When considering a career in the criminal justice field, most people tend to gravitate toward a general bachelor’s degree in criminal justice studies to begin. A bachelor’s degree can teach you all the basics of the justice system, including all aspects of the law and how it affects communities and individuals.
While it’s important to be grounded in the basics of your field, earning a master’s degree in criminal justice allows you to choose a specialization and gain expertise in the topics you’re interested in pursuing.
For example, earning a master’s in criminal justice and law enforcement will prepare you for a high-level law enforcement position, such as becoming a chief of police, commander or shift supervisor. It would also prepare you for related careers including becoming a probation officer, corrections officer or law clerk. This degree explores topics surrounding crime analysis and prevention as well as ethical decision-making and leadership in a law enforcement setting.
Another specialization option for criminal justice is a master’s in legal studies. This degree focuses less on crime prevention and more on legal research and communication, including the relationship between public policy and criminal behavior. This type of master’s degree can prepare you for a legal career, such as becoming a paralegal, lawyer, mediator or government relations officer.