Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice in Florida
As the world changes and evolves, so too, does crime. Wrongdoers learn how to cover their tracks better, how to more effectively find victims, and how to use technology to commit crimes. That’s why the field of criminal justice is so important in Florida. The state needs a dedicated group of professionals that are willing to stay on top of crime trends and respond appropriately for the good of the state. If you want to make a difference in Florida by earning your bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, contact the schools you see below to get started.
In Florida, selling sites have led to a significant increase in crime in many parts of the state. This includes property crime, like robbery, and violent crime, like murder. Graduates who are specially trained in cyber-crime and criminology may be able to help stem the tide of online-related crimes.
Though crime may be changing in Florida, it’s also decreasing, thanks to the hard work of criminal justice employees. In fact, Florida recently hit a 60-year-low in its crime rate.
Technology may make it easier for lawyers and investigators to nab criminals, which is one major advantage of the increase in smartphones and other types of technology. A recent law passed in Florida allows the victims of crime to secretly record their attackers, providing valuable evidence.
A bachelor’s degree may be the ideal way for you to gain experience in various criminal justice specialties, learn about the most up-to-date research in this field, and meet the expectations of Florida employers. As a new criminal justice bachelor’s degree student, you should plan on earning 120 credits. This generally takes at least four years, although you may need to spend more time in school if you want to study a specialized field like criminology, cyber-crime, or crimes against children.
The courses required in a criminal justice degree range from overview courses to classes that specifically address different types of crime and crime solving techniques. Early in your degree, plan on taking an introductory course in criminal justice. Classes that may round your learning experience include Victimology, Criminology, White Collar Crime, Religion and Crime, Criminal Justice and Public Policy, and Criminal Justice Administration.
If you choose an area of concentration, your curriculum may specifically address the challenges faced by professionals in that field of study. Furthermore, the practical experience you complete should be related to your post-graduation career goals.
Depending on which criminal justice school in FL you decide to attend, you may be able to apply for a variety of school-specific scholarships. Examples include the Eugene and Rosalind Czajkoski Scholarship, the Corey D. Dahlem Memorial Endowed Scholarship, and the Frank A. & Lynn W. Baker Scholarship Award. The Florida Sheriffs Association also funds scholarships for criminal justice majors.
Job Outlook for Florida Criminal Justice Graduates
Criminal justice graduates in the state of Florida may benefit from an overall positive job outlook. Through 2030, CareerOneStop estimates a 6% increase in police officer jobs. Job openings may increase 4% for detectives.
You may find that salaries in Florida tend to be right in line with nationally-reported figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The statewide average salary for a police officer is $73,350 per year (BLS, 2022). Criminal investigators report an average salary of $85,330 per year (BLS, 2022).
The field of criminal justice is waiting for you. Take the first step today by contacting bachelor’s degree programs in Florida today, directly from our site.
2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Florida contained here reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2023.
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