Guide to getting a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice

Do you want to serve and give back to the community? If so, a career in criminal justice may be for you. Jobs in corrections, law enforcement, or federal government, contribute to the protection of others. Without the honest, well-meaning, and determined people in these roles, we would be living in anarchy. As Francis Bacon once said, “If we do not maintain justice, justice will not maintain us.”

For many positions in police departments and organizations like the FBI, a bachelor’s in criminal justice is the minimum requirement. This degree also opens up dozens of career options in science, law, accounting, psychology, and social work. A bachelor’s in criminal justice can either be used to jumpstart an exciting career in law enforcement, or as foundation for postgraduate studies in other fields.

Broadly speaking, the job outlook for careers in this field is excellent. For example, it is predicted that the overall employment of police and detectives will grow by 7% between 2020 and 2030. So, if you are passionate about safeguarding society, and want to build a well-remunerated career, a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice could start you on that path.

Bachelor’s in criminal justice program basics

The bachelor’s in criminal justice is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the criminal field and prepare them for professional careers in criminal justice and related areas. It increases a candidates options in the field and gives them better job prospects, when compared to say an associate’s degree, or high school diploma.

» Read: What is the difference between a BA and BS?

What can you do with a bachelor’s in criminal justice?

Upon graduation, bachelor degree holders can apply for rewarding careers in any of the 3 branches of criminal justice: law enforcement, the court system, and the corrections system. Positions such as probation officer, legal assistant, and customs agent, usually require a degree in criminal justice or related field. Employees can then acquire more training and qualifications on the job, allowing them to climb the ranks.

A bachelor’s in criminal justice covers a broad range of subject areas. Therefore, it can be used as a foundation for further study, whether that be in the criminal justice sector or another field entirely.

Graduates may decide to improve their employment prospects and further specialize by taking a master’s degree in criminal justice. This post graduate qualification can be required for some mid-to-upper management positions in criminal justice.

Should you get a bachelor’s in criminal justice?

A career in criminal justice requires integrity, courage and determination. Communication skills and empathy are also important because you may find yourself working with people from different backgrounds. If you possess these attributes and want to make the world a better place, then this could be the right degree for you.

Is a bachelor’s in criminal justice a good option financially? The table shows a snapshot of earnings 2 years after graduation and compares this to the entire bachelor’s degree market.

The table below shows a longer-term estimate of degree performance. It displays typical salary growth for bachelor’s in criminal justice graduates, based on census survey data.

The statistics show that when it comes to short-term earnings, a bachelor’s in criminal justice fares less well than other degree programs. This may be because it takes time for graduates to establish themselves in the field. Most entry-level positions require further education to specialize, which often happens on the job.

The long-term picture is more positive. Salary growth outperforms other degree programs between ages 30-44. This may be because all of the necessary training has been completed and graduates have climbed the ranks.

How to pick a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice

Accreditation is an important factor when deciding which program to choose. Students at accredited institutions can access federal funds, and credits earned can be more easily transferred to other schools. If you decide to continue studying after your bachelor’s degree and earn professional licenses and certificates, an accredited degree can be a prerequisite.
The Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) maintain extensive databases of accredited schools and programs. Criminal justice programs do not generally receive programmatic accreditation, but a body that is considered to be the leading accreditation organization for criminal justice education programs is the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS).

Another factor to consider is the area of criminal justice you want to specialize in. There are numerous concentrations to choose from. The right one for you depends on where your main interest lies and career goals. Below are just some of the possible subjects available:

Corrections

This looks at the programs and practices currently in place to rehabilitate criminals in correctional institutions and offenders in release programs. Students acquire in-depth knowledge of the policies and laws regulating corrections and the management of offenders. They study the sociological, biological, and psychological factors that can influence criminal behavior.

Criminal psychology

This is the study of the criminal mind and what makes someone commit a crime. Criminal psychologists can be used in investigative work and as profilers to look for behavioral patterns to help identify offenders and to assess what they are going to do next. Criminal psychologists are often asked to evaluate the mental health of criminals at the time of the offense and whether they are competent to stand trial.

Homeland security

A concentration in homeland security focuses on all types of threats, natural and man-made. The curriculum looks at law enforcement, crisis response, public safety, infrastructure protection, and the development of effective response plans to public safety threats at the local to the federal level. Additionally, students explore domestic and international terrorism, civil liberties, and the collection and analysis of intelligence.

Victimology

This concentration provides an understanding of how to work with victims of crime, their families, and the community at large. By gaining an in-depth knowledge of the types, causes, dynamics, and effects of victimization, graduates gain an awareness of the legal rights of crime victims and the role of restorative justice in healing victims of crime, and the provision of services to victims and survivors.

Can I study a bachelor’s in criminal justice online?

A bachelor’s in criminal justice can be studied online. As the table below indicates, the online offering is similar to the market-wide average.

A large portion of the criminal justice curriculum is theoretical, lending itself well to the online format. Many students cite an internship as one of the most beneficial parts of the program, so if you plan to take the online route, check you can still participate in a practicum. On average, the difference in costs between online and on-campus degrees is negligible, with online programs coming in at $16,126, and on-campus programs costing $15,619.

Unsurprisingly, the cost of a degree from a private institution is significantly higher. It takes longer for this degree to pay for itself when compared to public or for-profit institutions. When it comes to earnings (2 years after graduation), the figures are similar across all institutions.

Financial aid and scholarships for bachelor’s in criminal justice programs

Many students choose to take a federal loan, typically these have a lower interest rate than private or bank loans. Scholarships and grants are often more plentiful at the higher degree level, with student teaching or research assistantships a common option. The U.S. government also has a student loan forgiveness program, and those with applicable military experience can likely use their GI Bill benefits.

What to expect from a bachelor’s in criminal justice program

Most programs offer a broad overview of the criminal justice field, whilst also drawing upon other subjects such as sociology, psychology, and law.

What are the admission requirements for a bachelor’s in criminal justice?

Candidates must have a high school or GED diploma to enroll in a bachelor’s in criminal justice program. Applicants are typically required to have a minimum 2.0 GPA and to submit their official transcripts. Many colleges also require applicants to submit ACT or SAT or any other program-specific exam scores.

How long does it take to get a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice?

It takes full-time students an average of 4 years to complete a criminal justice bachelor’s degree. Most programs require students to complete around 120 credit hours. The time needed may vary depending on additional requirements, such as internships and capstones.
Credits from a 2-year associate’s in criminal justice can usually be transferred to a bachelor’s program.

Internship requirements

Some schools require an internship, which can be completed only after core course requirements have been met. The time period of internships differs between schools. Students can intern at places such as police departments, postal inspection service, legal offices, correctional facilities, and the FBI.

Even if you program doesn’t offer internships, it may be beneficial to participate in one in the summer anyway. It can provide a much better sense of the career you are considering, as well as valuable contacts in the field.

What type of courses are there in a bachelor’s in criminal justice?

Most programs cover the causes and types of criminal behavior, and the functions of the basic parts of the criminal justice system, such as law enforcement and corrections. Some examples of the types of courses a student can expect to take in most criminal justice bachelor’s programs are

Introduction to the American criminal justice system

Provides an overview of the American criminal justice system. Topics include the criminal justice process and how the various criminal justice institutions interact. Students examine issues that arise in the criminal justice system, such as class and ethnicity. Citizens’ rights and responsibilities and how communities and professionals play a role in preventing crime are also explored.

Criminological theory

Examines the types of crime and patterns of criminal activity and deviant behavior. Students look at the social, economic, and psychological reasons for aberrant behavior. Theories and policies used to reduce crime are evaluated by students applying various criteria.

Criminal investigations

Students examine the principal skills and tasks involved in police investigations. Topics include proper collection, tagging, and processing of evidence. Students also learn how to assess a crime scene, interview and interrogate witnesses and suspects, and write reports. They also explore the impact of emerging technological advances on the future of criminal investigations.

Law enforcement

This foundational course looks at the issues and challenges involved in enforcing laws and protecting the public. Students examine the duties and responsibilities of law enforcement professionals and explore the history and development of US law enforcement. They also study how officers monitor criminal activity, investigate a crime scene, and apply legal standards for evidence and trial testimonials.

Ethics and diversity in criminal justice

Examines the implications of ethics and diversity in the criminal justice system. Students learn about the importance of ethical behavior and dilemmas facing law enforcement officers, correctional practitioners, and the court system. They also explore the importance of diversity among employees in criminal justice in creating an unbiased justice system.

What type of bachelor’s degrees are there in criminal justice?

The 2 main options are:

• Bachelor of Art in Criminal Justice (B.A.)
• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (B.S.)

Which of the above options you choose is unlikely to affect your career as the 2 programs are somewhat interchangeable. In general, a B.A. is more theory-based, with a focus on the reasons behind crime, and students can choose electives from other fields such as the liberal arts. Typically, a B.S. is a more technical program, geared towards career-orientated positions rather than academia.

What careers can I do with a bachelor’s in criminal justice?

There are many options available to holders of a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. The jobs listed below are a selected few.

Conclusion

A bachelor’s in criminal justice provides an excellent foundation for further study. Graduates of these programs usually have a good chance of securing entry-levels position in the field. As well as an increased understanding of how the U.S. justice system works, students can also get a close-up view of this exciting sector by participating in an internship during their degree program.