Bachelor's degree programs in administration of justice prepare students for careers in law enforcement and government judicial work. Learn about undergraduate degree requirements, course topics and online education options in this field.
What Is an Administration of Justice Bachelor's Degree?
An administration of justice bachelor's degree program gives you a solid understanding of the roles that courts, prisons and local, state and federal agencies play in crime prevention and correction. With this degree, you can find work in police departments, courts, corrections facilities and other law enforcement organizations.
Programs are available for experienced justice administration professionals who wish to further their education and for students who are just beginning their educational careers. A Bachelor of Science in Administration of Justice program often gives you practical knowledge through internships and hands-on activities. A Bachelor of Arts degree program gives you a thorough theoretical understanding of the field.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Criminology, police processes, corrections policies, interrogation, ethics</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Availability</b></td><td> Fully online programs are available</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Work Environments</b> </td><td> Police departments, courts, corrections facilities, other law enforcement organizations</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (May 2020)</b></td><td> $67,290 (for police and detectives)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 5% increase (for police and detectives)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatWillMyCoursesBeLike">What Will My Courses Be Like?</h3><p>The courses you take in an administration of justice bachelor's degree program discuss justice procedures, police processes, corrections policies and public administration principles. You gain a deep understanding of criminal and constitutional law and how those laws are enforced at all levels of the criminal justice system. You also learn about prison systems and how criminal justice agencies are managed. Ethics courses are also required.
</p><p>Other topics typically covered in an administration of justice bachelor's degree program include evidence processing, interviewing and interrogating. Some programs offer courses that focus on juvenile justice, criminology, victim advocacy, substance abuse and domestic violence. You can often participate in an internship to gain real-world experience at a criminal justice agency.
</p><h3 id="section---CanILearnOnline">Can I Learn Online?</h3><p>Administration of justice bachelor's degree programs are regularly offered online, giving you the opportunity to earn your degree whether you have a job, work for the military or just need a flexible schedule. Some programs require you to have prior credits from a community college or a technical school, but you can find opportunities to complete all of your credits online.
</p><p>While you do need to have access to a reliable computer and high-speed Internet access, you don't usually need any special software or equipment to take online courses. Most schools use class management software that you access through the Internet. You use e-mail and message boards to communicate with instructors and classmates. Despite the flexibility of online programs, you may still need to adhere to your school's schedule and course deadlines.</p>
