Criminal Justice Degree

Are you interested in enrolling in a criminal justice degree but wondering what you could do with it?  That’s a fair confusion. And as always, here we are to work it out for you.

You know about Criminal justice, right? It is an umbrella term comprising the systems through which Criminals are – charged, detained, convicted, and punished or freed according to the law. The systems are – law enforcement, courts, and corrections.

In this article, we will guide you through the world of criminal justice, explore the different degree options, discuss different career paths, career advancement opportunities, and much more.

So, put on your detective hat, and let’s explore!

What Can I Do with a Criminal Justice Degree?

Well, whatever you dream of becoming – a crime-fighting Supercop, a behind-the-scenes investigator, or a voice for justice; a degree in Criminal Justice can open doors to the world of possibilities. This flexible nature of the field allows you to choose a program that best suits you as a professional and is second to none.

If you aspire to work in industries that require criminal investigative skills you could work as police officers, detectives, corporate investigators, or investigative reporters.

After you gain the required experience, you can also choose other lucrative positions like computer forensics investigators, lawyers, and professors.

If you are the one who enjoys working with clients you may pursue a career as a treatment specialist, victim’s or survivor’s advocate, or as a social worker.

However, post graduating in criminal justice, you may require to go through proper training depending on the role you aspire to take on.

These points make this career field worth exploring. So, in our next section, we will discuss the various degree options you have. 

What are the different types of Criminal Justice Degrees? 

There are different types of criminal justice degrees one can choose. These degrees are as follows:

Associate Degree in Criminal Justice

The most affordable option to get a criminal justice degree.

Duration: 2 years   

Credit Hours: 60

Part-time / Online: Available

Transfer credits: Yes

Eligible for careers: in Security, Corrections as well as positions in local and state law enforcement.

Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice

The most common and relevant criminal justice degree.

Duration: 4 years   

Credit Hours: 120

Part-time / Online: Available

Eligible for careers: Junior-level positions in all three criminal justice systems – law enforcement, courts, and corrections.

Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice

If you wish to skyrocket your career, try getting a master’s degree.

Duration: 1-2 years

Credit Hours: 30-36  

Part-time / Online: Available

Eligible for careers: Higher level positions in all 3 systems depending on your subject.

Know More -> What Can You Do with A Masters in Criminal Justice?

Doctoral Degree in Criminal Justice

Post-completion of your master’s you may opt for a Doctoral degree.

Duration: Self-paced. Average time – 2.5 years 

Credit Hours: 30 (beyond Masters) or else 60   

Part-time / Online: Available: Yes

Eligible for careers: Top-level positions in all 3 systems, obviously depending on your subject.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice?

As we mentioned earlier, it requires 3-4 years to complete a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. But, the time for completion will also depend on factors like – the program you choose (full-time or part-time), credit transfers, and the program requirements. You may also opt for Online Programs. 

So, it is advisable to consult with your selected educational institution for more detailed information. 

Post-completion of your Bachelor’s, you should find cooperative experiences or internships at law offices, police departments, etc. 

Know More -> How long is Criminal Justice Degree?

Criminal Justice Licensure & Certification

Certification: 

Do you wish to hone some specific skills that prepare you for municipal or state employment? A certificate program in criminal justice would be perfect for you. These certifications will also complement your major in psychology, sociology, or social work. 

There are specialized certificate programs in public safety and leadership, corrections, public policy analysis, information ethics, digital investigation, and many more. The requirements for these certificate programs vary but typically range from 12 to 24 credits.  

Licensure: 

You need to earn a license if you wish to become a Private Investigator or a Practicing Lawyer. Let’s begin with the Licensure designed for private investigators. 

The licensure program for private investigators requires you to pass a state-specific jurisprudence exam and clear a PI (Private Investigator) skills assessment. You can specialize in many fields such as arson, civil, computer forensics, corporate fraud, insurance, medical malpractice, missing person investigations, etc. 

The licensure program for practicing lawyers requires you to pass the UBE (Uniform Bar Exam). You should score according to the jurisdiction in which you plan to practice. If your score matches the requirements of other states your scores could be transferred. The exam is held twice yearly in February and July.

Career Advancement in Criminal Justice

Now, you are a graduate of criminal justice and have landed your dream job. So, let’s explore what are the advancement possibilities in your career. Or, what if you want to swap your dream job, maybe you have found yourself a suitable one.  

As promotions are concerned, they completely depend on your performance, the experience, skills garnered, and the rules of the office you work in. Also, how you gel with your higher officials, is also sometimes a deciding factor. So, be good. 

Exploring other career options 

Now, let’s discuss what are the possible options you could swap to – 

Do you love teaching and learning? Great, for you could become a professor at a college or university. However, you might need a Doctoral or Master’s degree for this type of role. 

If you aspire to be a higher-ranking official like a Judge, JD, or Lawyer, you need to continue your educational training and try to get a Master’s and then a Ph.D. degree. 

If you are interested in psychiatry, psychology, or anthropology, you could pursue the required education and go after the desired position. You might require a master’s or doctorate degree to get a job in these fields.

Does the forensics technology intrigue you? Then the growing field of computer forensics is tailor-made just for you. You might need to have a master’s degree for most positions in this field. However, you might obtain some entry-level positions if you have specialized certifications along with your bachelor’s degree.  

Do you love wildlife? You could find jobs best suitable for you as a Fish and Game warden, protecting Wildlife and National Parks. Go for it! 

What Jobs Can You Get with a Criminal Justice Degree? 

You can pursue many careers post-completion of your bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Let’s explore the careers: 

Narcotics Officer

Education Requirement: Associate or Bachelor’s Degree

Expected Job Growth: 4% increase

Employment: Small Communities, Federal Government

Average Salary: $77,210

Drug Enforcement Administration Agent

Education Requirement: Bachelor’s Degree

Expected Job Growth: 7% increase

Employment: State, Local, and National Law Enforcement Agencies

Average Salary: $77,210

Police Officer

Education Requirement: Associate or Bachelor’s Degree

Expected Job Growth: 7% increase

Employment: Local, State, and Federal Governments

Average Salary: $55,010

Private Investigator

Education Requirement: Associate, Bachelor’s, or Master’s Degrees

Expected Job Growth: 11% increase

Employment: Private Detective Firms, Police Departments, Private Businesses, Organizations, or Individual Clients

Average Salary: $50,700

Criminal Profiler

Education Requirement: Associate or Bachelor’s Degree

Expected Job Growth: 4%

Employment: Local, State, and Federal Governments  

Average Salary: $54,000

Crime Prevention Specialist

Education Requirement: Associate or Bachelor’s Degree

Expected Job Growth: 4% increase

Employment: Local Communities

Average Salary: 52,000  

Crime Scene Investigator

Education Requirement: Bachelor’s Degree

Expected Job Growth: 19% increase

Employment: Offices, Labs, Crime Scenes

Average Salary: $56,320

Homicide Detective

Education Requirement: Associate or Bachelor’s Degree

Expected Job Growth: 4% increase

Employment: Local, State, Federal

Average Salary: $79,620-$119,280

Jail Screener

Education Requirement: Associates Degree

Expected Job Growth: 6% increase

Employment: Local, State, and Federal Jails and Prisons

Average Salary: $41,000

Probation Officer

Education Requirement: Bachelor’s Degree

Expected Job Growth: 18% increase

Employment: State or Federal Government

Average Salary: $54,050

Parole Officer

Education Requirement: Bachelor’s Degree

Expected Job Growth: 4% increase

Employment: County or State Parole Offices

Average Salary: $49,360

State Trooper

Education Requirement: Associate or Bachelor’s Degree

Expected Job Growth: 5% increase

Employment: Local and State Roads/Highways

Average Salary: $58,320 

Youth Correctional Counselor

Education Requirement: Bachelor’s Degree

Expected Job Growth: 4% increase

Employment: State or National Government

Average Salary: $54,080    

National Security Agency Police Officer

Education Requirement: Associate or Bachelor’s Degree

Expected Job Growth: Varies (depends on Federal Budget) 

Employment: National Security Agencies

Average Salary: $53,300

Criminal Justice Instructor

Education Requirement: Master’s Degree

Expected Job Growth: 21% increase

Employment: Criminal Justice Departments at Colleges or Universities

Average Salary: $64,460 

Fingerprint Technician

Education Requirement: Bachelor’s Degree

Expected Job Growth: 27% increase

Employment: Forensic Labs and Police Departments

Average Salary: $56,320

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Agent

Education Requirement: Bachelor’s Degree

Expected Job Growth: 7% increase

Employment: Federal Government

Average Salary: $63,021

Correctional Officer

Education Requirement: Bachelor’s Degree

Expected Job Growth: 4% increase

Employment: Local, State, Federal Jails, Prisons, or Holding Cells

Average Salary: $40,530

Deputy Sheriff

Education Requirement: Associate or Bachelor’s Degree

Expected Job Growth: 4% increase

Employment: Local, State, and Federal Governments

Average Salary: $60,270 

Customs Inspector

Education Requirement: Bachelor’s Degree

Expected Job Growth: 4% increase

Employment: United States Border Lines, Airports 

Average Salary: $67,000 

Read More:

-> What Jobs Can You Get with a Criminal Justice Degree?

-> What Can You Do With a Criminal Justice Degree Besides Being a Cop?

Conclusion

If you are passionate about upholding justice and maintaining the safety of communities a degree in criminal justice could offer you a world of possibilities. If you wish to be a super-cop, seek truth and justice as a Lawyer, or want to walk alone like a private detective, your contribution will have a positive impact on society. 

So, explore your interests, choose a career path that aligns with your passions, and embark on a rewarding journey in the world of criminal justice. Good Luck. 

FAQs about Criminal Justice

What is the meaning of criminal justice?

Criminal justice is a broad field that comprises the systems through which Criminals are – charged, detained, convicted, and punished or freed according to the law. 

How long does it take to get a criminal justice bachelor’s degree? 

3 – 4 years. 

Does my GPA matter? 

Yes! A good GPA is great; a great GPA is better. 

Where does a graduate with a degree in criminal justice want to work? 

About 90% of students who graduate with a degree in criminal justice want to work in federal law enforcement. 

What are the benefits of a criminal justice degree? 

Here are the benefits of a criminal justice degree:  

• Diverse Career Opportunities 
• Job Stability 
• Sense of Purpose and Responsibility 
• Advancement Opportunities 
• Competitive Salaries
• Job Satisfaction

Is a career in criminal justice good?

Depends on what you want. It is a great career opportunity if you want to – 

• Earn relatively strong salaries 
• Find a fulfilling employment 
• Flexible with many career-pathways
• Great career prospect  

What job pays the most in criminal justice? 

Top-level positions in any field of criminal justice will pay the most. The Judges, Chief of Police, and other such professionals earn the highest salaries.