Criminal Justice Degree & Career Guide

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

What Is Criminal Justice?

Criminal justice is the study of all aspects of the justice system, including policy, law, and corrections. You can pursue a bachelor’s, a master’s, and even a doctoral degree in criminal justice. Earning a degree in criminal justice can lead to a career where you focus on serving others in your community.

Criminal justice careers may delve into the theory and psychology behind criminal behavior and reform. Many criminal justice programs offer the option to specialize in specific areas. Common specialties within a bachelor’s in criminal justice program include criminology, forensic science, homeland security, and cybercrime.