by Leanne Coffman

Created on: February 05, 2009   Last Updated: March 17, 2009

Walking to Criminal Law class, Brittany quickens the pace while glancing at her watch. It is 8:52 a.m. She has another legal brief due (the fifth this week) and doesn't want to be late to turn it in. It has been an intense period- juggling work, studying and attendance. As a third year Criminal Justice undergraduate, she is well used to the demanding routine, finding it stimulating.

Characteristically, Brittany, like many full time students of this discipline, takes 5-6 classes a week (about 15-18 Credit Hours a semester), requiring 15-20 hours of weekly prep time. A typical day involves classes from early morning to mid-afternoon, subsequent lab work and consulting available professors for assistance. Four weekdays, she works part time after class. Often, Brittany will expend another few hours of studying in the late evening.

Though the current academic situation makes for lengthy days, Brittany is aware the end result-a career in forensics, is quite worth the effort.

A growing field, with ample opportunities, Criminal Justice concentrates on the practices, organizations and means of deterring crime. Though similar, Criminology, involves the social phenomena, causation of crime and criminal behavior. Both areas dove-tail into jobs as thrilling and diverse as Police officer, Criminal Investigator, Lawyer, Federal Agent, or Corrections. (Some require additional Graduate degrees).

Concentration of study ranges from legalities of crime to understanding criminal behavior. Last semester, in Criminalistics, Brittany took part in mock crime scenes, collected fingerprints, gained an understanding of blood spatter patterns and learned to process data.

Today is Thursday, and she is eagerly anticipating the meeting of Lambda Alpha Epsilon, the Fraternity of the American Criminal Justice Association. A national organization, aimed at assisting Criminal Justice students and professionals, L.A.E. events are a focal point for her week. Tonight, an F.B.I. agent will address the group. In previous months, various judges, attorneys, and police have presented topics of interest. Later, when poised to enter her career field, Brittany may use the L.A.E. website or Job Fairs to network.

Checking email en route, she discovers next semesters' internship with the local police department has been approved. Interns have the ability to view autopsies, visit trial cases, and ride with officers. Other University internships afford opportunities with correctional facilities, attorneys and courts. Downing a quick dinner with study friends, she excitedly shares the news.

Home at eleven o'clock, Brittany is ready for sleep. Another day in the life of a Criminal Justice Student- doused with challenges to prepare for her future. And that future gives her something to exciting to sleep on.

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