4 answers
cheyenne
Student
Lake Worth, Florida
1
Question
Updated
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What's the best college for majoring in criminology?
i am asking this question because i want to go to the best school so i know everything i need to know to become a cop.
#criminology #law-enforcement #college-selection
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4 answers
Gary Stevens
Probation & Parole at Vermont Department of Corrections
6
Answers
Updated
Gary’s Answer
Morning Cheyenne!
The college you attend would really depend on your long-term career interests in the field of criminal justice:
If you're interested in working as a police officer throughout your entire career, then any state college with a criminal justice manner would suffice - in fact, you could work as a police officer while you're earning your degree, you only have to be 18 to apply.
If you're interested in becoming an investigator with a local, state law enforcement agency - then you would want to find a state college with a major in forensics (with a focus on criminal justice or psychology).
If you're interested in becoming an investigator for a federal law enforcement agency, or eventually working for the commissioner's office (the commissioner is the person in charge of the entire department - such as the commissioner of public safety, commissioner of corrections, etc...), then shoot for the sky - look into the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City.
Your choice of college is helpful, but there's much more than that: (1) Keep your eye on the prize - if you want to work in law enforcement then focus on your studies, and avoid potential situations/friends that could lead you astray; (2) Look into ride-along or cadet programs with your local police departments - if you want to work for them nothing wrong with showing them your interest before you even graduate; (3) Apply for jobs that are related to law enforcement (this could include part time jobs in security, loss prevention, campus safety, etc...), you'll have a step above the rest by building experience early on (granted, you have to wait until you're 18 for these positions, but volunteer work such as the ride along or cadet programs look good under 18...actually, just being able to find and keep a particular job while you're in school shows departments that you're able to manage work and school [multi-tasking], and your level of commitment [shows dedication and stability by being able to stay with the same employer, and doesn't hurt if you do change jobs to show that the change was in an upwardly progression such as more money, better title, moving towards your long-term field, etc...]).
Bottom line - any choice you make now should only be made after asking yourself: "How will this affect my future as a law enforcement officer?" The Mike Tyson tattoo on the face might look kind of cool, but you would have great difficulties finding a job in law enforcement. Drinking and drugs might take the edge off, but even the slightest chance of getting caught is not worth the risk of missing out on your future dream job (and yes - most law enforcement agencies will subject you to a polygraph (lie detector) test, as well as an oral board (where you're basically grilled about your past) before considering you for employment - little stuff...don't sweat it, bigger stuff...keep your nose clean from here on out and you could just attribute it to childhood angst from which you learned and moved on. Good luck!!!!
The college you attend would really depend on your long-term career interests in the field of criminal justice:
If you're interested in working as a police officer throughout your entire career, then any state college with a criminal justice manner would suffice - in fact, you could work as a police officer while you're earning your degree, you only have to be 18 to apply.
If you're interested in becoming an investigator with a local, state law enforcement agency - then you would want to find a state college with a major in forensics (with a focus on criminal justice or psychology).
If you're interested in becoming an investigator for a federal law enforcement agency, or eventually working for the commissioner's office (the commissioner is the person in charge of the entire department - such as the commissioner of public safety, commissioner of corrections, etc...), then shoot for the sky - look into the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City.
Your choice of college is helpful, but there's much more than that: (1) Keep your eye on the prize - if you want to work in law enforcement then focus on your studies, and avoid potential situations/friends that could lead you astray; (2) Look into ride-along or cadet programs with your local police departments - if you want to work for them nothing wrong with showing them your interest before you even graduate; (3) Apply for jobs that are related to law enforcement (this could include part time jobs in security, loss prevention, campus safety, etc...), you'll have a step above the rest by building experience early on (granted, you have to wait until you're 18 for these positions, but volunteer work such as the ride along or cadet programs look good under 18...actually, just being able to find and keep a particular job while you're in school shows departments that you're able to manage work and school [multi-tasking], and your level of commitment [shows dedication and stability by being able to stay with the same employer, and doesn't hurt if you do change jobs to show that the change was in an upwardly progression such as more money, better title, moving towards your long-term field, etc...]).
Bottom line - any choice you make now should only be made after asking yourself: "How will this affect my future as a law enforcement officer?" The Mike Tyson tattoo on the face might look kind of cool, but you would have great difficulties finding a job in law enforcement. Drinking and drugs might take the edge off, but even the slightest chance of getting caught is not worth the risk of missing out on your future dream job (and yes - most law enforcement agencies will subject you to a polygraph (lie detector) test, as well as an oral board (where you're basically grilled about your past) before considering you for employment - little stuff...don't sweat it, bigger stuff...keep your nose clean from here on out and you could just attribute it to childhood angst from which you learned and moved on. Good luck!!!!
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1664
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Cheyenne,
I recommend you start by defining the term "best." What makes a school "the best?" Some students are simply trying to obtain a degree, and don't care if they learn anything or not. It sounds like you want to be academically-challenged, so that will be one thing to look at - the quality of the teaching. Other things would be the ability of the school to place you in a good internship opportunity, career fairs, job placement services (resume and interview preparation), Support services (math and writing labs), etc. Will they continue to help you after you graduate? What is the reputation of the school in the community?
Beyond that would be issues of affordability. The most expensive is not necessarily "the best." Also, some courses are "criminology" and some schools offer "criminal justice." Understand the difference between the two, and determine which one you really want. (Google it for a full definition, but basically, most people pursue "criminal justice" if they are going into law enforcement). Then there is a question of where you feel you "fit in?" If you do not feel comfortable in a particular environment, you will not do your best.
As a retired female cop, I am happy to assist you if you have any questions about women in law enforcement. As you continue in your schooling, I encourage you to follow the advice above, and keep a "Clean" background. I will add this includes your credit rating. If you borrow money, it needs to be paid back on time. Also work on your physical conditioning.
Beyond this, I would encourage you to look for opportunities to develop leadership and decisiveness skills, strong writing skills (you will write Many reports that will be scrutinized by lawyers), perhaps take a self-defense class. Perhaps look at getting into ROTC for a year or two while in high school. Law enforcement is much like the military, and this will give you an introduction to the military ways of doing things, and help with physical conditioning as well!
Best of luck to you!
Kim
I recommend you start by defining the term "best." What makes a school "the best?" Some students are simply trying to obtain a degree, and don't care if they learn anything or not. It sounds like you want to be academically-challenged, so that will be one thing to look at - the quality of the teaching. Other things would be the ability of the school to place you in a good internship opportunity, career fairs, job placement services (resume and interview preparation), Support services (math and writing labs), etc. Will they continue to help you after you graduate? What is the reputation of the school in the community?
Beyond that would be issues of affordability. The most expensive is not necessarily "the best." Also, some courses are "criminology" and some schools offer "criminal justice." Understand the difference between the two, and determine which one you really want. (Google it for a full definition, but basically, most people pursue "criminal justice" if they are going into law enforcement). Then there is a question of where you feel you "fit in?" If you do not feel comfortable in a particular environment, you will not do your best.
As a retired female cop, I am happy to assist you if you have any questions about women in law enforcement. As you continue in your schooling, I encourage you to follow the advice above, and keep a "Clean" background. I will add this includes your credit rating. If you borrow money, it needs to be paid back on time. Also work on your physical conditioning.
Beyond this, I would encourage you to look for opportunities to develop leadership and decisiveness skills, strong writing skills (you will write Many reports that will be scrutinized by lawyers), perhaps take a self-defense class. Perhaps look at getting into ROTC for a year or two while in high school. Law enforcement is much like the military, and this will give you an introduction to the military ways of doing things, and help with physical conditioning as well!
Best of luck to you!
Kim
Rachel Resnick
Behavioral Health Professional; CT Licensed Secondary Educator
599
Answers
Seymour, Connecticut
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
<span style="background-color: transparent;">Collegeboard.org is a great resource for this! I poured through the pages of universities all over the U.S. when I was a senior in high school. Collegeboard was my go-to site! They put all of the information in one place and it is very easy to use. They even have various filters you can apply to see only colleges that have programs you are interested. To determine academic rigor, look at the admissions requirements, G.P.A. of past admitted applicants, SAT/ACT scores, class rank etc. This will give you an idea of what scores and grades you need to be accepted. However, don't be discouraged your application will be reviewed based on the full picture! College-board will help you get an idea of what is most important to the specific school you are applying to.</span>
This professional recommends the following next steps:
- <span style="background-color: transparent;">Chat with your Guidance Counselor</span>
- <span style="background-color: transparent;">Create a Collegeboard.org account</span>
- <span style="background-color: transparent;">Start using CollegeBoard as a resource to look up schools.</span>
J "Poncho" Sannizzaro
Retired
3
Answers
Marysville, California
Updated
J "Poncho"’s Answer
Getting the edecuation is what's important. I started with Asheorh, and my Batchelirs is from Southern Mississippi. No college can teach you everything. 30 hours opens most doors to start then the experience will mount up fast.