Criminal Justice
Overview
Criminal justice is a broad subject area that encompasses law enforcement, the courts, and corrections. It is a challenging but rewarding subject that offers many opportunities to make a difference.
Studying criminal justice abroad can give you a unique global perspective on the criminal justice system and how it operates in different countries. It can also help you develop your cross-cultural communication and problem-solving skills.
Why Study Criminal Justice Courses Abroad?
There are many reasons why you might choose to study criminal justice abroad. Here are a few of the most common reasons:
- Gain a global perspective: Studying criminal justice abroad can give you a unique perspective on the criminal justice system and how it operates in different countries. This can be valuable if you want to work in international law or criminal justice.
- Develop cross-cultural skills: Studying criminal justice abroad can help you develop your cross-cultural communication and problem-solving skills. These skills are essential for working in a globalized world.
- Enhance your resume: Studying criminal justice abroad can make you a more eligible candidate for jobs in the criminal justice field. Employers are increasingly preferring candidates with international experience.
Course Structure
Criminal justice courses abroad typically follow a similar structure to those in the United States. However, there may be some variation in the specific courses that are offered and the content of the courses.
Most criminal justice programs abroad will include courses on the following topics:
- Criminal law
- Criminal procedure
- Criminology
- Victimology
- Police science
- Corrections
Course Subjects
In addition to the above-mentioned core courses, criminal justice programs abroad may also offer courses on a variety of specialized topics, such as:
- International criminal law
- Comparative criminal justice
- Cybersecurity
- Forensic science
- Juvenile justice
- White-collar crime
Course Duration
The duration of criminal justice courses abroad can vary based on the level of the program and the specific structure of the curriculum. Bachelor’s degree programs in criminal justice typically have a duration of three to four years. Whereas, Master’s degree programs in criminal justice, such as Master of Science (MSc) or Master of Arts (MA), usually last for one to two years.
Types of Criminal Justice Abroad Degrees
Criminal justice programs abroad offer a variety of degrees, including:
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice
- Master of Arts (MA) in Criminal Justice
- Master of Science (MS) in Criminal Justice
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Criminal Justice
Top Specializations
Some of the top specializations in criminal justice abroad include:
- International criminal law
- Comparative criminal justice
- Cybersecurity
- Forensic science
- Juvenile justice
- White-collar crime
Admission Process
The admission process for criminal justice programs abroad varies depending on the program and the country in which it is located. However, most programs will ask you to submit the following materials:
- Application form
- Official transcripts from all previous schools attended
- Standardized test scores (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT)
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
Document Requirements
In addition to the materials listed above, you may also be required to submit the following documents:
- Passport
- Visa (if required)
- Health certificate
- Financial aid documentation
English Language Proficiency Exams Score Requirements
The English language proficiency exams for criminal justice programs abroad vary depending on the program and the country in which it is located. However, most programs will require you to achieve a minimum score on the IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo exam.
Actual IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo score requirements
- IELTS: 6.5
- TOEFL: 80
- PTE: 59
- Duolingo: 110
Cost of Studying
The cost of studying criminal justice abroad varies depending on the program and the country in which it is located. However, you can expect to pay more for tuition and fees than you would for a criminal justice program in the United States.
Average Tuition fees
The average tuition fees for criminal justice programs abroad range from $10,000 to $30,000 annually.
Cost of Living and Other Expenses
The cost of living and other expenses for studying criminal justice abroad vary depending on the country in which you study. However, you can expect to pay more for food, accommodation, and transportation than you would in the United States.
Food, Accommodation, Transport, Books, Stationary etc. expenses
The average cost of living and other expenses for studying criminal justice abroad ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 per year.
Top Scholarships with amounts of scholarship offered
There are several scholarships available for students who are interested in studying criminal justice abroad. Some of the top scholarships include:
- The Fulbright Scholarship: This scholarship provides funding for students to pursue postgraduate studies and research at universities worldwide. The amount of funding awarded depend on the student’s country of origin and the program they are attending.
- The Chevening Scholarship: This scholarship funds students from developing countries to pursue a one-year master’s degree at a UK university. The scholarship manages tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
- The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship: This scholarship provides funding for students worldwide to pursue a joint master’s degree program at two or more European universities. The scholarship manages tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
- The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship: This scholarship funds Indian students to study postgraduate studies in the United States, the United Kingdom, or Australia. The amount of fund depends on the student’s field of study and the program they are attending.
Popular jobs
Some of the most popular jobs for criminal justice graduates include:
- Police officer: $63,910
- Detective: $89,060
- Correctional officer: $51,750
- Probation officer: $54,750
- Federal agent: $95,180
- Lawyer: $126,930
- Judge: $135,100
Best Countries to study Criminal Justice courses Abroad
Some of the best countries to study criminal justice abroad include:
- The United States: The United States has some of the best universities in the world for criminal justice studies. Some top universities include Harvard University, Stanford University, and Yale University.
- The United Kingdom: The United Kingdom also has a number of top universities for criminal justice studies. Some top universities include the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and the famous London School of Economics and Political Science.
- Canada: Canada is another great option for studying criminal justice abroad. Some top universities include the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the famous University of British Columbia.
- Australia: Australia is another great option for studying criminal justice abroad. Some top universities include the University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney, and the Australian National University.
- New Zealand: New Zealand is another great option for studying criminal justice abroad. Some top universities include the famous University of Auckland, the University of Otago, and the reputed Victoria University of Wellington.
Best Universities to study Criminal Justice courses Abroad
Some of the best universities to study criminal justice abroad include:
- Harvard University (United States)
- Stanford University (United States)
- Yale University (United States)
- University of Cambridge (United Kingdom)
- University of Oxford (United Kingdom)
- London School of Economics and Political Science (United Kingdom)
- University of Toronto (Canada)
- McGill University (Canada)
- University of British Columbia (Canada)
FAQs
Q1) What are the benefits of studying criminal justice abroad?
A1) There are many benefits to studying criminal justice abroad, including:
- Gaining a global perspective on the criminal justice system
- Developing cross-cultural skills
- Enhancing your resume
- Increasing your job prospects
Q2) What are the requirements for studying criminal justice abroad?
A2) The requirements for studying criminal justice abroad vary depending on the program and the country in which it is located. However, most programs will ask you to submit the following materials:
- Application form
- Official transcripts from all previous schools attended
- Standardized test scores (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT)
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
Q3) How can I finance my studies abroad?
- Scholarships and grants
- Student loans
- Work-study programs
- Personal savings
Q3) Is there any entrance exams for Criminal Justice Courses Abroad?
- Undergraduate (Bachelor’s): Generally, entrance exams are less common for undergraduate programs, especially in countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia. Some universities may consider your high school grades or national university entrance exams (like SAT or ACT in the US).
- Postgraduate (Master’s or PhD): Many postgraduate programs, especially in Europe and the US, require standardized tests like the GRE or GMAT. Some specific programs within Criminal Justice might have their own tests or writing samples.