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Bachelor's in criminal justice degrees

A bachelor’s in criminal justice can prepare you for a rewarding career in law enforcement or public safety. Learn who should pursue this degree, what to expect from a bachelor’s program, and criminal justice career options in our guide.

Explore criminal justice degrees

Why earn a bachelor's degree in criminal justice?

Pursue a career that can make an impact

Earn a degree that qualifies you for various careers that can potentially improve communities and individuals' lives.

Enter an exciting and rewarding field

If you enjoy the idea of a dynamic work environment and complex problem-solving, you may find a criminal justice career rewarding.

Earn a degree from anywhere, on your own schedule

Online learning can offer many benefits, such as affordable tuition, flexible schedules, and high-quality education from top universities and institutions.

Find the right online bachelor's in criminal justice program for you

Online bachelor's in criminal justice program overview

No two online bachelor's in criminal justice programs feature the same curriculum. However, you can expect a mix of general education, major, and elective courses. Some programs may even award credit for work or life experience.

When exploring programs, keep an eye out for those that offer concentrations that are aligned with your desired career path. Keep in mind that the degree type can impact your career potential just as much as your concentration, and academic and career counselors can help you choose between a bachelor of arts (BA) and a bachelor of science (BS) in criminal justice program.

What jobs can you get with a criminal justice bachelor's degree?

A bachelor's in criminal justice can help you qualify for both entry-level and higher-paying jobs. Employers may prefer applicants with a degree, but it isn’t required for every role. A degree can also improve your application if you lack work experience.

Here are some examples of what you can do with a bachelor's in criminal justice degree, with salary and job outlook data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

Police officers

Police officers respond to emergencies, make arrests, and testify in court. They also perform investigations and maintain detailed paperwork. More experienced officers may work as detectives. Careers with federal agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) may require a college degree.

  • Median annual salary (May 2024):$77,270
  • Projected job growth (2023-2033): +4%
Correctional officers

Correctional officers work in prisons and jails, ensuring incarcerated persons follow all rules and regulations. Other responsibilities include inspecting facilities, conducting searches for contraband, and writing conduct reports. They may also guard incarcerated individuals during a prisoner transfer. Federal prisons require a bachelor's degree or more than seven years of experience for entry-level positions.

  • Median annual salary (May 2024): $57,970
  • Projected job growth (2023-2033): -6%
Bailiffs

Bailiffs are responsible for protecting court members, witnesses, and the jury during court proceedings. They also enforce judges' rules and handle evidence brought up in trial. Some protect jurors from intimidation outside the courtroom.

  • Median annual salary (May 2024): $57,050
  • Projected job growth (2023-2033): -1%
Private detectives

Clients hire private detectives to investigate crimes, find missing persons, and perform background checks. Private detectives interview people, conduct surveillance, and take photographs. They then present their findings to clients.

  • Median annual salary (May 2024): $52,370
  • Projected job growth (2023-2033): +5%

Criminal justice: bachelor of science vs. bachelor of arts

Some colleges and universities offer a BA and/or a BS in criminal justice. These degrees differ in important ways, such as curriculum. Here are the key differences:

BA vs. BS

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A BA in criminal justice emphasizes general education classes, which makes the BA a great choice for learners who want to develop broader, transferable skills.

BS degree

A BS in criminal justice emphasizes technical skills applicable to certain criminal justice careers. Graduation requirements for a BS may include an internship.

College admissions, academic, and career advisors can help you choose the right bachelor's degree. Program websites may also outline curriculum differences and relevant career paths.

Curriculum

Although graduation requirements vary by college, expect to take a mix of general education, core, and elective courses. General education courses cover the humanities, arts, natural sciences, and social sciences.

A bachelor’s in criminal justice curriculum typically includes core courses in:

  • Introduction to criminal justice and society
  • Fundamentals of corrections
  • Justice and public safety administration
  • Contemporary issues in criminal justice

Concentrations

A concentration can help you make the most of your program's elective courses. Concentrations align with specific criminal justice jobs and graduate programs. Some common examples include:

  • Contemporary justice
  • Criminal behavior
  • Criminalistics

Check program pages to learn more about choosing a bachelor’s in criminal justice program — and how concentrations affect graduate outcomes and salary potential.

Further education in criminal justice

A bachelor's in criminal justice can help prepare you for a career and/or graduate school. Consider a if you want to advance your career or improve your résumé. Some programs take only one year.

Further education may include professional certifications, depending on your career path. Crime analysts can earn the Certified Law Enforcement Analyst (CLEA) from the International Association of Crime Analysts (IACA). The CLEA requires a mix of educational and work experience.

Admissions requirements for an online bachelor's in criminal justice program

Typical bachelor's in criminal justice admissions requirements include a high school diploma or GED. Your local community college may offer GED preparation classes and administer the test.

Other requirements vary by school but may include:

  • One or more letters of recommendation
  • ACT or SAT scores
  • A personal essay
  • A current résumé or CV

Many colleges also require Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) results. This important form helps schools determine your financial aid eligibility. Institutional scholarships and grants may reduce your cost of attendance significantly.

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Frequently asked questions about criminal justice bachelor’s degrees

Is it worth it to get an online bachelor's degree in criminal justice?

Yes, as many employers require a bachelor's degree for career advancement. Many in-demand, entry-level jobs within the criminal justice field also require a bachelor's degree.

Earning a bachelor's degree can also help you develop transferable skills. You can use these skills to transition to a career outside the criminal justice field.

How long does it take to get a bachelor's in criminal justice online?

Typical full-time students need about four years to earn a bachelor's in criminal justice.

You can finish a bachelor's program in less time if you earn passing Advanced Placement (AP) scores in high school or pass a prior learning assessment (PLA). Colleges may offer PLAs to incoming degree-seekers with relevant work or life experience.

What is the difference between a bachelor's in criminal justice vs. a bachelor's degree in law enforcement?

A generally appeals more to undergraduates preparing for a career as a police officer, as the curriculum emphasizes skills police officers can use on the job.

A bachelor's in criminal justice program provides a broader overview of criminal justice topics you can apply in many related careers.