Criminal Justice Degree Programs

Graduate and undergraduate degree programs available in criminal justice, forensic science, law enforcement, law, paralegal and legal assistant, and more.

Recommended Schools
DeVry University   Strayer University   University of Phoenix

Why go to school for a Criminal Justice degree?
A college or university will offer an intellectually challenging and supportive environment for expanding knowledge of the various disciplines in criminal justice. The academic programs are designed to teach you the social, legal and ethical issues relevant to the criminal justice professions, today.

Entry level positions or career advancement options for a criminal justice education are offered at the certificate, associate, bachelor and master's degree levels. A criminal justice degree can put you on a career path in Corrections, Crime Scene Investigation, Law, Law Enforcement, Justice Administration, Courts, Security, Law, and Public Safety.

Certificate Programs in Criminal Justice
Certificates are normally a one year program of study, and once earned, can assist you in beginning a career or advancing your career in a specialized subject area. One year certificate programs available include a Crime Scene Technician Certificate, a Certificate in Criminal Justice and a Certificate in Terrorism and National Security Management. Most criminal justice schools will let you transfer credits earned in fulfillment of a certificate to other degree programs.

Associate Degree Programs in Criminal Justice
Associate degrees in Criminal Justice are available in many areas of specialization and can be completed in two years or less. Focus areas include law enforcement, corrections, paralegal, private security, court reporting and more. Credits earned in fulfillment of an associate degree can usually be transferred to a bachelor degree program.

Bachelor Degree Programs in Criminal Justice
If you are seeking employment in law enforcement, corrections, probation, parole, or juvenile justice facilities or want to advance your current criminal justice career, consider a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. A criminal justice background may provide career opportunities in corporate security, public safety, loss prevention and private protective services, or investigation. Bachelor degrees in Criminal Justice can be completed in four years or less.

Master's Degree Programs in Criminal Justice
Master's degrees in Criminal Justice are designed to advance careers and to improve the knowledge and skills of working professionals.

What types of careers in Criminal Justice are available?
Here are just a few of the many career paths in Criminal Justice:

Airport Security Officer Bailiff Body Guard CIA Agent Child Support Agency Worker Court Reporter Criminologist Coroner Contracts Administrator Detective Deputy Marshall Environmental Conservation Officer

FBI Agent Law Clerk Litigation Manager Military Officer Non-Profit Organization Advocate Paralegal Police Officer Probation & Parole Officer Substance Abuse Counselor Victim Services Specialist Youth Advocate US Marshall

Degrees in Criminal Justice

Degree programs in law and criminal justice from accredited universities and colleges:

Crime Scene & Forensics	Investigate the source of crimes with a program in forensics. Learn how to investigate crime scenes and detect criminal activity.
Criminal Justice	Interested in a criminal justice career? Take a bite out of crime with the following criminal justice programs.
Justice Administration	Looking for a career in criminal justice administration and justice policy development? Find programs in justice administration offered by accredited universities and colleges.
Paralegal & Legal Services	Study law and legal issues, including governance, civil and criminal processes, and the theory and philosophy of justice from a social sciences perspective.

Degrees in Law Enforcement

Degree programs in policing and investigation from accredited universities and colleges:

Corrections	Join the world of law enforcement with a program with an emphasis in corrections. Work with the criminal justice system, with a wide variety of prisons and juvenile detention centers.
Law	Looking for a career in law enforcement or police services? Find programs in law enforcement, police science, law enforcement management and police leadership offered by accredited universities and colleges.
Public Safety	Keep your country or community safe from harm with a degree in public safety. You could work as a police officer, detective, dispatcher, probation or parole officer, or as a member of the Dept. of Homeland Security.
Security & Loss Prevention	These programs prepare you to work in private security, as a guard, watchman, bodyguard or anti-theft specialist.