If you are interested in helping others, and have always wanted to protect and serve the community in some way or another, you may be meant for a role in the criminal justice field. But before you earn your badge, you will want to explore your options. The best place to start is with a great education, in a related program of study.

As you begin your journey towards this career, you may be curious to learn about the different criminal justice degrees available. Which types of criminal justice degrees are out there, that will qualify you for a job? This answer will depend on the specific role you want to have in the field. Do you want to be a law enforcement officer, a criminal investigator, prison guard, or a federal security agent? Do you picture yourself in a leadership position, teaching others how to be successful in the criminal justice field?

Here, Goodwin College breaks down some of the many different degrees related to criminal justice.

Associate Degree in Criminal Justice

Perhaps the most obvious degree choice for an aspiring criminal justice professional is an associate degree in Criminal Justice. This will prepare you for a variety of careers serving your community, as you learn the ins and outs of the criminal justice system: modern law enforcement, emergency response, security, contemporary policing issues, computer crime, and forensics are just some of the many subjects you’ll cover in this program.

At Goodwin College’s criminal justice school, classes are taught by police commanders, detectives, state troopers, military veterans, attorneys, and other experts of the field. Their experience offers insight into the realities of policing and other Criminal Justice roles better than any textbook could. With an associate degree in Criminal Justice, you could go on to pursue a career in:

• Corrections
• Customs and Border Protection
• Drug Enforcement Agency
• Federal Bureau of Prisons
• Immigration and Customs Enforcement
• Law Enforcement
• Private and Personal Security Agencies
• Transportation Security Administration

Bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice are also available for those looking to further education. However, most criminal justice careers can be obtained with a two-year degree in hand.

Associate Degree in Homeland Security

Those with a passion for protecting the lives of Americans may be interested in a focused education in Homeland Security. The Homeland Security field involves safeguarding the United States and its population from outside threats, such as terrorism and natural disasters. It is vital to the nation’s safety.

A Homeland Security degree will prepare you for some of the most important and intense careers that the United States has to offer. The program will prepare you to competently fill roles in national, military, corporate, and personal security all across the country and throughout the world. You will have the option to work in areas such as:

• Immigration and Border Control
• Law Enforcement
• Cyber Security and Crime
• First Response
• Disaster Management
• National Defense
• Fire Science
• Corrections
• Terrorism

An associate degree in Homeland Security will teach you critical thinking and fast response, as well as interpersonal communication and good negotiation skills. You will leave this different criminal justice degree program with a greater understanding of national, state, and local security – its challenges, its impact, and the responsibilities of those working in the field.

Human Services Degree (Associate or Bachelor’s)

More and more people rely on those with a Human Services background, such as those struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, homelessness, domestic violence, behavioral or mental health challenges, criminal backgrounds, or youth searching for a positive role model in their community.

Those who pursue an associate degree or bachelor degree in Human Services may choose to pursue a career in a variety of criminal justice settings. For example, you may become a corrections counselor, supporting and advising inmates, or a probation officer, helping people stay on the right track and effectively transition back to daily life. You can also become a:

• Probation Assistant (Probation Officer with a Bachelor’s degree)
• Youth Worker
• Crisis Advocate
• Mental Health Associate
• Rehabilitation Specialist
• Case Manager
• Counselor (in Corrections or other areas of Criminal Justice)

Human service degrees – and the above positions – are perfect for anyone with a passion for working with people and making a difference within their community.

Public Safety & Security Degree (Bachelor’s)

When disaster and tragedy strike, we turn to heroic leaders to step up and bring order to the chaos. A bachelor’s degree in Public Safety & Security can prepare you to make life-saving changes in critical times of need. With a program at an accredited school such as Goodwin College, you will master skills associated with evidence-based decision making, preparing you to make life-altering choices during times of need. You will also learn valuable skills such as risk assessment, policy analysis, and safety and security planning through a public safety degree program.

Career outcomes from a Public Safety & Security degree (at the Bachelor’s level) include:

• Computer Security
• Corrections
• Customs and Border Protection
• Cyber Crime Investigation
• Drug Enforcement Agency
• Emergency Management
• Fire Science
• First Responders
• Immigration and Customs Enforcement
• Law Enforcement
• Security
• Transportation Security Administration

This different criminal justice degree program will ready you to become a protector and keep people out of harm’s way. Goodwin’s Bachelor’s in Public Safety degree is set up in a way that allows you to pursue a Homeland Security or Criminal Justice concentration, combined with public safety and security coursework. This allows you to take classes in criminal investigation, criminal procedure, and/or emergency planning, as well as public policy and the ins and outs of both personal and public security.

Bachelor’s Degree in Management & Leadership

One of the most important qualities for a successful police officer, detective, or correctional officer to possess is his or her leadership skills. A bachelor’s degree in Management & Leadership can help equip you with the tools you need to become successful on the force. With this degree, you will learn to manage innovation, change, and talent development. You will also gain and perfect your:

• Interpersonal skills
• Communication
• Ethics
• Ability to facilitate change
• Leadership skills
• Mentoring abilities
• Supervision
• Teamwork

If you can see yourself working in a career wherein you protect people from danger and keep them out of harm’s way, consider any of these different criminal justice degrees as your launchpad for success. Once you’ve earned your degree, you will be well on your way to joining the prestigious ranks of law enforcement and playing a vital role in society.

Learn more about the many degree options in Criminal Justice at Goodwin College. Call 1-800-889-3282 or visit us online to request more information.