A Criminal Justice Degree for the Real-Life Working Adult

by Joe Cooper
Online Degrees Columnist

Annette Harris Gibbs, whose two kids and full-time job already demand just about all of her time, found a way to start her career in criminal justice. In an interview with Press World, she talked about how earning an online degree was the "best way" for her to continue her education.

Through her online degree program in criminal justice, Ms. Gibbs had the opportunity to complete an externship in a local town, giving her the professional experience she needed to complement her degree. Internships and externships can be found at on-campus and online colleges alike. Online degree programs often partner with community opportunities that prove very valuable to new careers.

A Career in Criminal Justice

A degree is necessary for a career in criminal justice, and can even help with jobs in the police force, which trains recruits through its own system. There are many government and community jobs in criminal justice that require a thorough knowledge of law enforcement and civil justice.

The average salary of policemen detectives was over $60,000 in 2004. Many federal jobs in criminal justice are attractive for their salaries and benefits, too. The majority of these jobs require a degree, making college a necessity for applicants.

If you work full time, but are interested in a career in criminal justice, think of Ms. Gibbs. An online degree was the best way for her to start her career. Online degree programs can work for a wide variety of people, which perhaps is why one in 10 people are projected to be enrolled in an online degree program by 2010.

About the Author
Joe Cooper is a freelance education and technology writer and edits medical literature. He holds a bachelor's in American Literature from UCLA.

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