You’re looking for an exciting career. You want to help others. You are brave and have a passion for standing up for what’s right. You may be perfect for a career in the criminal justice or public safety fields.

The world needs strong people who are willing to run toward danger. When there is an emergency, a crisis, or a natural disaster, we need people who will defend and protect people. You may see yourself as a police officer, keeping your community safe. Perhaps you see yourself as a detective investigating murder mysteries. Maybe you aren’t even sure what you want to do, but you know you want to be a real-life hero. But how do you get into these roles? And what are the realistic career outcomes for protectors of today? Read on, as we share the different pathways you can take toward careers in law, public safety, corrections, and security.

1. Start with an Education

The standard educational requirement for criminal justice careers today is an associate degree. While some roles do not require more than a high school diploma and training, the skills and knowledge obtained from a reputable criminal justice school will prove invaluable. Students who pursue postsecondary training gain hands-on, practical experience in all aspects of the United States’ Criminal Justice system. You will be exposed to contemporary policing issues, historical development and ethics of the system, corrections procedures, investigative reporting, and more – so you are prepared and ready to launch your career.

2. Find Your Perfect Program

Of course, there is more than one type of program available for those who are interested in a career that protects and serves the community. The law, public safety, corrections, and security fields vary slightly in their roles and requirements, and it is important to find the program that aligns best with your career goals. The Public Safety and Criminal Justice programs offered at career-focused schools like Goodwin University can help you find the perfect path. We offer:

• Criminal Justice Associate Degree

Criminal Justice is a highly specialized field. Its members must have the right training in order to protect and serve. The associate degree program in Criminal Justice at Goodwin helps students develop critical skills that are necessary for modern law enforcement, security, emergency response, and investigative professions.

Classes are taught by law enforcement professionals who are dedicated to passing on their invaluable knowledge to you. Some of your professors may be police commanders, state troopers, military veterans, attorneys, and other experts of the field. This experience offers insight that you can’t find in any textbook.

The core requirements of the criminal justice program include:

• Investigative Report Writing
• Criminal Procedures
• Introduction to Corrections
• Criminology
• Criminal Law
• Juvenile Justice in America
• Internship

The students who graduate from this program go on to enjoy careers in the following settings:

• Community Health Centers
• 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
• Public Safety

• Public Safety and Security Degree

If attacks like 9/11 and the Boston Marathon have taught us anything, it is that disaster and tragedy can strike at any time, without warning. In times of trouble and chaos, our country needs leaders who are willing to step forward and protect Americans. The Public Safety degree program at Goodwin University educates the heroes of tomorrow by emphasizing the development of professional skills and knowledge of Public Safety, which include:

• Grant writing
• Risk assessment
• Research methodology
• Policy analysis
• Safety and security planning

This program teaches students to apply the skills associated with evidence-based decision making.

Many careers in public safety require a bachelor’s degree. Emergency Management Directors, for example, typically need to have a bachelor’s degree and experience in emergency response, disaster planning, or public administration, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The investment on the education is worthwhile, too. Emergency Management Directors earned a median annual salary of $74,590 in 2019.

Some of the career options with a bachelor’s degree in Public Safety 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

3. Seek a Path with Flexibility

The idea of going back to school as an adult can be daunting. You have work. You may have a family to support. In what little spare time you have, there are your personal hobbies and social events. Squeezing in time for school can seem overwhelming. Goodwin University offers class times that fit into your schedule and cater to your needs. Unlike other schools, Goodwin is all about convenience. Criminal Justice and Public Safety classes are:

• Available on-campus – and Public Safety classes are also available online!
• Offered days and evenings – and Public Safety classes are also available on weekends!
• Offered in a standard 15-week format.

Are you ready to help create a better, safer, and healthier world? Learn more about the criminal justice and public safety programs offered at Goodwin University today! Call us at 800-889-3282 or visit us online to request more information.