conditioning coach. Worked at a couple D1 schools, then left because I couldn't feed myself on the salary.

Went to work for Medically based fitness facility as the director of personal training. Basically, it was a gym owned by a hospital, so we had regular memberships, but also direct referrals from the hospital for injury/surgical rehabilitation. I had a staff of 18 certified trainers and therapists, and oversaw everything from pay to budget to program development. We also provided lectures to the community on fitness.

After a while, I decided bad hours and a complete lack of appreciation for my life-risking efforts would be more fulfilling, so the police I became!

Ok. Interesting.

Due to my 'warped religious beliefs' :lol:, I am getting my CJ degree from Liberty University.

For those don't know, it is a VERY Christian University, but despite that, it is also one of the most affordable that I found when researching schools.

I will be looking to Liberty University if or when I decide to pursue my Masters. I don't know of any other university that keeps the tuition cap at $250 per semester hour (all the way up to doctoral) for veterans and their spouses, regardless of payment method.