The system is evolving as officials at local, state and federal levels seek ways to reduce crime rates, protect communities and deter potential offenders. Some have worked well. For example, data from the California Department of Justice showed the state’s crime rate steadily declined from 1993 to 2017 to reach historic lows thanks to prison system reform.
However, this is just one example from one state. Individual communities and the nation still have to deal with shifting crime rates, and hate crimes are on the rise, increasing 12.5 percent within America’s 10 largest cities from 2017 to 2018.
Furthermore, crises like the opioid epidemic and the threat of cyberterrorism mean soon-to-be first responders and security specialists need the practical and theoretical knowledge to adequately address these and other issues that were previously unknown.
An online criminal justice bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University can help students prepare to enter one of the many career fields related to law enforcement. These positions are often strenuous yet rewarding, both in terms of impact and compensation. For example, the median salary for police and detectives is $62,960 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Firefighters earn a median of $49,080 per year, while arbitrators, mediators and conciliators make approximately $60,670.
ASU has several online criminal justice degree programs that can help aspiring professionals enter this exciting, ever-changing field.
Criminology and Criminal Justice (BS)
The online Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice can help students learn about the impact of crime and effective ways to reduce it.
The program covers the policies and practices of major areas of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts and corrections. Through coursework and classes provided by expert faculty, students can strengthen their research, analytical and communications skills, which are integral to working in almost any criminal justice profession.
Graduates may start working or pursue an advanced degree in areas such as law, criminology or other social sciences.
Courses cover subjects including:
- Corrections
- Domestic violence
- Gangs
- White collar crime
Possible careers include:
- Detective
- Corrections officer
- Crime scene investigator
- Forensic specialist
- Sociologist
Justice Studies (BS)
Students who want to learn about the cultural, historical and social aspects of criminal justice may want to pursue the online Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies program. The coursework and lectures can prepare them to design solutions that more effectively address various criminal justice issues, including bias, incarceration rates and poor crime deterrents. Students may study a variety of topics, such as serial killers, racial justice, genocide and media’s effect on public perception of justice.
The program focuses on five core areas:
- Citizenship, migration and human rights
- Globalization, sustainability and economic justice Law, policy and social change
- Media, technology and culture
- Social identities and communities
Courses cover subjects including:
- Social-behavioral science
- Theory of justice
- Statistical analysis
- Research in criminal justice
Possible careers include:
- Behavioral health specialist
- Criminal investigator
- Mediator
- Judge
Political Science (BA)
The online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science program is designed to help students link theoretical politics to real-world issues and lead effective change initiatives. With a curriculum that centers on contemporary geopolitics, economics and events, students can emerge prepared to enter a variety of professions. Students will also study a foreign language, which can help them adopt a global viewpoint and prepare them for an international role.
Courses cover subjects including:
- Comparative government
- Global politics
- Political ideologies Historical awareness
Possible careers include:
- City planner
- Community specialist
- Logistics manager
- Political analyst