You should major in criminal justice if you have an interest in the justice system and a desire to pursue a related career. The justice field encompasses an incredibly diverse range of career options, including entry-level options and mid- to late-career options that may require additional education or experience. There are also options to switch careers to a different pathway in the criminal justice field.
Why study criminal justice if you aren’t quite sure about your career path yet? You might be attracted to it because it’s a versatile choice. This major teaches a range of transferable skills that can be applicable to a variety of career fields.
Course content includes criminal behavior, ethics in criminal justice and crime prevention.
A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can serve as an excellent starting point for specializing in one of the three branches of criminal justice: law enforcement, the courts and corrections. For example, you may decide to apply to a police academy after earning a bachelor’s in criminal justice degree, pursue further education to become a paralegal or court administrator or seek a position as a probation officer. Each branch offers unique career paths and opportunities to serve your community.1
Earning a master’s degree can help you position yourself for potential career advancement. By furthering your education in criminal justice, you can more closely examine important subjects like constitutional rights under the law, including due process, equal protection and freedom of speech and religion.