Earn a bachelor’s degree in applied science in criminal justice from Youngstown State University through Lakeland's Holden University Center [pdf].

The Criminal Justice Programs of Lakeland Community College are designed to prepare persons to serve the community and its individuals in a variety of criminal justice settings. As theory and practices form the basis for knowledge, skills, attitudes and values, students are required to observe and participate in class. Graduates are prepared to perform the basic duties and tasks associated with entry-level positions in criminal justice and corrections and/or continue their education.

Benefits of the Program

Lakeland’s criminal justice degree program introduces pre-service students to careers in law enforcement and/or corrections and equips students with both the skills and knowledge needed to ensure careers and/or additional education.

The program is also intended to support the continued professional growth of in-service practitioners through the enhancement of field-specifics and knowledge.

Some departments even award bonus points on entry-level and/or promotional exam to students who have successfully completed an associate’s degree in criminal justice. Therefore, the program provides educational and internship experiences that enable students to succeed at an entry-level criminal justice job or advance in their criminal justice career.

EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

• In law enforcement, 79 percent of the professionals are employed at the local level, 11 percent at state and 7 percent at the federal level. Employment of police and detectives is expected to grow by 7 percent from 2010-2020, slower than the average for all occupations. Continued demand for public safety will lead to new openings for officers in local departments; however, both state and federal jobs may be more competitive (Occupational Outlook Handbook).

• For probation and correctional treatment specialists, positions are available at the federal, state, local and private institutions. Employment of probation officers and correctional treatment specialists is expected to grow by 18 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as average for all occupations. Continued growth in the demand for probation and parole services will lead to new openings for officers (Occupational Outlook Handbook).