Getting a Criminal Justice Degree
What is a Criminal Justice Degree?
A Criminal Justice Degree focuses on coursework relating to the criminal justice system. It covers various topics, including, but not limited to, juvenile justice, the legal and court systems, corrections and law enforcement. Students majoring in Criminal Justice will also study criminal law, criminology, forensic science, investigative techniques, rehabilitation and criminal behavior.What can you do with a Criminal Justice Degree?
A Criminal Justice Degree allows you to make an impact on social and community issues by promoting public safety and upholding justice. Graduates pursue careers in the criminal justice system, work in legal settings or explore opportunities in victim advocacy, crime prevention, and forensic science. The federal government and every state and municipality has a need for criminal justice graduates. Job security is quite high in this field.Is a Criminal Justice Degree Hard?
If you're a person who is passionate about justice, ethics and human behavior, you may want to consider Criminal Justice as a major. What you study in this program will more than prepare you for a long-lasting career in this field. While entry-level jobs are not as lucrative, there are financial rewards in many positions. On top of having a great career, you will be helping people in your community and impacting society overall.Is a Criminal Justice Degree worth it?
As mentioned previously, there’s always a need for people working in the legal and criminal justice systems and, unlike in private industries, there is plenty of job security. While undergraduate degrees can make criminal justice attractive to employers, if you choose to pursue a graduate degree, you can become an attorney, judge, professor/researcher or federal agent in a leadership position, all of which can be quite lucrative and long-lasting careers.Filters
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Getting an Associate’s Degree in a Criminal Justice
An Associate Degree in Criminal Justice opens doors to many entry-level jobs in this field. Students can earn an Associate’s within two to three years. This degree involves basic courses in law enforcement, criminal law, as well as generalized topics.Jobs you can obtain with an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice include:
- Police Officer or Law Enforcement Officer- While some municipalities do not require an Associate’s Degree for this job, many do. A person in this role will maintain public safety, enforce laws, respond to emergencies, conduct investigations and patrol communities. Additional training may be required. Average annual salary: $63,900.
- Corrections Officer- This individual works in prisons and jails, overseeing inmates, maintaining order and enforcing rules and regulations. Extra training may be required. Average annual salary: $50,234.
- Private Security Officer- A person working private security patrols homes and businesses, monitors these areas on surveillance cameras, responds to alarms, and conductions minor investigations. They, too, may need additional certification. Average annual salary: $81,348.
Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice
A Criminal Justice Bachelor’s allows students to learn about crime, law and criminal behavior. They can also choose more specialized courses that will influence the direction they wish to take when embarking on a job search.Jobs you can obtain with a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice include:
- Probation Officer- A probation officer works with people who have been placed on probation. The officer monitors their progress, provides support services, and ensures they comply with conditions of the court. Average annual salary: $59,860.
- Crime Analyst- A person in this role works with law enforcement analyzing reports and additional data to establish criminal patterns. Average annual salary: $72,585.
- Legal Assistant- A person in this role assists attorneys and legal teams in an administrative capacity. Average annual salary: $68,021.
Master’s Degree in a Criminal Justice Degree
A Master’s takes two to three years to complete and is more focused than a Bachelor’s. Students can work toward a Master’s of Arts (MA), which has a more liberal arts focus and offers opportunities like victim's advocate or probation officer. A Master’s of Science (MS) has more of a focus on science. Professions under this degree include forensics or crime lab analyst.Jobs you can obtain with a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice include:
- Criminal Justice Administrator- A criminal justice administrator works for police departments, correctional facilities and government agencies, implementing policies and procedures, managing budgets and enforcing legal and regulatory compliance. Average annual salary: $44,743.
- Criminal Justice Policy Analyst- A person in this role gathers, reviews, and analyzes data to make sure programs within the system are working. Average annual salary: $59,931.
Doctorate Degree in a Criminal Justice Degree
Criminal Justice Doctorate Degrees are more geared toward research and education of criminal justice policy, theory and administration. Most programs conclude with a capstone project or thesis.Jobs you can obtain with a Doctorate Degree in Criminal Justice include:
- University Professor- A graduate professor of criminal justice teaches various courses having to do with the field and may conduct research or publish articles related to it. Average annual salary: $86,884.
- Federal agent- Some CIA, FBI, Secret Service and DEA positions require a Doctorate, particularly leadership roles. Average annual salary: $65,790.
Select VA-Approved Colleges with a Criminal Justice Programs
Troy University
Troy University offers Associate’s, Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Criminal Justice. It has GI Bill®-approved programs, offers credit for military experience, awards credit for CLEP and DSST exams and is approved for Tuition Assistance. Troy University is a MyCAA-approved school and a participant in the Yellow Ribbon program.
Lasell University
Lasell offers Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Criminal Justice. It has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, is approved for Tuition Assistance, and awards credit for the CLEP exam. Lasell College is a participant in the Yellow Ribbon program.
Quinnipiac University
Quinnipiac University offers Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice. Quinnipiac University has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience and awards credit for the CLEP exam. Quinnipiac University is a Yellow Ribbon school, is approved for Tuition Assistance, and is a MyCAA approved school.
Marist College
Maris College offers a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Maris has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience and awards credit for the CLEP exam. Maris College is a Yellow Ribbon school and is approved for Tuition Assistance.