Are you considering a criminal justice major? The field of criminal justice offers a rewarding path for those passionate about serving, protecting and making a profound impact on their communities.
With over 150 different careers paths, ranging from law enforcement to policy analysis to forensic science, criminal justice is a diverse discipline that prepares you for roles where you can truly make an impact in society. As a criminal justice major, you will gain a solid understanding of laws, criminal behavior, and the justice system. With a degree in criminal justice, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to enforce laws, ensure public safety, and maintain social order.
If you are interested in considering criminal justice as your major, review these three key points to determine if this discipline is the right fit for you.
Three Key Points to Consider Before Pursuing a Major in Criminal Justice
1. Your Personal Motivation & Passion
Prior to selecting criminal justice as your major, it’s important to reflect on your interests and passions within the field. Many individuals pursue a criminal justice major because they are interested in the law and want to make an impact in their community. They value ethical practices that involve protecting society and have a strong desire to implement change. Criminal justice majors are often passionate about law enforcement, working as police officers and solving crimes, or supporting organizations that help at-risk youth.
With such diverse career opportunities, it is important to be self-aware of your interests and core values. Reflect on your values and skills to see if these factors correlate with the criminal justice degree/field. Individuals that possess strong decision-making skills, value giving back to their community, have a strong sense of integrity, and can effectively manage stress and high-pressure situations are prone to continue their studies in criminal justice and seek careers in the field.
Ask yourself these questions to evaluate whether you are passionate and interested in this area of study:
- Do you have a passion for law enforcement, societal issues, or justice?
- Are you intrigued by the elements of the justice system, such as the courts, policing and corrections?
- Do you value integrity and ethical practices?
- Are you comfortable with making tough decisions?
- Do you have strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills?
- Are you passionate about creating change in your community?
By asking yourself these questions and considering your own personal motivation and passion, you will be able to determine if your values and interests align with this educational pursuit. In addition, reflecting on your passion and motivation in society will also help clarify which specialty within the field best suits you.
2. Educational & Practical Requirements
As a criminal justice major, you can expect to learn a breadth of information and skills pertaining to public safety, national security, social justice, and a host of other related fields. If you are interested in seeking a degree in criminal justice, it is important to note there are different degrees (e.g., associate, bachelor’s, and graduate degrees) that prepare you for specific career pathways.
For example, individuals with an associate’s degree in criminal justice can pursue entry-level positions, such as:
- Bailiffs
- Correctional Officers
- Criminal Investigators
- Insurance Investigators
- Victim Advocates
- Fingerprint or Evidence Technicians
- Police Officers
On the other hand, some professions may require a bachelor’s degree for advanced roles and a competitive salary. Positions that may require a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice include:
- Private Investigators
- Paralegals
- Immigration Officers
- Fraud Investigators
- Criminal investigators
- Forensic Accountants
- Probation Officers
- Police Officers (with Advanced/Specialized Roles)
Some positions, especially within academia, research and social services, often require advanced degrees, such as a master’s or doctorate. If you are interested in more specialized careers or leadership positions, you will likely need to pursue further education, certifications, or specialized training beyond a bachelor’s degree. Some professions that may require graduate degrees are:
- Clinical Social Workers
- Cybersecurity Specialists
- Correctional Treatment Specialists / Rehabilitation Counselors
- International Relations and Human Rights Investigator
- FBI Agent (with specialized roles)
- Police Chief
- Crime Analysts (for leadership roles)
- Forensic Scientists (for advanced roles)
This said, it is essential to understand the educational and practical requirements to meet your career objectives.
3. Your Career Goals
It is important to think about your future career aspirations and the type of work you want to do. Where do you want to begin your career? Where would you like to end up? Consider the training and experience you will need to transition from point A to point B.
Criminal justice is a vast field, and understanding which sector you want to pursue can help guide your path. Some criminal justice careers are more hands-on, while others are more analytical or policy driven. Therefore, you should assess the nature of the work and the type of environment you would like to thrive in. Do you want to be on the front lines as a police officer or detective, or are you drawn to behind-the-scenes roles, such as criminal justice research, cybercrime or policy analysis?
This said, take the opportunity to tap into your future and reflect on where you see yourself in five or 10 years. By visualizing and reflecting on your future career, you can work backwards to determine the level of education, certifications and training you will need to achieve your professional goals. This approach will help you stay committed to excelling in your career, and ensure you are investing your time and resources wisely.
Are you ready to major in criminal justice?
By reflecting on your personal motivation, understanding the educational requirements, and considering your career goals, you will be better prepared to make an informed decision about pursuing a criminal justice major.
If you are interested in pursuing a degree in criminal justice, the University of Providence (UP) offers both an associate and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Learn more about UP’s Criminal Justice degrees and apply for admission today!
