Criminal justice can be a rewarding area to work in. As a criminal justice major, you may study subjects such as psychology, sociology, law, and public administration. By obtaining this credential, you will be able to apply for a wide range of jobs. In this article, we list common criminal justice majors, some colleges that also offer scholarships, and the salary the career attracts. Let’s get to it.
What Is a Criminal Justice Degree?
Criminal justice degrees enable students to study and investigate numerous facets of the criminal justice system. Law enforcement, criminal behavior, the American judicial system, and behavior and psychology are all topics covered by students pursuing a degree in this profession. This degree type has a variety of applications, and there are numerous majors and concentrations to pick from; we shall go over them shortly.
Top Criminal Justice Majors
A criminal justice degree can be obtained at the associate, bachelor’s, or postgraduate level. Here are some possibilities for you:
- Law enforcement
- Corrections
- Pre-law or court professional
- Social work
- Criminology
- Criminal & forensic psychology
- Police science
Obviously, there are various routes to the above-mentioned careers. If you want to pursue criminal justice or a related degree, it ultimately depends on your strengths and prospects. Criminal justice can be an excellent method to gain a broad set of abilities that can be used to a variety of fields, including those listed above. So it’s a terrific option if you’re not sure where your career will lead you. It’s also an excellent alternative for law enforcement administration (and is frequently required to develop in that profession).
Let’s take a closer look at some of the job areas of specialization and their degree requirements.
#1. Law Enforcement Administration
Many entry-level occupations in law enforcement require only a high school diploma. However, those with an associate degree or higher are preferred by law enforcement authorities. A degree is frequently required to get to the administrative level. Many police or law enforcement organizations seek applicants with a better and broader understanding of criminal justice for management or administrative positions. A criminal justice degree can provide existing law enforcement professionals with leadership skills as well as an awareness of how police work fits into society and the judicial system.
#2. Corrections Officer
Many entry-level prison officers, like those in police enforcement, are employed with only a high school diploma. Correctional officers who wish to develop their careers or work in a federal prison, on the other hand, will frequently need a college education. There are schools that specialize in criminal justice for those who want to work in correctional facilities.
#3. Pre-Law or Court Professional
Many majors can be beneficial for people wishing to attend law school, and, surprisingly, many law schools do not encourage specific undergraduate majors. Pre-law majors aren’t available everywhere, and while they’re designed to provide a combination of disciplines that could provide a sound basis for future law school studies, they’re far from the only route to go.
Depending on your end aim, various pre-law pathways may be more appropriate. Someone specializing in tax law, for example, may choose to get an undergraduate degree in finance, whereas someone specializing in medical malpractice may pursue a more medical-friendly path to their legal degree. There is no one perfect method, and the ultimate result is flexible for people who choose to study law or work in the legal system.
There are many different types of social workers, thus there are a few different degree possibilities for social work. If you want to work in some element of the legal or judicial system, criminal justice may be a good fit. Working with victims (forensic social work), working with those in the justice system or incarcerated individuals, case management, home visits, life skills, or coping strategies for individuals at high risk of committing crimes or offenses are all options for future social workers in criminal justice. Because social workers in these and other systems frequently interact with the court systems, a working knowledge of criminal justice might be advantageous in this field.
#5. Criminology
Criminology approaches criminal justice from a sociological standpoint. However, Criminology degrees are sometimes classified under sociology, but they are also frequently classified as criminal justice.
A criminologist approaches crime in the same way as an epidemiologist approaches disease from a 1,000-foot perspective. They examine demographics and trends that may be linked to increases in crime, and they seek ways to reduce crime before it occurs, such as improving access to after-school care for troubled youth or drug treatment programs in areas where drug abuse leads to higher levels of crime. The ability to work with communities and law enforcement is also a crucial component of criminology, therefore criminologists must be able to take in and assimilate diverse (possibly competing) opinions.
Many criminologists pursue advanced degrees, typically a master’s or above. To pursue their job, criminologists frequently work for state, local, or federal government bodies.
#6. Criminal & Forensic Psychology
Criminal psychology is a subfield of psychology that focuses on the minds of criminals. Many criminal psychologists begin their careers with an undergraduate degree in psychology or forensic psychology, however, criminal justice can also be a stepping stone to this field.
Criminal psychologists frequently pursue advanced degrees, and many jurisdictions require a doctorate to be licensed as a psychologist. Many criminal psychologists, like criminologists, work for government-run institutions such as prisons or psychiatric hospitals. Another option for criminal psychology majors is to work as a researcher in an academic setting.
#7. Police Science
Police science is an umbrella phrase for any science linked to a criminal investigation or criminal prosecution. So, police science encompasses the previously mentioned criminal psychology, forensic psychology, and criminology, as well as other disciplines when applied to police work.
What Type of Degree Is Criminal Justice?
When looking into criminal justice degrees, you may better prepare for your future and career by selecting the appropriate degree type for your needs and goals. Understanding how long it takes to earn a criminal justice degree will help you choose your degree type.
#1. Associate vs. Bachelor’s Degree
The length of time it takes to acquire a criminal justice degree is determined by the sort of degree you pick. Students can often complete an associate degree in two years. These programs are excellent for preparing students for entry-level jobs such as police officers and paralegals. Associate degrees provide overviews of the area and the key skills needed to secure jobs for students who want to gain some field experience or find their interests.
Students can also complete a bachelor’s degree in four years. Students who pursue this academic path will expand on the themes and introductory material covered in the associate degree program. They can declare a major and select a concentration, assisting students in defining their career path and abilities for better job preparedness.
#2. Bachelor of Art vs. Science
Schools frequently provide a variety of degrees based on the mode of learning. A Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in criminal justice is available to students. This option emphasizes the liberal arts. Students will be required to take general education classes outside of the criminal justice program, such as English and math. Students can get a more well-rounded education that will provide them with additional skills to use in the workforce. A BA will instruct students via lectures, discussion groups, and guest speakers.
Students may also choose to pursue a Bachelor of Science (BS) in criminal justice. This degree typically focuses on the criminal justice field and its specialized topics in more depth. To prepare you for the workplace, you will take classes that delve further into the field. This strategy may require additional field and lab experience from professors.
Criminal Justice Career
A criminal justice degree qualifies you for a wide range of career positions. Let’s look at some of the popular criminal justice career you can venture into:
#1. Correctional officer
National average salary: $40,061 per year
A correctional officer is responsible for prison security. Overseeing inmate activities and privileges, maintaining order, and enforcing rules are all responsibilities of these positions. These criminal justice career professionals also report on inmate behavior.
#2. Law enforcement officer
National average salary: $47,033 per year
A law enforcement officer is in charge of protecting people and property. Other responsibilities include monitoring neighborhoods, traffic control, and reacting to emergency calls. They have the authority to issue citations, arrest offenders, and file incident reports.
#3. Private investigator
National average salary: $49,662 per year
A private investigator investigates a person or entity on behalf of a client. They are accountable for following all rules and regulations governing private investigations. They gather evidence and clearly explain their findings.
#4. Intelligence analyst
National average salary: $51,052 per year
An intelligence analyst gathers and analyzes data. Their mission is to identify and assess criminal activity patterns. Those in this position help law enforcement agencies with crime prevention and reduction.
#5. Paralegal
National average salary: $55,414 per year
A paralegal aids lawyers in a variety of ways. Their responsibilities often include preparing and filing documents, conducting research on caseloads, and interviewing witnesses and defendants. They also assist in the development of cases for defendants or against other individuals or organizations.
#6. Security Officer
National average salary: $55,696 per year
To protect people and assets, a security officer patrols a building, grounds, or facilities. Their mission is to keep an eye out for any unusual activity or signs of criminal activity. They then adhere to particular processes in order to raise concerns and notify authorities.
Criminal Justice Major Salary
Criminal justice majors in America earn an average salary of $40,272 per year or $19.36 per hour. The least 10% earn less than $21,000 per year, while the richest 10% earn more than $76,000.The majority of positions for criminal justice majors are in utilities and professional firms. New York, California, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Massachusetts have the highest salary for criminal justice degree graduates.
Criminal Justice Major Salary by Industry
The pay of a criminal justice major varies based on the business. According to our research, the highest-paying jobs for criminal justice major graduates are in government, manufacturing, and finance. Criminal justice degree graduates earn an average salary of $41,785 in government jobs, $36,293 in manufacturing jobs, and $35,744 in financial jobs. Companies that pay the least to criminal justice majors are in the retail business, where the average yearly salary is $30,911.
Is Criminal Justice Major Hard?
A criminal justice degree, like any other approved college program, necessitates rigor and effort. Criminal justice courses offer a wide range of topics to prepare students for a multifaceted career. Criminal justice majors are also required to do field training.
Is Being a Criminal Justice Major Worth It?
A criminal justice degree is a fantastic choice, especially if you want to work in fields like law enforcement, prison reform, or the court system.
Why Do People Major in Criminal Justice?
A job in criminal justice is an excellent way to contribute to your community. From law enforcement to working in the judicial system, you’re safeguarding individuals from illegal activity, assisting crime victims, and securing justice for them and society.
Which Is Better for FBI Criminal Justice or Criminology?
A criminal justice degree is appropriate for a job with the FBI as a violent crime analyst, profiler, or in another field of the criminal investigation. It is also a fantastic option for people who want to work as field agents.
What Major Is Best for Criminology?
Here are some possibilities for you:
- Forensic science major.
- Police science major.
- Pre-law and legal major.
- Criminal justice major.
- Sociology major.
- Criminal psychology major.
- Law enforcement administration major.
- Rehabilitation services major.
How Many Years Is a Criminology Degree?
Your criminology degree can be completed in four years or eight semesters. Take summer or intersession classes to finish your degree faster. Upon acceptance to the university, you may also bring in dual credit or transfer credit.
Do Criminology Majors Make a Lot of Money?
Criminologists are among the top-paying criminal justice jobs on our list. Criminologists earn an average annual pay of $92,910, with the opportunity to earn considerably more after a few years of experience. According to the BLS, these criminal justice practitioners are classified as sociologists.
Conclusion
While this is by no means a full list, it should give you a broad idea of the several criminal justice majors available. Criminal justice is an ever-changing field, and there are always new ways to apply these talents. If you know you want to work in the sector but don’t know where you want to go, criminal justice is an excellent option. Furthermore, beginning with a broad goal major is a wonderful way to obtain exposure and experience in all of these areas, which should help you limit your emphasis as you progress. Best wishes!
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