Officials from a Kentucky-based university recently announced that it will offer two new college programs online for students who are interested in pursuing a career in criminal justice after graduation.

Beginning in the fall 2011 semester, students will be able to earn either an associate's or a bachelor's criminal justice degree using web-based classes. Both programs will strive to give students a basic understanding of criminal law, social science research methods, the theories of crime and punishment and criminal justice institutions, according to school officials.

Individuals who enroll in a criminal justice degree program online at the university will also analyze empirical research, trends and theoretical perspectives in the industry. Students will be expected to critically examine criminal justice issues and policies in cultural and social contexts as well as apply their knowledge to create solutions to problems in the field.

Students who earn a criminal justice degree online may hold jobs in state, local and federal law enforcement after graduation. Other individuals may choose to work in prison and jail administrations or for various criminal justice policy organizations.