About You
Where did you go to college?
I went to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
Did you attend college online, in person on campus, or both?
I did all of my undergraduate work in person on campus, mostly as a part-time student. Online had not been invented yet.
Did you know what you wanted to major in before your Freshman year?
I did, but it was Computer Science. I picked Computer Science because my older brothers were getting degrees in Computer Science and I could use some of their text books. I did not know what I wanted for a career but I knew I could save some money by following in the footsteps of my brothers. I realized I did not have a passion for that major when I took Physics II and Calculus II. I had no interest in those classes and did not attempt to successfully complete them.
Did you receive any scholarships throughout your time in college? If so, what kind?
No. After I was employed as a full time state employee, I was able to take one class free per semester.
Why did you choose this major?
I was employed as a Campus Police Officer and Criminal Justice seemed like a logical choice as it applied to my career field.
About the Major
What type of courses did you take for this major?
Course of study included an introduction to criminal justice, research methods, criminology, incarceration systems, political science to include specific case law study, and the history of policing.
What course did you find the most fun/least fun?
I took a class that dealt with the practical aspects of law enforcement so it was a hands-on class. It was more fun than sitting through lectures.
The class that I had the least fun with was Research Methods. The professor used the Socratic method of teaching which was basically going around the class asking questions about the required reading. He excelled at telling whomever he had called on how their answer was wrong.
What course did you find to be the hardest/easiest?
The most difficult for me was Research Methods because of the method of classroom instruction and the required lab which included researching and writing a significant paper with statistical findings to support the hypothesis.
The easiest was the Introduction to Criminal Justice as it just touched the surface and provided basic information.
What skills does this major require and develop?
Reading and comprehension skills are important. The basic question asked in all the criminal justice classes is, “Why”. Through reading and understanding what is read, the student is able to answer the “Why” question.
What type of internship would be ideal for someone with this major?
An internship with a local or state law enforcement agency, juvenile justice services, a District Attorney’s Office, or the Division of Prisons would benefit the student as any of these would serve as an introduction to the criminal justice system
What minors or other courses might complement this major?
If the student’s goal is policing, then a minor in a subject matter that would be useful in policing would be most beneficial, such as math, accounting, or business (investigating embezzlement and fraud), computer technology (computer crimes), chemistry (DNA, drugs, etc.), or photography (crime scene processing).
Are there any special groups/associations for this major?
I’m not aware of any. I didn’t join any but I was already a Police Officer and I wasn’t very popular with my fellow students.
Post Degree
What can you do with this major?
I feel that a Criminal Justice major is very limiting. It will get the student noticed on job applications with law enforcement agencies but it doesn’t attract much attention or prepare the student for other fields of work.
Is graduate work usually required to work in the fields associated with this major?
Graduate work is not required to enter the most of the fields associated with this major. It may pay dividends with higher pay and quicker advancement, but love of the job is probably more important.
Philip High, Guest Contributor