One of the fastest growing fields of continuing education and online study is the criminal justice field. Students on every level will profit from the training and experience that comes from criminal justice open courseware classes.

Try On A New Career In Criminal Justice

If you are unsure about making a full investment or majoring in the field, or changing industries, then open courseware classes may be just the thing that you are looking for. This is the ideal way to get the criminal justice education that you so desire without having to pay the full amount that a traditional course or program would cost you to attend.

Enhance A Current Career Track

Perhaps you already have a job working in the field of criminal justice. If so, open courseware classes will provide you with the opportunity to further develop and enhance your skills by taking classes that relate to different aspects of the industry such as law enforcement, politics and human rights.

Free Online Learning & More

A number of colleges and universities provide study material, lecture notes, coursework and syllabi on the Internet to allow professionals and students who are too busy with their daily lives to get the information that they need in order to succeed in the field of criminal justice. Open courseware classes are ideal for the individual that needs an education with a flexible schedule that will allow him or her to study and learn when it is most convenient for them.

It does not matter if you are already a decorated officer in the field or looking to build a career as an expert on security, you will discover a number of different resources that are available to you online. These open courseware classes with assist you as you learn everything from criminal psychology to computer vulnerabilities.

Here are some of the best criminal justice open courseware classes that offer compelling lectures, exciting assignments and information from many number one universities throughout the country.

1. An Introduction To Data And Information – This course will teach you how data can be stored and shared from one computer to another as well as over the Internet.
2. International Law – This is a great course for dealing with security issues that span the globe. It is a perfect reference point for international resource management, human rights and much, much more.
3. An Introduction To Information Security – An introduction to the practices and concepts related to information security.
4. The Database Development Life Cycle – Learn how experts manipulate, maintain, create and troubleshoot the databases.
5. Social Theory and Analysis – Learn about social theory dating back to the 19^th century and continuing on through present time.
6. Law and Society – Here is a challenging course that will help you to see the law as a pop culture feature and social institution and how society and the law relate to everyday life.
7. Ethics and the Law on the Electronic Frontier – Find out how ethics, technology and the law all relate to one another.
8. Justice – A great way to learn about liberty and equality.
9. Ethics Part I and II – In this course, you will learn about the history of ethics, modern theory and moral behavior.
10. Terrorism, Peace and Other Inconsistencies – Learn all about contemporary terrorism, al-Qaeda philosophy and much, much more on the world of terror.

Whether you are just starting out or simply want to increase knowledge in your field, these criminal justice open courseware programs can help—and all without taxing your limited resources of time and money.  Learn at your pace, on your terms, and enjoy all the field of criminal justice has to offer.

Mary Ward writes about various legal career topics, including how to obtain a court reporting degree.

If you’re interested in a career in criminal justice or if you are already employed in the field, you may be happy to know that there are several colleges and universities that offer free criminal justice courses online. All of these courses are self-paced and require nothing more than an Internet connection. Although these courses cannot be taken for credit and do not result in any sort of degree, they are a good way to broaden your knowledge of criminal justice topics. Here are 10 free criminal justice courses to try today:

1. Introduction to Security – This free criminal justice course from Weber State University introduces students to security topics. Covered topics include physical security, crime prevention, and loss control.
2. Forensic Biology and Impression Evidence – Kaplan University offers this free online criminal justice course to students who want to learn more about forensic biology and the ways in which it is used to solve crimes. The course includes 10 self-guided units.
3. Law and Society – The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) offers this free undergraduate level law course to self-learners who are interested in exploring the history and nature of law in society. The course includes lectures notes, assignments, and other study materials.
4. Justice – This free online criminal justice course, also from MIT, teaches students about three contemporary theories of justice: Utilitarianism, Libertarianism, and Egalitarian Liberalism. Course materials include readings, lecture notes, and assignments.
5. Introduction to Psychology – This free online course from Yale University offers a comprehensive introduction to psychology. Course materials include audio and video lectures as well as other study aids.
6. Social Ethics – Dixie State College offers several free online courses including this ethics course. The course explores ethical theories and issues in current society.
7. Substance Abuse and the Family – The University of Massachusetts – Boston offers this free criminal justice course to students who want to gain a better understanding of substance abuse and the impact it can have on families.
8. Making and Using Rules – This free online criminal justice course from Open University explores how rules are made and interpreted. The course focus is on the English legal system but would be useful to anyone who wants to explore this topic.
9. American National Security Policy – This free course from MIT asks students to analyze different aspects of America’s national security policy and policymakers. The course includes lecture notes, assignments, and readings.
10. Issues in Foreign Policy After 911 – The University of California – Berkeley offers this free criminal justice course with an emphasis on foreign policy. The course consists of 13 separate webcasts.

Guest post from Karen Schweitzer who writes about colleges online for OnlineCollege.org.

I want to work for the CIA, what courses do I need to take in college to have a career as a CIA Agent?

The CIA, like other federal agencies, requires certain educational milestones to be completed before one can even be considered for a position. But are there any specific degree tracks and classes that you should take?

Well, according to the Central Intelligence Agency:

CIA employees represent a wide variety of disciplines from an even broader mix of academic backgrounds and experience. Therefore, we don’t recommend one academic track over another in general.

I really feel that you shouldn’t worry too much about which courses or degree program you choose, but that rather you go along with a well known adage: keep your grades up. The CIA would like their potential job candidates to have a GPA of 3.0 or above, and fluency in another language is highly desirable.

Above all, understand that your choices and behaviors now are a reflection of your personal integrity, character and patriotism.

That’s not my personal quote, but rather it’s the CIA’s way of saying we want patriotic Americans with enough common sense to pass the scrutinizing background check and other hiring criteria.

Oh, and by the way, Hollywood’s image of the CIA Agent position is now under the umbrella of the CIA National Clandestine Service (NCS) with position titles like: Core Collector, Operations Officer, and Collection Management Officer. Not too “sexy,” so I guess the movie industry won’t be changing it’s CIA Agent and CIA Operative persona, but the Central Intelligence Agency surely did away with it.

For whatever reason, you decided to drop your criminal justice class. What now?

When dropping a Criminal Justice class you should do it soon and do it right. No matter if you are dropping an online criminal justice course, or the one taken on campus, you should take these 3 steps to heart – a short how to guide.

Step 1 – Find out if you can drop the class

You have taken a Criminal Justice course where you don’t feel like you have given it your best, and then… I gotta drop this class! The premise for dropping a class is usually the same – to avoid a bad grade, get a tuition reimbursement, or take another class. You would be surprised how many students find out too late that they cannot drop their class, so don’t let it be you.

Step 2 – Drop it sooner rather than later

After you make sure that your school allows class drops, find out when is the first day you can drop the class and when is the last day to do so. Usually the school will allow few days to 2 weeks to drop a class with no negative consequences to your grades, GPA, and etc. This is also the time frame where the school may refund your tuition costs after you drop it.  Any procrastination on your part may equal loss of thousands of dollars, an inability to drop the course later (after the last drop date), and if you didn’t study, a bad grade.

Step 3 – Drop it right

Drop it right?? Yes, you heard right. Drop it right! Most schools require proper documentation associated with dropping a class. If this documentation is not properly filled out, approved by the proper department(s) / individual(s), and signed by all other parties involved, you may be in big trouble.

If you initiate the process of dropping your criminal justice class, or any other for that matter, make sure that you are involved in all the steps throughout this process. Get all the copies of the paperwork after they are signed / stamped by the proper persons and departments. If you are dropping your class online, make sure to keep any confirmation pages by printing them out or saving the confirmation number for your records. I would also visit, call, or email the department handling dropped courses for another confirmation – you know… just in case.

More advice

Don’t drop classes too often. It looks bad and can look worse on your college transcript. Moreover, it can become a very expensive problem – take into consideration that some schools allow a prorated refund of your tuition costs depending how soon you drop the class (example: drop it in the first 7 days = 100%, drop it on the 8th day = 90%, 15th = 75%, and so on until you cannot get a refund and/or cannot drop it no more). Some colleges and universities have limits on how many times during your academic journey you can drop classes. I recommend you drop a class only if you are seriously unable to complete the course successfully – whether it is through bad grades or non-attendance.

Have you dropped any of your courses? Let us know how it went.

How are modern terrorists more violent than terrorists in the past? Be specific in demonstrating this and offer examples. Discuss how determining the answer to this question might play a role in how you would create anti-terrorism strategies?

Modern terrorists are more violent now than they have ever been in the past.  Kegley (2006) states that “(…) [the] ability to switch tactics is a major reason why defending against terrorism is so difficult” (p. 25).  This is largely due to the fact that terrorism changes with each counter terrorism effort.  One example of this occurrence is the popular tactic used in the 1970s by terrorist organizations where the seizure of embassies and political icons yielded higher bargaining power for financial advancement and the widespread of political propaganda.  In the 1980s, this particular tactic rendered lesser results as governments were less willing to negotiate with terrorists (Kegley, 2003, p. 24).

Terrorism is a constantly evolving “parasite,” which requires large financing efforts.  According to White (2006), “(…) terrorism changed between the 1960s and the 1980s and most Western defense policies failed to account for the change” (p.66).  White was referring to financing of terrorism and the unawareness of the governments which were trying to combat terrorism efforts.  In recent years, we have been subjected by the media to the truth of how some of these terrorist groups finance their attacks.  Terrorism is linked to organized crime and drug trafficking, weapons smuggling, and even charities and legitimate business enterprises (White, 2006, p. 79).

Technology, and the increased use of it, serves as another catalyst for the advancement of terrorism.  With the power of the Internet and the media, terrorist organizations can expedite their efforts in bringing their political/religious message to the masses.  Technology also serves as a building tool for more sophisticated weapons of mass destruction.  In the early 20th century, factions like the Irish Republican Army used primitive weapons and bombs in order to carry out their attacks.  Now, the IRA is known as the “mother” of bomb making and uses of bombs in global scale terrorism (White, 2006, p. 24 & 26).

In retrospect, modern terrorists are more violent now than they have been before due to increased arsenal of knowledge, money, and technology.  Terrorists switch their tactics in order to avoid losses or risk the chance of getting exposed.  These organizations are becoming much more calculated institutions with an ability to evoke more destruction and fear by working together (with other terrorist groups) on multinational level.  The terrorists change their organizational structures in order to keep current and vigilant against counter terrorism efforts.

It is my opinion that anti-terrorism strategies need not be dormant, but rather ephemeral and constantly updated.  The financial channels terrorist groups rely on must be compromised and fully cut off.  More resources should be directed towards transnational support and technology (in relation to force multipliers) in order to combat terrorism with the most current means available.

Resources:

Kegley, C.W. (2003). The New Global Terrorism; Characteristics, Causes, Controls. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
White, J.R. (2006). Terrorism and Homeland Security. (5^th Ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson-Wadsworth.

I got another email today asking for help with a very tricky question. Mark from Minnesota asked me: what’s the difference between Criminal Justice and Criminology? He says he hears it used interchangeably and feels that there is an actual difference. Mark’s right, there sure is.

Criminal Justice vs. Criminology

Conventionally, Criminal Justice refers to the universal and policy aspects of the field, including the exploration of policing, courts, corrections, and other worldly applications. Criminology is regarded more as a behavioral, or social science, that scrutinizes the causes of criminal behavior and the social response to crime.

Many people believe that the two areas of study are one and the same. In essence, they are very related. Frequently, Criminal Justice and Criminology degree programs use courses from each area of study interchangeably. So, you could be striving for a Criminal Justice degree, but you may have a number of Criminology classes incorporated into the program.

Criminal Justice and Criminology Career Options

Criminal Justice and Criminology majors can carry on to an assortment of careers in the Law Enforcement field, including: police officer, detective, criminal investigator, federal agent, corrections officer, corrections counselor, juvenile treatment worker, community correctional worker, probation officer, parole officer, private investigator, and private security. Many of these professions will call for supplemental training and skills specific to the agency or departmental requirements.

Michigan State University is one of the best places in U.S. to study Criminal Justice and other Criminology programs. MSU initiated its online Masters in Criminal Justice program back in 1998, making it the first degree program on the Internet from Michigan State. Quite frankly, it is one of the first prestigious programs on the Net.

Michigan State University is offering the following Master level Criminal Justice courses:

• CJ 433 Law Enforcement Intelligence Operations
• CJ 439 Homeland Security
• CJ 801 Crime Causation, Prevention and Control
• CJ 809 Issues in Criminal Justice
• CJ 810 Proseminar in Criminal Justice
• CJ 811 Design and Analysis in Criminal Justice Research
• CJ 812 Criminal Justice Management Seminar
• CJ 822 Comparative Criminal Justice
• CJ 823 Globalization of Crime
• CJ 837 Counterterrorism and Intelligence
• CJ 838 Terrorism
• CJ 839 Analytical Thinking and Intelligence
• CJ 885 Security Management
• CJ 886 Security Administration
• CJ 887 Quantitative Methods in Criminal Justice Research
• CJ 890 Independent Study
• CJ 894 Practicum
• CJ 896 Policy Analysis Under Conditions of Change

* Courses may change from time to time.

The Criminal Justice program at MSU may take you 2 to 3 years to complete. Michigan State University is highly respected in the law enforcement field, the academia, and has an enormous presence in the media.

MSU was one of the schools I considered attending to complete my graduate degree. I applied to only three schools: Michigan State University, Boston University, & University of Cincinnati. I was accepted to all of them, amidst the high level of competition and limited space. I researched all of them and conclusively found that MSU is one of the best schools worldwide which you can consider for your graduate studies, including a PhD.

For more information on this online program visit MSU website.

You probably won’t believe me, but I am considering taking on my PhD in Australia. Since I am really passionate about organized crime like terrorism, identity theft, and trafficking of humans and drugs, I found one of the best schools in the world to delve into my interests.

University of Wollongong Centre for Transnational Crime Prevention is offering graduate level courses and degrees. This university is ranked among top 200 colleges & universities in the world, and for me, it offers a very specialized degree option; one that is not easily found in United States.

Masters Degree (48 credit points)

• Full-time 1 year
• Part-time 2 years

Graduate Certificate (24 credit points)

• Full-time 6 months
• Part-time 1 year

Subjects Include:

• Studies in International Criminal Law (Compulsory)
• Issues in Comparative Criminal Justice (Compulsory)
• International Cooperation and Transnational Crime
• Security Intelligence and policy
• Transnational Financial Transaction Crime
• Terrorism and Counter Terrorism
• International Corporate Crime
• Cyber Crime
• Issues in Transnational Organised Crime
• Financial Investigations
• Major Research Project
• Minor Research Project

The graduate degree I would like to pursue is research based and is offered as a PhD at the University of Wollongong. A Master level research option is also available.

** the information above is taken from University of Wollongong – Centre for Transnational Crime Prevention Website **

A little bit more about the University of Wollongong

Another reason I would love to spend the next three years at this Australian university is its location. Look at the map below. Yes, it’s less than a mile away from the pristine shores of the South Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea. On top of that it’s about 2 hours drive from Sydney, Australia.

View Larger Map

Let me know what you think. Thanks.

If you plan on working in the criminal justice field then you should be familiar with the many policies that are going to take place during President Barack Obama’s tenure. One of such policies focuses on Homeland Security, specifically an initiative to prevent terrorism.

This article focuses on nuclear terrorism which may cause significant casualties if not properly prevented and countered in a timely fashion.

Obama’s Initiative to Prevent Nuclear Terrorism

A comprehensive strategy for nuclear security is needed. This strategy will reduce the danger of nuclear terrorism, prevent the spread of nuclear weapons capabilities, and strengthen the nuclear nonproliferation regime. They will:

• Secure Nuclear Weapons Materials in Four Years and End Nuclear Smuggling: Lead a global effort to secure all nuclear weapons materials at vulnerable sites within four years — the most effective way to prevent terrorists from acquiring a nuclear bomb. Fully implement the Lugar-Obama legislation to help our allies detect and stop the smuggling of weapons of mass destruction.

• Strengthen Policing and Interdiction Efforts: Institutionalize the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI), a global initiative aimed at stopping shipments of weapons of mass destruction, their delivery systems, and related materials worldwide.

• Convene a Summit on Preventing Nuclear Terrorism: Convene a summit in 2009 (and regularly thereafter) of leaders of Permanent Members of the UN Security Council and other key countries to agree on preventing nuclear terrorism.

• Eliminate Iran’s and North Korea’s Nuclear Weapons Programs Through Tough, Direct Diplomacy: Use tough diplomacy — backed by real incentives and real pressures — to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and to eliminate fully and verifiably North Korea’s nuclear weapons program.

• Strengthen the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA): Seek to ensure that the Agency gets the authority, information, people, and technology it needs to do its job.

• Set the Goal of a Nuclear-Free World: Show the world that America believes in its existing commitment under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty to work to ultimately eliminate all nuclear weapons. America will not disarm unilaterally.

• Seek Real, Verifiable Reductions in Nuclear Stockpiles: Seek deep, verifiable reductions in all U.S. and Russian nuclear weapons and work with other nuclear powers to reduce global stockpiles dramatically.

• Work with Russia to Increase Warning and Decision Time: Work with Russia to end dangerous Cold War policies like keeping nuclear weapons ready to launch on a moment’s notice, in a mutual and verifiable manner.

• Appoint White House Coordinator for Nuclear Security: Appoint a deputy national security advisor to be in charge of coordinating all U.S. programs aimed at reducing the risk of nuclear terrorism and weapons proliferation.

• Strengthen Nuclear Risk Reduction Work at Defense, State, and Energy Departments: Expand our foreign service, and develop the capacity of our civilian aid workers to work alongside the military. Thwarting terrorist networks requires international partnerships in military, intelligence, law enforcement, financial transactions, border controls, and transportation security.

• Control Fissile Materials: Lead a global effort to negotiate a verifiable treaty ending the production of fissile materials for weapons purposes.

• Prevent Nuclear Fuel from Becoming Nuclear Bombs: Work with other interested governments to establish a new international nuclear energy architecture — including an international nuclear fuel bank, international nuclear fuel cycle centers, and reliable fuel supply assurances — to meet growing demands for nuclear power without contributing to proliferation.

What are your thoughts about these strategies and policies? What would you change, add, or remove?

What High School classes are needed to get into a Criminal Justice college or university degree program?

If you are planning on a Criminal Justice degree in college than you may want to consider taking specific classes while still in high school. But I know, and so do the colleges and universities nationwide, that 99.9% of high schools don’t directly offer courses related to the CJ field. This is okay! You don’t have to worry about getting into a Criminal Justice degree program if you don’t have the opportunity to take the classes in high school.

If you have an opportunity to pick courses, pick those that directly relate to Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement… duh! You know that! But, here are other topics that may help you choose your high school classes:

• politics
• current issues
• psychology
• sociology
• political science
• international affairs
• public policy
• international relations

Most importantly, make sure to keep your grades as close to an “A” as possible. Try to join organizations, teams, and after-school groups (this will look very good on your college app).

Get to know your teachers and keep contact with them (even after your freshman or sophomore years — these first teachers in high school can be very helpful to your cause). When it’s time to apply to a Criminal Justice school you can ask them for letters of recommendation, to check your application, or the entrance essay to the program.

Just so you know, not all schools require letters of recommendation or an entrance essay. This is usually needed for Master and PhD level programs.

If you are in your junior and senior year, you should start looking for Criminal Justice programs, as you should apply to more than one school. You would be surprised how many high school students never get into college because of this very reason.

Your chances of getting into a Criminal Justice program may be higher if you complete these steps. Most of your peers don’t even think that far ahead. So with that in mind, you should be just fine in your quest of getting into some of the best Criminal Justice, Homeland Security, Forensic Science, Public Administration, and Foreign Policy degree programs.

The Criminal Justice Online blog has the info on schools and even offers search options in your quest of pursuing the best college education. So stick around and good luck!