Do I already have experience in the field? If you already have a bachelor in the field and/or relevant job experience, speak with peers/employers to determine if they feel this is a smart course of action. Ask people that you trust and people that you feel have been successful thus far. In other words, ask the people who have what you want.
Is the amount I will spend worth the benefits I will get in return? In order to answer this question, it is essential that you do the footwork and determine the area of specialty within the field of criminal justice that most interests you (paralegal, corrections, criminology, etc.). Research program costs, as well as potential job openings. Also, consider job tasks and potential benefit plans as well.
Is this a practical time for me? Look at both your current job, relationship, family situation and determine if this is the best and most efficient time in which to embark on an intensive learning expedition. Note: This can also be used to reverse progress for procrastinators, so try to be honest with yourself here.
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Drawbacks of a Master Degree in Criminal Justice
While a master degree in criminal justice can certainly enhance your career and earning potential, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider:
Master degree programs can be very expensive, and unless earning potential is significant, can take a very long time to pay off. Note: One alternative in which to save money is to consider an online masters degree program.
Before you look into programs yourself and put down money, check into your agency and do a little footwork. You may find that funding is available for you to go back to school. Note: If your company agrees to this, they may ask you to sign a contract agreeing to stay with them for a certain duration of time.
The criminal justice field is rapidly expanding currently. This is a field that offers most opportunities based on contacts/connections. Since this field is booming, it may be smart to work for a while, obtain contacts, and then go back to enhance your degree later.
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Education Connection Tip: Determining Which Specialty Area In Which You Want to Focus
Education Connection Tip: If you are interested in obtaining a criminal justice masters degree online, but are not yet certain about which area of focus you want to consider, here are several suggestions:
Review the specialties listed on www.get-criminal-justice-degree.com (in the master degree area) and determine at least two of these in which you plan to conduct more extensive research.
When you select these two, then conduct further research online and via the varying university programs offered to find out more about what you could expect from a master degree in these areas.
Research job postings related to those specialty areas
Review job openings in the areas that interest you and see if most job postings require a master degree and/or relevant experience
If you know anyone in the field, interview him/her about this job and ask if the degree programs are relevant to actual practice.
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Master Degree Options
It's important to determine an area of sub-specialty within the field of criminal justice. This important step in the degree decision-making process is particularly relevant when you consider a master degree. More than any other degree level, a master degree is intended to provide specialty training in a certain focus area so that you can enhance your career opportunities after graduation. And, relevant to the field of criminal justice, is that while some sub-specialties require a master degree, others do not. Paralegals, for example, generally will be spending valuable work time obtaining a master in the field (employment obtainable with a certification and/or bachelor degree). Criminologists, on the other hand, most often need a PhD to practice successfully (which means a master will be essential on your educational road). Interview professionals, research online and on land programs, look for job/career descriptions that interest you. And, of course, find out if your area of interest either requires a master degree in criminal justice, or would prove more lucrative if you did obtain the master degree.
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Education Connection Tip: Master Degree: Worth It Or Not
Education Connection Tip: If you are seeking a job title, such as criminologist or public policy analyst, then you will be better off obtaining an online criminal justice masters degree, as you will need one in order to find a job upon graduation. These are just two examples, however, and the nuanced information available for each sub-specialty of criminal justice can vary depending upon several factors such as:
Previous work/current work in the field
Bachelor degree focus
Connections/Network potential
Other previously obtained master degrees that may be transferable to the field
Certainty of your area of interest
After you review all of the related tips, as well as the information provided here, it will still be necessary to make a decision based on your overall career interest and your knowledge of what the requirements are for that particular area of interest.
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Education Connection Tip: Internships as Part of a Master Degree in Criminal Justice
Education Connection Tip: If you do decide to obtain a criminal justice masters degree online, it is highly recommended that you consider a program that offers internship opportunities in the area of interest to you. Internships are an excellent way to not only gain firsthand experience, but to make invaluable connections that can lead to future employment.
Here are some of the questions I suggest that you ask prior to determining if the school's internship program is a reputable one, and/or one that will work to meet your needs:
Do you offer internships in ...........(field of interest to you)?
If so, can you provide a list of internship options for me to review?
What is your internship application/acceptance process?
Is the internship assigned or self-determined?
Will I have to interview as part of the internship selection process?
How certain can I be that I will be provided with an internship opportunity that will be relevant to my area of career interest (again, this is another reason to know your area of interest prior to degree seeking)?
And remember, you are paying for school, so you are, thus, paying to get the best possible "master" level experience available to you. Don't be afraid to ask for what you want and need.
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Education Connection Tip: Masters Degree in Criminal Justice Online
Education Connection Tip: If you are interested in obtaining an online criminal justice masters degree, there are several important things for you to consider. It is essential to have already obtained a bachelors degree (and it is often helpful to have that degree in a similar field). Online master degree programs generally take between one to two years (in rare occasions three) and are specifically designed to focus on your area of particular interest within the field of criminal justice. Master degree programs are also geared toward two major audiences:
Current or budding professionals in the field who wish to increase their marketability/opportunity for leadership roles within the field
Budding academics who are obtaining a master degree in order to qualify for a PhD program (and eventually teach/conduct research in an academic setting).
It is strongly suggested that you conduct a significant amount of research within the field of criminal justice prior to determining if you would like to obtain an online master degree.
A master degree is intended to prepare a student for higher-level employee status within a particular field.
A master degree program will increase your area of skill level in a particular sub-specialty within the field. This means increased salary and more focus in your job search.
A master degree program will generally include an internship (which means experience and contacts in the field) and academic contacts that are connected to other professionals in the field.
If you are already in a related job, but keep getting overlooked for promotions, then a master degree may enhance your promotion opportunities.
You will be more likely to obtain high-paying federal government jobs
