Online Criminal Justice Degrees in New Hampshire

New Hampshire is known for its scenic landscapes, from the White Mountains and the Lakes Region, to its Atlantic coast beaches. It’s a destination for vacationers, skiers, leaf peepers, and shoppers seeking its tax-free advantage. Its urban areas include Portsmouth, Nashua, and the “Queen City” of Manchester, the largest city in the state. Manchester’s former textile millyard has rapidly transformed to a hub for technology firms.

Careers in protective service occupations are projected to increase by 1.2% through mid-2019 NHES

The economy in New Hampshire is strong, with the monthly unemployment rate holding steady at 2.6% from October 2017 through March 2018. Careers in protective service occupations are projected to increase by 1.2% through mid-2019, with 1,212 projected openings in the field between 2017 Q2 to 2019 Q2. This is partly due to the impact of the opioid crisis in the state: New Hampshire experienced the second highest death rate — 39 deaths per 100,000 residents — due to opioid overdoses in 2016.

Manchester firefighters, police, and EMTs work together to offer the “Safe Station” program to respond to people in crisis. Nashua has followed suit, and other cities around the U.S. are modeling the program. Manchester police chief Nick Williard was nominated by President Trump to serve as U.S. Marshal for the state, in part because of his multi-pronged response to the opioid crisis.

If you’re interested in a career in criminal justice, New Hampshire boasts robust employment and training opportunities, plus a wide variety of online criminal justice degrees in New Hampshire.

Earning an Online Criminal Justice Degree in New Hampshire

Online degree programs are ideal for students seeking to advance their career opportunities while working, raising families, or serving in the military. The flexibility of these programs makes it possible to access lectures, coursework, class discussions, and projects remotely and at the student’s convenience. Most courses are delivered asynchronously, so students can participate any time of day or night, rather than at a specific time. This makes earning a degree a reality for students who otherwise would not have the opportunity.

In addition to the convenience, online degree programs are typically more affordable than traditional programs. Expenses for room and board, transportation to and from classes, parking, and other on-campus fees simply don’t apply.

By pursuing a New Hampshire online criminal justice degree, students can actively participate in classes, develop relationships with instructors, and widen their professional network.

Accredited Criminal Justice Programs in New Hampshire

While you consider the various options for your online criminal justice degree New Hampshire program, make sure to research each institution’s accreditation status. Accreditation certifies that your program is designed and administered by a quality institution. It is especially helpful for facilitating credit transfers. If an institution isn’t accredited, credits earned there will not transfer to an accredited college or university.

In New Hampshire, the regional accreditation body is the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

There are two types of accreditation: regional and national. Nonprofit universities and colleges are regionally accredited by the appropriate body; nationally accredited schools are typically for-profit colleges or vocational schools. They are often excluded from corporate tuition programs and some licensing standards.

In New Hampshire, the regional accreditation body is the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. It provides accreditation through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The Department’s database of accredited postsecondary institutions and programs provides a wealth of information regarding criminal justice degrees in New Hampshire.

Education and Training Requirements for Criminal Justice Professionals in New Hampshire

Criminal justice educational requirements in New Hampshire vary by profession. An associate online criminal justice degree New Hampshire provides graduates the foundation for employment as police and correctional officers, EMTs, security guards, and private detectives and investigators. For instance, Inter-Con Security Systems, Inc. requires an associate degree in criminal justice and related experience within the past year for a position as a uniformed protection officer at a National Passport Center in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Additional requirements or training are necessary to secure certain criminal justice positions in New Hampshire. State corrections officers must meet the Cooper Institute of Aerobics Research Standards and pass a public safety exam. If successful, they train in the Corrections Academy, which includes pistol and rifle requirements. Police officers must pass multiple exams including written, oral board, physical fitness, medical, psychological, and polygraph. A thorough background check is also conducted. In hiring court bailiffs, the state prefers CPR certification, law enforcement experience, and security and firearm skills.

Bachelor’s degrees are required for certain criminal justice positions, including private field investigators, forensic science technicians, emergency management directors, and probation officers. A master’s in criminal justice degree online in New Hampshire can help graduates secure management positions in the field. These can be as diverse as police supervisors, corrections counselors, and forensic research chemists.

Licensing, Registration, and Certification Requirements in New Hampshire

As students research their options for an online criminal justice degree in New Hampshire, they should include details about any additional licensing, registrations, or certifications necessary for their desired career. These differ depending on the position and state. For example, police officers are trained by the New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Council, which is also responsible for preparing Department of Corrections employees for service.

As students research their options for an online criminal justice degree in New Hampshire, they should include details about any additional licensing, registrations, or certifications necessary for their desired career.

In New Hampshire, private investigators, bail bondsmen, and security guards must be licensed to practice their professions. This means that the state government grants permission for them to work in their chosen field. Applications must be submitted in person to the New Hampshire Department of Safety, and those seeking to carry a firearm are fingerprinted and must attain firearms proficiency certification. Licensed professionals must renew their credentials periodically. Licenses typically only apply to the state where they are awarded and therefore cannot be transferred. Individuals should check local standards if they pursue a career that requires licensing.

National certifications are available to private investigators. The Professional Certified Investigator option is an exam-based certification offered to professionals with five years of experience. The National Association of Legal Investigators provides an exclusive Certified Legal Investigator Program that requires applicants to pass rigorous exams, submit white papers, and participate in role-playing tests.

General criminal justice certifications, including the Criminal Justice Awareness and Terminology certification , are available as an option for those seeking to enhance their knowledge and boost their employability. They are not required for employment.

Career and Salary Expectations

Those pursuing an online criminal justice degree in New Hampshire will graduate into a market with several excellent career opportunities. Protective service occupations, which include police, firefighters, bailiffs, private investigators, detectives, and security guards, employed 11,680 people in New Hampshire in May 2017. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data , employees in these occupations earned a mean hourly wage of $23.47 and an annual mean wage of $48,810. These are slightly higher than national mean wages.

The job outlook for protective service occupations is strong. Experts project the field to grow 1.2% between Q2 of 2017 and Q2 2019., and positions for police officers are projected to increase 1.4% with 202 annual openings. The field for fish and game wardens will expand by 2%, while 2.4% more private detectives and investigators will be needed. There will be 123 annual job openings for paralegals and legal assistants, and this field will grow 1.6%.

Protective Services Occupations in New Hampshire

OccupationEmploymentAverage Hourly WageAverage annual Wage
Firefighters2,160$22.28$46,330
Fire Inspectors and Investigators50$28.41$59,100
Detectives and Criminal Investigators330$38.34$79,740
Fish and Game WardensN/AN/AN/A
Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers3,050$27.19$56,560
Private Detectives and Investigators220$24.46$50,870
Security Guards2,660$16.84$35,030
Transportation Security Screeners120$20.60$42,850
Source: BLS, May 2017

Court and Corrections Occupations in New Hampshire

OccupationEmploymentAverage Hourly WageAverage annual Wage
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists210$29.57$61,510
Lawyers1,750$57.52$119,650
Judges, Magistrate Judges, and MagistratesN/AN/AN/A
Paralegals and Legal Assistants1,110$26.05$54,190
Court ReportersN/AN/AN/A
Bailiffs40$14.64$30,450
Correctional Officers and Jailers930$21.82$45,380
Source: BLS, May 2017

Other Criminal Justice Occupations in New Hampshire

OccupationEmploymentAverage Hourly WageAverage annual Wage
Forensic Science Technicians40$33.17$68,990
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary50N/A$69,620
Source: BLS, May 2017

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Criminal justice professionals improve the safety and security of their communities. This makes criminal justice an important field of study, and many scholarships are available to make degree programs more affordable. These are offered on national, state, and local levels. The following opportunities are available to U.S. and New Hampshire students.

Criminal Justice Scholarships

National Technical Investigators’ Association Captain James J. Regan Memorial Scholarship $2,500

Who Can Apply: Members of a law enforcement Explorer program in 12th grade or enrolled in an accredited college. Two awards are provided to students with excellent leadership skills, academic records, extracurricular involvement, personal essays, and three letters of recommendation. View Scholarship

Detective Rafaela A. Valdez Memorial Scholarship Award $1,000

Who Can Apply: Associate members of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) who are active with their national and local membership dues. Applications must include proof of registration with an accredited college or university, a transcript with minimum 2.5 GPA, and an essay. View Scholarship

NOBLE National Scholarships $1,500-2,500

Who Can Apply: High school seniors with a minimum 3.8 GPA and demonstrated financial need who are planning a career in law enforcement, criminal justice, or forensic investigation. Three scholarships in different amounts are awarded. View Scholarship

WIFLE Scholarship Foundation $2,500

Who Can Apply: Women in Federal Law Enforcement, Inc. provides several scholarships to women pursuing a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice (or a related field) or enrolled in an associate degree program with the intention to transfer to a four-year program. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA, a letter of recommendation from a police or community official, and submit an essay about participation in an impactful community project. View Scholarship

Lint Center for National Security Studies Scholarships $500-2,000

Who Can Apply: People working in national security, counterintelligence, and related fields, and their children. A variety of scholarships are available. A 600- to 800-word capstone essay about one of the Center’s goals is required. View Scholarship

Scholarships for New Hampshire Residents

New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Scholarships $100-7,500

Who Can Apply: Students pursuing two- and four-year degrees, certificates, or licensing in New Hampshire. The Foundation has nearly 400 scholarship funds available. Only one application is required and is matched to available opportunities. View Scholarship

New Hampshire Governor’s Scholarship $2,000

Who Can Apply: Recent high school graduates eligible for a Pell Grant and entering a training or postsecondary program. Applicants must prove New Hampshire residency. View Scholarship

New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police $500-1,500

Who Can Apply: Children of New Hampshire police officers or chiefs of police, or non-related students pursuing degrees related to law enforcement. View Scholarship

New Hampshire Food Industries Education Foundation Scholarships $1,000

Who Can Apply: Children of employees of companies that are New Hampshire Grocers Association members. Awards are based on academic achievement and college placement tests (SAT, ACT). View Scholarship

Fisher Cats Foundation Scholar-Athlete Scholarships $2,500

Who Can Apply: New Hampshire students planning to attend a two- or four-year college. Ten scholarships are awarded annually. Decisions are made based on athletic accomplishments, academic achievement, and community contributions. View Scholarship

Resources for Criminal Justice Students in New Hampshire

Law Enforcement Agencies in New Hampshire

Professional Organizations

Your education shouldn’t end upon graduation. It’s critical for professionals to enhance their skills, gain access to new training and educational resources, and network with their peers in the field. A variety of criminal justice associations are available in New Hampshire, and often offer student memberships for those interested in pursuing specific careers. The following resources provide examples of organizations that can assist individuals as they expand their professional network and seek employment opportunities.

New Hampshire Police Association

The NHPA has represented state police officers since 1940. It serves its members with job improvement resources, information-sharing, networking opportunities, and legislation updates on issues related to law enforcement.

New Hampshire State Police Benevolent Association

This organization provides current and retired New Hampshire State Police members financial assistance in times of crisis. There are more than 400 members.

Northeastern Association of Criminal Justice Sciences

This association is a regional group of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, and serves as a network of criminal justice students, scholars, and professionals. It offers an online directory, employment resources, and annual conference discounts. Student memberships are available.

American Probation and Parole Association (Region 1 – New England)

The APPA provides educational training, information-sharing, advocacy, and networking resources. Student memberships are available to those pursuing criminal justice, community corrections, or related degrees.

New Hampshire League of Investigators

This is the state’s only association for private investigators, and membership is based on an application and background check (associate memberships are also available). It provides networking opportunities, training resources, and state legislation representation.

Paralegal Association of New Hampshire

The PANH works to improve state paralegal standards, provide networking opportunities, and assist with training resources. Student memberships are available.

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