Is 25 Too Old to Get a Criminal Justice Degree?

If you're hoping to work in criminal justice, there are a variety of positions to choose from in law enforcement, forensics, and legal disciplines, but you're going to need a degree to get started. With this in mind, you may be wondering: are you too old to pursue a criminal justice degree at 25?

Students can enroll in college at any age, so you're not too old to get a criminal justice degree at 25. Though some of the more physically demanding criminal justice jobs may prefer younger candidates, there are a variety of positions you can pursue when you're in your 20s and beyond.

Keep reading to learn more.

Reasons To Earn Your Criminal Justice Degree at 25

If you're thinking of going back to college at 25, there are many good reasons to do so. A couple of the reasons you may be considering a criminal justice degree at this point in your life include:

Career Advancement

It is possible to begin some entry-level careers in criminal justice without a degree, or with a degree in an unrelated subject. If you already work in one of these positions, then perhaps you'd like to have opportunities to advance within the field.

Getting a criminal justice degree will make you eligible for a variety of new jobs and will make you a more desirable candidate for many others. It may enable you to pursue promotions and salary increases.

Pursuing a New Career

If you don't currently work in criminal justice, perhaps you'd like to transition into it. At 25, you're still young enough to change careers and pursue fulfilling work in a brand-new field.

With a degree in criminal justice, you'll be primed and ready to pursue a new career. You'll have many options to choose from, and your degree will prepare you for success in any one that you choose.

Learning About an Interest

Perhaps you've always been fascinated by forensic science, criminal law, or the inner workings of your local police department. If you have an interest in the criminal justice field, getting a degree can help you learn more about it.

Plus, those working in criminal justice need to have a lot of skills that can translate into other professions, such as an understanding of psychology and an ability to remain calm under pressure. Getting a criminal justice degree will help you develop these skills.

What Will I Learn In a Criminal Justice Degree Program?

Programs have variations in content and delivery, but they all cover the same basic criminal justice topics. They aim to provide a broad foundation in a wide array of topics necessary to the field of criminal justice.

Some of the courses you can expect to take as part of your degree program include:

• sociology and psychology
• criminological theory
• civil liberties
• American corrections system
• social research

Master's or doctoral programs in criminal justice build upon these foundational topics, providing a more advanced education. Both undergraduate and graduate programs may offer the option to specialize in a particular area, focusing their studies on their unique career interests.

What Can I Do With My Criminal Justice Degree?

As noted, there are many criminal justice careers you can pursue with a bachelor's degree in the field. A few of the options include:

Police Officer

Police officers patrol areas of assignment and respond to 911 calls, enforcing the law and assisting with emergencies. Since they are a common sight in every town and city, they are some of the most well-known criminal justice professionals.

Forensic Accountant

Forensic accountants specialize in solving money-related crimes. They use their financial expertise to investigate and expose financial fraud at various levels.

Criminal Investigator

Criminal investigators perform a variety of duties to solve crimes. Some of these duties include interviewing victims, collecting evidence, and preparing warrants. They also commonly arrest suspects and testify in court.

Intelligence Analyst

Intelligence analysts typically work behind the scenes to identify and neutralize threats. They analyze information and data from many sources and collaborate with various agencies to handle potential security issues.

FBI Agent

FBI agents perform a wide variety of duties as high-profile law enforcement officers. They commonly investigate crimes, act as detectives, make arrests, and provide testimony in court.

FAQs About Starting a Criminal Justice Degree at 25

It's common to have questions about criminal justice degrees, here are a few of the most common ones.

Are There Benefits To Starting My Criminal Justice Degree at 25?

Waiting until you're 25 to start college can be extremely beneficial. By now, you probably have some professional experience and have developed some skills that can help you as you pursue criminal justice. You probably also have clearer career goals than you did when you were younger, which can help you stay focused while working toward your degree.

Should I Go Back to School for Criminal Justice?

Getting a degree in criminal justice can help you pursue new career opportunities and make a positive impact on society. Careers in criminal justice can be highly rewarding, and getting your degree in the field will allow you to have your pick so you can choose the career that is best suited for you.

Can I Complete My Criminal Justice Degree Online?

Yes. Many schools offer online criminal justice degrees with flexible coursework. Online programs commonly allow students to fit their education into their busy lives without having to sacrifice work or family commitments.