Online degree in criminal justice may boost earnings

Online degree in criminal justice may boost earnings

Criminal justice is one of the fastest growing fields, with more than 10 percent projected job growth over the next eight years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that top professionals in this industry earned more than $92,700 last year, on average.

In order to provide working adults with an opportunity to enter this fast-growing field, many American universities are launching web-based degree programs. For example, Arizona State University (ASU) recently announced that it will offer an online bachelors degree in criminology and criminal justice.

Courses will be offered through ASU's School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, and include innovations in policing, introduction to criminology, discretionary justice, statistical analysis, sex crimes and community corrections, among others. Tuition fees are $325 per credit hour, which applies to both residents and out-of-state students, making this course of study more affordable than most traditional degree programs at similar institutions.

"The online program offers students the chance to earn an ASU degree with the same high quality curriculum and faculty as the campus option," said Scott Decker, director of ASU’s School of Criminology and Criminal Justice.

The degree program was created to serve the needs of law enforcement, corrections and other criminal justice personnel who wish to boost their potential earnings, attend law school or advance in their current positions.

Professionals with a degree in criminal justice may work in corrections, probation, parole, legal offices, court systems, victim/witness advocacy agencies or private security, according to the news source.

By Mark Danson