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4. Prerequisites for a criminal justice degree depend upon the institution where you will be pursuing your program. You will have to contact the institute and obtain details if they do have any prerequisites for an online criminal justice degree. English classes are usually one the prerequisites while some credits in Criminal Justice will also be preferred. The institution will specify the number of hours or required credits. A grade point average of around 3.0 is also preferred.

If you do not meet the prescribed requirements, the institute might offer you conditional admission and you might have to make up for the deficiencies right at the beginning of the course. These conditions may vary depending upon the course you are taking up. Since these are online course computer and computing skills may be part of the prerequisites. Having regular access to a computer with a reliable Internet connection, having an e-mail and the ability to operate e-mail and related functions such as send and receive messages and attachments are the common prerequisites for an online criminal justice program.

Familiarity with the Windows operating system and word processing, as well as the ability to log into the institute's network is essential. Work experience in the field will also account for some consideration when taking up a criminal justice program. The advantages of work experience and classes taken are that they give you an edge over the others. You will find yourself better equipped to deal with the syllabus before you.

Even if you do not have any previous exposure to the criminal justice system or the institute has not specified any prerequisites, make it a point to arm yourself with knowledge. Consult some research articles or books by competent authorities on the subject. Try and talk to someone who is in the field and get an idea of the practical aspects of the job. Your efforts will not go in vain. You will know that the time you spent on research has been worthwhile when you see your grades. Being prepared is always the better option to being at sea!