01/21/2025
A career in criminal justice may offer unique opportunities to protect lives, serve the community, and pursue justice for victims. With a criminal justice degree, you may be able to pursue roles in fields like police work, homeland security, or roles that involve aspects of forensic psychology. Completing your education through a criminal justice program is the first step toward pursuing a rewarding career that makes a difference.
Most entry-level positions in criminal justice require at least a high school diploma, but a criminal justice degree may help expand your career opportunities. Specific job prospects will vary based on your location, qualifications, and the job market.
What Degree Do I Need for a Career in Criminal Justice?
A degree in criminal justice prepares you for potential opportunities in law enforcement, the legal system, and public safety. There are several educational paths you can take to prepare for a criminal justice career, including 2-year programs, 4-year programs, and master's degree programs. Certain roles, such as forensic psychologists, may also require a doctoral degree program.
Both in-person and online criminal justice degree programs are available to help you gain the foundational knowledge you need. Most programs start with core courses in criminal law, constitutional law, and research methodology, building a strong foundation for understanding criminal behavior and the criminal justice system.
Bachelor's Degree Programs
A bachelor's degree in criminal justice usually requires 120-128 credit hours and may be available as a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), or Bachelor of Applied Science in Criminal Justice. Bachelor's degree programs include general education courses, core criminal justice courses, and specialized electives. The curriculum may cover topics like:
- Criminal law
- The court system
- Research methodology
- Forensic science
- Social sciences
- Foundational theories of criminal behavior
Many programs also include practical components like internships or field experiences in law enforcement or the legal system.
Master's Degree Programs
For those interested in leadership roles or specialized positions, a master's degree in criminal justice or related fields may be necessary. Programs typically require a bachelor's degree for admission and usually take 2-3 years to complete.
The curriculum focuses on advanced topics like research methods in criminal justice, environmental factors affecting crime, major theories of criminal behavior, and justice administration. Students often choose concentrations in areas such as forensic science, homeland security, or correctional system management. Many programs conclude with a thesis or capstone project.
Associate's Degree Programs
A criminal justice associate degree may qualify graduates for certain entry-level positions in law enforcement and the correctional system. Police departments in some jurisdictions may accept candidates with an associate degree, though many officers choose to continue their education while working. An associate's degree in criminal justice may qualify you for roles like the following:
- Police officers (in some jurisdictions)
- Correctional officer in state and local facilities
- Private investigators (though requirements vary by state)
- Probation officers (in some states, though many now require a bachelor's degree)
- Security management positions
- Court clerks and legal assistants
- Transportation security officers
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, these positions may be accessible with an associate degree, but advancement opportunities often require additional education. You may be able to start your career with an associate's degree while pursuing a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.
Is An Internship Necessary?
Criminal justice careers often require strong analytical skills, ethical judgment, and a commitment to public service in addition to a formal education. One way to develop these skills is to complete internships with local law enforcement agencies, correctional facilities, and legal system organizations. These experiences may help students apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations and build valuable professional networks.
While an internship isn't always mandatory for completing a criminal justice degree, gaining practical experience in this way may open doors for potential jobs in the criminal justice field. For students pursuing a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, internships may provide:
- Hands-on experience in different aspects of law enforcement
- Understanding of court system operations
- Exposure to various criminal justice jobs
- Professional references for future employment
- Potential job opportunities after graduation
Criminal Justice Degree Concentrations
Since criminal justice job opportunities vary widely, many programs allow you to choose a concentration in a particular criminal justice field that interests you. Specializing in a specific area may help prepare students for specific career paths in law enforcement and related fields.
Concentrations in criminal justice programs may include:
- Law Enforcement Administration: This area focuses on police department operations and leadership.
- Forensic Science: A concentration in forensic science combines criminal justice with crime scene evidence analysis.
- Corrections and Rehabilitation: Students interested in working as probation officers or in the correctional system may benefit from specializing in this field.
- Homeland Security: This concentration emphasizes national security and emergency management.
- Legal Studies: This specialty prepares students to understand criminal law and the court system.
- Cybercrime: Students with technology skills and interest may wish to focus on cybercrime, digital forensics, and online criminal behavior.
- Juvenile Justice: A concentration in juvenile justice prepares students for possible roles in youth offender programs and rehabilitation.
Each concentration includes specialized coursework for that area of interest as well as covering core requirements for criminal justice degrees.
Career Prospects for Criminal Justice Degree Graduates
Job availability, salaries and requirements vary based on where you are located and what the current job market looks like. However, criminal justice degrees may help you secure a job in various sectors of law enforcement and the justice system.
Here's an overview of entry-level roles that may be available to those with a criminal justice degree:
Law Enforcement Positions
Law enforcement positions may offer opportunities for criminal justice majors to directly impact communities and apply criminal justice principles in the field. Requirements often vary by state and role.
- Police officer roles in local and state departments
- Correctional officer positions in detention facilities
- Private investigators
- Security management specialists
Legal System Support
Legal support roles in the criminal justice system roles may provide opportunities for graduates to work within the court system, supporting the administration of justice through various essential roles.
- Court clerks and administrators
- Legal assistants in criminal law offices
- Victim advocacy specialists
- Probation officers (in some jurisdictions)
Federal Opportunities
Federal agencies may offer criminal justice graduates the chance to serve at the national level. Positions may provide competitive benefits, structured advancement paths, and opportunities to protect public safety across multiple jurisdictions.
- Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers
- Border patrol agents
- Federal correctional officers
- Entry-level positions in homeland security
While most entry-level roles require a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, some employers may accept candidates with an associate's degree while they pursue further education. Many of these positions may also offer advancement opportunities as you gain experience and additional education.
Choosing a Criminal Justice Degree Program
Whether pursuing an online criminal justice degree or traditional campus-based program, take time to carefully evaluate your options. Quality criminal justice programs should balance academic rigor with practical training. Consider these program factors:
- Accreditation: Choose criminal justice programs at an accredited college or university as recognized by educational authorities.
- Format: Consider whether traditional, hybrid, or online criminal justice degree options better suit your needs and learning preferences.
- Specializations: Look for degree programs offering concentrations aligned with your career goals.
- Faculty Experience: Choose a program with instructors who have real-world experience in law enforcement or the legal system.
- Internship Opportunities: Ask whether the program offers practical experience through partnerships with criminal justice agencies.
- Career Support: Evaluate the institution's job placement rates and career services.
- Cost and Financial Aid: Compare tuition rates and available scholarships or financial assistance.
Ready to Take Your Next Step? Here's How to Get Started
If you're ready to pursue a career in criminal justice, the journey starts with learning as much as you can. Here are three steps you can take to get started.
1. Research and Compare Programs
Request detailed information from several criminal justice programs that interest you. Take time to compare your options, paying special attention to average completion time, tuition costs, and available financial aid opportunities. During this phase, carefully review all admission requirements, including whether you need a high school diploma or previous college credits.
2. Prepare Your Application Materials
Application requirements vary based on the criminal justice program you choose, but here's an overview of what you may need:
- Documentation - Gather all necessary documentation, including transcripts from your previous education.
- Personal Statement - Write a compelling personal statement that clearly articulates your interest in criminal justice and your career goals.
- References - Reach out to professional contacts or former teachers to secure strong letters of recommendation.
- Standardized Test Results - If the program requires standardized testing and you haven't taken the required tests already, schedule them as soon as possible.
- Financial Aid Applications - Complete your FAFSA and any other financial aid applications to ensure consideration for all available funding opportunities.
