The cultural phenomenon of true crime has made its way into mainstream media. The explosive popularity of this genre is seen in documentaries, shows, podcasts, and even among social media influencers. 

Although the infamous category of media might seem concerning to some, there are scientific reasons behind your seemingly “sick and twisted” love for true crime.

It boils down to the innate human drive towards curiosity and understanding. People are drawn to things they don’t understand, feeling a need to analyze aspects of the brain that might not make sense, like trying to understand how someone could commit these crimes. Equally, believe it or not, people feel compelled to empathize with victims. 

Many people also find pleasure in exploring something new but in a different environment. It gives you the opportunity to embrace parts of your personality that you may not know are there, but in the safety of your own home. 

If you are among those who are enthralled by the allure of disturbing, frightening, and fascinating true crime content, then you may be a perfect fit in the multidimensional world of criminal justice. 

Your passion for true crime might put you in the category that experts call “armchair detectives,” who would be a natural fit for a career in criminal justice. Maybe you love sitting at home binge watching hours of true crime and feel a strong desire to solve mysteries and see justice served. Or maybe you enjoy doing puzzles and problem-solving, which excellently translates into analyzing crimes and understanding criminal behavior.

You don’t just have to sit at home being a true crime fan. You can get in on all the action by earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. 

Earn a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Online

Our criminal justice online bachelors degree completion program allows you and other true crime junkies to make your way into the criminal justice world.  

We have a comprehensive curriculum for you to study the laws that shape criminal justice systems and processes. with a focus on crime and behavior, administrative systems, government and policy development. 

Our social justice and policy focus allows exploration of the complex relationship between criminal justice and social justice. You can gain an in-depth understanding of public policy, policy issues, and law enforcement. 

A criminal justice degree opens doors to diverse careers in fields such as:

  • Law enforcement
  • Legal studies
  • Attorney or paralegal
  • Forensic psychology
  • Victims advocate
  • Probation officer
  • Private investigator
  • Social services
  • Public administration
  • Private security
  • Government 

Armchair detectives like you might find themselves thriving in other not-so-obvious roles. A crime scene investigator analyzes crime scenes to gather evidence that can be used in criminal investigations. Paralegals work with lawyers in helping solve cases. 

A criminal profiler who develops an analysis of suspects would be great for those who find themselves analyzing crime scenes. Or for those investigative in nature, a detective works with law enforcement officers to solve crimes. 

Whatever your interest, our program is guaranteed to turn your passion for true crime into a fulfilling career. With expert instructors from SDSU’s School of Public Administration and the theoretical knowledge built, you are sure to thrive in the real-world of criminal justice.