Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice: A Complete Guide (2025)
See if you qualify for Criminal Justice programs
Answer a few questions in 2 minutes. Free, no commitment.
Check out what you need to earn a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, including what the degree is, the pros and cons, steps to get it, program length, online options, what you'll study, and career possibilities.
Columbia Southern University
- BS Psychology Criminal Justice
- BS Criminal Justice Admin Arson Investigation
- BS Criminal Justice Forensics
- BS Criminal Justice Admin
- BS Psychology Forensics
- BS Forensic Investigation
Southern New Hampshire University
- BS Criminal Justice
- BS Criminal Justice With Concentration In Corrections
- BS Criminal Justice With Concentration In Homeland Security And Counterterrorism
- BS Criminal Justice With Concentration In Security Management
- BS Criminal Justice With A Concentration In Criminology Crime Analysis
- BS Criminal Justice With Concentration In Human Services And Advocacy
- BS Criminal Justice With Concentration In Police Administration And Operations
- BS Criminal Justice With Concentration In Substance Abuse
- BS Criminal Justice With Concentration In Cybercrime
Liberty University Online
- BS Criminal Justice
- BS Criminal Justice Juvenile Justice
- BS Criminal Justice Homeland Security
- BS Criminal Justice Strategic Intelligence Studies
- BS Criminal Justice Criminal Psychology
- BS Criminal Justice Corrections Human Services
- BS Criminal Justice Crime Scene Investigation
- BS Criminal Justice Public Administration
- BS Criminal Justice Business Administration Management
How Long Does it Take to Get a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice?
A Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice typically takes four years of full-time study to complete. This timeframe includes the general education requirements, as well as the core courses in the Criminal Justice major. Some students may be able to complete the degree in a shorter amount of time by taking additional courses during the summer or by transferring in credits from previous coursework.
What to Expect from a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice
A Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system, including the roles and responsibilities of law enforcement, the courts, and corrections. Students can expect to take courses in areas such as:
- Criminal law and procedure
- Criminal investigations and forensics
- The judicial process and court systems
- Corrections and rehabilitation
- Criminology and criminal behavior
- Ethics and professionalism in criminal justice
In addition to classroom-based instruction, many Criminal Justice programs also offer hands-on learning opportunities, such as internships, field experiences, and simulations. These experiences allow students to apply the knowledge and skills they've gained in the classroom to real-world scenarios.
What Can You do With a Criminal Justice Bachelor's degree?
Graduate School Preparation
Graduates with a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice may choose to pursue further education, such as a Master's or Doctoral degree. These advanced degrees can open up opportunities for leadership roles, specialized positions, and research in the field of criminal justice.
Entry-Level Criminal Justice Roles
With a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, graduates can pursue a variety of entry-level roles, including:
- Police officer
- Probation or parole officer
- Correctional officer
- Private security guard
- Investigator (e.g., private investigator, insurance investigator)
Career Opportunities
Individuals with a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice can also explore a range of career opportunities, such as:
- Law enforcement (e.g., police, FBI, DEA)
- Corrections (e.g., prison warden, parole officer)
- Court administration (e.g., court clerk, bailiff)
- Homeland security (e.g., TSA agent, border patrol)
- Private security (e.g., corporate security, private investigation)
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for individuals with a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice is around $69,030, and the job outlook for these roles is expected to grow by 1% over the next decade.
Final Thoughts
Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice (BS in Criminal Justice) can be a rewarding and fulfilling path for those interested in a career in the criminal justice system. The program provides a comprehensive education in the law, criminal investigations, and the judicial process, preparing students for a variety of roles in law enforcement, corrections, and beyond. Whether you're interested in an entry-level position or aspiring to advance your career, a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice can open up numerous opportunities for success.
Feel free to explore the other guides below if this one isn't quite what you're aiming for:
