Online Criminal Justice Degrees in Connecticut

According to Pete Gioia, vice president of the Connecticut Business and Industry Association, as many as 25,000 jobs paying an average of $15 per hour will remain unfilled in the state of Connecticut due to high living costs. The state of Connecticut’s unemployment rate is around 4.5%. As a result, Connecticut residents are looking increasingly towards educational options that will improve salary potential. One of the growing areas of job security in the state includes criminal justice.

The highest employment numbers in protective services across Connecticut in 2017 include corrections officers, policemen, and security guards. BLS

Criminal justice involves community engagement, research, and jurisprudence. A degree in criminal justice prepares students for careers in policing, investigation, parole and advocacy, paralegal and lab technician specialties, and even firefighting and the national parks services. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the highest employment numbers in protective services across Connecticut in 2017 include corrections officers, policemen, and security guards. By earning a criminal justice degree online in Connecticut, you can make a positive difference in your local community.

Earning an Online Criminal Justice Degree in Connecticut

One of the key benefits of online learning is flexibility. Many online programs will allow you to complete work at your own pace. Online classes for criminal justice degrees in Connecticut cover a variety of subjects, including sociological issues underpinning intercultural relations, investigative techniques, and the ethics of police work.

Many of these online courses are offered in one of two formats: synchronous and asynchronous. Synchronous means that the courses coincide with campus classes, often including online conference meetings and lectures. Asynchronous provides flexible completion dates and coursework submissions to complement a busy work-life schedule.

The objective behind online coursework is convenience, allowing students to achieve academic and professional goals while managing outside obligations and responsibilities.

Accredited Criminal Justice Programs in Connecticut

When looking for an online program, accreditation is a vital component. Accreditation means that your school meets regional or national educational standards. Regional accreditation is seen as more prestigious, and often, institutions with this accreditation will only accept transfer credits from other regionally accredited schools. National accreditation is common among for-profit and vocational institutions.

The state of Connecticut is accredited regionally by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

Eligibility for many federally and privately sponsored scholarship and grant opportunities depend in part on school accreditation. Make sure that your skills and training will be recognized by your future employers and colleagues with state or national accreditation.

The state of Connecticut is accredited regionally by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), one of the six governing bodies under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Education (ED). To access a complete list of schools accredited by the ED, check out their website.

Education and Training Requirements for Criminal Justice Professionals in Connecticut

A wide range of jobs are available with a degree in criminal justice. At the associate level, you can become an administrator, corrections officer, private investigator, firefighter or fire inspector, or a security guard in the public or private sector. At the bachelor’s level, your opportunities expand to include probation officer, detective, local FBI agent, emergency management director, or forensic science technician. An online criminal justice master’s degree prepares students for positions of leadership.

Various jobs in criminal justice require supplemental training and certification. All aspiring policeman in the state of Connecticut must complete 818 training hours at a Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Council-approved training academy. As you investigate potential career paths, be sure to check individual state or county training requirements to ensure success in your future profession.

Licensing, Registration, and Certification Requirements in Connecticut

Criminal justice professionals are often required to earn various certifications and register with the state. These certifications attest to your skill level, competency, and professionalism.

Connecticut requires most security professions to register with the state.

Connecticut requires most security professions to register with the state. Private security guards are required to obtain a professional license from the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protectionprivate detectives must register with the same institution. It is also important to note that all firearms, privately or professionally owned, must be registered through the Special Licensing and Firearms Unit Headquarters of Connecticut.

Certification for police work in Connecticut requires 818 training hours at an approved POST training facility, or the completion of a 22-week program. Paralegal positions require specific certification in addition to a criminal justice degree. Licensure and certification standards can vary by state, so be sure to check that your certification transfers between regions if you expect to relocate or work long distance. Due to periodic changes to licensing regulations, it is important to stay up to date on the certification requirements where you plan to live and work. All certification programs are designed to build upon the knowledge base obtained from your criminal justice program.

Career and Salary Expectations

Given the diverse range of job opportunities associated with an online criminal justice degree in Connecticut, degree holders can expect a wide spectrum of career and salary expectations. According to the Connecticut Department of Labor, firefighter, police, security guard, and paralegal positions are all projected to grow.

In 2017, firefighters earned an average hourly wage of $30.35, with an annual wage of $63,130, and police officers earned an average hourly rate of $33.95, with an annual wage of $70,610. Paralegals have an annual average income of $60,150, while forensic science technicians make $74,560 per year on average.

The following tables detail employment numbers and salary averages across three major areas associated with criminal justice: protective services, court and corrections occupations, and technical and educational support. Consider these statistics as you plan for your future degree.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

The following lists detail criminal justice scholarships available for Connecticut residents, as well as more general support scholarships for in-state learners. Be sure to also fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if you are eligible for government support.

Resources for Criminal Justice Students in Connecticut

Law Enforcement Agencies in Connecticut

• Connecticut Department of Corrections
• Connecticut State Police
• State Environmental Conservation Police
• Connecticut Board of Pardons and Paroles
• Federal Bureau of Investigations, New Haven Branch

Professional Organizations

Professional organizations are excellent venues to build and maintain connections and create networks. These associations also often provide job search resources and career development opportunities such as continuing education and certifications. The following list details six criminal justice professional organizations.

Find Criminal Justice Jobs in Connecticut

• Law Enforcement Positions across the State of Connecticut
• Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Connecticut
• Connecticut State Department of Corrections Employment Center

Which Schools Offer Criminal Justice Degrees in Connecticut?