If you are looking for a major, and you have interest in crime and legal professions, you may want to look at Criminal Justice. Besides covering a number of subjects that you may have interest in, this major will give you greater understanding of how criminal laws and the legal system works. Not to mention that a Criminal Justice Degree can open a wide range of possibilities when it comes time to narrow your search for a career.
Resource: U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsCriminal Justice FAQsIf you want to find out more about Criminal Justice degrees and what they can offer you, then you have a found a great resource for this information. On this page we will cover a number of the most popular questions concerning this major, picking the right schools, types of careers and what does the future hold. If you have any questions we haven’t covered or have a suggestion to make this resource better, please contact us.
What is Criminal Justice?
Let’s get a better understanding of what each of these terms mean towards the study of Criminal Justice.Law EnforcementPolice officers or other law enforcement agencies are charge of preventing and fighting crime. They also investigate, collect evidence, interview witnesses and arrest those suspected of crimes. Another responsibility of law enforcement is keeping the peace and helping the community grow and prosper.Legal and Court SystemThe people working in the legal system such as judges, lawyers and associated personnel are charged with weighing the evidence and doling out punishment to guilty parties. Punishment could be a fine, jail or prison time. Those working in this field are sometimes called to perform research on methods and ranges of punishments for offenders.CorrectionsThe corrections department is made up of corrections officers, wardens and counselors who help detain or imprison convicted individuals. They also work to rehabilitate through various education and work programs. When a prisoner is released, they will deal with probation or parole officers who monitor the good behavior of the former prisoner.
What is the Best Way to get in to Criminal Justice?
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- United States Department of Justice (USDOJ)
- Homeland Security
- Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS)
- International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL)
- Local and state probation and parole agencies
- Local and state police and sheriff departments
- Child protective agencies
- Local and state prosecutor’s offices
- Private security companies
- Victim rights advocacy centers
- Children’s rights advocate organizations
One final note on Criminal Justice internships, most of these internships are paid positions. This is great news for most college students who may fear working long hours for credits and no pay. If you can prove yourself as a fast learner, hard worker and great team player, you may find that these internships can lead to a job offer once you graduate.
Where Can I find Criminal Justice Schools?
- Make sure that the school is an accredited institution
- Find a respected Criminal Justice program that fits your budget
- Ask about any specializations that the department has to offer
- Read school forums or reviews on the internet to find out what students think of the program
- See if the program offer internships and if so, will you be able to do an internship in your specialty
- Research the background of the professor to see if they have academic training as well as real-life experience
- Check to see if the department is keeping up with the changing times by discussing subjects such as terrorism or cyber-crimes.
- See if you can find the graduation rate of students in this major
- Ask around if the program is more theory based or trying to prepare students for a career
Can I Earn an Online Criminal Justice Degree?
- Being able to take you classes any time of day
- Study from anywhere with an internet connection
- Get an education while still working a full-time job or being a stay-at-home parent
- Flexibility in scheduling
- Earning a degree from some of the most respected programs without having to relocate
However, online colleges may not be for everyone. You must be able to work independently, be a self-starter and stay focused. Even though you can study anywhere or at any time, you still need to schedule your day to fit in the classes.
Are There Different Types of Criminal Justice Degrees?
What Kind of Courses Will I Take as a Criminal Justice Major?
- Ethics
- Criminology
- Research Methods
- Cultural Diversity
- Criminal Law
- Juvenile Justice
- Organizational Behavior and Management
- Criminal Justice Policy
- Constitutional Law
- Forensic Science
- Domestic Violence
- Probation and Parole
- Crisis Prevention Management
- Gang and Organized Crime Theory
- Homeland Security
- Violence Against Women
- Counter Terrorism and Intelligence
- Private Security
How Long are Criminal Justice Program to Complete?
What Are Some Popular Criminal Justice Careers?
- ATF Agent
- Criminal Profiler
- Border Patrol
- Prison Warden
- CIA Agent
- Deputy Marshall
- Criminologist
- Fish and Game Warden
- SWAT Team Member
- FBI Agent
- Intelligence Analyst
- Loss Prevention Specialist
- Paralegal
- District Attorney
- Drug Enforcement Agent (DEA)
- Litigation Manager
- Military Officer
- Homeland Security
- Crime Analyst
- Park Ranger
- Victim Rights Advocate
- Probation Officer
- Substance Abuse Counselor
- Coroner
- Corrections Officer
- Witness Protection Worker
- U.S. Marshall
- Sheriff
- Fire Investigator
- Police Officer
- Detective
- Secret Service Agent
- Juvenile Court Counselor
- Bailiff
- Contracts Administrator
- Postal Service Investigation
- Crime Scene Investigator
- NCIS
- Law Clerk
- Teacher
- Professor
- Forensics Specialist
- U.S. Customs Agent
- Immigration and Naturalization
- Child Protections Services
Other Careers to ConsiderIf you find out that Criminal Justice isn’t your bag of tea, there are also careers that you can use your degree in. Some of these jobs include:
- Social Worker
- Intelligence Analyst
- Mental Health Counselor
- Healthcare Social Worker
- Chemist
- Family Social Worker
- Business and Finance Intelligence Analyst
- Researcher
- Housing and Urban Development
- IRS Criminal Investigator
- Conservation Officer
- Case Manager
- Youth Services Counselor
- Employment Counselor
What is the Outlook for Criminal Justice Degree Jobs?

What Should I Expect for a Criminal Justice Salary?

Quick Facts: Top Jobs For a Criminal Justice Degree | |||||
Occupation | Median Annual Salary | Recommended Education | 2012-2022 Projected Outlook | 2012 Number of Jobs | 2012- 2022 Estimated Job Growth |
Fire Inspectors | $53,990 | Bachelor’s degree | 6% (slightly slower than average) | 12,200 | 800 |
Police Officers | $56,980 | Bachelor’s degree | 5% (slightly slower than average) | 780,000 | 41,400 |
Attorneys | $113,530 | PhD | 10% (slightly faster than average) | 759,800 | 74,800 |
Corrections Officers | $38,970 | Associate’s degree | 5% (slightly slower than average) | 469,500 | 23,000 |
Probation Officers | $48,190 | Bachelor’s degree | -1% (Little or no change) | 90,300 | -900 |
Legal Assistants | $46,990 | Associate’s degree | 17% (faster than average) | 277,000 | 46,200 |
Quick Info: Ways to Start a Career in Criminal Justice | |||||
Path to finding your new criminal justice career • Determine what kind of job you are looking for • Intern in a related agency before you graduate • Complete your post-secondary school program • Decide if you want to go to grad school • Find a job in your area of interest | |||||
Best methods for a job search • Networking • Internships • Job boards on internet or local newspaper • Cold calling agencies • Job fairs | |||||
Be prepared for: • Long and intensive interviews • Criminal background check • Drug testing • Psychological assessment exams • Physical fitness tests • Polygraph test | |||||
Quick Info: Criminal Justice Degrees and Certificates | |||||
These are types of awards you can earn for criminal justice • Certificate • Associate Degree • Bachelor Degree • Master Degree • Doctoral Degree |