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Online Colleges: Law & Criminal Justice

Created by: MSG Randall High, U.S. Army (ret)

Military friendly law & criminal justice colleges provide opportunities for individuals interested in a career protecting and serving the public.

Military friendly law & criminal justice colleges prepare servicemembers or veterans to pursue careers in law enforcement as police officers, detectives, sheriffs and fish and game wardens or in federal agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation or Department of Homeland Security. Responsibilities may include anything from apprehending lawbreakers, performing investigative duties or issuing traffic violations. The majority of law and criminal justice fields involve varying schedules and shift work, and the work itself can be stressful or dangerous at times. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), police officers and detectives report high incidences of on-the-job injury and illness.

Education requirements vary with the occupation. Most police officers and detectives are required to have a high school diploma and attend a training academy. Some departments require one or two years of college, and many state and local agencies expect some formal post-secondary education. Federal agencies typically require a bachelor's degree.

Opportunities and salary potential for law & criminal justice graduates

The BLS estimates that the employment of police and detectives will grow by 10 percent between 2008 and 2018. The BLS reported median annual wages as of May 2009 for these law enforcement careers: detective and criminal investigators, $65,860; police and sheriff's patrol officers, $55,180; and private detectives and investigators, $47,130.

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This list does not include all schools that accept GI Bill funding or VA Benefits. For a more complete list of schools, click here.

This list does not include all schools that accept GI Bill funding or VA Benefits. For a more complete list of schools, click here.

Disclaimer: Armystudyguide.com does not guarantee the schools listed above accept GI Bill funding. Please check with the school before enrolling.