Those who are interested in earning an associates, bachelors or masters degree in criminal justice may find schools introducing new specializations within the field of study. New concentrations that are implemented into these programs may create a wider variety of employment opportunities for future degree holders.
One example is American Military University (AMU), which announced today the addition of a concentration in maritime law enforcement for its bachelors of arts in criminal justice. The new specialization was developed in response to being selected by the U.S. Coast Guard as one of the 10 school across the nation to offer the study to prospective students.
The maritime law enforcement concentration will benefit students who want to develop a better understanding of the policy and operational strategies used by the U.S. to control border and coastal security. In addition to the requirements of a criminal justice degree, student will take courses focused in hazardous materials, border, coastal and port security, terrorism, national security and maritime law.
Constance St. Germain-Driscoll, director of the school's criminal justice and legal studies programs, stated that this concentration "enables Coast Guard law enforcement professionals to gain valuable educational credit for their training and skills gained on active duty and broadens students' knowledge based in this specialized field."
In 2009, about 41,000 individuals served in the Coast Guard, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
