What is a Criminal Justice Degree?
Criminal justice is the study of laws, regulations and punishments assigned to those who have been accused of committing a crime. It is also the study of how crime and punishment affect society at large. Criminal justice education is a starting point for police officers, advocates, detectives, legal prosecutors and defenders as well as other individuals interested in the pursuit of protective, legal or judicial services.
Criminal Justice Degree Requirements: Prerequisites
Those who are interested in criminal justice training should look into courses that focus on sociology, psychology, political science, public administration, history, economics, philosophy, and of course, various types of law.
Those who want to join a police department, state or local law enforcement agencies, or federal law enforcement must meet certain requirements. These include a high school diploma, a background check free of criminal issues and rigorous physical requirements. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and have a high school diploma in order to join a criminal justice training program.
Criminal Justice Degree Specializations
Those who pursue a criminal justice degree might find work in a variety of specializations. Many of these specializations require additional criminal justice training or courses with a special emphasis. Possible specializations include, but are not limited to, the following:
Police officer
Sheriff
Detective
Juvenile corrections advocate
Corrections officer
Forensic science
Criminal justice administration
Law enforcement management
Immigration enforcement
Federal agencies
Drug enforcement
Park ranger
Private security
Criminal Justice Training: Education and Degrees
Lawyer in courtroom
Education and training in the criminal justice field depends on the career path you wish to take and the educational requirements for law enforcement in your state. In some cases, a high school diploma and passing a physical exam are required to join a training program. However, earning a criminal justice degree can give you more opportunities for advancement.
Many state and local agencies require at least an Associate's degree for entry level positions. A Bachelor's degree can be beneficial for those who want to advance to higher levels in the field, as is a Master's degree.
Criminal justice degree requirements for federal agencies include a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in criminal justice and related work experience. For instance, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) requires an applicant to hold a Bachelor's degree, have at least three years of related work experience and meet other criteria that set their skills apart from other law enforcement specialists, such as fluency in a foreign language. In addition, a training program must be completed, which tests both knowledge and physical ability.
Career Outlook for Criminal Justice Professions
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for law enforcement is expected to be favorable, but expect tough competition for jobs on the state and federal levels. Employment of police and detectives is expected to grow by 5 percent from 2012 to 2022. Work for corrections offers should grow by 5 percent during the same time period. Employment of private detectives and investigators will grow by 11 percent from 2012 to 2022.
Salaries for those in criminal justice can vary depending on occupation and other factors. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics offers annual mean wages of those who work in these professions. May 2013 Occupational Wage and Employment estimates are as follows:
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers earned an annual mean wage of $56,130 in 2013, with the top ten percent earning $90,700 and the bottom ten percent bringing in $32,670.
Corrections Officers and Jailers earned an annual mean wage of $39,550 in 2013, with the top ten percent earning $71,720 and the bottom ten percent earning $26,740.
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists earned an annual mean wage of $48,440 in 2013, with the top ten percent earning $84,160 and the bottom ten percent earning $32,010.
Those who work in state or federal agencies are often governed by a state or federal pay scale. For more information, contact your local government or the federal agency.
Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, "Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition," Correctional Officers, January 8, 2014, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/correctional-officers.htm#tab-1
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, "Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition," Private Detectives and Investigators, January 8, 2014, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/private-detectives-and-investigators.htm#tab-1
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, "May 2013 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates," Police and Sherriff's Patrol Officers, April 1, 2014, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333051.htm
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, "May 2013 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates," Correctional Officers and Jailers, April 1, 2014, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333012.htm
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, "May 2013 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates," Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists, April 1, 2014, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes211092.htm
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