A bachelor’s degree in criminology and justice studies prepares professionals at all stages in their careers to pursue important roles that give back to society, such as law enforcement, protective services, advocacy, public policy development, research and more.
While a career in criminal justice comes with emotional demands and the need for specialized education, a degree in criminology and justice studies can help professionals make a meaningful impact in their communities and expand their own career opportunities.
What Do Criminologists and Justice Professionals Do?
Most individuals vaguely understand that criminologists study crime, but what does that mean in the professional world? Most criminologists do not study crime in a legal way, so they aren’t only considering what constitutes a crime or how that crime is punished in a legal setting. Rather, criminology uses a variety of academic disciplines, such as psychology, sociology, statistics and economics, to understand:
- The reasons and causes for crime
- Methods and theories for correction and rehabilitation
- How to prevent crime from happening in the future
Criminology professionals study crime and perform data analysis to gain a better understanding of a wide variety of crimes, ranging from small shoplifting incidents all the way up to organized crime.
Justice studies is a natural progression from criminology. In an academic setting, justice studies is an interdisciplinary approach to promoting the economic, social and political development of communities and individuals.
Cal Lutheran’s Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals program is flexibly designed for working adults and lifelong learners who already have some college credits. This program empowers professionals to complete their bachelor’s and advance their careers. To learn more about how a bachelor’s degree can benefit you, read our article.
What Is the Difference Between Criminology and Criminal Justice?
Criminology focuses on the overall study of crime, including how crime works, what factors contribute to people committing crimes and what policies are most effective at preventing crimes at a population level.
Criminal justice, on the other hand, is usually more focused on specific crimes or jurisdictions and managing the crimes that are committed within those parameters.
Both fields contribute to keeping innocent people safe, and each includes a variety of career paths for people with different interests and skills.
What Jobs Can You Get With a Criminology and Justice Studies Degree?
Studying criminology and justice studies can lead to or support an existing career as a justice professional, either in academia or in the daily operations of the justice system.
Justice professionals may be involved at any stage in the process, including but not limited to:
- Investigating crimes
- Helping with legal cases
- Rehabilitating people who have been convicted of crimes
- Researching ways to create policy that prevents crime in the future
Law Enforcement and Investigation Roles
Law enforcement roles can be engaging and rewarding jobs where you make a difference in people’s lives.
- Police Officer ($77,270 Median Annual Salary)
From school resource officers to emergency response teams, there are a variety of roles within police departments you can pursue depending on your career goals and lifestyle preferences. Sometimes, a bachelor’s is an important step toward an advanced degree that may help you qualify for more specialized or leadership roles.
- Detective/Criminal Investigator ($77,270 Median Annual Salary)
Detectives are usually police officers who have specialized knowledge of how to investigate and handle cases for a specific type of crime, such as drug crimes or missing persons.
- Federal Law Enforcement Agent ($105,976 Median Annual Salary)
In addition to local or state police forces, some of the agencies you’re likely aware of already include the FBI, CIA and DEA, though there are many more that may align with different interests. In a federal role, individuals can make a major impact in the world, working on cases that can support the growth of communities struggling with crime.
Legal and Advocacy Roles
In addition to law enforcement and investigative work, criminology and justice studies professionals can pursue roles that support individuals currently moving through the justice system.
- Victim Advocate ($46,500 Median Annual Salary)
These professionals focus on supporting victims of crimes, and may specialize in a specific category, such as domestic violence or sexual assault. They may advocate for victims by helping them express their wishes in court, offering emotional support throughout their case and helping them navigate the logistics of the legal system.
- Correctional or Probation Officer ($57,950 Median Annual Salary)
These officers are tasked with monitoring people who have been convicted of crimes as they serve their sentences, rehabilitate themselves and then reintegrate with society. These roles can be difficult and demanding, but rewarding when you get the opportunity to support someone who is dedicated to their own rehabilitation and growth.
- Court Liaison or Case Manager ($51,800 Median Annual Salary)
These professionals ensure court cases go smoothly by facilitating communication between everyone involved and making sure each party has access to the resources they need.
- Forensic Analyst ($67,440 Median Annual Salary)
These criminologists help solve crimes by gathering and documenting evidence, examining crime scenes, providing expert testimony during trials and otherwise supporting detectives and law enforcement with their forensic expertise. The growth of forensic roles, such as forensic science technicians, is considered much faster than average by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Crime Analyst ($70,500 Median Annual Salary)
For a bigger picture view of crime, these analysts focus on gathering data about crime trends to help law enforcement officers figure out where they need to have a stronger presence and how they may be able to prevent or intervene more effectively in future crimes.
Policy and Research Roles
For criminology and justice professionals looking to make a systemic impact, there are criminal justice career paths that focus on research, policy development and community engagement.
- Criminologist ($56,345 Median Annual Salary)
These professionals conduct research to help law enforcement and governments develop more effective policies and procedures. They may research areas where the most crimes happen, what times of day or year crimes are most common and what common contributing factors are contributing to specific crimes.
- Policy Researcher ($120,100 Median Annual Salary)
Policy researchers focus on evaluating the effectiveness of existing policies and making recommendations for future policies based on what is working.
- Intelligence Analyst ($99,700 Median Annual Salary)
These analysts often work with government agencies by gathering intelligence information, interpreting it and making recommendations to help law enforcement identify, mitigate and neutralize threats.
- Community Outreach Specialist ($54,100 Median Annual Salary)
These justice professionals focus on building bridges between law enforcement agencies and their local community. This may involve hosting events, working with after-school programs and participating in community events to display a positive presence.
Is a Combined Major in Criminology and Justice Studies Worth It?
For many current and aspiring criminology and justice professionals, a specialized undergraduate curriculum can lead to significantly improved career advancement opportunities and higher earning potential. If you are passionate about pursuing a career that addresses crime, justice and social impact, your time and tuition will likely be a worthwhile investment.
Who Benefits Most From This Degree?
Many individuals can benefit from a bachelor’s degree in criminology and justice studies, but this bachelor’s degree is especially helpful for:
- Law enforcement professionals who want to move up to a position that either requires or prefers candidates to have a relevant bachelor’s degree
- Professionals who want to pursue research and analyst careers that support public good and prevent crime.
- Individuals who feel passionate about criminal justice but may not be sure what specialization they want to pursue in the field. Choosing a program that includes courses on several different aspects of criminology and justice can help you evaluate your options and determine which role is right for you.
About the Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Financial Analysis Program at California Lutheran University
Continue your education and transform your career with our Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals, designed for working adults and lifelong learners with some college experience. This affordable degree completion program offers a focused major in criminology and justice studies that teaches students to transform complex financial data into useful business insights. Students will gain crucial knowledge of accounting principles, business concepts, analytical abilities and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration.
Cal Lutheran’s School for Professional and Continuing Studies serves individuals who desire to grow educationally, personally and professionally. Our work is grounded in the assessment of students’ needs and expectations. We meet these individuals where they are in order to provide tailored programs and resources that will help them clarify and deepen their purpose so that they can transform their communities — and the world.
Download a program brochure or start your application for the Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals program.
Sources
- American Society of Criminology
- Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences
- Criminology Job Outlook | Criminology.com
- Criminology | Definition, Theories, & Facts | Britannica
- Federal Law Enforcement Agencies | CA.gov
- Is criminology a good career choice? | Edology
- Justice Studies Association
- Lightcast
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
