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If you’re pursuing your degree online, make sure you have access to a computer with a secure, high-speed internet connection. You may need to use updated operating systems (e.g., Microsoft^® Windows 10 or higher or the latest version of MacOS^®) and updated web browsers (e.g., the latest versions of Google™ Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Edge for PC or the latest versions of Safari, Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox for Apple^®).

As for online software, you’ll likely be logging in to a learning management system like Blackboard^®, and you may take one 5 or 6 week course at a time, which will entail such tasks as completing readings, writing discussion posts and working on specific course assignments. Some instructors may be experienced professionals who’ve worked as detectives, chiefs of police, wardens or judges, and so know from the inside out how the criminal justice system works.

Your online institution should offer:

A robust university library with authoritative content and articles from reliable databases, relevant field studies and research platforms with the following:

• Detailed webpages with industry-appropriate links
• Digital textbooks on criminal justice subjects (curated by subject matter experts)
• Instructional videos

Your program should be able to offer you a good list of criminal justice-specific resources as well. Additionally, consult the Bureau of Justice Statistics to go over statistical coverage of crime and the itself.

Your instructor may also recommend that you check out other external criminal-justice resources, along with publications and journals that more closely align with your career expectations. For example, individuals looking to bolster their law-enforcement career may benefit from following these organizations: the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Multiple apps are available to aid you as you progress in your online criminal justice classes. However, don’t overwhelm yourself with too many apps. Try to use apps that are based strictly on how they may facilitate your learning and productivity. For instance, an app like Evernote^® can help you organize research and to-do lists for increased efficiency. Quizlet is a study aid that creates customized flash cards for memorizing legal terms and criminal justice concepts. Other apps can track and provide a report on how much time you spend on apps and websites so that you can adjust accordingly.

For some bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice, core courses will take you through fundamental concepts and skills. These include:

• A survey of criminal justice (to provide an overview of both historical and philosophical context)
• A course on ethics in criminal justice (to explain universal standards and codes of professional responsibility)
• A course on diversity in criminal justice (to provide an awareness of multiculturalism as it plays out in criminal justice)
• A theories class on criminology and victimology (to examine potential causes of criminal behavior and victimization)

Specialized courses will allow you to enhance specific skills. Here are some examples:

• For a Bachelor of Science in Correctional Program Support Services, you may have a survey on the state of the corrections system in the U.S. and a course on working with the correctional population, along with a class on social psychology and criminal behavior.
• For a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration, you may take courses in organizational behavior and management, mental health services, and crisis intervention and criminal justice problem-solving methods.
• For a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration, you may have classes on public-sector communications, public budgeting, personnel management and the public-sector environment.

You may already have a passion for criminal justice, but what you listen to on your favorite podcast or what you see on TV may not always equate to the multifaceted realities of this field.

First, take a bit of time to read about the difference between criminal justice and criminology. The subtle difference is that criminology is a social science that focuses on criminal behavior and its factors, while criminal justice is more pragmatic: the actual application of criminology.

Remember: Online criminal justice classes are about attaining an educational degree that empowers you with career-relevant skills.

At the end of the day, criminal justice students may consider a variety of career paths, from becoming a loss prevention manager to a police captain or sergeant. To figure out which path is for you, network and connect with industry pros while you’re in school.

See if your online university has a compelling alumni network and find like-minded professionals. (Local alumni chapters may even host networking events in your region.) Then, look into virtual networking events and study sessions, and browse your school’s social media networks to expand your own network to a global level. You may even consider joining a criminal justice association.

Meanwhile, tap your institution’s career services department to help identify your goals. The school should offer career coaching and guidance on job searching, resumé building, personal brand building, interview preparation and salary negotiation.

Even while taking online courses, criminal justice majors will be able to interact with peers and mentors through group projects, research communities, recognized student organizations and tutoring services.

Ensure you talk to your academic advisors, as they should be able to help clarify your academic and career goals. Ask about mentorship programs too. Students, faculty or alumni in such programs can share their knowledge and experience while helping you hone leadership skills, engage in developmental activities and potentially gain industry contacts.

Need help with writing research papers and essays? Build your confidence and skills by accessing your university’s online writing resources, which should include a variety of articles, videos, guides and tutorials about how to write effectively, along with tools to check your writing, cite sources faster, avoid ethical stumbles and spark creative flow.