Bachelor's degree programs in administration of justice blend the practices and theories of criminal justice and cover such subjects as corrections, police management and criminology. Some programs are available online or in blended online and on-campus formats. Read on for more information about careers and program content.
What Will I Learn in an Administration of Justice Program?
In a bachelor's degree program in administration of justice, you'll learn about the roles that policing, laws, courts and corrections play in the juvenile and adult justice system. Courses commonly cover organized and white collar crime, juvenile delinquency, criminalistics, crime scene investigation, terrorism and homeland security.
Some programs offer concentrations in areas such as juvenile and adult corrections, law enforcement practice and forensics. Depending on the program, you may be able to receive transfer credits for your police academy certification. Online programs are also available; some of these programs award an associate's degree midway through the program.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Common Course Topics</b></td><td>White collar crime, juvenile delinquency, crime scene investigation, homeland security, criminalistics</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Internship Opportunities</b></td><td>Internships for academic credit are common and could take place at the local, state, or federal level</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Similar Programs</b></td><td>Programs in criminal justice are also available and include many of the same courses and could prepare you for similar careers</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Possible Careers</b></td><td>Police officer, probation officer, special agent, victim advocate, correctional treatment specialist</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td> $65,540 (<i>for all police and sheriff's patrol officers</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 6% growth (<i>for all police and sheriff's patrol officers</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WillIGetToCompleteAnInternship">Will I Get to Complete an Internship?</h3><p>You'll likely complete an internship practical, on-the-job training and earn academic credit at the same time. This training can take place at local, state and federal criminal justice agencies, at parole and probation offices, with state police or with the department of corrections. Depending on the program, you may complete a pre-service internship. This will consist of supervised placement in specific criminal justice agencies.
</p><h3 id="section---IsThereADifferenceBetweenAdministrationOfJusticeAndCriminalJustice">Is There a Difference Between Administration of Justice and Criminal Justice?</h3><p>Administration of justice is essentially the same thing as criminal justice, except that an administration of justice program focuses on preparing you for administrative positions in law enforcement, investigations, the public sector and even the military. A criminal justice program may offer some courses on justice administration, as well as courses on cruel and unusual punishment, rehabilitation and treatments for drug abusers and the affects of terrorism on city life. You'll often find that many of the same courses are offered in both programs.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCareersMightIFind">What Careers Might I Find?</h3><p>Career options for graduates of a bachelor's degree program in administration of justice include police officer, probation officer, victim advocate, special agent and correctional treatment specialist. Popular career options for graduates with bachelor's degrees in criminal justice include police officer, detective, paralegal, legal secretary, security officer and loss prevention agent.</p>
