Criminology is the study of crime, including its causes, consequences and costs. Criminology students study the behavior patterns, backgrounds, and sociological trends of criminals.

Criminal justice is a social science that seeks to identify and explain criminal behavior, as well as how society deals with crime. Criminal justice majors focus more on the legal and correctional systems, the deterrence of crimes, and ethics codes of behavior. Students in a criminal justice program often study a variety of topics including legal studies, psychology, public administration, and sociology.

Though they are different, both criminologists and criminal justice professionals work in the criminal justice sector to lessen crime and improve society.

To determine the best degree option, you must consider your ultimate career goals. A homeland security degree is very focused and may be a good fit if you know you would like to work in that specific field. It offers students a background in national security, including terrorism, counterterrorism, and intelligence.

A degree in criminal justice may be a good fit if you enjoy criminal justice but would like to have more career options. A criminal justice degree provides students knowledge of law enforcement, criminology, law, and community relations. Because it has a wider focus, it can be applied to many different jobs in different sectors.

There are many benefits to earning a criminal justice degree. One is that you can get a variety of jobs including police officer, public official, or criminal investigator. Some jobs may require more education or experience, but a criminal justice degree can help provide a rich base of knowledge that can prepare you for a well-paying and lengthy career in different sectors.

Another benefit is there is a continued need for criminal justice professionals to help ensure the safety of the nation's citizens.

A third benefit is there are nationwide opportunities, because every city and state has a need for experienced criminal justice professionals in a variety of roles.

Herzing University’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice may be completed in as few as 32 months. Transfer up to 90 approved credits to get it done even faster. The associate degree path typically takes 20 months to complete.

With year-round learning and opportunity to transfer in prior college credit, Herzing University offers you the opportunity to start quickly and get your career moving.

Yes, you can earn your associate or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice online. Look for a regionally accredited university like Herzing that has a well-rounded curriculum and experienced faculty and staff. Universities that offer student advisors and online support can help prepare you for academic success.

Once you have your associate or bachelor’s degree, you can also pursue additional training or education to help increase your earning potential and further your career.

With an associate degree in criminal justice, you may be eligible for a variety of jobs, including security guards and first-line supervisors of protective service workers. These jobs are found in a variety of industries, including travel, gambling, and investigation and security services.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), security guards earned an average salary of $36,700 per year ($17.64 per hour).*

With a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, you can be eligible for jobs such as first-line supervisor of correctional officer, first-line supervisor, police officer, or detective. The BLS reports the average wage for detectives and criminal investigators is $91,610 per year ($44.04 per hour).

You are typically not required to earn a degree to enroll in police academy and work as a police officer. A high school diploma is often the minimal required formal education, with a required background check. Some agencies may require a bachelor’s degree or a certain number of credit hours, especially at the federal level.

According to a 2017 study from the National Police Foundation, about one third (30.2 percent) of police officers in the U.S. hold a four-year college degree. Just over half (51.8 percent) hold a two-year degree, and 5.4 percent hold a graduate degree.

While you may not need a degree for your first entry-level job as a police officer, if you plan to continue advancing your career in criminal justice, earning an associate or bachelor’s degree is a good idea.

Course subjects and topics in our bachelor’s degree program include:

• Criminal Investigation, which provides an overview of the investigative process and current issues.
• Criminal Law, which covers key components of criminal law and its enforcement. It also includes an overview of the criminal law process, defenses, and jurisdiction of the courts. 
• Ethics in Law Enforcement, which reviews public administration and ethical issues involved with public service.
• Evidence Forensics, which covers the law model and types and current rules of evidence acquisition.
• Introduction to Homeland Security, which details the creation of the Department of Homeland Security and its strategies and initiatives, as well as legal issues related to homeland security.
• Risk Assessment, which helps students learn how to assess and identify threats, analyze targets, and implement approaches to risk assessment.

Yes, absolutely. A degree in criminal justice can help prepare you for a variety of jobs, from law enforcement to public service. The field continues to expand, offering people more career opportunities. In addition, a criminal justice degree provides a strong base of knowledge for future learning, if you choose to pursue additional learning, such as a law degree or a master’s of business administration (MBA) degree.

If you enjoy learning about the law, possess a strong sense of responsibility, and would like to help serve your community, a criminal justice degree may be a great fit. Learn more about our criminal justice degree program today!