Expert: Loren Stevens - 9/24/2006

Question
So all the elective classes that I need to take, should I work them all into some type of Minor in something such as anthropology or anything else? Or should I just take other Crim classes?

And another question, do you know of any places I can get a job/internship where I could learn about different fields or such in the law enforcement program just to get a feel for it and see what specific areas are of more interest for me?
thanks again
serg
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Followup To

Question -
Corrections, Law Enforcement, and Victimology are the 3 sub degree's in criminology offered at my university. I was wondering what the difference between each is? If I want to become some type of special operations officer which would be ideal for me? And then lastly, how would a masters degree effect my career? Would it be worth it and what would be the difference?
thanks
serg

Answer -
Hello Serg,
Well, lets see......I'll convey MY opinions, and you can sort through that any way you see fit.
"corrections" pretty much concentrates on jails, prisons, parole&probation, juvenile detention et al.
"law enforcement" is pretty general in nature, and can accomodate several areas in the criminal justice field. I would have to review your school catalog to get a better feel for what they are offering.
"victimology" is a new one for me. But, I'd have to assume it focuses on victim assistance programs, social services, and more counseling oriented.
You probably need to decide on what slice of criminal justice you want to work. There is no real hurry, as the lower division under graduate requirments are all essentially the same.
A "BA" degree includes a foreign language. A "BS" degree includes more math/sciences rather than the foreign language.
Make that choice first.
Then, as you proceed those first two years of lower division classes, you'll come to a conclusion on where you want to focus. And, don't take any "bunk" electives. If the class does not serve a desired need or functional utility, don't bother with it.
A Master's degree won't hurt you no matter what you decide on a career path.
If your ultimate goal is to work management and administration...then your choice in post graduate study should be calibrated to that end.
Keep in mind, that much of what colleges teach in "law enforcement" is either history or theory based, rather than a "how-to" driven class.
It all depends on what you want in a career, and at the diferent stages of a career. You WON'T want the same things toward the end of your career as you want toward the beginning or middle.
I guess you can consider the "seven P's" (proper-prior-planning-prevents-piss-poor-performance) as a guide to the choices you'll want to make.
Hope this is helpful, and good luck,
'loren

Answer
Serg,
It would behoove you to consult with a college counselor, and express what your intentions are.
MY OPINION, is to go for a double major, NO minor. The difference is probably 1/2 dozen credits or so, and you essentially end up with two fields of equal strength, tantamount to having two degrees. You'll NEVER be asked what you minored in..
Just don't waste time on "basket weaving" type classes, that so many students do, because they tend to be easy, and it boosts their GPA.
Taking ALL CRJ classes is not necessarily what I am suggesting. Political Science, Soc, speech, (any written/oral communication classes are beneficial.)
Computer classes, pre law, etc. I realize that a college education is supposed to provide a student with "well-roundedness" but, it's a very competitive world out there, and the streets are tough. PERSONNALLY, I just wouldn't waste my time on patty-cake classes, well rounded or not.
I don't know the general region where you live, but I would suggest you sniff around the law enforcement agencies in your area, for jobs that are usually geared for those who are not yet 21 years old, and not eligible to be an officer yet.
Jobs such as : cadet, veh.maint. and transport, courier, etc.
Along with getting an "insider's" perspective, you are also in a position to know who the players are, and they you.
Knowing the structure of an organization ( formal/informal) is a leap forward.
Plus, most agencies have a program where they reimburse college tuition for their employees, for a grade of "C" or better. This amounts to a partial scholarship.
You would probably have an easier time of it, by looking at the local and state agencies. Federal agencies have too many hoops in terms of security classifications etc, plus, existing employees tend to duke their kids or family members into these spots.
Hope this is helpful,
Regards,
loren