Online Criminal Justice Degrees in New Hampshire
New Hampshire is known for its scenic landscapes, from the White Mountains and the Lakes Region, to its Atlantic coast beaches. It’s a destination for vacationers, skiers, leaf peepers, and shoppers seeking its tax-free advantage. Its urban areas include Portsmouth, Nashua, and the “Queen City” of Manchester, the largest city in the state. Manchester’s former textile millyard has rapidly transformed to a hub for technology firms.
Careers in protective service occupations are projected to increase by 1.2% through mid-2019 NHES
The economy in New Hampshire is strong, with the monthly unemployment rate holding steady at 2.6% from October 2017 through March 2018. Careers in protective service occupations are projected to increase by 1.2% through mid-2019, with 1,212 projected openings in the field between 2017 Q2 to 2019 Q2. This is partly due to the impact of the opioid crisis in the state: New Hampshire experienced the second highest death rate — 39 deaths per 100,000 residents — due to opioid overdoses in 2016.
Manchester firefighters, police, and EMTs work together to offer the “Safe Station” program to respond to people in crisis. Nashua has followed suit, and other cities around the U.S. are modeling the program. Manchester police chief Nick Williard was nominated by President Trump to serve as U.S. Marshal for the state, in part because of his multi-pronged response to the opioid crisis.
If you’re interested in a career in criminal justice, New Hampshire boasts robust employment and training opportunities, plus a wide variety of online criminal justice degrees in New Hampshire.
Earning an Online Criminal Justice Degree in New Hampshire
Online degree programs are ideal for students seeking to advance their career opportunities while working, raising families, or serving in the military. The flexibility of these programs makes it possible to access lectures, coursework, class discussions, and projects remotely and at the student’s convenience. Most courses are delivered asynchronously, so students can participate any time of day or night, rather than at a specific time. This makes earning a degree a reality for students who otherwise would not have the opportunity.
In addition to the convenience, online degree programs are typically more affordable than traditional programs. Expenses for room and board, transportation to and from classes, parking, and other on-campus fees simply don’t apply.
By pursuing a New Hampshire online criminal justice degree, students can actively participate in classes, develop relationships with instructors, and widen their professional network.
Accredited Criminal Justice Programs in New Hampshire
While you consider the various options for your online criminal justice degree New Hampshire program, make sure to research each institution’s accreditation status. Accreditation certifies that your program is designed and administered by a quality institution. It is especially helpful for facilitating credit transfers. If an institution isn’t accredited, credits earned there will not transfer to an accredited college or university.
In New Hampshire, the regional accreditation body is the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
There are two types of accreditation: regional and national. Nonprofit universities and colleges are regionally accredited by the appropriate body; nationally accredited schools are typically for-profit colleges or vocational schools. They are often excluded from corporate tuition programs and some licensing standards.
In New Hampshire, the regional accreditation body is the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. It provides accreditation through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The Department’s database of accredited postsecondary institutions and programs provides a wealth of information regarding criminal justice degrees in New Hampshire.
Education and Training Requirements for Criminal Justice Professionals in New Hampshire
Criminal justice educational requirements in New Hampshire vary by profession. An associate online criminal justice degree New Hampshire provides graduates the foundation for employment as police and correctional officers, EMTs, security guards, and private detectives and investigators. For instance, Inter-Con Security Systems, Inc. requires an associate degree in criminal justice and related experience within the past year for a position as a uniformed protection officer at a National Passport Center in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Additional requirements or training are necessary to secure certain criminal justice positions in New Hampshire. State corrections officers must meet the Cooper Institute of Aerobics Research Standards and pass a public safety exam. If successful, they train in the Corrections Academy, which includes pistol and rifle requirements. Police officers must pass multiple exams including written, oral board, physical fitness, medical, psychological, and polygraph. A thorough background check is also conducted. In hiring court bailiffs, the state prefers CPR certification, law enforcement experience, and security and firearm skills.
Bachelor’s degrees are required for certain criminal justice positions, including private field investigators, forensic science technicians, emergency management directors, and probation officers. A master’s in criminal justice degree online in New Hampshire can help graduates secure management positions in the field. These can be as diverse as police supervisors, corrections counselors, and forensic research chemists.
Licensing, Registration, and Certification Requirements in New Hampshire
As students research their options for an online criminal justice degree in New Hampshire, they should include details about any additional licensing, registrations, or certifications necessary for their desired career. These differ depending on the position and state. For example, police officers are trained by the New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Council, which is also responsible for preparing Department of Corrections employees for service.
As students research their options for an online criminal justice degree in New Hampshire, they should include details about any additional licensing, registrations, or certifications necessary for their desired career.
In New Hampshire, private investigators, bail bondsmen, and security guards must be licensed to practice their professions. This means that the state government grants permission for them to work in their chosen field. Applications must be submitted in person to the New Hampshire Department of Safety, and those seeking to carry a firearm are fingerprinted and must attain firearms proficiency certification. Licensed professionals must renew their credentials periodically. Licenses typically only apply to the state where they are awarded and therefore cannot be transferred. Individuals should check local standards if they pursue a career that requires licensing.
National certifications are available to private investigators. The Professional Certified Investigator option is an exam-based certification offered to professionals with five years of experience. The National Association of Legal Investigators provides an exclusive Certified Legal Investigator Program that requires applicants to pass rigorous exams, submit white papers, and participate in role-playing tests.
General criminal justice certifications, including the Criminal Justice Awareness and Terminology certification , are available as an option for those seeking to enhance their knowledge and boost their employability. They are not required for employment.
Career and Salary Expectations
Those pursuing an online criminal justice degree in New Hampshire will graduate into a market with several excellent career opportunities. Protective service occupations, which include police, firefighters, bailiffs, private investigators, detectives, and security guards, employed 11,680 people in New Hampshire in May 2017. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data , employees in these occupations earned a mean hourly wage of $23.47 and an annual mean wage of $48,810. These are slightly higher than national mean wages.
The job outlook for protective service occupations is strong. Experts project the field to grow 1.2% between Q2 of 2017 and Q2 2019., and positions for police officers are projected to increase 1.4% with 202 annual openings. The field for fish and game wardens will expand by 2%, while 2.4% more private detectives and investigators will be needed. There will be 123 annual job openings for paralegals and legal assistants, and this field will grow 1.6%.
Protective Services Occupations in New Hampshire
| Occupation | Employment | Average Hourly Wage | Average annual Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighters | 2,160 | $22.28 | $46,330 |
| Fire Inspectors and Investigators | 50 | $28.41 | $59,100 |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | 330 | $38.34 | $79,740 |
| Fish and Game Wardens | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers | 3,050 | $27.19 | $56,560 |
| Private Detectives and Investigators | 220 | $24.46 | $50,870 |
| Security Guards | 2,660 | $16.84 | $35,030 |
| Transportation Security Screeners | 120 | $20.60 | $42,850 |
Court and Corrections Occupations in New Hampshire
| Occupation | Employment | Average Hourly Wage | Average annual Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | 210 | $29.57 | $61,510 |
| Lawyers | 1,750 | $57.52 | $119,650 |
| Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | 1,110 | $26.05 | $54,190 |
| Court Reporters | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Bailiffs | 40 | $14.64 | $30,450 |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | 930 | $21.82 | $45,380 |
Other Criminal Justice Occupations in New Hampshire
| Occupation | Employment | Average Hourly Wage | Average annual Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forensic Science Technicians | 40 | $33.17 | $68,990 |
| Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary | 50 | N/A | $69,620 |
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Criminal justice professionals improve the safety and security of their communities. This makes criminal justice an important field of study, and many scholarships are available to make degree programs more affordable. These are offered on national, state, and local levels. The following opportunities are available to U.S. and New Hampshire students.
Criminal Justice Scholarships
National Technical Investigators’ Association Captain James J. Regan Memorial Scholarship $2,500
Detective Rafaela A. Valdez Memorial Scholarship Award $1,000
NOBLE National Scholarships $1,500-2,500
WIFLE Scholarship Foundation $2,500
Lint Center for National Security Studies Scholarships $500-2,000
Scholarships for New Hampshire Residents
New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Scholarships $100-7,500
New Hampshire Governor’s Scholarship $2,000
New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police $500-1,500
New Hampshire Food Industries Education Foundation Scholarships $1,000
Fisher Cats Foundation Scholar-Athlete Scholarships $2,500
Resources for Criminal Justice Students in New Hampshire
Law Enforcement Agencies in New Hampshire
- New Hampshire Department of Corrections
- New Hampshire Department of Safety
- New Hampshire Homeland Security and Emergency Management
- New Hampshire Department of Justice
- New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s Law Enforcement Division
- New Hampshire Judicial Branch
- New Hampshire Division of State Police
- New Hampshire Police Standards & Training Council
Professional Organizations
Your education shouldn’t end upon graduation. It’s critical for professionals to enhance their skills, gain access to new training and educational resources, and network with their peers in the field. A variety of criminal justice associations are available in New Hampshire, and often offer student memberships for those interested in pursuing specific careers. The following resources provide examples of organizations that can assist individuals as they expand their professional network and seek employment opportunities.
New Hampshire Police Association
The NHPA has represented state police officers since 1940. It serves its members with job improvement resources, information-sharing, networking opportunities, and legislation updates on issues related to law enforcement.
New Hampshire State Police Benevolent Association
This organization provides current and retired New Hampshire State Police members financial assistance in times of crisis. There are more than 400 members.
Northeastern Association of Criminal Justice Sciences
This association is a regional group of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, and serves as a network of criminal justice students, scholars, and professionals. It offers an online directory, employment resources, and annual conference discounts. Student memberships are available.
American Probation and Parole Association (Region 1 – New England)
The APPA provides educational training, information-sharing, advocacy, and networking resources. Student memberships are available to those pursuing criminal justice, community corrections, or related degrees.
New Hampshire League of Investigators
This is the state’s only association for private investigators, and membership is based on an application and background check (associate memberships are also available). It provides networking opportunities, training resources, and state legislation representation.
Paralegal Association of New Hampshire
The PANH works to improve state paralegal standards, provide networking opportunities, and assist with training resources. Student memberships are available.
Find Criminal Justice Jobs in New Hampshire
- New Hampshire State Jobs
- New Hampshire Union Leader
- New Hampshire Police Association
- New Hampshire Department of Justice
- Go Law Enforcement