Getting a criminal justice degree doesn’t have to take years–it can be done in mere months. 

With a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from SDSU Online, you can earn your  degree in just 15 months. However if you do need more time, you’re more than welcome to take it. Your education should fit into your schedule, not the other way around. 

The program is led by expert instructors from SDSU’s School of Public Administration. Courses include core criminal justice classes, public administration classes, as well as fascinating electives. But, what exactly will you be learning from them? Below is a guide all about the criminal justice program’s logistics and content. 

What is the Weekly Time Commitment for the Program?

The amount of hours expected for each week varies based upon the length of the term and level of the course. 

The 3 unit undergraduate courses which encompass the criminal justice program are predicted to take a total of 90-135 hours. When they’re taken in 8-weeks terms, this divides into 11-17 hours per week for each course. For 6-weeks terms, it will be closer to 15-23 hours per week for every course. 

All of these numbers can sound overwhelming, but really it boils down to the fact that each course will only take you a couple hours every day. These numbers are also averages, so there will be some variation based on every student’s individual pace. These courses are meant to easily fit into your schedule and become a part of your routine.

What Will I Learn in a Criminal Justice Program?

Criminal justice is all about learning how to effectively protect and serve the members of your community. 

A core focus of criminal justice is helping you to understand the American criminal justice system, as well as how laws are created and enforced. A large part of it also comes from looking at the effects these laws will have on diverse communities. 

This comes from the study of social justice issues. Major ones that are touched on include systemic racism, genocide, and equitable access. You’ll be able to learn not only what these issues are, but also the role our nation’s justice system has played in shaping them, and how groups are working together to make justice more fair and equitable. 

Part of the criminal justice curriculum also comes from public administration concepts. There are two required courses in the public admin field, however these can easily then apply to the addition of a public administration minor. The minor only requires 21 units total and can give you additional experience in administrative behaviors and issues. 

What Fields Can I Go Into with a Criminal Justice Degree?

Criminal justice can lead you to several rewarding career paths, predominantly in law and public service fields. 

  • Legal: Take your advanced knowledge of the justice system, and see it in action. With your degree alone–as well as some training–you can work as a paralegal, court clerk, or victim advocate. If you want to become a lawyer, getting a criminal justice degree is a great first step, however you’ll need to follow it up with law school. No matter what, there are lots of ways you can be involved in practicing and supporting law. 
  • Probation and Parole: If you’re interested in the rehabilitation of offenders, working as a parole or probation officer could be a good fit. Probation officers supervise anyone directly sentenced to probation, while parole officers supervise former inmates who were just released. It’s an extremely rewarding field as you’re helping these people get their lives back on track. 
  • Social Services: Criminal justice and social services have more overlap than most people may think. Criminal Justice teaches you how the system affects people–the exact people you’ll be helping as a caseworker. Courses in the program additionally give you important skills in interviewing, risk assessment, documentation, and ethical decision-making. 
  • Law Enforcement: After learning all about legal frameworks like constitutional law, searches and seizures, and civil liability, you can see them in practice. Law enforcement officers need not only an understanding of these concepts, but also communication skills and knowledge of criminal behavior. Studying criminal justice gives you all of these. While most law enforcement roles require additional academy training, receiving your criminal justice degree is a good stepping stone to help you get there.

Apply now to start your criminal justice journey with SDSU Online today!