A criminal justice degree can open doors in all areas of America’s intricate justice system.
Courses in criminal justice focus on the process by which laws are enforced and justice is carried out. This involves learning how public policy is shaped, and exploring the complex role social justice plays. You gain an advanced understanding of issues such as genocide, organized crime, institutionalized racism, etc.
But what can you do with a bachelor’s in criminal justice?
Here’s an in-depth look at some popular criminal justice jobs:
What Can I Do With A Criminal Justice Degree?
While law enforcement is a prominent career path for criminal justice, there’s many other options for graduates.
Corrections
Corrections officers and specialists are vital to ensuring safety in correctional facilities, as well as smooth rehabilitation transitions. Criminal justice programs will give you knowledge of criminal behavior theories that allow you to work effectively with people in this situation.
Many programs will have individual courses or even specializations in corrections, probation, parole, and juvenile justice. Even if a program doesn’t, it still will give you communication skills, report writing skills, and ethical decision-making abilities.
Starting in this field doesn’t require a degree, but having one can give you the chance at higher starting salaries and quicker career advancement.
Example job titles: Correctional Officer, Parole Officer, Case Manager
Homeland Security
The Department of Homeland Security encompasses several different agencies that all share the goal of protecting public security. Getting a criminal justice degree develops your skills in threat assessment, crisis management, and counterterrorism.
The knowledge of legal frameworks is equally useful, as it helps you to understand what’s required from working in federal or state law enforcement agencies. Additional skills that will be applied include analyzing intelligence, mitigating threats, and utilizing technologies.
Similar to the corrections field, having a degree in the homeland security sector will give you the chance to get more advanced roles, like the ones listed below.
Example job titles: Criminal Investigator, Intelligence Analyst, Mission Support Specialist
Forensic Analysis
Forensic analysis is all about examining and evaluating evidence in order to identify perpetrators. They work with fingerprints, weapons, impression evidence, etc, in crime scenes to piece the story together.
Criminal justice programs often feature opportunities to train in photographing, measuring, and documenting scenes. Your knowledge of courtroom procedures once again will come in handy as you need to be aware of legal standards for admissible evidence.
Certain roles in forensics, like DNA analyst, may require natural science degrees. However, there’s still a variety of roles you can do with criminal justice.
Example job titles: Crime Scene Investigator, Evidence Technician, Forensic Interviewer
Legal Support
The criminal justice curriculum is all about studying the laws that shape our justice system. You’ll gain an advanced level understanding of criminal law and the process of litigation. This knowledge prepares you to support prosecutors and defense attorneys.
Specific skills for this area include drafting legal documents, organizing case files, and conducting legal research. You learn all about how to prepare for trials, along with the best ethical practices for during a trial.
There are several opportunities within the law profession for graduates. However, a criminal justice degree is also a good foundation for law school. You can continue your education to become a lawyer yourself.
Example job titles: Paralegal, Court Clerk, Victim Advocate
Community Advocacy
Community advocacy professionals work in rehabilitation, victim support, and system reform. The understanding of systems you gain from criminal justice allows you to help clients navigate them successfully.
Programs put an emphasis on social justice, giving you the skills needed to support those affected by crime, and work for policy reforms. Additionally, you’ll be improving on your soft skill of empathy, driving you to support community well-being.
Example job titles: Social Service Coordinator, Community Outreach Specialist, Restorative Justice Facilitator
Does SDSU Have an Online Criminal Justice Degree?
SDSU Online offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice that is 100% online and asynchronous.
This program can be completed in as little as 15 months, and gives you the flexibility to learn at your own pace and study from anywhere. You still get the same Aztec Experience as on-campus students without having to put your career on hold.
Interested in a career in the public sector? You’re able to easily add a minor in Public Administration to your studies that only requires 7 additional courses. All courses in both programs are taught by the same expert faculty from SDSU’s School of Public Affairs who have backgrounds in law enforcement, criminal law, local government, and more.
Apply today to be a part of the justice system of tomorrow!
