Being prepared...

[HEJP]

Hello, all.

I have pored through these threads and found most of what I am looking for, but I am also seeking a more tailored answer to my question.

I am currently in my junior year pursuing a Bachelor's degree in English with a minor in Business Administration. I have always been interested in criminal justice, but just recently realized it is what I desire to do as a career. I've learned from this site that just possessing a degree is a plus, but I want to be properly prepared.

All that for this: would it help me be a better police officer, look better, etc. if I get an Associate's degree in Criminal Justice along with my Bachelor's degree. I plan to work part-time towards the Criminal Justice degree while continuing full-time towards my B.A. I realize it'd be tough, and that's one of the reasons I am curious as to if it would be worth all the effort in the long run.

In advance, thank you for your comments and suggestions.

[Kimble]

Depends. Many departments want to see an applicant with a degree, period. Some do offer salary increases if it is in a "related field", as I know several departments in AL offer a 5% increase for an AS/AA degree in CJ, or 10% increase for a similar BS/BA. You need to research the requirements and hiring policies of agencies that interest you. For many departments, like I said before, a degree is seen as a degree (regardless of major), and you spending more money to get an AS/AA degree when you already have a BS/BA degree may be a waste of money on your part.

At the very least, you may want to take some CJ classes as electives.