Best Criminal Justice Colleges
Criminal justice is a field in which people can come to better understand the role that justice plays in our society. It considers everything from the law to the correctional system to public policy.
The job outlook for criminal justice careers is steadily growing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects police officer and detective jobs to increase by 7% from 2020-2030. These professionals earn a median salary of $67,290 per year. For forensic science technician jobs, the BLS projects a growth rate of 16% from 2020-2030. These professionals earn a median annual salary of $60,590.
A criminal justice degree can prepare students for a variety of careers, including social workers, police officers, and forensic science technicians. Below, you'll find the five best bachelor's degrees in criminal justice.
Students interested in pursuing a criminal justice degree should consider what interests them about the field. Is it the law? Is it the corrections part? Is it the justice system as a whole? Many programs also integrate sociology and psychology courses into the curriculum. Some programs focus more on research than others.
Learners planning to continue on to graduate school should look at programs that require at least a research methods course if not also a thesis. Many colleges and universities on this list also have an accelerated program. In accelerated programs, students can earn both an online bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a master's in criminal justice in five years.
Find out which program is the best fit for your career goals with the five best bachelor's degrees in criminal justice.
Featured Online Criminal Justice Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
College Park, MD100.0
BS in Criminology and Criminal Justice
At the top of our list is the University of Maryland at College Park's bachelor of science in criminology and criminal justice. This program requires 39 credits in criminal justice courses, including required courses in theory and research methods. Students can also do an independent study or complete an internship for credit. Other courses include criminal law in action, treatment of criminals and delinquents, and contemporary criminological theory. The University of Maryland also regularly posts internship opportunities for students, as well as jobs for students. Finally, students can get involved with the Criminal Justice Student Association and Alpha Phi Sigma Honor Society, the national criminal justice honor society.
Featured Online Criminal Justice Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
