College-level courses in criminal justice instruct students in a variety of materials related to law enforcement, criminology and the court system. This article discusses topics covered in many of these classes.
Types of Coursework in Criminal Justice
Students can earn degrees at the associate's, bachelor's or master's degree level in criminal justice. Most of the coursework centers around issues and theories related to crime, law and judicial administration. The organization of the particular program determines whether a course is offered to undergraduate students or graduate students. College criminal justice classes commonly deal with topics such as the following:
- The judicial process
- Legal issues in criminal justice
- Juvenile delinquency
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutCriminalJusticePrograms">Important Facts About Criminal Justice Programs</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td>Degrees/Certificate Levels </td><td> Associate's degree, bachelor's degree major or minor, master's degree, certificate</td></tr>
<tr><td>Possible Careers</td><td> Social work, welfare caseworker, law enforcement, detective, police administration, legal administration, parole officer, correctional officer</td></tr>
<tr><td>Degree Fields</td><td> Justice Studies, Criminal Justice-Crime Control and Prevention, Criminal Justice-Institutional Theory and Practice</td></tr>
<tr><td>Skills</td><td> Analytical, creative thinking, ethical reasoning, problem-solving</td></tr>
<tr><td>Median Salary (2021)</td><td>$50,390 <i>(Social Workers)</i></td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td>9% growth <i>(Social Workers)</i></td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i>
</p><h3 id="section---TheJudicialProcess"> The Judicial Process</h3><p>In this class, students learn about the function and organization of the courts at the state and federal levels. It also illustrates to students the differences between civil and criminal trials, and it addresses the appeals process. Students also learn about the various special-interest lobby groups and how they try to influence court decisions.
</p><h3 id="section---LegalIssuesInCriminalJustice"> Legal Issues in Criminal Justice</h3><p>This class teaches students about the ways that the U.S. Constitution influences law enforcement and legal proceedings. It also covers subjects like the Constitution's restriction of various law enforcement techniques used to investigate crimes. In addition, students explore concepts pertaining to suspects' rights once they are in police custody, how the Constitution affects the sentences imposed on people found guilty of committing a crime and the legal requirements established to prove a suspect's guilt.
</p><h3 id="section---JuvenileDelinquency"> Juvenile Delinquency</h3><p>While exploring topics in juvenile delinquency, students learn the current theories about the causes and effects of juvenile delinquency. The courses also incorporate instruction on the methods used to prevent young people from committing crimes and those used to punish juveniles who do break the law.</p>
