Idaho Criminal Justice Degree Programs

Overview

Idaho is one state that has richly benefited from the field of criminal justice. 24/7 Wall St. reports that Idaho has the 10^th lowest rate of violent crimes that is partially due to the implementation of various policing and justice procedures.

But, now more than Idaho needs help as the state is facing a “criminal justice crisis.” The Spokesman notes Idaho’s state Board of Correction, after much agonizing, voted unanimously Monday to move forward with plans for a $500 million prison expansion as prisons are at capacity. With prisons at capacity, there is need for new positions as well.

Criminal Justice Education in Idaho

At CriminalJusticePrograms.com, we make it easy for you to learn about criminal justice programs all over Idaho. Find out more about what a criminal justice education can do for you and then contact accredited universities in your area!

Since the field of criminal justice includes everything from the prevention of crime to prison procedures, the curriculum for most Idaho programs is rigorous and multi-faceted. Whether you want to earn an associate degree or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice education, you can look forward to completing courses in the main areas of criminal justice. However, an associate degree tends to give a broader education, while a bachelor’s degree delves into each topic more thoroughly. Classes you may have to take include:
common types of criminal justice careers. Below you’ll find links that explain the application process and job requirements within each branch.

• Criminal Justice Ethics
• Criminology
• Victimology
• Internet Crime
• Criminal Psychology

In addition to courses that cover the span of the justice system, you may have the opportunity to focus on one area of study. Doing this can improve your career prospects and help you figure out what area of criminal justice you want to work in.

Depending on which school you attend and where it is located you may get the chance to complete an internship. Both experiences can help you network with potential employers and learn about job duties you may perform. Also, many scholarships are open to criminal justice students, including those offered through the American Criminal Justice Association.

Outlook for Criminal Justice in Idaho

Criminal justice is a big field in Idaho, as evidenced by the almost 13,000 people working in protective service occupations. Security guards, police officers, and correctional officers make up just over half of the state’s protective service workers.

If you do not have prior experience in the criminal justice field, you may need to start with an entry-level position. From there, you can gain experience and work your way up the career ladder. Correctional officer, security guard, and police officer positions are often filled by new graduates.

With a bachelor’s degree or experience in the field, you may be qualified for other criminal justice careers. Detectives, criminal investigators, and first-line supervisors generally need extensive experience or relevant education. Average salaries for many of these professions are listed in the graph below. Data found at the Bureau of Labor Statistics from 2017.

If you feel you are ready to improve your community and your career prospects by getting a criminal justice degree, contact our featured schools to learn more about your program options.

Once you’ve contacted schools that interest you, click here to learn about available scholarships in criminal justice.