What is Criminal Justice?
Crime has far reaching consequences to our society. The social
implications of criminal justice are far reaching. Society requires a
variety of community resources to investigate, prevent and educate
about crime. Criminal justice is the scientific study and application
of law and natural sciences to the social phenomena of crime and
delinquency. The focus of criminal justice centers on definitions,
causation, prevention, legal processes, and the treatment or
rehabilitation of criminals in our society.
Criminal justice draws from many disciplines such as sociology,
psychology, political science, economics, anthropology, geography,
public administration, urban studies, history, biology, philosophy and
law. Students of criminal justice are prepared to enter positions in
law enforcement, prevention and law school.
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What are Some Specializations Within this Broad Major?
There are certain personal characteristics that are vital to a
student seeking a career in criminal justice; some of these include
honesty, judgment, integrity, and a sense of responsibility. This
student may be observant, analytical and enjoy investigations.
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What Kinds of Students Major in Criminal Justice?
MyMajors.com cannot pinpoint your interests beyond recommending this
general major. Various specializations related to this major may be
offered by colleges and universities. These specializations may be of
greater or lesser interest to you. A few of the specializations related
to this field include, but are not limited to:
Community Policing |
Juvenile Corrections |
Criminology |
Corrections |
Juvenile Justice |
Forensic Science |
Criminal Justice Administration |
Juvenile Law |
Law Enforcement Management |
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What Courses Do Criminal Justice Majors Take?
The required and elective courses you would take for majors vary
considerably among institutions. Courses are listed here that are
illustrative of the breadth of topics you are likely to experience were
you to major in this field.
Constitutional Law |
Forensic Law |
Criminal Investigation |
Judicial Process |
Criminal Justice Administration |
Police Science |
Criminal Justice Reform |
Psychology |
Research Methods |
Criminal Profiling |
Evidence |
Sociology |
Eyewitness Testimony |
Victimology |
|
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What Types of Positions do Criminal Justice Majors Take After College?
These professions and professional organizations illustrate the
types of positions you might qualify for if you complete this major.
Some majors are more directly related to employment than others,
however. You should consider the likelihood of employment after
graduation carefully, if you do not plan to go on for graduate work in
a field. Even with the completion of graduate work in some fields,
however, employment is difficult, so you should determine what the
prospects are for this or any major. Employment possibilities are often
enhanced by the selecting employment-related courses and by the
enrollment in second major or in a minor.
Arson Investigator |
Park Ranger |
Bailiff |
Central Intelligence Agency |
Parole Officer |
Police Officer |
Postal Inspector |
Department of Justice |
Private Consultant |
Crime Analyst |
Drug Court |
Probation Officer |
Drug Enforcement Agency |
Secret Service |
Victim Advocacy |
Federal Bureau of Investigation |
Security Officer |
Immigration Officer |
Guard |
Sheriff |
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Are you interested in detailed information about the forecasted
demand for a particular profession? Are you interested in the estimated
salaries such positions are likely to pay? This government Web site
allows you to search on a particular job, whether listed here or not,
to give you this information.
Bureau
of Labor Statistics
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Related Links
If you are interested in learning more about what professionals in
this field do and what kinds of activities they engage in, you might
want to begin with the following web sites. Also check the departmental
web sites of colleges and universities, which offer this major.
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University Departments to Consider
The following institutions are
the featured institutions on MyMajors because
they support MyMajors and you in your search for
the best major available. They offer excellent
curriculums in well-rounded programs for you to
consider.
Other fine institutions offering
this major offer excellent programs to consider.
| For information
on options available to campuses wishing
to see their majors listed on MyMajors,
contact: admin@mymajors.com for details. |
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Two-Year College Curriculums
to Consider
| Suggest to your
two-year college advisor that their institution's
majors be included to show you their course
requirements and unique resources. Two-year
college representatives should contact admin@mymajors.com for details. |
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Want More Information? Look at major descriptions prepared by university academic advisement staffs. |
More on Choosing Your College Major 
