What You’ll Learn in a Bachelors in Criminal Justice Program in Philadelphia, PA

Are you thinking about getting a bachelors in criminal justice in Philadelphia, PA? Criminal justice is an incredibly diverse field, so there are many areas of specialization to choose from, such as law enforcement, forensics, and corrections. Because criminal justice encompasses such a wide range of disciplines, many prospective students wonder exactly what the coursework in a bachelors in criminal justice program will entail.

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Bachelors in criminal justice programs provide a solid background in the social sciences, including psychology, sociology, and political science. The program focuses on teaching students about the causes of crime and society’s response to it, while familiarizing them with various components of the justice system.

Topics that coursework in bachelors in criminal justice programs may cover include white collar and organized crime investigations, criminal law and the legal process, police-community relations, and corrections and judicial systems. The following are courses that those pursuing a bachelors in criminal justice may be required to take:

• Gender and Politics
• American Public Policy
• Administration of Criminal Justice
• Juvenile Justice and Corrections
• Crime Control Policies

In a bachelors in criminal justice program, you will study policies, human behavioral theory, the philosophy of justice, and institutions. Essentially, you’ll learn what it takes to maintain social order through the criminal justice system. People who pursue a bachelors in criminal justice in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania are typically seeking entry-level positions at police departments, corrections departments, law enforcement agencies or federal agencies. Other jobs that criminal justice majors may obtain include substance abuse counselor, social worker, and paralegal. A bachelors in criminal justice also provides the foundation for advanced studies within the field or for law school.

The best bachelors in criminal justice programs in Philadelphia, PA blend theory and practice, so students can apply the concepts they learn in the classroom to real-world situations. Ideally, students will complete an internship prior to graduation, so they can gain valuable work experience in a criminal justice-related agency. In an internship program, students have the opportunity to develop new skills and make professional contacts in the field.

If you want to compete for entry-level jobs in criminal justice, having a bachelors in criminal justice is imperative. Areas where you may be able to find work with a bachelors in criminal justice include crime labs, liquor control boards, the state police, the Department of Defense, the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the Food and Drug Administration, and private security companies.

If you think that criminal justice is the right field for you and you would like to learn more about bachelors in criminal justice programs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, please call CollegeQuest at 866-944-1429(9am–9pm EST/Mon-Fri). One of our helpful college advisors would be glad to answer your questions and assist you in finding the right program for your needs.

5 Tips for Choosing the Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Philadelphia, PA

There is an array of criminal justice colleges in Philadelphia, PA, but not all of them are created equal. To ensure that you receive a high quality education that sets you up for success in the criminal justice field, follow these 5 tips for choosing the best criminal justice colleges in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

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1. Ask lots of questions
When you’re evaluating criminal justice colleges in Philadelphia, PA, ask lots of questions, such as the following:
1. What types of degrees do you offer?
2. What are the tuition and fees?
3. What is the average class size?
4. Do you offer financial aid?
5. What is the student-to-teacher ratio in the classes?
6. What are the employment statistics of the graduating class?
2. Make sure the college is accredited
When looking for criminal justice colleges in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, make sure that the college you select is accredited. Accreditation ensures that a program offers a high quality education. It’s also important to keep in mind that the federal governments and some state governments do not provide financial aid to students at non-accredited criminal justice colleges.
3. Determine if the school offers degrees in your chosen area of specialization
Criminal justice encompasses a variety of disciplines, so to maximize your chances of finding employment in your industry of choice, choose a school that offers degrees in your preferred area of specialization. Some areas of the criminal justice field that you can specialize in include corrections, law enforcement, private security, criminal investigations, and homeland security.
4. Choose the right size college
Decide whether or larger or smaller college would suit your needs and preferences. The advantages of attending a larger college are that you will have more courses and specializations to choose from, as well as access to more resources. The advantages of attending a smaller college are that the tuition and student-to-teacher ratio are lower.
5. Pick a school with flexible course schedules
If you’re working or raising kids, it’s essential to find criminal justice colleges in Philadelphia, PA that have flexible course schedules, so you can attend to other responsibilities while completing your coursework. Some scheduling options that criminal justice colleges offer to accommodate adult learners’ busy schedules include part-time programs, evening classes, online classes, and weekend classes. Keep these pointers in mind in order to find the best criminal justice colleges in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Whether you’re a seasoned professional who wants to enhance your skills or you’re completely new to the field, earning a degree from a reputable criminal justice program is likely to advance your career. To learn more about criminal justice colleges in Philadelphia, PA, please call CollegeQuest.com at 866-944-1429(9am–9pm EST/Mon-Fri).