Delaware Criminal Justice Programs
With a violent crimes rate of 5.7, Delaware has a much higher violent crimes rate than the national average of 3.9 (1 in 183). The U.S. Census Bureau reports that Delaware has the 7th highest rate of violent crime in the nation. It also has a property crime rate of 33.41, higher than the national median of 28.6. Worst of all Delaware has a rate of over 90 crimes per square mile, over 50 points higher than the national median of 39.3 crimes per square mile.With a growing population and crime on the rise, Delware requires a strong law enforcement infrastructure. No wonder Delaware is always looking for experienced and qualified law enforcement professionals to help enforce the laws and protect the safety of its citizens. Delaware is also demanding more knowledgeable, educated and skilled criminal justice and law enforcement professionals.
If you're serious about a career in law enforcement in Delaware, one of the best things you can do is set yourself apart from the competition by receiving advanced law enforcement training and/or earning a degree that will provide you skills and knowledge necessary to be a successful criminal justice professional.
For most law enforcement positions, an undergraduate degree (associate or bachelor's) is sufficient. However, a master's degree or Ph.D. may be necessary if you're interested in working in a highly competitive or specialized criminal justice field such as forensic science, psychological profiling or financial investigations. Traditional criminal justice programs will include courses in judicial systems, corrections, legal history, constitutional law, policing and victimology. More specialized programs will cover topics including forensic accounting, forensic analysis, crime scene analysis, biochemistry, psychological profiling, law and rehabilitation.
While an associates degree will qualify candidates for entry-level law enforcement positions, a bachelor's degree is the most common qualification for most career-level positions in law enforcement. For those seeking supervisory or management level positions, a master's degree is highly recommended. Earning a graduate degree is a great way to set yourself apart from other criminal justice professionals you'll be competing with for jobs and promotions.
As the criminal element is composed of a diverse array of individuals with various talents and skills, the criminal justice professionals who pursue, apprehend and prosecute criminals must also possess diverse skills, backgrounds and talents. More and more law enforcement agencies, at the the local, state and federal levels, are seeking professionals with advanced skills in accounting, financial analysis, computer programming, computer science, law, technology, communication systems, linguistics, foreign languages, sociology and psychology. Some times the best education for a career in law enforcement is not necessarily a degree in crimal justice--even though have some training in criminal justice is helpful.
Despite its relatively small size, Delaware is home to many colleges and universities that provide excellent education programs and training for professionals seeking to launch or advance their career in criminal justice. Below you can explore various training options, education paths and colleges that will help you on your way to a successful career in criminal justice.
| Dawn Training Centre (Wilmington, DE) Programs offered: Certificate Program - Legal Assistant | |
| Delaware Technical and Community College (Dover, DE / Georgetown, DE / Newark, DE) Programs offered: Associate Degree - Criminal Justice Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) - Criminal Justice Associate of Applied Science (AAS) - Criminal Justice Management Associate of Applied Science (AAS) - Criminal Justice Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) - Homeland Defense and Emergency Management Associate of Applied Science (AAS) - Law Enforcement Certificate Program - Criminal Justice | |
| Wesley College (Dover, DE) Programs offered: Bachelor of Science (BS) in Legal Studies | |
| Widener University (Wilmington, DE) Programs offered: Associate of Science (A.S.) - Paralegal Studies Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Criminal Justice Bachelor of Science (BS) in Paralegal Studies Certificate Program - Paralegal Joint PsyD/MA - Criminal Justice Master of Arts (M.A.) - Criminal Justice | |
| Wilmington University (New Castle, DE) Programs offered: Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice Certificate Program - Criminal Justice | |