Switching degrees, couple of questions

[REMY]

Just got a couple of quick questions.

I am currently taking on-line classes working toward obtaining a bachelor's degree. My "plan" is that if i get out of the USCG i will become a Police Officer.

I am enrolled currently to obtain a bachelor's for Criminal Justice, but i have been told by several co-workers that it is stupid and it'd be better to go after a bachelor's in Business Management. Reason being that if you become a LEO you'll be sent to an academy. And when it comes towards advancements/promotions, something in business would look better.

I know it is all opinion to which would be better, But just wondering what ya'll are thinking, (specifically Illinois). If i do get out of the USCG i will apply to become a State Trooper, among other small towns in the Northeastern area of Illinois. (Note: I haven't taken any classes that won't transfer over to business management yet)

Edit - I know there's a post specifically about CJ degrees, But i was looking for opinions on Business Management and Illinois, Thanks.

[Sierra]

Personal opinion, go with the program you will be willing to stay with. I started looking at Business Management for the reasons you listed. However, I could not generate the interest to stay in the classes and dropped out. I did not have that issue with CJ. I even looked into Nursing, but I couldn't hack the needles and didn't waste any money there.

You do not 'need' a degree to get onto many departments (at least in AZ) and the ones I have seen only want the paper, not any particular course. As far as advancements go, my buddy made sergeant with Mesa PD before getting his degree and now has it in Education.

[BP348]

From what I've seen if the department your applying for requires a degree then it dosen't matter what your degree is in, you just have to be able to check the box that says you have a degree. On this site alone you can find guy/gals with all types of degrees.

If you like business then take some business classes. I'm like Sierra, CJ is what interested me so I took CJ.

[Kimble]

From what I've seen if the department your applying for requires a degree then it dosen't matter what your degree is in, you just have to be able to check the box that says you have a degree. On this site alone you can find guy/gals with all types of degrees.

While this is often true, I do know a handful of agencies in my area that give salary increases for those with degrees deemed (by the department, not the applicant) to be "job related" (ex: criminal justice, public admin, etc.). In these cases, having the CJ degree would be more beneficial than the business degree, but it just depends on what the policy is with the agency you apply to. Best to ask the agencies directly if they offer anything like this, and then go from there. At the end of the day, having a degree (in anything) will give you a leg-up over those who don't.

[falcon four]

I can tell you right now I started out with the same train of thought you're talking about. I started as a finance major and dragged myself to class for two years. I switched to CJ and absolutely love it. I totally look forward to going to class and I believe that's how it should be. Do something you're going to be interested in.

[citycop0225]

I think getting you degree before you begin your career is an excellent idea. I spent the last five years juggling school, patrol work, off-duty jobs and a family before graduating last summer. It was hard but I learned a hard lesson in fortitude and perserverance.

Before graduating, I thought about changing my major several times to business management because I believed that it would increase my possibility of being promoted. I ultimately decided to stick with Criminal Justice for two reasons: 1) If I kept CJ as my major I would graduate earlier than if I were to change my major (to my family's relief) and 2) You must first be a darn good patrol officer before you can working you way up the chain of command. CJ courses will aid you on the street and will hopefully help you to become a better officer. Also, there should be a couple of CJ Management course that are a part of your degree plan. That is all you will need for now. Once you start moving up in rank, you can always attend graduate school help you along the way.

One thing I will say about a degree in Business Management, it may be a good parachute for you if you decide that law enforcement is not for you. A degree in CJ doesn't get you much in the private sector.

[falcon four]

citycop that is some great advice. My initial plans were to use a Finance degree as my parachute, but I absolutely dreaded class every day, and I'll be darned if I'm going to pay thousands upon thousands of dollars for something I hate to do. Switching to CJ was the best thing I've done in a long time. I've had numerous police chiefs, formal and current federal agents, and TONS of judges and magistrates teach me. There is nothing better than learning from somebody who has a lot of experience in the field.

And in attending PITT I've had nothing but the most experienced. I love CJ.

[SinePari]

Finish your CJ degree. You can always get your MBA afterwards.