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Criminal justice and legal studies are ideal for individuals interested in creating, interpreting, and enforcing laws and handling individuals or groups who break them.

Degree programs in criminal justice and legal studies exist at all levels, from associate to doctorate, with a student’s particular career interests guiding which degree is best. Students can learn more about their options for criminal justice and legal studies degrees with this guide. They can also get answers to frequently asked questions about the fields and find out more about job opportunities for individuals with criminal justice and legal studies degrees.

What You Can Do With A Criminal Justice and Legal Studies Degree

Earning a criminal justice and legal studies degree can prepare students for entry-level or advanced jobs in law enforcement and legal careers.

For example, students interested in becoming lawyers can start with a bachelor’s degree in legal studies before pursuing their Juris Doctor (JD) degree. Meanwhile, those who want to become police officers may find that a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or criminology can help them improve their chances of acceptance to a police academy, where they will complete the formal training necessary to become a law enforcement officer.

Many individuals who study criminal justice and legal studies at the post-secondary level go on to work for government agencies, including the FBI, CIA, Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, or Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Career outlook

  • Police officers and detectives: Responsibilities include responding to emergency and non-emergency calls, patrolling assigned areas, obtaining and serving arrest and search warrants, collecting and securing evidence from crime scenes, and other duties.
    • Median annual salary: $74,910
    • Projected employment growth (through 2033): 4%
    • New jobs projected: 63,00 per year
    • Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, plus additional training at a police academy
  • Forensic science technicians Aid criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence, often specializing in crime scene or laboratory analysis.
  • Paralegals: Support lawyers by performing various tasks, such as maintaining and organizing files, conducting legal research, and drafting documents.
    • Median annual salary: $60,970
    • Projected employment growth (through 2033): 1%
    • New jobs projected: 37,300 per year
    • Degree required: Associate degree in paralegal studies
  • Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators: Facilitate negotiation and dialogue between disputing parties to help resolve conflicts outside of the court system.
    • Median annual salary: $71,540
    • Projected employment growth (through 2033): 6%
    • New jobs projected: 300 per year
    • Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in legal studies

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Justice and Legal Studies

What is the difference between legal studies and criminal justice?

The key difference between legal studies and criminal justice is how they approach laws, legal systems, and law enforcement.

Legal studies focus more on the theories behind laws and how legal issues affect society. Professionals in legal fields study and interpret laws and advise individuals, groups, and businesses on handling an array of legal matters.

Meanwhile, criminal justice concentrates on enforcing laws to prevent crimes and seeking justice when crimes are committed. The term ‘criminal justice’ is often used as an umbrella term for the network of systems that determines the policies and procedures societies use to address and prevent crime. The criminal justice system has three primary branches: law enforcement, courts, and corrections.

What is the difference between a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) and a Juris Doctor (JD)?

The key difference between these two types of graduate degrees is the kind of jobs they prepare students for. In the U.S., to qualify for the bar exam and become a licensed attorney, individuals must have a Juris Doctor from an American Bar Association-accredited law school. Students can apply to law school after earning a bachelor’s degree. Although there are generally no restrictions on which undergraduate major a student can have, individuals who want to pursue law school may find degrees in law, legal studies, or criminology helpful.

A Master of Legal Studies (also known as a Master of Studies in Law) focuses on developing students’ legal knowledge and is useful for those who regularly interact with lawyers, such as realtors, business owners, court employees, human resources professionals, and more. This degree does not lead to attorney licensure.

Should I get a criminal justice or legal studies degree online or in person?

Deciding between an in-person or online criminal justice or legal studies degree is a personal choice based on an individual student’s needs and learning preferences. There are quality programs available in these subjects online, in-person, and hybrid learning formats.

Some things to consider include whether you prefer learning independently or through interaction with faculty and classmates. Online programs tend to rely more on self-motivated learning, including those delivered asynchronously, with no scheduled class meetings. Traditional in-person programs may be better suited for students who need extra accountability and support and learn better through hands-on activities and discussion.

However, for students who need a lot of flexibility with scheduling or can’t access an in-person program due to geography or physical limitations, an online program may be the best option for earning this degree. Students exploring online programs should also note if the program has in-person requirements, like an internship.

Types of Degrees You Can Earn in Criminal Justice and Legal Studies

Associate

Associate degrees require a minimum of 60 credits and can typically be completed in two years of full-time study.

Within the criminal justice and legal studies fields, an associate degree is most common for individuals who want to become paralegals, as this is the minimum level of education needed for this job. An associate degree in criminal justice may also qualify individuals for certain jobs within law enforcement.

Associate degree programs in criminal justice and legal studies often award the following types of degrees:

  • Associate of Arts (AA)
  • Associate of Science (AS)
  • Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
  • Associate of Legal Studies (ALS)

Bachelor’s

Bachelor’s degrees require a minimum of 120 credits. Full-time students usually complete a bachelor’s degree in four years.

Bachelor’s degrees are generally designed to prepare students for entry- and mid-level jobs, as well as further study at the graduate level, by covering foundational and intermediate topics and skills. For individuals who want to become law enforcement officers, a bachelor’s degree may be required to qualify for police academy training.

Internships are a common component of criminal justice and legal studies degree programs. They allow students to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting before graduation.

Bachelor’s degree programs in criminal justice and legal studies typically award either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS).

Master’s

A master’s degree is an advanced degree program designed to deepen a student’s knowledge within a particular area of study, prepare students for career advancement, or be a stepping-stone toward doctoral study. Credit requirements vary by subject and program, with most requiring between 36 and 60 credits. Completion time also differs based on the total number of credits and whether a student enrolls full-time or part-time.

Although students can earn a Master of Legal Studies (MLS) or Master of Law (LL.M) degree to prepare them for legal careers, individuals who plan to become licensed attorneys must earn a professional degree, known as a Juris Doctor (JD), from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.

Other available master’s degrees in criminal justice and legal studies include a Master of Arts (MA) and a Master of Science (MS).

Alternative educational paths

Many schools also offer a certificate in paralegal studies, which can also qualify graduates for entry-level paralegal positions. A certificate in paralegal studies may require fewer credits and take less time to complete than an associate degree.

Online Criminal Justice and Legal Studies Degree Programs

Bachelor’s

Master’s

Traditional Criminal Justice and Legal Studies Degree Programs

Bachelor’s

Master’s

Learn More About Criminal Justice and Legal Studies Degree Programs