12 Criminal Justice Degrees & Careers for 2025

Choosing a career in criminal justice is an exciting journey that begins with the right education. Whether you're passionate about solving crimes, analyzing forensic evidence, or supporting the legal system, each role offers a unique way to make an impact.

From associate degrees to advanced programs, a criminal justice major equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. Let's explore how different criminal justice degrees align with careers and prepare you to contribute to safer communities.

Criminal Justice Degree Concentrations

Criminal justice degrees offer a diverse range of learning opportunities designed to deepen your understanding of law, enforcement, and societal systems. Within these programs, you can focus on various concentrations, each tailored to specific aspects of criminal justice. Below, we've outlined 12 degrees in the criminal justice field that you can earn.

1. Criminal Justice

A criminal justice degree provides a comprehensive understanding of the justice system's framework, focusing on its three main components: law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Students examine the foundations of criminal law, ethics, and procedures while exploring the relationship between society and the justice system. Coursework often includes criminology, criminal investigation, and policy analysis, equipping learners with the ability to analyze criminal trends and propose effective solutions.

2. Corrections

A degree in corrections emphasizes the operations and philosophies of correctional systems. Students study topics such as offender rehabilitation, parole, and probation, with a focus on the ethical treatment of individuals in the system. Correctional theory, inmate behavior, and institutional management form the core of a corrections bachelor's degree curriculum, offering insights into maintaining security and fostering rehabilitation within correctional facilities.

3. Criminology

Criminology programs help you understand the root causes, effects, and prevention of crime. You'll explore criminal behavior through psychological, sociological, and cultural perspectives. Since courses cover topics like crime patterns, victimology, and policy evaluation, you'll have the tools to analyze societal influences on crime and use data to develop prevention strategies.

4. Forensic Science

A forensic science degree blends natural sciences with criminal justice to teach evidence collection and analysis. Students engage in coursework covering biology, chemistry, and laboratory techniques. They learn to interpret crime scenes, analyze physical evidence, and use scientific methods to support investigations.

5. Forensic Accounting

Forensic accounting majors blend accounting principles with investigative techniques to uncover financial crimes such as fraud and embezzlement. By studying fraud examination, auditing methods, and financial statement analysis, you gain the skills needed to identify irregularities in financial records. This degree focuses on accurately tracing illicit activities and documenting evidence to support cases involving white-collar crimes, ensuring integrity and precision in financial investigations.

6. Police Science

Police science focuses on the principles and practices of law enforcement. Students study criminal law, community policing, and crime prevention strategies. The curriculum emphasizes effective communication, ethical decision-making, and the application of modern technology in solving crimes and ensuring public safety.

7. Pre-Law/Legal Studies

Legal studies prepare students for an understanding of the legal system's intricacies. This criminal justice degree covers contracts, tort law, and constitutional principles, helping students analyze legal documents and build skills in legal research and writing. Courses will regularly incorporate case studies to provide practical insights into the functioning of courts and the legal profession.

8. Criminal Psychology

Criminal psychology provides an in-depth understanding of offenders' minds, focusing on the factors driving criminal behavior. Through studying behavioral patterns, psychological assessments, and profiling techniques, you develop insights into criminal motivations.

Criminal psychology courses like forensic psychology, abnormal behavior, and the intersection of psychology and law equip you to analyze and interpret criminal actions. This degree emphasizes applying psychological theories to justice practices, helping bridge the gap between behavior analysis and effective intervention strategies.

9. Criminal Investigation

A degree in criminal investigation focuses on the methods and techniques used in solving crimes. Students learn evidence collection, forensic interviewing, and case management strategies. The focus is on preserving the integrity of investigations by ensuring thorough documentation and strict compliance with procedural guidelines.

10. Law Enforcement Administration

Law enforcement administration integrates public administration principles with criminal justice to build skills in leadership and policy development. Through courses in organizational management, resource allocation, and ethical decision-making in high-pressure situations, you gain the expertise needed to navigate the complexities of agency operations. This comprehensive approach prepares you to manage law enforcement organizations effectively and responsibly.

11. Rehabilitation Services

In rehabilitation services, you'll focus on making a meaningful impact by helping individuals reenter society. Through hands-on training, you'll develop skills in counseling, offender assessment, and program creation. The curriculum also examines psychological and social challenges, equipping you with evidence-based tools to reduce recidivism and foster positive community change.

12. Homeland Security

Homeland security bachelor's programs are dedicated to safeguarding nations from threats by equipping you with the skills to respond effectively. Through courses in disaster response, counterterrorism strategies, and cybersecurity, you'll gain a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical expertise. The curriculum emphasizes critical areas such as risk assessment, emergency planning, and the creation of security policies, all aimed at ensuring the safety and resilience of communities.

Criminal Justice Degree Careers

Criminal justice degrees prepare you for diverse career opportunities in areas like law enforcement, investigation, and legal support. Each role requires a unique level of education, from certificates to advanced degrees, providing the skills needed to excel. Below, we explain how various criminal justice degrees align with these professions' responsibilities and requirements

1. Attorney

Attorneys represent clients in legal matters, draft legal documents, and argue cases in court. To become an attorney, you must earn a bachelor's degree in pre-law or legal studies and then complete a Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school. Since you have to earn an advanced degree and pass the bar exam, this is one of the most academically intensive criminal justice-related careers.

2. Correctional Officer

A correctional officer typically requires an associate degree in criminal justice or corrections. These professionals maintain order in prisons or detention centers, oversee inmates, and enforce facility rules. While some roles accept a high school diploma, formal education enhances knowledge of rehabilitation practices and advancement opportunities.

3. Detective

Detectives investigate crimes by collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and solving cases. They work within law enforcement agencies, often specializing in homicide, fraud, or narcotics investigations. A bachelor's degree in criminal justice or police science is ideal for this role, offering training in criminal behavior, forensic analysis, and investigative techniques.

4. Forensic Accountant

Forensic accountants use financial expertise to investigate white-collar crimes such as fraud and embezzlement. A bachelor's degree in forensic accounting or accounting is required, with coursework in auditing, financial reporting, and legal compliance. Advanced certifications, such as a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner), are often necessary.

5. Forensic Scientist

To become a forensic scientist, you'll need to earn a criminal justice degree in forensic science. They analyze physical evidence from crime scenes to aid investigations. Forensic scientists work in labs, applying scientific methods to criminal investigations, such as analyzing fingerprints or testing substances.

6. Intelligence Analyst

A bachelor's degree in criminal justice or homeland security is typically required to become an intelligence analyst. In this role, intelligence analysts work with government agencies or private organizations, using strategic research to provide actionable insights, identify threats, and predict criminal activity to support national security.

7. Judge

Becoming a judge requires earning a bachelor's degree in pre-law or legal studies, completing a Juris Doctor (JD), and gaining extensive legal experience. Judges are responsible for overseeing court proceedings, interpreting laws, making decisions, and ensuring justice is administered fairly in every case they handle.

8. Legal Secretary

Legal secretaries provide administrative support to attorneys, managing schedules, preparing legal documents, and maintaining case files. A certificate or associate degree in legal studies is recommended to build expertise in legal terminology, document preparation, and office management.

9. Paralegal

Paralegals play a vital role in law offices and legal departments by assisting attorneys with research, drafting legal documents, and organizing case files. Typically, this role requires a bachelor's degree in legal studies or an associate degree in paralegal studies, with programs focusing on legal research methods, ethics, and document preparation. By managing these critical tasks, paralegals enable attorneys to concentrate on court proceedings and client advocacy.

10. Police Officer

Police officers are responsible for enforcing laws, responding to emergencies, and safeguarding communities. Candidates typically prepare for this role with an associate or bachelor's degree in criminal justice or law enforcement, which includes coursework on policing techniques, criminal law, and community relations. Alongside their education, officers must complete rigorous academy training and pass physical assessments.

11. Private Investigator

Private investigators gather evidence, conduct surveillance, and perform background checks to support client needs. A certificate or associate degree in criminal investigation or law enforcement is often required, with programs emphasizing investigative techniques, ethics, and report writing. Licensing requirements may vary by jurisdiction, adding another layer of preparation to this specialized role.

12. Security Officer

Security officers are responsible for protecting property, enforcing rules, and monitoring for potential safety threats. While a high school diploma may suffice for some positions, earning a certificate or associate degree in criminal justice enhances skills in surveillance, emergency response, and risk assessment. With this training, security officers are better prepared to work in diverse environments, including businesses, hospitals, and public events, where they play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of people and assets.

FAQs About Criminal Justice Degrees

If you're interested in earning a criminal justice degree, review the commonly asked questions below. The information we provide will help you decide if a criminal justice degree is right for you.

What Is the Difference Between an Associate and a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice?

An associate degree in criminal justice focuses on core topics like criminal law, corrections, and policing, offering a broad overview. A bachelor's degree in criminal justice takes a deeper dive into the field, exploring advanced topics like criminology and forensic science. Students can also take specialized electives such as cybercrime or homeland security, preparing them for leadership or analytical roles.

Are Online Criminal Justice Degrees as Credible as In-Person Programs?

Accredited online criminal justice degrees are just as credible as in-person programs. They feature identical curricula, qualified instructors, and the same accreditation standards, offering flexibility without compromising educational quality.

What Certifications Can Complement a Criminal Justice Degree?

Certifications such as Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), crime scene investigation, emergency management, and cybersecurity strengthen your qualifications. These certifications provide specialized expertise and prepare you for advanced roles in areas like financial crime, forensic analysis, disaster response, or technology-focused criminal justice applications.

Is a Criminal Justice Degree Necessary for All Law Enforcement Jobs?

A criminal justice degree is not mandatory for entry-level roles like patrol officers, which typically require academy training. However, a degree is often essential for specialized roles, such as detectives or federal agents, and significantly boosts promotion opportunities by providing advanced knowledge of criminal law, investigations, and leadership principles.

How Much Does a Criminal Justice Degree Cost?

The cost of a criminal justice degree varies widely. An associate degree at a community college may cost $3,000 to $10,000 per year, while a bachelor's degree from a university can range from $9,000 to $30,000 annually.

According to U.S. News, online criminal justice degrees often fall within this range, offering affordable tuition options and flexible schedules. Financial aid, scholarships, and grants are available to help reduce costs, making the degree more accessible to students from diverse financial backgrounds.

Find a Criminal Justice Degree

If you want to start a career in criminal justice, contact one of the colleges or universities featured on Learn.org to get started.