03/24/2025
Are you considering a career in the legal field or in law enforcement? If so, you may be weighing the pros and cons of pursuing a legal studies degree or a criminal justice degree. While these fields may seem similar at first glance, they offer distinct career paths and opportunities.
Both areas offer the potential to make a meaningful impact in the justice system - but how you might contribute depends significantly on which path you choose. Whether you're drawn to conducting legal research in a law office or working directly in law enforcement, understanding the key differences between criminal justice and legal studies majors will help you choose the right path to pursue.
Legal Studies vs Criminal Justice Career Options
While both legal studies and criminal justice deal with understanding and enforcing law, they approach these subjects from different angles and prepare you for different career paths. Let's dive into what makes these fields distinct from each other.
Legal Studies Careers
A legal studies degree typically includes courses that focus on legal systems, processes, and research methods. Coursework usually aims to help you develop skills like analyzing legal documents, conducting legal research, and navigating complex legal matters, although courses for specific programs may vary. This degree program prepares students with practical skills in legal writing, critical thinking, and understanding various aspects of the law.
The legal field offers many opportunities to provide legal support in law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies. As a legal studies graduate, here are some of the careers you might pursue:
- Legal assistant
- Paralegal
- Compliance officer
- Politician
- Court administration
- Court clerk
- Corporate legal advisor
Some careers may require additional training, certification, or licensing beyond earning a degree. Be sure to check state and employer requirements for specific career paths.
Many graduates may also use this degree as a stepping stone toward law school. A legal studies degree does not qualify graduates to practice law. Further education and licensing, such as law school and passing the bar exam, are required to become an attorney.
Criminal Justice Careers
A criminal justice degree helps students understand criminal behavior, law enforcement, and the justice system as a whole. In this program, you may study criminal law, criminology, crime prevention, investigation techniques, and rehabilitation strategies.
The criminal justice field offers potential law enforcement job opportunities at local, state, and federal levels. While more advanced positions may require additional education or training at a police academy, a bachelor's degree in criminal justice can provide the theoretical foundation and analytical skills that may be beneficial for those seeking career advancement in these fields. Potential career paths with a criminal justice degree may include:
- Police officer
- Probation officer
- Correctional officer
- Border patrol agent
- Bailiff
- U.S. Customs agent
- Corrections facility manager
- Private security officer
Which Degree Should You Pursue?
The key difference between a bachelor's degree in legal studies and a bachelor's degree in criminal justice lies in what they emphasize and how they help you prepare you for a possible future career. Let's break down what you can expect from each degree program to help you make an informed decision.
Bachelor's Degree in Legal Studies
Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies may help prepare you for a potential career as a paralegal, legal assistant, or other legal professional. Though programs differ in specific courses and requirements, coursework typically includes:
- Legal research and writing
- Contract law
- Civil litigation
- Business law
- Legal ethics
- Constitutional law
- Legal technology
- Administrative law
These courses emphasize analytical thinking and practical skills that law firms and legal departments value. You'll spend significant time learning how to analyze cases, conduct thorough legal research, and draft legal documents.
Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice
In contrast, a bachelor of science in criminal justice typically focuses on understanding crime, law enforcement, and how the justice system operates. Different programs may vary, but typical courses may cover:
- Criminal law and procedure
- Criminology
- Corrections systems
- Police administration
- Criminal investigation
- Juvenile justice
- Ethics in criminal justice
This degree may help students develop an understanding of criminal behavior, law enforcement procedures, and rehabilitation methods. Many programs include both theoretical concepts and practical applications in preventing and responding to crime.
How to Choose the Right Degree
Which path is right for you? As you consider your decision, start by examining your personal interests and goals:
- Consider what interests you and what you hope to accomplish in your career.
- Think about your skills and strengths, such as research and writing skills, and how they can be applied to each field.
- Consider the type of work environment you prefer, such as a courtroom or a police station.
If you're fascinated by legal research, contract law, and the inner workings of the legal system, legal studies might be your path. If you're more interested in law enforcement, understanding criminal behavior, or working directly in the justice system, choosing to study criminal justice may be a better option.
Choosing a Program
Once you know which degree you hope to pursue, take a closer look at the specifics of the program you are considering:
- Look for programs that are accredited by agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
- Consider the format of the program, such as online or on-campus, and whether it fits your needs and schedule.
- Think about the support services offered by the program, such as career counseling and internship opportunities.
- Consider talking with professors, professionals in these fields, or an academic advisor who can provide additional guidance.
Remember that practical experience is important in both fields. Programs that offer hands-on learning through internships, field experiences, or practicum placements may be helpful when starting your career.
Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Career?
The major you choose has the potential to shape your future career and may provide opportunities to make society safer. Leaning towards a career in legal studies? Take a deeper dive in our guide on "How to Become a Legal Studies Teacher".
