Reasons to get a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice
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Is Getting a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Worth It?

A Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice is an excellent degree choice, especially for students interested in criminal justice jobs in areas like law enforcement, prison reform, and the judicial system.

In fact, the BLS reports the employment growth rate for jobs within the criminal justice system, such as police and detective roles, as well as probation officers and correctional treatment specialists, to grow by three percent, faster than many other job sectors. Additionally, private detectives and investigators may see growth as high as six percent.

If you’re interested in the career opportunities the criminal justice sector offers, there’s no time like the present to investigate your future options. Below, we’ll explain what students can expect from a bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and answer the question: Is a criminal justice degree worth it?

What is a bachelor’s in Criminal Justice degree?

Criminal justice and Human Security is a broad and multidisciplinary field that involves the study, application, and administration of laws, regulations, and policies within the criminal justice system.

Students in these programs do so by studying the inner workings of the justice and law enforcement systems. This can include:

  • Crime scene processing techniques for fingerprints, DNA samples, and trace materials
  • Investigative techniques like interviewing witnesses and suspects, securing crime scenes, and methods for collecting evidence
  • Patrol operations such as responding to calls for service, conducting traffic stops, and strategies for maintaining public safety
  • Trial procedures and the legal processes involved in criminal proceedings, such as pre-trial motions, evidence presentations, and jury instructions

Criminal Justice degrees are best suited for those interested in careers that seek to maintain safe neighborhoods and social order, prevent and investigate crimes, and rehabilitate those who violate established laws.

What do you learn in a bachelor’s in Criminal Justice program?

Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice programs provide students with a thorough understanding of all aspects of the criminal justice and law enforcement system.

In turn, students develop the skills and experience they need to join other domestic and international security experts who understand criminal behavior and create solutions to contemporary policing issues using the latest forensics and criminal justice technology.

The Criminal Justice curriculum will vary depending on the school and program, but most programs include courses in:

  • Courts and Social Policy: Analyzes the structure and function of the court system, exploring the interplay between legal principles and social issues.
  • Criminal Law: Explores the legal framework governing criminal offenses, including elements of crimes, sentencing guidelines, and legal procedures.
  • Criminal Investigations: Focuses on the investigative techniques used by law enforcement, including crime scene processing, evidence collection, and forensic analysis.
  • Criminology: Studies the root causes of crime by exploring the sociological, psychological, and biological factors that contribute to criminal behavior.
  • Introduction to the Criminal Justice System: This course is an introduction to the many components of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement agencies, correctional institutions, and the court system.
  • Research Methodology: Provides students with the skills necessary to conduct research, analyze data, and critically evaluate information relevant to the criminal justice field.
  • Theories of Criminal Behavior: Explores various theoretical perspectives that attempt to explain the root causes of crime, such as social disorganization theory, strain theory, and rational choice theory.

 

Ready for a career keeping your community safe? Learn more today!

 

What can you do with a bachelor’s in Criminal Justice?

A degree in Criminal Justice prepares graduates to be the leaders and change-makers in their communities and world. From Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents to judges and criminologists, criminal justice professionals can make a huge, positive impact on our communities and the world.

Popular career paths and their median annual salaries, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) include:

As you can see, a degree in criminal justice is well worth your time whether you are interested in joining your local police department, becoming a private investigator, or working in the legal system. Plus, candidates with a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice open themselves up to opportunities like:

  • Career Advancement: A bachelor’s degree can increase your eligibility for higher-level positions and leadership roles within the criminal justice system
  • Salary Potential: Compared to associate degrees, a bachelor’s degree often leads to higher earning potential in the field
  • Variety of Career Options:  Graduates can pursue careers in law enforcement, corrections, private investigation, and the legal system

Our students in the Criminal Justice and Human Security program work and are taught by accomplished faculty experts who give them access to experiences and knowledge that most professionals don’t get until they’re in the service.

Furthermore, students can tailor their degrees to fit their interests, needs, and goals with our three concentration options—comparative justice, criminology, and human security.

Interested students are required to submit or have the following:

  • First-year students must submit a personal essay (optional if you choose to submit SAT/ACT scores)
  • Minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5
  • Transcripts
    • Proof of high school completion or its equivalent
    • Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (transfer applicants)
  • University of Bridgeport admission application

Apply today or contact us for more information.

We can’t wait to help you through college and into a great career!