Bachelor of Criminal Justice

Degree Overview

A Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice is a four-year program that trains students for careers in law enforcement at local, state and federal levels. Studies include law enforcement organization, management, theories and practice as well as hands-on internships. Students with previous, on-the-job experience can often apply these skills for credit towards completion of the degree. Having a BS in Criminal Justice will increase your chances of promotion within a variety of social work and law enforcement organizations. There’s a good variety of programs to choose from throughout the United States, both on-campus, and online.

Benefits

If you’re convinced a career in criminal justice is for you, having a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice has many benefits. You will:

• Increase your chances of being promoted or getting a raise; if you’re a police officer with field and academy training, a four year degree helps your advancement chances
• Increase your potential for working in many areas of criminal justice
• Gain a well-rounded view of criminal justice
• Be closer to a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice or a law degree

Areas of Study

Each program will be unique to some degree, but in general, students can expect to have classes in the following area:

• Theory and Practice of Corrections
• Contemporary Criminal Justice
• Systems of Social Control
• Criminology Theory
• Methods of Research
• History and Theory of Law Enforcement
• Criminal Law
• Court Procedures
• Correctional Philosophy
• Police Organization

Career Opportunities

With your BS degree in Criminal Justice you’re fortunate, because you’ve received training for such a wide variety of jobs. Training and job opportunities vary according to each program, but a sampling of the possibilities is shown below.

• Probation Officer
• Juvenile Counselor
• Domestic Abuse Counselor
• FBI Agent
• Parole Officer
• Homeland Security Officer
• United States Marshal
• United States Customs Agent
• Secret Service Agent
• Drug Enforcement Officer
• Detective
• Justice Administrator
• Customs Agent

What You Need to Know

We all lead busy lives, but for students pursuing an education in Criminal Justice it shouldn’t be a problem. Many scheduling options are available. Some programs are online, others offer a balance of online study and on-campus study, and a few are entirely campus-based. Many also offer the option of full or part time study, evenings or days. Some programs will allow you to receive credits for if you’ve already worked in the field and acquired skills in law enforcement. Internships may require long hours with little pay, but connections and hands-on experience usually make up for it.

Requirements

Criminal Justice programs will require an application and official transcripts from High School and any previous college coursework. Some will request letters of recommendation and a minimum GPA; however, each program will have its own set standards for admission. Be sure to call an admissions representative at your college of choice for specific requirements.

Accreditation

Choosing an accredited institution is a critical component in your choice of programs. The opportunities available to you will often depend on it. Consult with the following accreditation agencies to make sure the program you’re considering is accredited for a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program.

The Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences
www.acjs.org

The United State Department of Education (UsoED)
www.ed.gov

Professional Organizations

Contact professional organizations as part of your decision making process. They can provide you with key information about your career choices and training.

ACJS – American Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences
www.acjs.org

APPA – American Probation and Parole Association
www.appa-net.org

IACP – International Association of Chiefs of Police
www.theiacp.org