Is 35 Too Old to Get a Criminal Justice Degree?

If you are passionate about protecting people and fighting crime, a criminal justice degree may be an ideal choice for embarking on a rewarding career. But as a 35-year-old, you may think it is too late to enroll in college.

Being 35 is not too old to get a degree in criminal justice. Age should not be a factor in pursuing your academic goals to advance your job opportunities.

Explore why obtaining your criminal justice degree in your 30s is an excellent choice and frequently asked questions to help you choose the ideal program.

Reasons To Earn Your Criminal Justice Degree at 35

Earning your college degree at 35 can enhance your career potential and improve your skills and knowledge. Below are a few top reasons why getting your criminal justice degree in your 30s is a good decision.

Secure Employment

A degree in criminal justice leads to secure employment, where you have several opportunities to take on roles that offer high earning potential. Law enforcement is always needed, which creates a demand for professionals with the appropriate skills in a consistently growing field.

Career Options

A perk of earning a degree is that it opens doors to a broad range of emerging criminal justice career options. A popular choice for this degree is working as a police officer. You are also qualified for many other jobs that require a solid understanding of how the criminal justice system works while making an impact on society.

Life Experience

Going back to school at 35 comes with a mature perspective and life experience that can be valuable in pursuing a career in the criminal justice sector. Many colleges provide opportunities to leverage this experience and allow it to apply toward the required credits to complete the degree program.

What Will I Learn In a Criminal Justice Degree Program?

A criminal justice degree program provides students with in-depth knowledge of the various aspects of the US criminal justice system. It also teaches important skills such as critical thinking and ethical decision-making.

For instance, the Purdue Global online Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice explores national law enforcement reform and various types of criminal offenses. It prepares for jobs as police detectives and criminal investigators.

The bachelor's degree in criminal justice at Purdue Global offers these concentrations:

• Crime Scene Investigation
• Business Foundations
• Juvenile Justice
• Homeland Security
• Law Enforcement
• Forensic Psychology
• Socially Responsible Leadership

Prospective students should research various available programs from accredited nationwide colleges to ensure their curriculum meets their academic goals to embark on a fulfilling criminal justice career.

What Can I Do With My Criminal Justice Degree?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in the criminal justice sector are projected to grow consistently until 2032. With a continuous need for law and order and public safety, getting a degree in the field, even at age 35, promises employment opportunities for years to come.

Below are a few examples of jobs you can explore after graduating from a criminal justice degree program.

Correctional Officer

A correctionial officer is responsible for guarding prisoners and ensuring the safety and proper regulation of incarcerated individuals. They work at correctional facilities or help to maintain law and order in courtrooms. It is a demanding and challenging job that requires a thorough understanding of criminal justice.

Private Investigator

A private investigator is typically hired to obtain information and conduct research. They must always abide by the law while performing tasks such as investigating crimes or gathering valuable details in complex legal matters. This role requires strong analytical skills and technology proficiency to be successful.

Court Administrator

The role of a court administrator is significant in overseeing case flow management and processing case information. It includes managing vital administrative functions of the court to keep everything running smoothly. Excellent communication and organizational skills are essential for this job.

FAQs About Starting a Criminal Justice Degree at 35

Discover more information about enrolling in a degree program to earn your criminal justice degree at 35 with the following frequently asked questions.

Are There Benefits To Starting My Criminal Justice Degree at 35?

Going to school later in life has its benefits. It offers an advantage to leverage your experience and understand what exactly you want to focus on, helping you build and refine your skills. Many jobs in criminal justice require a degree, and getting one, even at 35, affords more employment opportunities and higher-paying salaries.

Are There Any Free or Affordable Criminal Justice Degree Programs?

Several accredited colleges offer cost-effective criminal justice degree programs that can meet the goals of adult learners who may have budget constraints. Financial aid is also available for eligible students to alleviate college expenses.

Examples of institutions that offer affordable online criminal justice degrees include:

• Purdue Global
• Southern New Hampshire University
• University of Central Florida
• Liberty University
• Walden University

Can I Work and Go To College?

Yes, working while earning your criminal justice degree is certainly possible. It requires excellent time management skills and dedication to keep up with coursework, but many adult learners successfully do it.

The flexibility of online learning provides the convenience needed to accommodate busy schedules, and many online criminal justice degree programs are available from accredited institutions across the nation that cater to those going back to school at the age of 35.