How to Pick the Right School

Since training is one of the most important aspects of pursing a career in criminal justice, the school you choose to obtain that training is very important. Research the different schools that office majors in the criminal justice field. Find out how many instructors the school has in their criminal justice department. The number of instructors will help determine 1) the overall success in the school’s criminal justice department and 2) the student to instructor ratio.

Since training is one of the most important aspects of pursing a career in criminal justice, the school you choose to obtain that training is very important. Research the different schools that office majors in the criminal justice field. Find out how many instructors the school has in their criminal justice department. The number of instructors will help determine 1) the overall success in the school’s criminal justice department and 2) the student to instructor ratio.

Once you find out the number of instructors, seek information on the names of the instructors and their credentials. The instructors’ credentials should include include professional roles in law enforcement and correctional administration, security positions in private industry, judicial administration, and probation and parole. Since training is essential, a student should have as much direct access to individuals already in the field with hands on experience. In situations such as law enforcement, knowledge is important but practical application is most important.

Talk to the department heads and the school counselors concerning this information. The school should take pride in the credentials held by their faculty and will be glad to share this information with you. Don’t be hesitant to ask.

Students pursuing degrees in criminal justice should be able to apply knowledge attained about criminal law and processes, theoretical concepts of crime causation and control. Students will need to acquire competency in understanding research regarding management practices and policymaking within criminal justice agencies. They can only learn this from individuals that have practiced these things. This is not something that can be learned through a textbook.

Last updated: November 2, 2006 at 12:50 PM

Share this article: