Criminal Justice Program at Fisher College

The events of September 11, 2001 changed America's perception on law enforcement forever. The need for criminal justice professionals was brought home. Since that date, opportunities for qualified criminal justice graduates have solidly and continually increased. A Fisher College Associate in Science Degree in Criminal Justice will lead you to a fulfilling and meaningful career in local, state, and federal law-enforcement agencies.

To prepare you for a career in police and security work, Homeland Security and other governmental and private agencies, graduates receive a broad academic foundation for entry-level careers in law enforcement, corrections, and juvenile justice, in either the public or private sector, or transfer to a four-year program.

Since career professionals in these fields work with a diverse public and address a variety of social issues, the social and behavioral sciences are combined with appropriate criminal justice courses. The liberal arts basis of this Concentration also prepares a student for transfer into many other majors including preparation for law school.

According to the most recent edition of the Occupational Outlook Handbook published and released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States Department of Labor:

The demand for the program is solid and should steadily grow in response to the predicted increase in need for training in criminal justice in the following fields:

• probation officers and correctional treatment specialists
• private detectives and investigators
• paralegals and legal assistants
• lawyers
• state and local government
• police and detectives

After the tragic events on September 11, 2001, there has been an increased focus on security and police work in the United States and throughout the world. Also, the upsurge in crime throughout the country and the world has necessitated an increase in job openings within the field. The supply of educated workers is unable to meet the increasing demand. It is also worthwhile to consider the level of local and federal funding for such programs in evaluating the increased demand.

Due to the increased focus on security and police work, there is a corresponding increase in the number of job openings in the field. Moreover, a significant number of students aspire to employment in the criminal justice field.

Graduates of the Fisher College Program will earn an Associate in Science Degree in Criminal Justice and they will:

• acquire an overall perspective on the history and philosophy of the disciplines of the criminal justice system: law enforcement, courts, and corrections, as they relate to both adults and juveniles;

• develop an understanding of the present day role, responsibilities, authority, and practices of the disciplines of the criminal justice system;

• demonstrate competency in understanding the nature of the relationship between and among the disciplines of the criminal justice system;

• acquire an overall perspective of the social and political forces which impact the criminal justice system, its practitioners, and its clients; and

• develop professional competencies to meet the needs of career opportunities and requirements for employment in the disciplines of the criminal justice system.

In all categories mentioned as potential employers, the job opportunities are expected to be excellent. Earning potential varies within each job category and significant information for each job title is provided in The Occupational Outlook Handbook and the website for the United States Department of Labor at www.dol.gov.