Criminal Justice Degrees
Careers in law enforcement, security, and the courts.
About Criminal Justice degrees
Criminal justice degrees prepare you for roles in policing, corrections, security, investigation, and the court system. The field values a mix of practical training and understanding of law, ethics, and human behavior.
Many programs are available online and at a range of price points. Use the outcome and cost data below to find a program that fits your goals and budget.
Criminal Justice by the numbers
192+
Schools offering Criminal Justice
$84,204
Median earnings (top schools)
$30,915
Median net price (top schools)
Figures reflect the top-earning four-year schools for this field, using official U.S. Department of Education data.
Careers in Criminal Justice
Police Officer / Detective
Protect communities and investigate crimes.
Corrections & Probation Officer
Supervise and support individuals in the justice system.
Security & Loss Prevention
Protect people, property, and information for organizations.
Paralegal / Court Support
Support attorneys and the operation of the courts.
Degree levels
Focused training in areas like corrections, security, or crime-scene basics.
A two-year path into policing, corrections, and security roles.
Opens investigative, federal, and supervisory positions.
For leadership, policy, forensic specialties, and teaching.
Top schools for Criminal Justice
See all →Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA · Private nonprofit
- $41,704
- Net price
- 16%
- Admit rate
- 10,085
- Enrolled
Northeastern University
Boston, MA · Private nonprofit
- $30,915
- Net price
- 5%
- Admit rate
- 17,326
- Enrolled
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit
- $32,740
- Net price
- 10%
- Admit rate
- 20,443
- Enrolled
George Washington University
Washington, DC · Private nonprofit
- $36,586
- Net price
- 47%
- Admit rate
- 11,182
- Enrolled
University of Virginia-Main Campus
Charlottesville, VA · Public
- $21,565
- Net price
- 17%
- Admit rate
- 17,597
- Enrolled
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark, NJ · Public
- $16,504
- Net price
- 65%
- Admit rate
- 9,019
- Enrolled
Criminal Justice — Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with a criminal justice degree?+
Graduates work as police officers, detectives, corrections and probation officers, security managers, paralegals, and in federal agencies. Higher degrees open investigative and leadership roles.
Do I need a degree to become a police officer?+
Many departments require only a high school diploma plus academy training, but a criminal justice degree can improve hiring odds, starting rank, and promotion potential.
Is a criminal justice degree worth it?+
It depends on your target role and the program's cost. Federal and specialized roles reward the degree more than entry-level positions; compare net price and earnings on the school data above.
Can I study criminal justice online?+
Yes — criminal justice is widely offered online at the certificate, associate, bachelor's, and master's levels.
What federal jobs can a criminal justice degree lead to?+
Agencies like the FBI, DEA, ATF, Homeland Security, and the U.S. Marshals hire from this field, often preferring a bachelor's degree plus relevant experience.
What's the difference between criminal justice and criminology?+
Criminal justice focuses on the system — police, courts, corrections — while criminology studies the causes and patterns of crime. Some programs blend both.
Is there a lot of demand in this field?+
Demand is steady for law enforcement, corrections, and especially private security and cybersecurity-adjacent roles. Requirements and pay vary significantly by agency and region.
Can I become a lawyer with a criminal justice degree?+
Yes — criminal justice is a common pre-law major. You'll still need to complete law school and pass the bar exam to practice.
What skills do criminal justice programs teach?+
Expect coursework in criminal law, ethics, investigation, corrections, and often statistics and report writing — plus critical-thinking skills valued across many roles.
Is financial aid available for criminal justice students?+
Yes — federal aid, scholarships, and in some cases tuition assistance for those already working in law enforcement or the military.