Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice Degrees

A criminal justice degree will provide you with a well rounded education that can lead to a career in many different fields of work. Whether you are interested in becoming a police officer or a forensic scientist, earning your degree in criminal justice could be the first step to jumpstarting your career. A criminal justice degree will introduce you to all aspects of the criminal justice system. This would include the study of:

  • Police science and law enforcement practices
  • Criminal law
  • Rules of evidence
  • Investigation and forensics
  • Corrections
  • Social and psychological factors relating to crime

Types of Criminal Justice Degree Programs

An associate’s degree in criminal justice will provide you with the qualifications to work in an entry level position in a variety of work environments. In this two year program you will learn the fundamentals of criminal justice such as political science, forensic science, psychology, legal studies, public administration and sociology. The credits you earn in your associates degree program can often be applied to a future bachelor’s degree if you decide to take your education further.

A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice will open up many doors to job opportunities in the field of criminal justice. In general, a bachelor’s degree program will take 4 years to complete. Upon graduating, degree holders will be eligible for job positions in public safety, corrections, private protective services, parole, investigation, law enforcement, and many more. Many private and federal agencies require job applicants to have a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. A DEA Agent, for example, is required to have earned their bachelor’s degree.

If you have already obtained a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree in criminal justice can accelerate your current career to the next level. There is currently a demand for highly informed specialists in the criminal justice system. Those who earn their master’s degree are eligible for countless upper level job opportunities. A master’s degree will also qualify you for various supervisory positions.

Criminal justice certificate and diploma programs are also available for those who are seeking to take select courses to gain a broad understanding of the criminal justice system. These programs vary in length, but usually require at least a year of study.

Job Opportunities for Criminal Justice Degree Holders

The need for criminal justice and legal services has greatly increased as a result of the pressures of the 21st century and a heightened interest in homeland security. Schools have responded to this demand by increasing the criminal justice degree programs that they have to offer, giving you many options to choose from!

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009 Edition