Several colleges, universities and technical schools offer online programs for potential police officers and detectives. (5-6) These programs are designed to train students to enforce laws, patrol areas and conduct traffic stops, investigate crimes, collect evidence and testify in court. Any need for public safety would likely spark a job increase in this field and lucrative incomes.  (1, 4)

How to Become a Police Officer or Detective

While only a high school diploma and academy training are generally required to work as a police officer or detective, ONet Online noted that 37 percent of the work force completed a college education in 2010. (1, 4) Online degree programs in criminal justice with a specialization in police administration, law enforcement or police studies are available at the associate’s and bachelor’s degree levels. These programs – which typically are offered in a blended format – examine criminal law, legal traditions, civil rights, laws and police ethics. Hands-on training — through a capstone course and weekend training sessions – delves into emergency response, first aid, firearms and self-defense techniques. (5-7) Typical additional requirements for police officers and detectives include being 21 years old or older and a U.S. citizen, as well as meeting physical and psychological tests and having a driver’s license. (1)

Careers Available

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), police and detectives held more than 780,000 jobs in 2012. (1)  These professionals may have several different career titles, including: (1)

• State Police Officers
• Uniformed Police Officers
• Transit Police Officers
• Border Patrol Officers
• Sheriffs
• Criminal Investigators
• Fish and Game Wardens

Salary

From 2012-2022, the BLS projected that police and detectives would see a slower than average growth of five percent. The best opportunities are projected to be for those with a bachelor’s degree and investigative experience stated the BLS. Additionally, those working as police and sheriff’s patrol officers had slightly higher growth that decade, at six percent. (1)

In May 2013, police and sheriff’s patrol officers had a mean annual income of $58,720, stated the BLS. (2) Those that worked as detectives and criminal investigators had higher mean wages that year, at $79,030.  (3) The industries with the highest levels of employment for both fields were local, state and federal government, according to the BLS. (2, 3)

Work Life

Police and detectives work under stressful, sometimes dangerous situations, including traffic accidents, homicides and natural disasters. They may work outdoors in inclement weather, and much of their day may be spent traveling. According to the BLS, these workers have one of the highest rates of injuries, and may face physical injury when apprehending suspects and during motor-vehicle pursuits. Work is generally full-time, and night, weekend and holiday work may be essential. (1, 5, 6, 7)

Citation
1.      Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, Police and Detectives, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/police-and-detectives.htm#tab-6 (visited October 20, 2014).
2.      Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment Statistics, 2014-15 Edition, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2013, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/OES/current/oes333051.htm (visited October 20, 2014).
3.      Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment Statistics, 2014-15 Edition, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2013, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oes/CURRENT/oes333021.htm (visited October 20, 2014).
4.      ONet Online, Police Detectives, on the Internet at http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/33-3021.01 (visited October 13, 2014).
5.      Southern New Hampshire University, BS in Criminal Justice, on the Internet at http://www.snhu.edu/online-degrees/undergraduate-degrees/justice-studies-BS-online/police-law-enforcement.asp (visited October 20, 2014).
6.      Ramussen College, Associate’s Degree in Law Enforcement, on the Internet at http://www.pace.edu/lubin/public-accounting-bba (visited October 20, 2014).

7.      EKU, Police Studies, on the Internet at http://www.plsonline.eku.edu/ (visited October 20, 2014).

The field of criminal justice contains a broad range of careers, all which typically require dedication and an eye for detail.  From court positions to being an officer of the law, criminal justice professionals could also expect change from one day on the job to the next, as law and policies could change regularly. Have you ever watched a film where a prosecuting attorney builds an ingenious case against a defendant and wondered what it would feel like to put away a lawless criminal? Do you ever wish you played a part in the construction and implementation of the law itself? With the right education and some hard work, a career in criminal justice could be just the thing for you.

Online Programs

Students today can take advantage of the wealth of opportunity in online degree programs, and if you’re looking to launch a career in criminal justice, this could be especially beneficial. An online degree is designed with busy students in mind – those students who maybe work full-time or maybe split their time between two studies. For criminal justice specifically, many types of programs are available to students and range from the associate to master’s degree level and higher.

Of course, the nature of your program will depend largely on your area of focus. For example, those looking to be a lawyer should enroll in pre-law preparation courses that could earn them a bachelor’s degree and then apply to law schools. Students might also want to consider their options for attaining graduate level degrees online. A graduate degree could make you more competitive in the eyes of employers and also offers a chance to polish the necessary skills you might need to excel in your career.

Right now might be better than ever to consider pursuing an education toward a career in criminal justice, as many jobs in the field are expected to grow over the next decade. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, for example, the employment of private detectives and investigators is projected to grow 11% from 2012 to 2022. This could be partly due to technological advances, which have led to more cybercrimes and the need to safeguard sensitive information. However, becoming a private detective – like many jobs in law enforcement – may require additional training and licensing.  Be sure to research and speak with a representative from your institution to make sure you are on the proper track and prepared for everything you’ll need to complete in route to a potentially successful career.

Citation

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, Private Detectives and Investigators,
on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/private-detectives-and-investigators.htm (visited October 13, 2014).

The work life of a lawyer is generally busy, but could lead to one of the more financially stable careers in the broad field of criminal justice. Not only do lawyers usually advise and represent clients (individuals, businesses and government agencies) on legal issues in court, they also likely conduct legal research and develop interpretations based on various rulings and regulations. Also known as attorneys, lawyers act as both advocates and advisors for their clients.

How to Become a Lawyer

Those looking to become lawyers should expect about 7 years of study at higher learning institutions – this includes 4 years of undergraduate study followed by 3 years of law school. While many law schools differ from medical schools in that they do not require students to take specific coursework during their undergraduate careers, courses in English, history, government, public speaking, economics and mathematics could be beneficial. Undergraduate students should also be prepared to take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), as most law schools will require it. The test is designed to measure applicants’ facility for studying law and their proficiencies in various areas of legal study.

Becoming a practicing lawyer also requires proper licensing, which is achieved by passing “bar exams.” Most states require that applicants graduate from an ABA-accredited law school, pass one or more written bar exams, and be found by an admitting board to have the character to council and represent others. For more details on individual state and jurisdiction requirements, visit the National Conference of Bar Examiners.

Salary

Although a lawyer’s salary will largely depend on factors such as experience and the type and size of his or her firm, The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wage for lawyers was $113,530 in May 2012. The top five industries were broken down as follows:

Finance and insurance: $134,940

Federal government, excluding postal service: 134,690

Legal services: 116,630

Local government, excluding education and hospitals: 87,140

State government, excluding education and hospitals: 79,220

It should also be reported that lawyers who own their own practices usually earn less than those who are partners in law firms.

Work Life

Lawyers often work full time and for long hours, given the amount of research and preparation cases typically require. This is likely true for both private practices and large firms. In terms of work environment, most lawyers work in offices, but will often travel to meet certain types of clients. Possibilities include homes, hospitals, or even prisons. Lawyers could also travel to appear before courts. Still, though, any travel would take place on top of all the research and preparation generally necessary to be a successful attorney.

For more information about law schools and a career in law, please visit http://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/lawyers.htm#tab-1

Citation

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, Lawyers,
on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/lawyers.htm (visited October 10, 2014).

When a lawyer represents a client in a court of law, the judge oversees and applies the legal process. Many judges start out as lawyers and the educational routes are typically parallel, as well.  Almost all judges are employed by local, state and federal governments, which means there are judges at every level of the court system.

How to Become a Judge

Most local, state and federal jobs as a judge require a law degree. Please look here (or link to our site’s page where the Lawyer profile will be housed) for information on how to earn a law degree. Federal Administrative law judges must also pass a competitive exam administered by the U.S Office of Personnel Management.

Even with the proper academic credentials, most judges must still be elected into judge positions. This often requires political backing, which involves factors such as reputation and prior legal experience. Many local and state judges are appointed to serve fixed renewable terms, ranging from 4 to 14 years. However, a few judges, such as appellate court judges, are appointed for life.

Salary

Although the annual salary of a judge will vary with experience and other factors, The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wage for judges was $115,760 in May 2012. Administrative law judges was $87,240.

Work Life

The work lives of judges are generally demanding. Given the amount of preparation needed to oversee case hearings, most judges work full-time and long hours. However, some judges work part-time, splitting their hours between their judicial responsibilities and other careers. Other judges even travel to different countries or parts of a state in order to oversee judicial hearings.

Given that emergency orders could be requested at any time, judges should also expect to be on-call during nights and weekends. In terms of work environment, judges operate mostly in offices and courtrooms. Hearings are often long processes, which means judges should be prepared to spend long hours in their offices and court rooms. Throughout their careers, judges may be required to do the following in their work life:

• Research legal issues
• Read and evaluate information from documents, such as motions, claim applications, and records
• Preside over hearings and listen to and read arguments by opposing parties
• Determine if the information presented supports the charge, claim, or dispute
• Apply laws or precedents to reach judgments and to resolve disputes between parties
• Write opinions, decisions, and instructions regarding cases, claims, and disputes

For more information about judges and the court system, please visit here.

Citation

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, Judges and Hearing Officers,
on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/judges-and-hearing-officers.htm (visited October 10, 2014).

Careers in homeland security could range from the government manager that drafts preparedness plans to the border patrol officer that keeps illegal aliens from crossing our borders. (8) Online homeland security programs are designed to provide these workers with an in-depth look at security measures and tactical strategies that must be used to prevent, prepare for and handle national crisis situations. (3-7) This career field is generally stable, and opportunities could be available in both the public and private sectors. (1, 2)

Online Homeland Security Program Overviews

When an international or national threat happens to compromise our government, homeland security professionals are usually the first to respond. (1, 2, 7) Online degree programs are available as an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree; however, students can also find certificate programs. These programs are available in homeland security, or as a concentration within a criminal justice program. Additionally, students can choose to concentrate within a homeland security program in areas like information security, public health or food defense, to name a few. Combining online courses in emergency management, terrorism, world conflict, infrastructure security and national defense with real-world simulations and projects, homeland security programs are designed to teach students the fundamental management skills and response tactics to prepare for and respond to global emergencies. (1, 3-7)

Career Options

The career options in homeland security could be vast. Associate’s and bachelor’s degree graduates could work as border patrol agents or law enforcement professionals for the federal government or a private security firm. (5-6) Graduate programs may open the door to management opportunities within homeland security or specific sectors. For example, master’s graduates may find a career as an intelligence analyst or emergency management director for the Department of Homeland Security. Doctoral graduates could earn senior leadership and academia positions. (3, 4, 7, 8)

Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), protective service occupations are projected to see an eight percent increase in jobs from 2012-2022. (1) Additionally, the mean annual wages for this group as a whole were $43,510 in May 2013. However, those in management positions could expect to see higher wages. Profiled below are the May 2013 mean wages for five possible careers available to online homeland security graduates, according to the BLS. (2)

• Detectives and Criminal Investigators: $79,030
• Police Officers: $58,720
• Transportation Security Screeners: $37,400
• Transportation Managers: $91,220
• Emergency Management Directors: $67,150

Work Life

Homeland security professionals could find career opportunities in private security, government, law enforcement, homeland security agencies and health care. The work environment could be as varied as the field. Managers may work in an office setting, drafting reports and creating preparedness plans, while officers usually work out in the field, responding to emergencies and tracking down potential terrorists. Most positions may require travel; in some cases, this might be extensive. The work is typically physically demanding and stressful, since these professionals are likely called into action during crisis situations. Most individuals work full-time, and overtime is common. (1, 3-8)

Citations
1.      Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, Police and Detectives, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/police-and-detectives.htm#tab-2 (October 20, 2014).
2.      Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment Statistics, 2014-15 Edition, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2013, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oes/2013/may/oes_nat.htm#33-0000 (visited October 20, 2014).

3. Penn State Online, Graduate Certificate in Public Health Preparedness, on the Internet at http://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/degrees-and-certificates/public-health-preparedness-certificate/overview (visited October 20, 2014).
4. Penn State Online, MPS in Homeland Security, on the Internet at http://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/degrees-and-certificates/homeland-security/overview (visited October 20, 2014).
5. Capella University, BS in Homeland Security, on the Internet at http://www.capella.edu/online-degrees/bachelors-homeland-security/ (visited October 20, 2014).
6. Everest, Online Homeland Security Associate Degree, on the Internet at http://www.everestonline.edu/online-degrees/homeland-security-as (visited October 20, 2014).
7. Northcentral University, Online Homeland Security Leadership and Policy, on the Internet at http://www.ncu.edu/school-of-business-and-technology/doctor-of-philosophy-in-business-administration/homeland-security-leadership-and-policy (visited October 20, 2014)
8. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Jobs, on the Internet at http://www.dhs.gov/topic/homeland-security-jobs (visited October 20, 2014)

The allure of crime television dramas has made the work of forensic science technicians familiar to many. In general, this type of professional helps investigate crimes by collecting and analyzing physical evidence. Forensic science technicians perform various assignments as generally dictated by their emphasis: crime scene investigation or more laboratory oriented forensic work.

How to Become a Forensic Science Technician

Those looking to become a forensic science technician should expect to earn at least a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, or some other natural science. Although every program is unique, students who take courses in biology, chemistry, and mathematics will arguably have a better chance of honing the skills necessary to become a successful forensic science technician. Earning a master’s degree in forensic science is also common and encouraged. In terms of qualities forensic science technicians typically possess, communication skills, attention to detail, critical thinking skills and composure are some of the most notable, in addition to having a math and science background.

Given the nature of crime scenes, many crime scene investigators have met the requirements of being police officers. That said, take a look at the requirements for becoming a police officer or detective here. While not all agencies require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree – these agencies might focus on a high school diploma and years of relevant experience – it is common, and interested applicants should plan accordingly.

Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual wage for forensic science technicians was $52,840 in May 2012.  The lowest 10 percent earned less than $32,200, and the top 10 percent earned more than $85,210. The BLS also shows that employment of forensic science is projected to grow 6 percent from 2012 to 2022, which is slower than the average for all occupations.

Work Life

Since forensic science technicians must almost always be on-call to collect evidence, this often leads to a demanding work schedule where your time is split between early mornings, evenings and night shifts. This applies mostly to crime scene investigators, though, since laboratory forensic technicians tend to have more standard workweeks. However, laboratory technicians may be needed to begin working on a case immediately, which may result in a staggered work schedule.

Forensic science technicians usually work in police department offices, crime laboratories, morgues, or even coroner offices. Given the nature of crime scenes, however, investigators may have to work quickly through harsh weather conditions to ensure no valuable evidence is lost. There is a strong possibility of travel, as well; forensic science technicians within a certain jurisdiction may have to travel around accordingly, depending on where the crimes occur.

Court reporters utilize listening and writing skills to transcribe word-for-word reports at legal proceedings. Most work for the state or local governments in courts or legislatures; however, some court reporters may even lend their talents to translating for the hearing-impaired at other events and settings.

How to Become a Court Reporter

While having a bachelor’s degree is not standard for most court reporting jobs, these professionals usually complete postsecondary certificate programs available through many community colleges and technical institutes. For those working in legal settings, court reporters may need licensing or certification by a professional association under some state laws.

In terms of the formal training programs, students should expect to take courses mixed in English and law. These might include both grammar and phonetics courses as well as those focusing on legal policies and terminology. Some programs might even include training students to use transcription machines, including the stenotype machine. Overall, court reporters must typically complete continuing education classes and online training to ensure that they’re up to date with policies.

For potential court reporters looking to get certified, the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) offers certification for court reporters, broadcast captioners, and Communication Access Real-Time Translation (CART) providers. The process includes successful completion of a written test and a 3-part skills test that in part will weigh on how many words the person can type per minute. The American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers (AAERT) offers certification for digital and voice reporters in two forms: as a Certified Electronic Reporter (CER) and Certified Electronic Transcriber (CET). Both certifications require the successful completion of a written test and a skill test.

Much of the training for a court reporter will usually come on the job, and many will have to complete a certain amount of hours to ensure that they understand the specific legal terminology relevant to transcribing the various types of proceedings.

Salary

According to a Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report, the median annual wage for court reporters was $48,160 in May 2012, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $24,790 and the top 10 percent earning more than $90,530. Some court reporters work freelance, meaning they’d be compensated for their work, but can also sell their transcripts at an additional fee.

Work Life

Most court reporters work on a relatively standard full-time schedule. This is especially true for those working in court settings, recording events, or preparing transcripts. The job requires that court reporters play close attention in legal proceedings, as transcribing word for word requires great attention to detail.

Citation

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, Court Reporters,
on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/court-reporters.htm (visited October 14, 2014).