Members of the U.S. Coast Guard, also called “Coasties,” are a part of the U.S. Armed Forces, under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Coast Guard officers are responsible for a variety of duties, including border patrol and security, environmental protection, search and rescue, and public safety. There are 38,000 active-duty officers in the Coast Guard, as well as 8,000 additional officers called Reservists. These officers are part-time employees and only work one weekend a month and two full weeks each year. The only difference between Reservists and active Coast Guard officers is their full-time or part-time status. Job responsibilities for all coast guard officers vary greatly. Career paths include engineering, law, intelligence, maritime patrol, aviation, environmental operation and more. The Coast Guard sponsors different officer programs for training, depending on your interest area. They include the Officer Candidate School, Maritime Academy, Coast Guard Academy and the Blue 21 Flight Initiative, which trains officers to become aviators for the Coast Guard.
Once you have been accepted into and completed a Coast Guard training program, you will be eligible to receive the benefits package offered. In addition to a competitive salary, you will receive 30 paid vacation days each year (2.5 days per month), complete medical and dental care at no cost to you, tuition assistance, life insurance, tax-free money that is to be used for housing on base or off-base, depending on the amenities in your area, and other benefits.
The main preparation that Coast Guard officers receive is through specific training offered by the Coast Guard itself. In order to be accepted into one of these programs, however, applicants must meet several requirements. Applicants must be between the ages of 17-27 (with some exceptions), have a high school diploma and pass a military entrance medical exam. While a college education is not required, it may help your admittance by displaying your interest in the field. A strong academic record all the way through graduate school also shows that you are dedicated, intelligent, and goal-oriented. You may even be rewarded with a higher salary upon entry into the Coast Guard than if you did not have any extra education.
Top 10 Criminal Justice Colleges
Search our rankings of the 10 top criminal justice colleges in the US below and request free information packets directly from the top criminal justice degree programs for your needs.
1.
University of Phoenix -
Master's Degree. University of Phoenix provides highly rated resources that fosters independent learning and enables the student for success. University of Phoenix graduates have shown a history of success by having long careers in the field of Criminal Justice.
2.
Everest University Online -
Master's Degree. With a career-oriented focus, a student graduating with a M.S. in Criminal Justice from Everest University Online will have the skills necessary to pursue numerous careers upon graduation.
3.
Walden University -
Master's Degree. At Walden University, the Master's Degree in Criminal Justice degree plan can be completed completely online and at the convenience of the student. Walden University is the premiere online college for students interested in pursuing a degree in the legal and justice field.
4.
Colorado Technical University -
Master's Degree. The university's Master of Science in Management with a concentration in Criminal Justice is designed to prepare individuals for roles in the emerging administrative and leadership sectors in the criminal justice system. Students are offered flexible courses online, allowing them to pursue this prestigious degree while maintaining other priorities in their lives as well.
5.
Kaplan University -
Master's Degree. The wide variety of courses and flexible time schedules make Kaplan University a top rated Masters in Criminal Justice school with the following options: Master’s of Science (M.S.) in Criminal Justice, M.S. in Criminal Justice/Corrections, M.S. in Criminal Justice/Law, M.S. in Criminal Justice/Global Issues in Criminal Justice.
6.
Capella University -
Master's Degree. Capella University Online’s top ranked job placement statistics make it a top choice by any student who wants a future in criminal justice. A Masters of Science in Public Safety - Criminal Justice, is offered.
7.
Saint Joesph's University -
Master's Degree. Saint Joesph's University Master's in Criminal Justice program is at the forefront of education in providing a dynamic curriculum to every student. Saint Joesph's makes it easy to obtain a Criminal Justice degree online affordably and from the comfort of home.
8.
Virginia College -
Master's Degree - At Virginia College, students are equipped with proper skills and training before graduation in order to succeed in their career of choice. Their Master's in Criminal Justice degree will prepare students for mid to upper-level management positions in the legal field.
9.
University of Cincinnati -
Master's Degree - This highly regarded criminal justice department prepares the student with a well respected faculty, a quick degree plan, and the choice to move on to get a Doctorate. Options include M.S. Degree in Criminal Justice, M.S. Degree in Criminal Justice (1 Year Program).
10.
Bowling Green State University -
Master's Degree. Bowling Green State University’s Criminal Justice school provides students with excellent academic training and experience. The department offers both a Masters of Science (MS) degree in Criminal Justice, and a Bachelors of Science (BS) degree in Criminal Justice.
11.
South University -
Master's Degree. The South University Masters in Criminal Justice department allows you the option of specializing in Homeland Security. The school offers two masters options: Masters of Science( M.S.) in Criminal Justice, M.S. in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security.
