Are you interested in a career that balances law, psychology, sociology, public administration and more? Do you have concerns about the ethics surrounding arrests and prison sentences? Are you conflicted about what you think “justice” really means? If so, consider criminal justice as a possible field of study. Criminal justice majors explore every aspect of crime, law and the justice system.
Education
According to the College Board, students can earn a criminal justice degree at either the associate’s or the bachelor’s level. Classes like AP Psychology, sociology and statistics in high school will prepare you for the work that goes into a criminal justice major. Typical college courses include policing society, criminology, juvenile justice and criminal law.
What to know before you apply
Before you decide on a specific school or program, make sure to find out whether your education will be concentrated in theory or will be prepping you for the working world. Also, you should find out whether the program is evolving. We live in a time when “terrorism” and “homeland security” are terms we hear every day. Make sure you pick a school that keeps up with current events. Finally, find out whether internships or job shadows are available. This is a major where the real-world experience will help you as much as the formal education.
Colleges offering this field of study
Dean College: Franklin, Mass.
Gannon University: Erie, Pa.
Morrisville State College: Morrisville, N.Y.
St. Gregory’s University: Shawnee, Okla.
University of Missouri-St. Louis: St. Louis, Mo.
Salary
A degree in criminal justice will prepare you for job positions like correctional officers, judges, and government lawyers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, correctional officers earned a yearly average of $43,000 in 2011, while judges earned an average of $88,340. Government lawyers earned between $81,960 and $129,430 in 2011, depending on the government department and level.
> For more information about careers check out NextStepU.com/Careers!
