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Students interested in pursuing a career in criminal justice may consider earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Two degree options for criminal justice are generally offered at the undergraduate level: a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in criminal justice and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in criminal justice.
These degrees prepare students for a variety of careers within the criminal justice system, including those in law, law enforcement, and public safety. This article outlines key considerations for earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, including the difference between a bachelor’s degree and a bachelor of science degree, the most common courses, typical concentration offerings, and potential careers in criminal justice.
What is a Bachelor of Criminal Justice?
A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice is an undergraduate degree that provides students with basic theoretical and practical knowledge of the criminal justice system, criminal law, criminology, and primary research methodology. At the undergraduate level, the curriculum comprises general education and specialty-specific courses. Course topics typically include:
- Criminal conduct and motivation
- Compliance with the law
- Corrections
- The judicial system
- Investigation criminal
Most bachelor’s degree programs require students to complete 120 credit hours. It typically takes four years of full-time study to earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Several factors can affect the length of the program, including the number of credits students take per semester and whether students are enrolled part-time or full-time.
Bachelor of Laws vs. Bachelor of Laws in Criminal Justice
Students interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can pursue either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree. Both criminal justice degrees provide students with a comprehensive, multidisciplinary foundation in the field.
A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice focuses on the liberal arts. In addition to general education courses, courses specific to a bachelor’s degree’s major may favor liberal arts and social sciences. Bachelor’s degree programs often require students to enroll in foreign language courses.
A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice typically focuses on research- and science-based courses and the study of criminal justice as an applied science. Students may take courses covering qualitative methods of field data collection and analysis and how to use statistical methods for data analysis.
Concentrations for a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice
Each school and program offers a unique curriculum. Some feature concentrations or specializations that allow students to focus their studies on a specific area within criminal justice and tailor their coursework to their career goals.
Below you will find a sample of possible concentration offerings in criminal justice degree programs. Not all programs offer these concentrations and not all are represented here.
Corrections
Students pursuing a concentration in corrections examine evidence-based practices and programs to rehabilitate offenders in correctional facilities and their communities. Students learn about the various social factors that influence and lead to incarceration and explore the services provided in correctional institutions.
Cybercrime
A concentration in cybercrime examines crimes in digital spaces, including how criminal organizations use technologies and the causes of cybercrime.
Students explore digital forensics, including cybercrime investigation techniques and prevention tactics. Students study the technologies, laws, and procedures related to collecting and synthesizing digital forensic evidence. They may also learn about protocols and procedures for protecting critical digital infrastructure.
National security and emergency management
A concentration in homeland security and emergency management provides students with the theoretical and practical knowledge needed to help communities cope with crises. Students examine how historical threats, disasters, and acts of terrorism affect homeland security.
Probation and parole
In a concentration in probation and parole, students learn how to enforce court sanctions, develop plans to integrate current and former offenders into their communities, and rehabilitate them. Courses introduce students to strategies and technologies for rehabilitating juvenile and adult offenders.
Courses in a Bachelor of Criminal Justice Program
Course offerings and specific curricula vary by school and program. Below are some potential course titles and topics that may be included in a typical criminal justice bachelor’s program.
Criminology
In a criminology course, students examine criminological theories and research methods and analyze the various social factors that affect why and how crimes occur. Students gain an understanding of crime patterns and evaluate the pathways into and out of crime. In this course, you will be able to critically evaluate issues related to criminal justice policy and practice, laws, and sentencing.
Introduction to criminal justice
Introductory criminal justice courses explore the history, current practices, and social and institutional context of the criminal justice system. Students learn about the structure, functioning, and major processes of the system, including the roles of courts, correctional institutions, and law enforcement agencies.
Introduction to national security and the fight against terrorism
Introduction to Homeland Security and Counterterrorism: This course outlines key distinctions between homeland security and counterterrorism initiatives and organizations. Students explore the roles and responsibilities of counterterrorism organizations in maintaining the safety and security of the American population.
Students examine the role of terrorism in the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the impact of DHS on American society, and how the department has evolved since its inception.
Juvenile Justice
Juvenile justice courses typically provide an overview of the history of the juvenile justice system, analyze the social factors that lead to delinquent behavior, and address prevention, intervention, rehabilitation, and treatment. Students examine juvenile justice trends, policies, and programs and evaluate legal issues, counseling and treatment options, and the role of juvenile justice agencies.
Compliance with the law
Law enforcement courses provide an overview of the development of the criminal justice system and key law enforcement concepts and theories. Courses comprehensively examine the various components of the criminal justice system, including police, correctional services, courts, and juvenile justice.
What can you do with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice?
Legal assistant
Average annual salary: $59,200
Projected job growth (2022-2032): +4%
Work description: Legal assistants provide administrative support to attorneys by drafting emails, writing documents, conducting research, and collecting signatures. These professionals typically handle communication with clients, witnesses, and others. Legal assistants also prepare case briefs, summarize dispositions, testify, and interrogate, and attend trials.
Parole officer
Average annual salary: $59,860
Projected job growth (2022-2032): 3%
Work description: A probation officer works with offenders who have been granted parole, as well as incarcerated individuals and people who have been released from prison. Depending on the offender’s situation, a probation officer may provide resources to assist with rehabilitation and reintegration into the community, organize treatment programs, and closely monitor progress.
Security manager
Average annual salary: $99,030
Projected job growth (2022-2032): +5%
Work description: Security managers play a critical role in the operational efficiency of an organization. These professionals are responsible for protecting an organization’s assets, including people and personnel. Security managers develop and implement security standards and protocols and conduct security process assessments.
Continuing education
Students interested in continuing their education after completing a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can opt for a variety of degrees and graduate programs. A master’s degree in criminal justice, for example, allows students to expand on the education they received during their degree program.
Earning a master’s degree in criminal justice can help students become eligible for more advanced roles in the field, such as policy analyst, forensic psychologist, and federal special agent.
A master’s degree in criminology is another popular option for students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. With this degree, students can work as victims’ rights advocates, national security officers, case managers, paralegals, and forensic technicians.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Bachelor of Criminal Justice
Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Worth It?
It may be, depending on your career goals. Earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can give you the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to enter the field. Many jobs within the criminal justice sector require at least a bachelor’s degree.
What is the best criminal justice degree?
The best degree in criminal justice depends on your career goals. Earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can provide the theoretical and practical knowledge needed for a variety of entry-level jobs in the field. On the other hand, a bachelor’s degree in psychology, criminology, public administration, or law can give students an education more specific to their interests and career goals.
What is the difference between a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in criminal justice?
The difference between a bachelor’s degree and a criminal justice degree is that a bachelor’s degree focuses more on research and technical and scientific courses, while a bachelor’s degree focuses more on social sciences.
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