Criminal Justice online degrees?

[tomboy_101]

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

[ROS]

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.

[1depd]

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.

[tomboy_101]

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.

[ROS]

Originally Posted by tomboy_101

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.

[tomboy_101]

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?

[ROS]

Originally Posted by tomboy_101

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.

[tomboy_101]

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

[rohardi]

Originally Posted by MP_Steve

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...

[Stupie680]

i agree

[gnixon]

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.

[ROS]

Originally Posted by gnixon

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.

Originally Posted by gnixon

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

[MP_Steve]

Originally Posted by gnixon

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.

[gnixon]

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

[ROS]

Originally Posted by gnixon

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.