A criminal justice degree prepares students for impactful careers in law enforcement, courts, and corrections. They will gain a thorough understanding of criminal behavior, punishments, and legal procedures. Graduates work as police officers, private investigators, forensic psychologists, and crime prevention specialists in social services, government agencies, nonprofits, and research.
The need for public safety creates a steady demand for police officers and detectives, with around 64,500 job openings projected annually. Their median annual income is $74,910, nearly $10,000 more than other law enforcement positions. However, wages vary depending on the position, industry, and location. Those employed in government positions have a median annual salary of $75,710, while those in educational services have a median wage of $62,590.
Most criminal justice degrees require the completion of between 120 and 134 credits, which takes four years of full-time study. Part-time and accelerated programs are also available for those who wish to complete the degree at a flexible pace. The average annual tuition and fees for a bachelor’s degree is $16,618, depending on the school, program, and student living expenses.
How to Choose a Criminal Justice Program
Choose your area of study
The three types of criminal justice degrees available are associate, bachelor’s, and master’s. These degree levels differ in their curriculum, length, and career outlook.
An associate degree in criminal justice prepares students for entry-level jobs, such as a police officer, paralegal, or crime scene technician. It typically requires two years of full-time study and provides a foundational knowledge of the criminal justice system.
A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice requires four years of full-time study and involves a more in-depth curriculum. Students can choose a major to specialize in, and many undergraduate programs also include an internship.
A master’s degree in criminal justice requires two to three years of full-time study and prepares students for leadership roles in the field. Programs often offer concentration areas, including crime analysis, cybersecurity, homeland security, and terrorism studies.
Research schools and programs
When researching criminal justice programs, look for institutions that have received accreditation from a recognized agency. Notable accrediting agencies include the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and the New England Commission on Higher Education.
Accreditation ensures that the school meets a set quality standard and adequately prepares students for their future careers. Attending an accredited institution will help you receive government aid, get hired after graduation, and transfer credits.
There are several ways to learn more about prospective schools and programs, including:
- Visiting them in-person
- Browsing their website
- Attending open houses
- Following them on social media
You can also speak with an admissions advisor or program representative to gain more insight into the curriculum, admissions, and school culture.
Prepare for tests and applications
The admission requirements for a criminal justice degree vary by institution, but most require you to submit the following:
Speak with an admissions advisor before submitting your application to review the process, deadline, and requirements.
Select your program
If you receive admission to more than one criminal justice program, narrow down your options by reviewing your academic and logistical needs. Determine if the program is in person or online, full-time or part-time, and asynchronous or synchronous. Also, consider the program length, cost, location, and housing requirements.
For additional guidance, speak with an academic advisor. They’ll review your options and help you make the choice that will best set you up for future success.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Create an annual budget to determine whether you’ll pay for the degree yourself or require financial aid. Include academic costs such as tuition, fees, and supplies, along with living expenses such as housing, transportation, food, and extracurriculars.
Visit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) website and submit an application to determine the amount of financial aid you’re eligible for, including scholarships, work-study funds, grants, and loans. If you’re currently employed, ask your employer if they offer tuition assistance benefits.
Best 50 Accredited Criminal Justice Degree Programs
Discover More Options
How we rank schools
This list features some of the best criminal justice degree programs at top colleges across the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for postsecondary education.
We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, reputation, and the resources provided for on-campus students. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of criminal justice programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
What Can You Expect From a Criminal Justice Program?
A degree in criminal justice provides students with an understanding of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, the court system, and criminal behavior. Programs consist of core courses that cover foundational knowledge and electives tailored to a chosen specialization. Course topics include criminal law, corrections, the judicial process, criminal motivation, and victimology.
Students use various learning methods, including coursework, exams, lectures, and hands-on experience, to develop the analytical, communication, problem-solving, and research skills needed to succeed in the field. Many programs also include internships where students gain real-world experience that prepares them for their future careers.
Potential courses you’ll take in a criminal justice program
- Issues in Criminal Justice. This course provides an overview of the processes and problems within the criminal justice system. Students will study the causes of crime, issues that criminologists face, and the role of courts and legal constraints.
- Sociology of Crime. Students analyze the origins of deviant, delinquent, and criminal behavior. They also study the impact of crime on society, focusing on the connection between social problems and illegal activities.
- Drugs, Crime, and the Criminal Justice System. This course focuses on the complex relationship between drugs and crime and the effects of drug legislation on the criminal justice system.
- Deviant Behavior. Students examine various deviant subcultures, such as drugs, sexual behavior, and gangs. They delve into how deviance is defined, sustained, tolerated, controlled, and responded to within these subcultures.
- Law, Evidence, and Ethics. This course analyzes the role and rules of evidence in criminal investigations, trials, and proceedings, focusing on the ethical obligations of government agencies in gathering evidence.
Criminal Justice Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to a criminal justice degree program?
To apply for a criminal justice degree, visit the program website and review the requirements, deadlines, and fees. The application materials vary by institution but often include your high school transcripts, an essay, test scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Speak with an admissions counselor to ensure you submit the correct materials and meet the requirements.
How much does a criminal justice degree cost?
The average annual tuition and fees for a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice is $16,618, but the total cost varies depending on the school and program. Students should also consider additional expenses such as housing, supplies, transportation, and extracurriculars that may increase the amount. Those in part-time or online studies may see lower costs due to reduced overhead and fewer credits per semester.
How long does earning a criminal justice degree take?
Most undergraduate degrees in criminal justice consist of 120 to 134 credits and require four years of full-time study. Online, part-time, and asynchronous options are available for those who desire flexible scheduling. Students can also enter accelerated programs that require two years of intensive studies.