An online degree usually includes the same number of credit hours as it’s on-campus counterpart. That means it should take you about 4 years to finish an online degree. However, if you are taking the degree online because of time constraints or work and family obligations, you may not be able to attend full-time and, therefore, it could take up to 6-8 years to attain your degree.
The cost will depend on several factors. Are you pursuing your degree online or in a traditional setting? If you attend your courses on campus, you will also need to pay for food, room and board, and other fees. This can increase the cost of your education significantly unless you have a plan in place to keep these costs low. If you attend a public, state school, it will depend on whether or not you are a resident. In-state students usually pay much lower rates than out-of-state students. However, this can be overcome by attending classes online, as most institutions charge in-state rates for all online courses. Either way, you need to research the costs for each program you are considering applying to, as each institution will have their own rates.
Criminal justice and law is a wide-ranging field. If you have a specific career you are hoping to enter, make sure the school either offers a major in that field or a variety of classes pertaining to your field of interest. You may be able to find employment information for graduating students, will can show you how many students were able to enter the field you’re looking at upon graduation.
The graduation rate can tell you a great deal about a school. Avoid schools with low four-year graduation rates. That may mean students are not receiving the best academic support, or there are issues with the faculty or affordability. While it is just one standard for you to investigate, it can be indicative of the overall quality of the school and also of your future experience.
Accreditation is essential. Attending a school well-known in the field for its high quality criminal justice program not only gives you the best education of its type, but is a great asset once you begin looking for work. Fortunately, many respected schools in the world of criminal justice are top public colleges and universities, not the more expensive private institutions of higher learning.
When looking for a college program to attend, you need to look at all the potential advantages of a school or program. Post-graduate job assistance should rank high on the list of important things to consider when selecting where you will enroll. A good job placement program, while it cannot guarantee you a position, will help you make sure you have the best classes and experiences under your belt. That way, you will have the best possible chance of getting the position you want. The time spent in school is a great time to prepare for your future career in Criminal Justice or Law. That can begin with a great internship, referral, mentorship, or hire. Schools that offer extensive job placement and career assistance can help you get all those things and more.
Accreditation should be an extremely important factor when looking for and selecting a degree program. The accreditation status of the college or university that you choose has a huge impact on your future success in the field. Not only does an institution without accreditation lack proof that it adheres to academic standards, but it can negatively impact the amount of money you earn.
Because unaccredited programs do not necessarily cover certainly topics that are vital within the industry, employers may be more hesitant to hire you. Those that are willing to hire you will likely do so with the understanding that you likely have incomplete or insufficient knowledge in certain areas. To account for this, they will start you at a lower salary.
Accreditation is vitally important when choosing a college. Do not even consider a school without accreditation, as you are wasting your precious time and money. Seek out schools with regional accreditation, according to their location. The six regional accreditation agencies are The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, The New England Association of Schools and Colleges, The North Central Association of Schools and Colleges, The Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, The Southern Association of Schools and Colleges, and The Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
When it comes to law degrees, there is no question that the more prestigious the law school the easier it is for the graduate to find top employment. Not everyone is going to get into an Ivy League law school, but you must attend a school accredited by the American Bar Association. Generally, you cannot take the bar exam if the school from which you graduated was not accredited by the ABA
