The criminal justice specialty usually includes courses that teach students the skills and knowledge necessary to work in law enforcement. Courses in the program may include policing, criminology, cybercrime, ethics, administration, border security, and correctional work.

Criminal justice positions require a bachelor's degree. It provides the foundation that many employers look for in job candidates and helps candidates stand out. The program develops skills in the field of sociology and psychology. This degree also prepares graduates for careers not only in law enforcement and the justice system, but also in various industries.

Career opportunities

Graduates of undergraduate criminal justice programs can pursue careers in a variety of fields; this degree prepares students for work in the criminal justice system and beyond. Many professions chosen by students studying criminal justice offer comfortable and competitive wages. Those with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice earn more on average than those with only an associate degree, and many public criminal justice positions offer competitive retirement programs.

The demand for qualified specialists in the field of criminal justice is growing every year. The number of jobs for police, detectives, private investigators and probation officers continues to grow.

Program Features

Full-time students take an average of four years to complete a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, and most programs require about 120 credit hours. These figures vary depending on additional requirements such as internships and checkpoints. The duration of study also depends on how many credit hours each student receives per semester. Undergraduate Criminal Justice students can choose from a variety of degree options according to their goals and interests. Bachelor's and bachelor's degrees are the most common degrees that offer majors in criminal justice.

Bachelor of Arts (BA): The Bachelor's degree emphasizes a humanities approach to general education and core courses. A bachelor's degree in criminal justice may require additional courses in areas such as social sciences and psychology. As a rule, bachelor's degree programs also require some competence in a foreign language.

Bachelor of Science (BS): A bachelor's degree in criminal justice usually includes research and evidence-based courses. This degree may be best suited to students who want to pursue clinical positions or a career in forensic investigations.