Do you dream of having an exciting career where, every day, you’re protecting the public and making a difference in the world? Maybe you want to work in criminal justice or law enforcement but have wondered: ‘Is criminal justice a good major?’

A criminal justice degree is, without a doubt, an intelligent choice. As a criminal justice major, you can qualify for advanced and in-demand careers in law enforcement, the courts system, corrections, and more. And the need for professionals in this field is high! For example, employment of police officers and detectives is expected to grow over the next decade, with , the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicting an average of 64,500 job openings, each year, between 2022 and 2032.

Individuals looking to enter the field of criminal justice will typically enroll in a career-focused criminal justice program to qualify for in-demand and exciting professions. A criminal justice major is not always required, but can help you stand out from the competition and leave you better prepared to protect and serve your community.

Not convinced just yet? Keep reading to see why criminal justice is a good major to pursue in college.

What is a Criminal Justice Major?

Criminal justice is the interdisciplinary study of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, the court system, and corrections.

Students in these associate and bachelor’s degree programs learn about the structure of the U.S. criminal justice system, the contemporary challenges facing criminal justice professionals today, and learn to perform the following duties:

• Enforcing solutions to prevent crime, safeguard civilians, and detain criminals threatening public safety
• Detecting crime and arresting criminals and offenders
• Delivering justice to criminals, including imprisonment of offenders
• Monitoring offenders during or after their sentences

In addition to the in-depth curriculum offers in a criminal justice major, with courses like Criminology, Criminal Law, and Investigative Report Writing taught by industry leaders, these degree programs also provide students with the opportunity to pursue internships in a variety of active career settings, giving them the expert, inside knowledge and hands-on experience to succeed in their chosen profession.

Why is Criminal Justice a Good Major?

Some careers in criminal justice can be obtained with a high school diploma or equivalent, although many federal agencies and law enforcement departments today now require a college degree. Pursuing a criminal justice major in college from the get-go is one of the best ways to put yourself at an advantage when seeking a job.

Here are a few of the top reasons why criminal justice is a great major to pursue.

1. Multiple Career Options

As criminal justice majors, students develop the critical thinking skills necessary for a variety of professions in modern law enforcement, security, emergency response, and investigation. Through exposure to contemporary policing issues, historical development, and the future of criminal justice, they leave ready to fulfill highly demanding roles in the law enforcement field, such as:

• Correctional officers
• Probation officers
• State and local police
• Crime investigators
• Crime Scene technicians
• Forensic scientists
• Fire inspectors
• Security agents

2. Enhanced Knowledge and Quality of Work

Students earning their Criminal Justice degree should ensure that their courses are taught by seasoned professionals, including police commanders, detectives, state troopers, military veterans, attorneys, and other experts from the force.

Combining theory-based classes and the first-hand experience of these individuals ensures students enhance their knowledge and overall quality of work. As a criminal justice major, you can expect to pursue courses in:

• Introduction to Criminal Justice and the Law
• Ethical and Legal Issues
• Criminal Procedures
• Juvenile Justice in America

3. Help Improve the World Around You

When asking if criminal justice is a good major, it’s essential to consider the outcomes that a focused college career can provide.

For example, Criminal Justice degrees, more so than high school diplomas, help show employers that candidates have the skills and training to excel in a criminal justice role and, most importantly, make their community a better and safer place.

To edge out the competition and set yourself apart from other candidates, ensure you find a program that will provide you with the ability to discuss and demonstrate knowledge of:

• The basic structure and functions of the American Criminal Justice System
• The development of the corrections system in the United States
• The structure and function of the Federal and State court systems
• The development of criminal law and criminal procedure
• The effects of a culturally diverse society on the development of the criminal justice system
• The ethical and legal issues of criminal justice professionals
• The primary problems and issues in policing, the courts, and corrections in America
• The major sociological theories that may explain criminal behavior and delinquency

Additionally, many criminal justice degree programs offer career support for life. At Goodwin University, our career services team works tirelessly to help graduates land their dream job by providing networking and connecting opportunities with field professionals, resume building, interview preparation, and more.

Download our FREE Criminal Justice Get Started Guide to discover how Goodwin will prepare you to make a positive difference in modern law enforcement!

4. Preparation to Work in a Variety of Settings

By learning about all sectors of the criminal justice system, criminal justice majors are well-prepared to work in various settings on the local, state, and federal levels.

Candidates find employment in the following locations, organizations, and institutions:

• Community health centers
• Customs and border protection
• Drug enforcement agencies
• Federal bureau of prisons
• Immigration and customs enforcement
• Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
• Teaching and research
• Judiciary and law

5. Time Commitment

The last reason criminal justice is a good major is due to the time commitment required to complete the degree, especially for students looking to get out into the workforce as quickly as possible.

Associate in Criminal Justice degrees, consisting of 60 to 90 credits, typically take two years of full-time study, whereas bachelor’s degrees in Criminal Justice consist of 120 credits and take an average of four years to complete.

Furthermore, students in associate in Criminal Justice degree programs save time and money while staying open to many of the same positions as candidates with bachelor’s degrees in Criminal Justice.

The opportunity to succeed and elevate one’s life and career starts with a career-focused program and institution such as Goodwin University, where our job isn’t done until every student works in a career they love.

Start making a difference and jumpstart your career in criminal justice today! Learn more about how to earn your Criminal Justice Degree at Goodwin University online, or contact us for more information.

We’re ready when you are!