Criminal Justice Degree

Criminal justice is the scientific study and application of law enforcement, judiciary, corrections, and probation. These institutions of the government involved in criminal justice are focused on safeguarding social control, preventing and mitigating crime, and penalizing the violators of the law. They are directly involved in apprehending, prosecuting, defending, sentencing, incarcerating and supervising suspects and individuals charged with criminal offenses.

Criminal justice is distinct from the field of criminology, which involves the study of crime as a social phenomena, causes of crime, criminal behavior, and other aspects of crime. Criminal justice professionals approach crime and injustice through a detailed, programmatic approach, to make sure the law is rightly for criminals.

Criminal justice professionals work to uphold justice and law within the community. They should have at least a bachelor’s degree in social work, criminal justice, or any related field that prepare students for employment in law enforcement, corrections, probation, immigration, security services, homeland security, forensics and comparable types of employment. They should also have fundamental knowledge in social and behavioural sciences. Like other professions, one can move up the ladder of criminal justice by hard work and consistently doing a good job. A master’s degree increases the chance of becoming a head of a criminal justice department.

 Criminal Justice Degree Spotlight

A degree in Criminal Justice is recommended for those who want a broad foundation in all aspects of the criminal justice system. As a student of the University of Phoenix criminal justice programs, you can gain an understanding of areas such as law enforcement, the courts, and community and institutional corrections.

University of Phoenix criminal justice programs

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The most popular career in criminal justice are usually found in law enforcement and corrections — whether local, state, Federal or private sector law enforcement. There are different jobs available in this field including:

  • forensic science – computer forensic expert, forensic specialist
  • law – court administrator, court clerk, district attorney, law clerk, law librarian, lawyer, litigation manager, paralegal, pre-trial service investigator
  • social work – child support agency worker, child welfare caseworker, community service coordinator, juvenile court counselor, substance abuse counselor, victim service specialist, youth advocate
  • probation and parole – parole officer, penologist, probation officer,
  • corrections – corrections facilities manager, prison guard, warden
  • police force – airport security officer, border patrol agent, deportation officer, drug enforcement agent, fish and game warden, park ranger, sheriff
  • private security – body guard, detective, industrial security specialist, private investigator,
  • state and federal law enforcement professionals – CIA agent, coroner, criminal investigator, criminologist, FBI agent, fingerprint specialist, military officer, naval investigator, public security officer, secret service agent, Postal Service investigator, customs agent, U.S. marshal,

The amount of work available in criminal justice varies widely and so is their respective salary. Salary.com reports that the median expected salary for different positions in criminal justice professionals in the United States are:

  • Police Patrol Officer - $48,696
  • Fire Fighter - $39,958
  • Police Sergeant - $62,141
  • Sheriff/Police Chief - $93,093

Earn Your Criminal Justice Degree Online

Take the first step to a secure, flexible and well-paying career by enrolling in an online Criminal Justice Degree Program. Whether you want to start or accelerate your career in criminal justice, explore the online certificate and degree programs below and request more information today.

We recommend getting information from several schools so you can compare the programs, costs, time commitments and financial aid options.

Argosy University Online

Argosy University Online

The Criminal Justice concentration offers coursework for students interested in the causes, treatment, and impact of crime on communities. Students examine psychological perspectives on the offender, including the history and theories of criminal justice. Policies and procedures of criminal justice, legal, and mental health settings will also be explored. Students also learn about effective treatment approaches that are effective with offenders, particularly substance abuse treatment.

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Kaplan University Online

Kaplan University

Whether you are currently in law enforcement, corrections, or private security, or looking to enter one of these fields, a criminal justice degree or certificate can make all the difference. In a typical 30-year career, the difference between having one or not can add up to several hundred thousand dollars. A Kaplan University program is the place to start. Gain the skills you need to advance or begin your criminal justice career.

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Walden University Online

Walden University

As an accredited institution with 40 years of experience, Walden has graduated more than 31,000 alumni, all of whom now have the credentials and desire to make a real difference and be a force for good.

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University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix

With convenient class locations as well as online learning, University of Phoenix makes quality higher education highly accessible. For those seeking a Criminal Justice education, University of Phoenix can help you reach your goal while you work—and much sooner than you might expect.

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Capella University

Capella University

Advance your career and increase your effectiveness in the fields of corrections, criminal justice, or the judicial system by broadening your skill set and deepening your understanding of the complex issues surrounding criminal behavior.

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South University

South University

Our online Criminal Justice program is designed specifically for working adults. You can maintain a balance between your academic studies and your work and family obligations while you prepare to launch your Criminal Justice career.

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Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University

Justice Studies is an interdisciplinary field that embraces those aspects of the social sciences and the humanities that are relevant to an understanding of law, justice, social control, and political change.

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Post University Online

Post University Online

Post University's Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program provides a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes creative thinking and writing skills while developing an understanding of the criminal justice system.

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Westwood College

Westwood College

Westwood College Online offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal online degree program that integrates sociology, ethics, and the legal system to prepare students for a variety of exciting careers.

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Keiser University

Keiser University

The criminal justice programs at Keiser University will prepare graduates to enter the field of criminal justice, and provide opportunities for advancement for those currently in the field.

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Colorado Technical University

Colorado Technical University

Our Master of Science in Management with a concentration in Criminal Justice will challenge you to develop your management skills and gain expertise in program evaluation, budgeting and policy-making relevant to the criminal justice system.

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Everest University

Everest University

Everest University Online allows you to not only learn and practice a subject which is integral to your educational objective, but also offers flexibility and convenience for completing your program while continuing to manage career, family and home life.

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Hodges University

Hodges University

What sets Hodges program apart from the other criminal justice programs? All professors have worked for years in the Criminal Justice and/or Law Enforcement fields and have the ability to combine theory with the real world.

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Rasmussen University

Rasmussen University

A criminal justice degree will open the door to many exciting careers in corrections, private security or criminal law. You may also choose to pursue a career in the human services areas of probation, juvenile justice and family services. Provide a safer tomorrow by contacting us today to learn more about getting your criminal justice degree online from Rasmussen College.

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National American University

National American University

The bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice at NAU helps students learn how to analytically evaluate, synthesize information, and use critical thinking skills to develop appropriate solutions for important criminal justice issues.

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Liberty University Online

University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati Master of Science in Criminal Justice distance learning programs offer you the benefit of a strong academic program with the convenience and flexibility of distance learning.

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Liberty University Online

Liberty University Online

As the world's largest evangelical university, Liberty University incorporates core Christian values into all of their degree offerings in order to provide all students a thorough academic and spiritually enriching program of study.

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St. Joseph's University

St. Joseph's University

This graduate program is designed to meet the graduate educational needs of those pursuing careers in Criminal Justice, in both the public and private sectors, and allows you to choose a specialization in Homeland Security or Behavior Analysis.

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Utica College

Utica College

Help combat economic crime. Train for a high-paying, in-demand career with an online Bachelor's or Master's degree in economic crime prevention from Utica College.

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Virginia College

Virginia College

The MS - Criminal Justice program at Virginia College is designed to help prepare students to take on leadership and managerial positions at the local, state, and federal levels of the criminal justice system.

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Related Information:

Studying Criminology to benefit yourself and the society around you
There is reason why television shows on crime are so popular. The entire science of discovering the who, what, where, when and why of crime is so interesting that even the most minute details and discoveries can cause a view to be on the edge of their seat. It is for this reason that so many students have begun to enter the field of Criminology. Becoming a Criminologist gives you a front row seat to solving crime, and although it is an extremely interesting career path, is not nearly as glamorous as portrayed on television. read more...



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