Criminal Justice Studies and Career Information
What the Major Is Like - Criminal justice programs give students a perspective on crime, delinquency, and our criminal justice system, usually by combining theoretical courses and practical experience. The purpose of most criminal justice programs is to prepare students for entry-level positions in one of the five main areas of employment:
law enforcement
probation
correctional programs
parole supervision
community rehabilitation services
as well as for further graduate study, such as law school.
Many institutions have started or expanded their criminal justice departments; at some colleges the major is offered within the sociology department. Students frequently study theories about personality development and the causes of juvenile delinquency. They may explore social problems such as discrimination, poverty, age, and unemployment in order to understand some of the causes of crime. The role of the police, correction officers, and the courts at the local, state, and federal levels will be covered.
Some programs include related courses on such topics as women and crime, organized and white-collar crime, historical criminology, and crisis intervention. Students may, in addition, learn quantitative methods in order to conduct and communicate the findings of research. A major emphasis in all programs is effective communication skills.
Criminal justice students have to be proficient in verbal skills because there is extensive public contact in the related professions. Writing skills are also emphasized, since written reports constitute an integral part of criminal justice careers. In addition to courses in criminal justice and language skills, students take classes in social work, political science, and sociology.
Specializations
Probation/parole, private security, institutional corrections and law enforcement.
Interests
Serving others and assisting people who are experiencing difficulties.
Skills
Working efficiently with others, communicating effectively, making decisions and handling stress.
Typical College Courses in the Major
Policing
Theories of Criminal Justice
Community Corrections
Institutional Corrections
Criminal Law
Private Security
Court Procedures
Computer Literacy
Research Methods
Potential Careers
Thousands of new professionals are needed each year in the areas of law enforcement, court services, and corrections. Criminal justice graduates find employment opportunities in a wide variety of agencies, at local, state, and national levels of government. One of the fastest growing areas of the fields is industrial security and loss prevention for business.
Students interested in this area would be well advised to take business and marketing courses. The major may lead to careers as a law enforcement officer, policeman or policewoman, deputy sheriff, probation officer, parole agent, criminal attorney, correctional officer or counselor, industrial security specialist, or loss prevention specialist.
Related Careers
Accountants and auditors
Budget analysts
Economists and marketing research analysts
Mathematicians
Statisticians
Finance
Insurance
Risk management