Criminal Justice School Guide » degrees

Certificate Program Information

crodgers — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:21:34 +0000

Certificate and diploma programs provide practical knowledge to prepare students for a specific job or task. Requirements will differ between programs, but are generally less demanding than those of a degree program.

Certificate programs appeal to many people. Some people view certificate programs as an opportunity to advance their career without the time and financial commitments that are associated with pursuing a degree. Certificate programs can also enable individuals who have already earned a degree to improve their skills, extend their knowledge, and possibly take a new career path. In some cases, a certificate program can lead to admission into a related degree program.

Certificate programs are available at traditional colleges and universities, trade and vocational schools, community colleges, and online. If you are considering changing your career or furthering your education, browse through available certification programs to find one that will suit your needs.

Doctoral Degrees Defined

crodgers — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:20:22 +0000

A doctoral degree represents the highest and most advanced level of study one can achieve. Most doctoral degrees take about seven years to complete. They consist of coursework, comprehensive exams, and the presentation of a dissertation in a specific subject. A dissertation is an academic research paper in which an argument is supported using original research.

Types of Doctoral Degrees:

Ph.D. or Doctor of Philosophy
M.D. or Medical Doctor
J.D. or Juris Doctor (lawyer)

Students may work to obtain research doctorates or professional doctorates. Those who graduate from a research doctoral degree program usually find work as university professors or researchers in a specific field. Graduates of a professional doctoral degree program are qualified to work in specific professions, such as law or medicine.

If a doctorate is something that would help you advance your career, browse through the available programs to find one that will suit your needs.

Master’s Degrees Defined

crodgers — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:17:08 +0000

Earning a master’s degree is a great option for anyone who has already earned a bachelor’s degree and wishes to further advance their career. Master’s degrees programs involve coursework and research in a specific subject. In most programs, students will be required to submit a thesis or dissertation prior to graduation. A dissertation is an academic research paper in which an argument is supported using original research specific to the subject studied.

Master’s degree programs can take anywhere from one to three years to complete, and in some cases can be connected to a bachelor’s degree program.

4 types of Master’s Degrees:

Master of Arts
Master of Science
Master of Fine Arts
Master of Education

Earning a master’s degree will improve your career opportunities by qualifying you for positions of significant responsibility.

Other benefits of Master’s Degree:

Increased earning potential
Greater opportunity for benefits packages such as healthcare and pensions
Fulfills education requirements and preparation for doctoral studies

Bachelor’s Degrees Defined

crodgers — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:12:52 +0000

A bachelor’s degree, also referred to as a baccalaureate degree, is a four year program. In order to enroll in a bachelor’s degree program, students must either have obtained a high school diploma or have credits to transfer from an associate’s degree program. Graduates of a bachelor’s degree program will experience many benefits.

Benefits of a Bachelor’s Degree

Increased earnings potential
Greater job opportunities
Improved chances for promotion

Those who have earned a bachelor’s degree will also be eligible to further their education by entering a master’s or doctoral degree program.

There are two types of bachelor’s degrees that students may seek to obtain. A Bachelor of Arts degree (B.A.) is a course of study in the liberal arts or sciences. The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) is a course of study in the natural or social sciences. There are bachelor’s degree programs of both types available at a variety of postsecondary institutions across the country including:

Community colleges
State universities
Private and non-private colleges and universities
Online

Start your search for a suitable bachelor’s degree program today!

Associate’s Degrees Defined

admin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:09:56 +0000

Associate’s degree programs generally take about two years to complete. Students are required to take 60 credit hours, or 20 courses, prior to graduation. Associate’s degrees enable graduates to enter directly into the workforce or continue their education by transferring to a bachelor degree program. Those who have completed an associate’s degree program have the potential to earn 21% more than those with a high school diploma.

In general, the courses required of an associate’s degree program will relate directly to the specialization of the program that has been chosen. For example, those who enroll in a forensic science associate’s degree program will find themselves taking courses in forensics, the natural sciences, and law enforcement. Usually, general education courses will also be included in the curriculum.

Associate’s degree programs can be found at traditional colleges and universities, community colleges, and at online, technical, and vocational schools. Find schools that will help you advance your career by browsing through the available associate’s degree programs today!