Criminal justice is an expansive field incorporating law enforcement, psychology, sociology, security, and legal studies. As a result, many different criminal justice degree programs can lead to a variety of employment opportunities.
This article explores some of the top criminal justice degree majors and the jobs students can obtain with those degrees. Students can learn more about the differences between criminal justice majors and get answers to frequently asked questions about the field of criminal justice.
Top Criminal Justice Majors and Career Paths
Criminal justice
A major in criminal justice focuses on developing students’ understanding of the various aspects of the criminal justice system, which includes laws, legal systems, law enforcement procedures, criminal behavior and motivation, and more. A criminal justice major takes a broad approach to concepts and skills within the field, compared to programs like forensic science or probation officer, focusing more on specific criminal justice sub-fields. Undergraduate criminal justice programs introduce students to foundational and intermediate criminal justice knowledge, while master’s programs are designed to help students develop advanced skills in the field.
Degrees Available: Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s
Potential Job: Police officer or detective
Respond to emergency and non-emergency calls, patrol assigned areas, obtain and serve warrants for arrests and searches, arrest people suspected of committing crimes, prepare cases for legal proceedings and testify in court, and perform other responsibilities.
- Median annual salary: $74,910
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 3%
- New jobs projected: 64,500 per year
Criminology
Criminology is a multidisciplinary field focused on the scientific study of crime and criminals from a societal perspective. Students enrolled in a degree program in criminology can expect to learn how problem-solving, interviewing, counseling, analysis, and research apply to crime, criminals, and their effect on society. Most undergraduate and graduate programs involve internships or field experiences that help students gain real-world experience. Individuals with a criminology degree can go on to work in various settings, including government agencies, social services, correctional facilities, juvenile detention centers, courthouses, and more.
Degrees Available: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Potential Job: Correctional treatment specialist
Also known as case managers or correctional counselors, they advise probationers and parolees and develop rehabilitation plans for them to follow. They also work with inmates, parole officers, and other agency staff to develop parole and release plans.
- Median annual salary: $61,800
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 3%
- New jobs projected: 7,400 per year
Forensic science and crime scene investigation
Forensic science combines criminal justice with different sciences, including physics, biology, chemistry, and computer science. Students in this type of major learn to use science and technology to investigate crimes and analyze evidence. The curriculum typically includes various science courses, including biochemistry and organic chemistry, as well as coursework in math and communications. Areas of specialization may consist of toxicology, molecular genetics, forensic botany, and forensic anthropology. In addition to internships and field experiences that give students hands-on practice, several labs are often required for a forensic science degree.
Degrees Available: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Potential Job: Forensic science technician
Aid criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence, specializing in either crime scene or laboratory analysis.
- Median annual salary: $64,940
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 13%
- New jobs projected: 2,600 per year
Probation officer
A probation officer major prepares students for this essential and sensitive role within the criminal justice system. Students learn about the legal system, rehabilitation strategies, case management, and the psychological aspects of criminal behavior. They typically have a multidisciplinary curriculum that draws on courses in law, psychology, sociology, criminal justice, and more, to develop students’ understanding of how to manage and rehabilitate offenders effectively. As part of this degree, students usually complete an internship or fieldwork experience to give them hands-on experience working in correctional settings.
Degrees Available: Bachelor’s
Potential Job: Probation officer
Supervise people who have been placed on probation instead of sent to prison and help in their rehabilitation by visiting frequently and detailing each probationer’s treatment plan and progress.
- Median annual salary: $61,800
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 3%
- New jobs projected: 7,400 per year
Paralegal studies
A paralegal studies major provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary for being an effective paralegal or legal secretary. The coursework in this major focuses on litigation, legal research and writing, civil and criminal law, court systems, and ethics. Students will also be introduced to common areas of legal practice, such as personal injury, real estate, and marriage and family law. Through coursework and internships, students will develop essential transferable skills like communication, attention to detail, and critical thinking. This major is an excellent foundation for students who plan on being attorneys.
Degrees Available: Associate, Bachelor’s
Potential Job: Paralegal
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 2032): 4%
- New jobs projected: 38,000 per year
Law and legal studies
While individuals must earn a juris doctor (JD) degree to become a practicing attorney, a law and legal studies degree can provide an excellent foundation for graduate study. Students in a law and legal studies program learn how to approach criminal justice through the lens of the legal system and can prepare for careers as lawyers with mock courtroom exercises featuring prepared oral arguments and briefs. Those interested in criminal justice may want to seek out a legal studies program that focuses on criminal law.
Degrees Available: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Potential Job: Lawyer
Advise and represent clients in criminal or civil proceedings and in other legal matters, communicate with clients, colleagues, judges, and others involved in a case, present facts and findings relevant to a case on behalf of their clients, and prepare and file legal documents, such as lawsuits, contracts, and wills.
- Median annual salary: $145,760
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 8%
- New jobs projected: 39,100 per year
Homeland security
A relatively new field, homeland security combines elements of law enforcement, public safety, emergency management, legal studies, and psychology to train individuals for various roles related to securing the nation and its citizens. The curriculum for homeland security degree programs typically focuses on preventing and responding to threats to public safety, from terrorist attacks to natural disasters. Specializations include cybersecurity, counterterrorism, and emergency management. Programs also emphasize the development of soft skills like critical thinking, decision-making, leadership, and communication.
Degrees Available: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Potential Job: Emergency management director
Prepare plans and procedures for responding to natural disasters and other emergencies in coordination with public safety officials, elected officials, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies.
- Median annual salary: $83,960
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 3%
- New jobs projected: 900 per year
Security
A major in security may be ideal for those who want to focus on preventing, investigating, and solving cybercrimes. These types of degree programs focus on preparing students for cybersecurity roles in various settings, including government agencies, private companies, law enforcement agencies, and more. Coursework covers cyber conflict, criminology, national and international security threats and protocols, and emergency preparedness. Masters-level programs in security may require students to have an undergraduate degree or previous experience in cybersecurity or a related field to be eligible.
Degrees Available: Master’s
Potential Job: Information security analyst
Plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems, including monitoring their organization’s networks, investigating security breaches, maintaining software to protect sensitive information, and preparing reports.
- Median annual salary: $120,360
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 32%
- New jobs projected: 16,800 per year
Sociology
Sociology focuses on studying human interactions and how human behavior influences and is influenced by cultural norms and societal structures. Criminology is an area of specialization within sociology in which sociologists study the causes and effects of crime, trends among criminal populations, and the penal and criminal justice systems. Classes cover a range of qualitative and quantitative studies, including statistics, research methods, psychology, data analysis, and sociological theory. At the master’s level, a research thesis is typically required, allowing students to synthesize research and theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience from an internship or fieldwork.
Degrees Available: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Potential Job: Sociologist
Study society and social behavior by examining the groups, cultures, organizations, social institutions, and processes that develop when people interact and work together.
- Median annual salary: $101,770
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 5%
- New jobs projected: 300 per year
Forensic psychology
Forensic psychology is a specialty that focuses on applying psychological principles to criminal, civil, and family matters. In this major, students will dive deeply into criminal behavior, forensic assessment, corrections, litigation, and consultation. While a bachelor’s or master’s in forensic psychology will prepare students for various roles related to criminal justice and forensic psychology, those interested in this field should note that a doctorate is required to become a licensed psychologist. Therefore, when selecting a bachelor’s or master’s degree, students should be sure to attend a program with recognized accreditation.
Degrees Available: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Potential Job: Psychologist
Work with judges, attorneys, and related specialists to understand the psychological aspects of a legal case.
- Median annual salary: $92,740
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 6%
- New jobs projected: 12,800 per year
Criminal Justice Frequently Asked Questions
Who should pursue a career in criminal justice?
While criminal justice can be a rewarding field with a variety of career options, it can also be physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. Police officers, FBI agents, and correctional officers often work in dangerous situations and interact with violent or vulnerable populations. Criminal justice degree programs help students develop their critical thinking, communication, and perception skills. However, before enrolling in this degree program, individuals should determine if they have the natural aptitudes necessary for succeeding in this field, including communications, collaboration, empathy, leadership, and creative problem-solving.
Is a criminal justice degree worth it?
The value of a criminal justice degree depends on several factors, including a student’s intended career trajectory, the type of degree they pursue, and the cost of the program they attend.
Many jobs within protective service don’t require a degree. However, students who hold a degree in criminal justice or a related field may find themselves better positioned to obtain mid- or high-level roles and higher salaries. Certain careers, such as psychology or law, require advanced degrees, with criminal justice offering a solid foundation in these topics.
Having a degree can also impact wages and unemployment rates. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median weekly earnings for bachelor’s degree holders is $1493, and their unemployment rate is 2.2%. Those with a master’s degree earn $1737 weekly and have a 2% unemployment rate.
Should I earn a criminal justice degree online or in person?
The decision to pursue a criminal justice degree online or in person comes down to personal learning preferences and logistical needs. In most cases, the quality of programs is similar regardless of their delivery format, as many schools adapt their traditional curriculums for remote learning.
Students who learn best through hands-on projects and discussions with classmates and faculty may find that an in-person classroom setting more adequately meets their needs. A synchronous program can be an excellent middle ground for students who want to learn remotely but still benefit from an interactive classroom.
Those who need maximum flexibility may find that an asynchronous online program best meets their needs. However, these types of programs require strong time management, organization, self-motivation, and accountability skills.
How much does a criminal justice degree cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average tuition for undergraduate programs was $9,750 at public four-year colleges and $38,421 at private four-year institutions during the 2022-23 academic year. For graduate students, the average tuition was $12,596 at public schools and $29,931 at private universities.
Many factors influence how much students spend on an online criminal justice degree. As demonstrated above, public universities are often less expensive than private colleges. However, students enrolling in a public school in a different state should check if they will be charged an out-of-state tuition rate, which may be higher than in-state tuition.
Students should also remember that most schools charge additional fees for things like virtual classroom technology, tech support, and online academic resources.
Students should also be mindful of the ways that attending school online can save them money. Remote learning means fewer transportation costs and more flexibility to live in an area that fits your budget. Because of the flexibility of online learning, it may be easier for students to work and have a steady income while earning their degree.
How long does it take to complete a criminal justice degree?
Completion time primarily depends on the type of degree a student is earning and their enrollment status. For full-time students, an associate degree usually takes two years, a bachelor’s takes four, and a master’s takes one or two years, depending on the total number of credits required. Part-time students can expect to add another one to two years to their completion time.
Students interested in completing their degree faster can look for accelerated programs, which condense the curriculum into a shorter time frame. While these programs can help students graduate more quickly, they are more academically rigorous and require more focus and discipline than traditionally-paced programs.