Everything you need to know about studying for a bachelor’s in criminal justice
Choosing which subject to study at college isn’t always easy. This is perhaps even more true now than in the past, thanks to the ever-increasing number of options available. From classics such as English literature and history to modern degrees like cybersecurity, the possibilities are almost endless! While this makes it trickier to narrow down which program to pick, it also increases the chances of finding the perfect degree for your passions and aspirations.
With that in mind, a bachelor’s in criminal justice might be ideal if you’re interested in a career within the criminal justice system. Here’s what you need to know.
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What is a bachelor in criminal justice program?
A bachelor in criminal justice is an undergraduate degree that prepares you for advanced careers. It gives you a strong foundation in numerous features of the criminal justice system and is a multidisciplinary field that combines aspects of criminology, psychology, law, sociology, political science, and other similar subjects. It’s possible to study for a criminal justice degree either on campus or online, with both part-time and full-time options available to suit your needs and lifestyle.
What do you study?
Like most degrees, the specific curriculum you follow in a criminal justice program will vary depending on your college. However, the following list gives you a good overview of the type of modules you can expect to cover:
- Introduction to Criminal Courts
- Criminology
- Criminal Procedure
- Advanced Criminal Investigation
- Legal Issues in Corrections
- Investigative Interviewing and Interrogation
- Environmental Conservation Law
- Wildlife Crime
- Drugs, Crime, and the Justice System
- Media and Crime
- Cybercrime
- Forensic Photography
- Crisis Intervention and Stress Analysis
- Advanced Policing
- Discretionary Justice
- Violent Crime and Victimology
- International Crime and Comparative Criminal Justice Systems
You may also be required to undertake an apprenticeship of some sort during your studies and/or complete an independent research project on a relevant topic of your choice.
What kind of careers can it lead to?
As you may have guessed from the wide selection of modules listed above, the types of careers you can progress to after doing a bachelor’s in criminal justice are also quite varied. Some options you might like to consider include:
- Detective
- Probation Officer
- Forensic Science Technician
- Paralegal
- Private Investigator
- Police Officer
- Research Criminologist
- Information Security Analyst
- Court Operations Specialist
- Social Worker
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How do I apply?
If reading this post has sparked your interest in taking a criminal justice program, the first step is to start researching degree options. Try to find a curriculum that allows you to study the aspects of the subject you find most interesting and closely links to your career goals.
Then you’ll need to put together your application. This will normally involve writing a personal essay about why you want to study criminal justice – take your time with this, and let the admissions team see that you’re genuinely passionate about the subject. You might also need to submit details of academic or professional references and evidence of your prior qualifications or take a standardized test. Eligibility requirements vary by college and program, so check the fine print carefully. Good luck!
