As one of the most popular majors that college students are declaring, criminal justice is a field of study that examines law, crime and the process of our justice system. An interdisciplinary study, criminal justice is for students who are interested in looking further into the fields of psychology, sociology, law and more. If these are areas that interest you, you might want to consider declaring a major in criminal justice. 
Education
According to the College Board, a degree in criminal justice can be earned both at the associate’s (2-year) or bachelor’s (4-year) level. Typical courses that are taken at both degree levels include criminology, statistics, criminal law, juvenile justice, policing society and criminal justice research methods. An introduction to criminal justice is required for all students who have declared this major and involves learning the basics of causes of crime, probation and parole, courts and policing styles. This introductory course introduces students to the field of criminal justice and can help students focus their area of study later on in their college career.
What to know before you apply
As an interdisciplinary study, students should be prepared not only just to examine the law, but also interpret statistics, read about court cases and learn about the psychology behind criminal behavior. As a broader field, students should should look into schools that provide both general knowledge and preparation for specific careers and should pursue schools that teach and discuss up-to-date criminal justice issues. A strong internship program is also important for students who pursue this major so seeking out schools that will place you in an area that’s your desired field of study is essential and can provide necessary experience and exposure to real-world issues.
Salary
There are several different career options that are available for students who graduate with this major including correctional officers, judges and paralegals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, correctional officers average a yearly salary of $42,610 per year, with supervisors and managers earning $59,810. The salary of a judge varies depending on the level of government they work at; average yearly salaries as of 2009 ranged from $63,250 to $103,990. Paralegals also earn different amounts of money based on the level of work, averaging between $44,160 (state) to $62,570 (federal) as of 2009.
