3 answers
Nevaeh
Student
Grundy Center, Iowa
3
Questions
Updated
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How many years does it take to major in criminal justice?
#major #college #criminology #criminal-justice #law
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3 answers
Kelly Desso
Protective Services
198
Answers
Somers, Connecticut
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
Hello Nevaeh,
The duration of your studies is entirely contingent on the number of years you're willing to invest! An Associate of Science degree can be achieved in two years, while a Bachelor of Science degree typically requires four years. However, accelerated programs may shorten this timeframe by requiring students to attend school throughout the year or by using a trimester system.
If you're a prospective law enforcement officer waiting to reach the minimum age requirement of 21, the type of undergraduate degree you pursue could be influenced by your age when you begin the program. While many police departments don't demand a four-year degree, having one is necessary if you aspire to specialize in a particular field or aim to become an administrator.
Furthermore, fields like public policy might offer a salary increase for those with higher education or may lower the experience requirements for job interviews.
The duration of your studies is entirely contingent on the number of years you're willing to invest! An Associate of Science degree can be achieved in two years, while a Bachelor of Science degree typically requires four years. However, accelerated programs may shorten this timeframe by requiring students to attend school throughout the year or by using a trimester system.
If you're a prospective law enforcement officer waiting to reach the minimum age requirement of 21, the type of undergraduate degree you pursue could be influenced by your age when you begin the program. While many police departments don't demand a four-year degree, having one is necessary if you aspire to specialize in a particular field or aim to become an administrator.
Furthermore, fields like public policy might offer a salary increase for those with higher education or may lower the experience requirements for job interviews.
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1664
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Navaeh,
Thank you for your interest in criminal justice!
There are both Associates Degree and Bachelor degree CRJ majors. If attending school fulltime, and you pass all your classes, and are careful to take only those classes that apply to the degree, you will complete an Associates in 2 years and a Bachelors in 4 years.
Sometimes the degree plan offers specializations. For example, perhaps one set of classes is taken for people who want to be in the Administrative or Management side of CRJ, with different courses for those who want to be in Enforcement. And maybe a third set of classes for those entering the Judicial side.
I suggest you spend some time looking at various programs online, and comparing what they have to offer. You should try to get one with a good internship program, as that is often your stepping stone into the professional realm. Also, if money is an issue, you may try getting your associates first, and then looking for a job in a position where there is tuition reimbursement. Many government agencies offer this. You can then attend school part time while working towards your bachelors.
good luck!
Thank you for your interest in criminal justice!
There are both Associates Degree and Bachelor degree CRJ majors. If attending school fulltime, and you pass all your classes, and are careful to take only those classes that apply to the degree, you will complete an Associates in 2 years and a Bachelors in 4 years.
Sometimes the degree plan offers specializations. For example, perhaps one set of classes is taken for people who want to be in the Administrative or Management side of CRJ, with different courses for those who want to be in Enforcement. And maybe a third set of classes for those entering the Judicial side.
I suggest you spend some time looking at various programs online, and comparing what they have to offer. You should try to get one with a good internship program, as that is often your stepping stone into the professional realm. Also, if money is an issue, you may try getting your associates first, and then looking for a job in a position where there is tuition reimbursement. Many government agencies offer this. You can then attend school part time while working towards your bachelors.
good luck!
Matthew N
Student
40
Answers
New Brunswick, New Jersey
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
Hi Nevaeh. A major in Criminal Justice can take as long as any other bachelor's degree, which is 4 years. Just keep track of the required courses you have to take in order to graduate with a degree in Criminal Justice.