What Is A Criminal Justice Degree? Career Guide

A criminal justice degree is an academic program that focuses on the study of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections. The degree program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles, practices, and policies of the criminal justice system, as well as the social, economic, and political factors that influence it. Students who pursue a criminal justice degree can expect to gain a deep understanding of the complexities of the system and develop the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in law enforcement, criminology, or related fields.

What Can You Do with a Criminal Justice Degree?

A criminal justice degree can lead to a wide range of career opportunities in fields such as law enforcement, corrections, courts, and private security. Some potential career paths for individuals with a criminal justice degree include police officer, detective, correctional officer, probation officer, and criminologist. Additionally, a criminal justice degree can also lead to careers in fields such as social work, counseling, and policy analysis. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of police and detectives is projected to grow 3% from 2020 to 2030, which is slower than the average for all occupations. However, job prospects are expected to be favorable for those with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field.

Career Paths in Law Enforcement

Law enforcement is a major career path for individuals with a criminal justice degree. Police officers and detectives are responsible for enforcing laws, investigating crimes, and maintaining public safety. Other career paths in law enforcement include federal law enforcement agent, forensic scientist, and crime scene investigator. The median annual salary for police and detectives was $61,380 in May 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Types of Criminal Justice Degrees

There are several types of criminal justice degrees available, including associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. An associate’s degree in criminal justice can provide students with a foundational understanding of the criminal justice system and prepare them for entry-level careers in law enforcement or corrections. A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can provide students with a more comprehensive understanding of the system and prepare them for careers in law enforcement, criminology, or related fields. A master’s degree in criminal justice can provide students with advanced knowledge and skills in areas such as criminology, law enforcement administration, or corrections management. A doctoral degree in criminal justice can provide students with the highest level of knowledge and expertise in the field and prepare them for careers in academia or research.

Specializations in Criminal Justice

There are several specializations available in criminal justice, including criminology, law enforcement administration, corrections management, and forensic science. Criminology is the study of the causes and consequences of crime, and can provide students with a deep understanding of the social, economic, and political factors that influence crime. Law enforcement administration is the study of the management and administration of law enforcement agencies, and can provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue careers in law enforcement leadership. Corrections management is the study of the management and administration of correctional facilities, and can provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue careers in corrections leadership. Forensic science is the application of scientific principles to the investigation of crimes, and can provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue careers in forensic science.

• Criminology
• Law Enforcement Administration
• Corrections Management
• Forensic Science

Criminal Justice Degree Requirements

The requirements for a criminal justice degree can vary depending on the institution and the level of degree. Generally, a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice requires the completion of 120-128 credit hours of coursework, including general education courses, core courses, and electives. Core courses may include introduction to criminal justice, criminology, law enforcement, corrections, and courts. Electives may include courses in areas such as forensic science, homeland security, and cybercrime. Many institutions also offer online and hybrid degree programs in criminal justice, which can provide students with the flexibility to complete coursework on their own schedule.

Accreditation and Certification

Accreditation and certification are essential considerations for individuals pursuing a criminal justice degree. Accreditation ensures that the institution and the degree program meet certain standards of quality and rigor. Certification can provide individuals with specialized knowledge and skills in areas such as law enforcement or corrections. The Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) is a professional organization that provides accreditation for criminal justice degree programs. The National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) also provides accreditation for degree programs in public administration, which may include coursework in criminal justice.