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The criminal justice system plays an essential role in ensuring that those who break the law are held accountable and that all citizens have a proper avenue for defending themselves against criminal accusations. This system of justice is also complex, and navigating it requires a high level of knowledge and sophistication. One way to acquire the knowledge necessary to work in a criminal justice-related field is to pursue an academic degree.

A degree in this field provides an intricate understanding of how the criminal justice system works, both logistically and theoretically. Prospective professionals should understand what a criminal justice degree is and how it can provide the foundational tools required for a range of careers in law enforcement, court clerking, and more.

What Is a Criminal Justice Degree Program?

The field of criminal justice falls under the broader domain of social science. Specifically, it is the division of social science concerned with law enforcement, as well as the administration of criminal penalties through the courts and correctional systems. Those who study criminal justice focus on how the law can promote safety and security, provide social order, and ensure fairness for all citizens. Generally speaking, any job involving the solving or prevention of crimes requires a degree in this field.

Different Types of Criminal Justice Degrees

Those who pursue a degree in this field may have a choice between a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS). Although these degree types share significant overlap, distinctions also exist. For example, a BA degree focuses more on humanities while a BS emphasizes science and math. Both degree types can provide skills that lead to long-term career success.

What Is a Criminal Justice Degree Timeline?

Those wondering about this academic path will understandably have some questions about the timeline. Generally speaking, earning a degree from an on-campus institution will take about four years. For those who enroll in an online program, there may be more built-in flexibility, making it possible to finish in four years or perhaps a bit earlier. A program such as the one from East Carolina University® can be adjusted to accommodate your schedule.

What Is a Criminal Justice Degree Curriculum?

In a criminal justice degree program, students may study a wide range of subjects related to criminality, crime prevention, and the legal system. Coursework will provide both a broader social context for criminal justice work, as well as some more practical leadership skills that can be employed in the workplace. Below are some sample courses.

Criminality

A criminal justice degree will usually include courses devoted to criminality, specifically covering topics such as how the criminal mind works, what drives people to criminal activity, and how criminality can be measured. This coursework may involve a lot of overlap with psychology.

Law Enforcement Administration and Management

Law enforcement agencies require a lot of administrative, clerical, and organizational work to function optimally. The typical criminal justice degree program will include a heavy emphasis on these important leadership skills.

Corrections

For those who are interested in working within the corrections system, including positions within jails or parole systems, there will usually be some relevant coursework. These classes will usually place a heavy emphasis on various methods and theories of rehabilitation.

What Are the Benefits of Earning a Criminal Justice Degree?

Completing a degree in criminal justice affords students numerous advantages. Below are some of the distinct benefits of studying in this field.

Diverse Career Options

First and foremost, a criminal justice degree can furnish the core competencies required for success in a wide range of different fields, including law enforcement, corrections, and courtroom administration. Pursuing a degree in criminal justice can provide broad, flexible employability.

Job Security

Criminal justice is generally considered to be a fairly recession-proof field. No matter the status of the economy, qualified professionals are always needed to administer justice and mediate crime. As such, those who pursue this field usually experience a high level of job security. 

Personal Fulfillment

Those who study in this field may also emerge with a heightened sense of personal fulfillment. The reason is that studying criminal law can provide a sense of purpose, along with opportunities to serve the greater good by promoting orderliness, lawfulness, and equity. For those seeking meaningful ways to contribute to society, criminal justice is well worth considering.

Consider a Path in Criminal Justice

For those curious about working in a field related to criminal justice or criminology, knowing what a criminal justice degree is and how to leverage it can be greatly beneficial. The right program can provide the skills needed for long-term career success.

At ECU, our online BS in Criminal Justice degree completion program provides a laser focus on these valuable career skills. The flexibility of the program allows students to complete their studies according to their own timelines. Find out more about this program and all the ways that it can contribute to a lasting, positive impact.

Recommended Readings

Why Is Criminal Justice Important?

What Is a Paralegal? Salary and More

Criminal Justice Careers & Outlook in NC

Sources:

Forbes, “10 Criminal Justice Careers: Which Path Is Right for You?”

Forbes, “What Is Criminal Justice, and How Do You Choose a Career in the Field?”

Indeed, 15 of the Highest-Paying Criminal Justice Jobs to Pursue

Indeed, The Differences Between a BA and a BS in Criminal Justice

Zippia, Criminal Justice Internship Skills for Your Resume and Career