What is a Criminal Justice Bachelor Degree?
Criminal justice programs often use an interdisciplinary perspective to identify and examine the patterns of criminality in society. As part of their study to understand criminal behavior, students will typically take courses in criminology, forensic science, psychology, and sociology. In addition, students receive training in how to understand society's role in preventing and controlling criminal behavior, with courses in disciplines such as legal studies, political science, public administration, and social policy.
Most criminal justice degrees are offered through traditional on-campus programs, but many institutions are now offering hybrid or even fully online options. A degree in criminal justice gives students the flexibility to design an academic program tailored to meet their personal interests and professional goals while providing a variety of career options for graduates.
Graduates are prepared for work in traditional sectors such as criminal advocacy organizations, government, law enforcement agencies, public policy, and social work. In recent years, there has been development in the relatively new fields of cybersecurity, computer forensics, forensic anthropology and psychiatry, and global and domestic terrorism.
Top Bachelor of Criminal Justice Degrees
| School | Tuition* | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | George Mason University | $12564 | 87% | 71% | 74% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 2 | CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice | $7470 | 41% | 52% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 3 | Rutgers University-Newark | $14826 | 72% | 69% | 87% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 4 | Florida State University | $6517 | 36% | 83% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 5 | California State University-Sacramento | $7368 | 82% | 55% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 6 | University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus | $9063 | 80% | 70% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 7 | Citadel Military College of South Carolina | $12620 | 75% | 74% | 87% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 8 | University of Washington-Tacoma Campus | $11639 | 87% | 56% | 83% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
| 9 | Metropolitan State University | $8114 | 56% | 34% | 86% | No | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 10 | California State University-East Bay | $7000 | 76% | 50% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 11 | Ferris State University | $12376 | 87% | 47% | 95% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 12 | San Jose State University | $7852 | 64% | 64% | 73% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 13 | University of Wisconsin-Platteville | $7623 | 85% | 56% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 14 | Westfield State University | $10849 | 87% | 61% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 15 | California State University-San Bernardino | $6952 | 69% | 55% | 93% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 16 | University of Baltimore | $9096 | 78% | 41% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 17 | Central Washington University | $8273 | 85% | 58% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 18 | Rutgers University-Camden | $15264 | 79% | 65% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 19 | University of Wyoming | $4747 | 96% | 60% | 93% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 20 | California State University-Stanislaus | $7542 | 89% | 59% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 21 | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | $8132 | 80% | 46% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 22 | Worcester State University | $10161 | 66% | 58% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 23 | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | $9335 | 67% | 52% | 82% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 24 | San Francisco State University | $7266 | 67% | 57% | 77% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 25 | Sam Houston State University | $8536 | 83% | 54% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 26 | University of Nebraska at Omaha | $7980 | 83% | 50% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 27 | Minnesota State University-Mankato | $8438 | 63% | 50% | 88% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 28 | San Diego State University | $7510 | 34% | 73% | 60% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 29 | The College of New Jersey | $16923 | 49% | 86% | 81% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 30 | Sonoma State University | $7880 | 91% | 62% | 71% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 31 | University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg | $14148 | 84% | 34% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 32 | California State University-Dominguez Hills | $6946 | 77% | 44% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 33 | University of North Florida | $5964 | 72% | 67% | 84% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 34 | University of Massachusetts-Lowell | $15648 | 73% | 66% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 35 | California State University-Los Angeles | $6768 | 48% | 52% | 94% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 36 | Tarleton State University | $7851 | 56% | 49% | 87% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 37 | University of Pittsburgh-Bradford | $14158 | 73% | 40% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 38 | Minot State University | $7592 | 67% | 45% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 39 | Fitchburg State University | $10505 | 88% | 58% | 91% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 40 | Frostburg State University | $9410 | 80% | 49% | 92% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
| 41 | Weber State University | $5986 | No Available Data (2019-2020) | 34% | 91% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 42 | North Dakota State University-Main Campus | $9619 | 94% | 60% | 90% | No | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 43 | University of Central Oklahoma | $7753 | 84% | 36% | 91% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 44 | California State University-Chico | $7806 | 72% | 67% | 76% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 45 | California State University-Fullerton | $6924 | 53% | 69% | 77% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 46 | Southern Utah University | $6770 | 78% | 50% | 95% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 47 | Rowan University | $14000 | 74% | 73% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 48 | Rutgers University-New Brunswick | $15407 | 61% | 84% | 71% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 49 | California State University-Bakersfield | $7419 | 81% | 43% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 50 | California State University-Long Beach | $6834 | 39% | 74% | 81% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit our ranking methodology page.
Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Criminal Justice Bachelor's Degree Concentrations
While criminal justice is sometimes offered as a concentration within other bachelor's degree programs, such as political science, sociology, psychology, and pre-law, the field also offers its own set of concentrations. These concentrations offer specialized training that prepare students for a variety of careers. Common examples include:
- Criminology and crime analysis
- Cybersecurity
- Homeland security and justice
- Law and society
Curriculum for a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice
Curriculum in a bachelor's degree program in criminal justice typically requires that students take core courses that provide training in criminology, crime and delinquency prevention, courts and sentencing, among others. Other common introductory courses include:
- Criminal law
- Criminal justice statistics
- Crime and social policy
Electives are offered in a wide range of specific topics, such as forensics, child abuse and neglect, or global terrorism.
Some colleges and universities offer free online courses and learning materials for students interested in criminal justice, but these typically do not offer credit.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice?
As with most bachelor's degree programs, it usually takes about 4 years of full-time study to earn the required 120 credit hours to complete the degree. Most criminal justice departments require that students earn a passing grade in anywhere from 30 to 36 credits in the major.
Departments often help students find cooperative (co-op) experiences or internships at law offices, police departments, or political campaigns. Some degree programs accept transfer credits, associate degrees from other institutions, or equivalent relevant work experience, all of which might count toward the bachelor's degree.
Accreditation for Bachelor's in Criminal Justice Degrees
Accreditation ensures that certain academic standards are met and qualifies colleges and universities to receive federal and state financial aid. The U.S. Department of Education provides a comprehensive list of federally recognized accrediting agencies.
Many bachelor's programs in criminal justice are accredited through the Academy of Criminal Justice Science (ACJS), as well as regional organizations such as the Higher Learning Commission, Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and New England Association of Schools and Colleges, among others. Specialized programs within the field of criminal justice, such as forensic science, receive their accreditation through agencies like the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC).
Criminal Justice Licensure & Certification
There are two popular types of licensure and certifications that graduates of programs in criminal justice typically earn. The first type of licensure is designed for individuals who aim to become private investigators. This requires passing a state-specific juris prudence exam as well as PI skills assessment. Those who wish to pursue this career path have a number of fields in which they can specialize such as arson, civil, computer forensics, corporate fraud, insurance, medical malpractice, or missing persons investigations, among others.
The UBE, or Uniform Bar Exam, is the second most popular type of licensure earned by criminal justice majors. After completing the JD, graduates who intend to become practicing lawyers must earn a minimum passing score according to the jurisdiction in which they plan to practice. Scores may be transferred to other jurisdictions provided they meet the requirements of that state. The UBE is administered twice a year, in February and July.
What Can I Do With a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice?
Graduates with degrees in criminal justice will find that, with proper training, there are a number of careers available to them. They can work in industries that draw upon their criminal investigative skills and find positions such as police officers, detectives, corporate investigators, or investigative reporters.
Many lucrative and well-paying positions are available once an individual reaches a more senior level in their career. These include positions such as computer forensics investigators, lawyers, and professors. Graduates with a degree in criminal justice acquire practical skills in analysis, research, and interpersonal communication that are transferable to a number of different disciplines like sociology, psychology, and counseling.
Individuals who enjoy working with clients may enjoy career opportunities as treatment specialists, victims' or survivor's advocates, or social workers. The flexible nature of this field allows students to design the program to fit their professional and personal needs.
How to Become a Detective or Criminal Investigator
Graduates who specialize in criminal justice might wish to pursue a career as a detective or criminal investigator. Detectives and criminal investigators are high paying jobs. They are in a line of law enforcement that works to solve crimes by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting different forms of evidence, such as photographs, documents, videos, and other physical evidence. They usually interview victims, witnesses, and suspects as part of this process.
This type of employment requires that candidates earn a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and law enforcement, receive specialized training in fields such as psychology and forensic science, and hold U.S. citizenship. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor (BLS), the median wage for detective or criminal investigator was $83,170 in 2019.
How to Become a Probation Officer or Correctional Treatment Specialist
Students who find that they are interested in combining their interests in criminal justice with the fields of social work, community service work, or corrections might with to pursue a career as a correctional treatment specialist or probation officer. These professionals play a central role in the rehabilitation process of offenders and help them connect with professional and community resources as they readjust to society.
Students who are interested in this career path might choose to take electives or earn a certificate that will prepare them, as they will need to maintain detailed records for the court system on each of their cases that often contains confidential information. In order to qualify for this type of employment, candidates must pass a comprehensive criminal background check, submit to regular drug testing, and hold the required degrees in their field.
According to the BLS, probation officers and correctional treatment Specialists earned a median salary of $54,290 in 2019, with a reported steady job outlook of 4% for 2019-2020.
What Kinds of Criminal Justice Degrees Are There?
In addition to bachelor's degrees in criminal justice, students in this field have the option to pursue programs at the associate's through doctoral degree levels. These degree options offer training in a variety of areas, ranging from corrections and legal systems to social work and criminology. Students looking to gain entry-level employment in the field of criminal justice will benefit from basic training offered through associate degree or certificate programs. More advanced degrees provide training for highly specialized careers, such as lawyers or professors.
Associate Degrees in Criminal Justice
Associate degrees in criminal justice require two years of full-time study or 60 credit hours to complete, though this degree usually offers students the flexibility to study on a part-time basis as well as take evening and online classes to fit their schedules. This degree prepares graduates for entry-level careers in security and corrections as well as positions in local and state law-enforcement.
An associate degree is often a more affordable and flexible option for students who might wish to gain hands-on experience at a local police academy, earn a specialized certificate, or transfer their credits to a 4-year institution to earn a bachelor's degree. It is important that students select an accredited associate degree program and if possible, inquire as to which 4-year institutions will accept the transfer credits.
Master's Degrees in Criminal Justice
Students have the option of earning either a Master's of Science (MS) or Master's of Arts (MA) in criminal justice. Depending on the program, the degree requires 1-2 years of full-time study or 30-36 credits to complete. Many institutions are now offering flexible options, such as evening and online courses to complement their on-campus offerings.
Programs typically require that students complete a set of core courses, several courses in their chosen area of specialization, as well as several electives. Some programs require that students pass a final qualifying exam while others require a thesis. The MS or MA can serve as a terminal master's or as a preparatory degree en route to a PhD program. In addition, departments might help graduates find full-time placements at various places such as law offices, federal agencies, police departments, political campaigns, and research centers.
Doctoral Degrees in Criminal Justice
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Criminal Justice is designed for students who intend to conduct research or pursue a career in academia. These programs usually require 30 credit hours beyond the master's degree, or a total of 60 credit hours comprised of both coursework and research.
In most cases, students must fulfill a number of requirements, which include
- taking research methods courses and/or chosen electives
- writing a detailed proposal for the dissertation
- mastering scholarship in chosen fields of study, and
- successfully passing comprehensive exams in these fields.
The degree culminates with the completion of a dissertation on an original research topic. Some PhD programs in criminal justice admit both full- and part-time students and offer full funding in the form of fellowships and research and teaching assistantships for several years so that doctoral students can support their studies.
Certificates in Criminal Justice
A certificate in criminal justice is designed for students who wish to learn specific skills that prepare them for municipal or state employment. This type of credential also complements majors in related fields such as psychology, sociology, or social work. These credentials can be earned at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Specializations for certificates public safety and leadership, corrections, public policy analysis, information ethics, and digital investigation, among others. Requirements for certificates vary, though they typically range from 12 to 24 credits.
Difference Between JD & LLM Degree Programs
A JD, or Juris Doctor, is a foundational academic degree program that prepares individuals to take the state bar exam in order to practice law in the United States. While the term 'doctor' appears in the title, one must earn a JD before pursuing an LLM, or Master of Laws degree.
The JD is designed to provide broad training and knowledge across many different types of law, whereas the LLM is a highly specialized advanced law degree. While earning a JD, students are often expected to take core courses in the following areas:
- Administrative or regulatory law
- Civil procedure
- Constitutional law
- Contracts
- Criminal law
- Property
- Torts
A traditional JD program takes three years of full-time study, though some institutions offer fast-track programs that can be completed in two years. Some programs offer part-time study options, which typically take four years or more to finish. While a JD is not a research degree like traditional PhD programs, students may decide to engage in a research and writing project.
For the LLM, students choose a specialization and gain expertise in a particular area. Examples of concentrations include:
- Business law
- Environmental law
- Intellectual property
- International and comparative law
- Law and social change
A full-time course of study to earn a LLM typically takes one year. This credential is a good option for holders of the JD who wish to practice law outside of the United States or are looking to specialize in a particular type of law, such as human rights or immigration law.
Career Advancement in Criminal Justice
There are a variety of career options in the field of criminal justice, especially for individuals who plan to pursue educational training beyond the bachelor's degree. Certain career options such as becoming a college professor or lawyer require a PhD or JD, respectively, in order to teach at a university or practice law.
Other career paths include the fields of psychiatry, psychology, and anthropology, all of which have a forensics track that criminal justice majors can pursue. Careers in these fields often require a master's degree or doctorate.
For individuals who enjoy forensics and technology, the growing field of computer forensics is a good option. While a master's degree is recommended for most occupations in this field, entry-level positions can be obtained with a bachelor's level of training, often with specialized training earned through a certificate program.
Students who enjoy working outdoors but wish to help maintain public law and order will find meaningful employment as a fish and game warden, protecting our nation's wildlife and national parks.
Financial Aid & Scholarship Information for Bachelor's in Criminal Justice Degrees
Students can receive funding to support their postsecondary education from a number of sources. Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA prior to the start of the academic year. Once the financial information has been submitted to the institution where the student intends to enroll, the college or university will generate a report that lists the various types of aid for which the student is eligible.
Students must maintain a certain grade point average, as determined by the college or university, in order to be eligible for financial aid. The FAFSA must be completed every year. While it is recommended that students complete the application as soon as possible, the deadline is typically set at the end of June prior to the academic year for which the financial aid will be applied.
Students may apply for scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.
- Scholarships are typically awarded on the basis of academic merit and do not have to be repaid. Criminal justice majors can apply to a number of scholarships available from national and private organizations. In addition, some colleges and universities award scholarships to criminal justice majors.
- Grants provide an additional source of funding and do not need to be repaid, but they are awarded according to demonstrated financial need.
- If needed, students may borrow loans to help finance their education.
- Work study programs allow students to gain work experience on campus while financially supporting their education.
