Is Criminal Justice a Good Major?

Published on: December 22, 2022

Young police officer laughing while talking to a couple kids.

Criminal justice consistently ranks among the most popular college majors, and for good reason. This field of study opens doors to meaningful careers that directly impact communities while offering job security and advancement opportunities. A degree in criminal justice provides you with the knowledge and skills needed for diverse roles in law enforcement, corrections, legal advocacy, policy development and beyond.

Students who pursue this major find themselves well-prepared for roles that blend public service with personal fulfillment. This degree also serves as excellent preparation for law school or graduate studies. Ultimately, the question isn't whether criminal justice is a good major — it's whether you're ready to join a profession that truly makes a difference.

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Why Criminal Justice is a Good Major

So, is criminal justice a good major? The short answer is yes.

Criminal justice stands out for its versatility and real-world relevance. In addition to boosting career opportunities, it develops critical thinking skills and a deep understanding of how society addresses crime and justice. Coursework often covers topics such as criminal behavior theories, legal systems, sociology and ethics — helping students understand not just the “how” but the “why” behind crime. By building foundational knowledge of the criminal justice system, students can gain access to roles in a wide range of settings, from nonprofit organizations to private-sector security firms.

Career Outlook and Demand

The job market for criminal justice graduates varies by specialization but is promising overall. In May 2024, the median wage for police officers and detectives was $77,270, with earning potential increasing as professionals advance in their careers. Employment for these roles, meanwhile, is projected to grow by 4% through 2033.

Certain specialized areas are growing even more rapidly. For example, employment for accountants and auditors working in the criminal justice system is projected to grow by 10.6%.

Emerging Specialties

Technology continues to transform the criminal justice landscape, creating exciting new career paths that didn't exist a generation ago. Fields such as cybercrime and homeland security now offer roles such as:

Computer forensic investigator
Cyber threat intelligence analyst
Law enforcement agent
Military officer
Legislative assistant

Digital forensics has become particularly valuable, with universities offering specialized programs that teach students to use technology to analyze evidence, track digital footprints and pinpoint criminal behavior.

Advancement Paths

One of the biggest advantages of a criminal justice degree is upward mobility. Graduates can work in a variety of settings, from correctional facilities to court systems. Many graduates also pursue advanced degrees — including master's programs, PhDs or law school (Juris Doctor) — to deepen their expertise and expand their impact.

Benefits of a Criminal Justice Degree

A criminal justice degree offers concrete advantages that extend far beyond traditional law enforcement roles. The curriculum provides both practical skills and theoretical knowledge, preparing students for careers across different industries. Whether you’re interested in shaping policy, serving your community or working in the private sector, this degree builds a strong foundation for professional success and lifelong growth. Here are some of the key advantages:

Diverse Career Paths Across Sectors

Criminal justice graduates can find opportunities in both the private and public sectors, working in fields such as:

Private security
Probation and parole services
Financial institutions
Insurance companies
Court systems
Federal, state and local law enforcement
Corrections agencies
Counseling and advocacy

Due to this versatility, graduates aren't locked into a single career trajectory. Rather, they can pivot between sectors as their interests and life circumstances change.

In-Depth Understanding of the Law

A criminal justice degree provides a comprehensive understanding of the legal system, including constitutional law, criminal procedures and court processes. Students learn how laws are created and enforced, giving them insights that prove essential in roles related to legal advocacy and compliance, as well as policy development and business operations.

Chance to Protect and Serve Your Community

Many students are drawn to criminal justice because of a desire to make a difference. For some, that involves working in traditional law enforcement as a patrol or police officer. For others, that means working in victim advocacy or crime prevention programs to promote public safety. Regardless of which role you choose, getting involved in criminal justice can help protect communities and deter criminal behavior.

Transferable Professional Skills

Criminal justice programs develop critical thinking, research, writing, communication and analytical skills. More specifically, students learn how to do the following:

Evaluate evidence
Write detailed reports
Conduct interviews
Analyze data
Present findings

These competencies prove valuable in fields such as business, government, nonprofit work and journalism, making the degree a solid foundation for many careers — including those outside of traditional criminal justice roles.

Flexible and Accelerated Learning Formats

Many criminal justice programs offer flexible scheduling options, including evening classes, weekend programs, online courses and accelerated degree formats. This accessibility enables working adults to earn their degrees without putting their lives on hold.

Personal Growth and Confidence

Criminal justice programs challenge students to think critically about complex social issues, which helps build strong ethical reasoning and confidence. Through hands-on training, internships and real-world experiences, students develop leadership skills and learn how to handle high-pressure situations.

Retirement Benefits

Law enforcement roles often come with robust retirement and benefit packages. Federal officers, for instance, may retire at age 50 with 20 years of covered service and receive a generous pension. Local police officers, meanwhile, typically become eligible for retirement after 20 or 25 years of service. Many of these roles also offer health and life insurance and long-term financial security, empowering officers to retire with financial security.

How Long is a Criminal Justice Degree Program?

So, how long is a criminal justice degree program, typically? In general, earning your degree can take anywhere from one to four years. The exact length of time varies depending on the degree type, your enrollment status and whether you’re also pursuing a minor. Understanding the timeline for each degree level can help you plan your educational and career path.

Associate Degree

An associate degree in criminal justice usually takes two years to complete in a traditional setting. This degree requires around 60 credit hours and provides foundational knowledge in criminal law, police procedures and court systems. After graduation, many students obtain entry-level positions in fields such as corrections and private security, as well as law enforcement administration. Graduates may also use this degree as a stepping stone to transfer into a four-year program.

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically takes four years to complete and requires about 120 course credits. Degree programs may take longer if students choose to complete their coursework at a part-time pace. Through these programs, students gain in-depth exposure to criminal justice theory, research methods, criminology and specialized areas like forensics or homeland security.

Graduate Degree

A master's degree in criminal justice generally takes one to two years to complete, depending on the program structure. Most require between 30 and 36 credit hours, with some accelerated options allowing students to graduate in as little as one year. However, many students — especially those balancing work and school — study at a slower pace and graduate in two or three years. Coursework focuses on advanced topics such as criminal justice administration, policy analysis and specialized research areas.

Is Criminal Justice the Right Fit for You?

Choosing a major is a significant decision that should align with your interests, values and career goals. Criminal justice attracts students who want to make a meaningful difference in their communities while building a stable, rewarding career. If you’re drawn to service-oriented careers that directly impact public safety, this field may be an excellent fit.

Take the Next Step Toward Your Criminal Justice Career

Criminal justice offers a unique combination of job security, meaningful work and diverse job opportunities. From law enforcement and court systems to cybercrime investigation and legal advocacy, a criminal justice degree opens doors to careers that make a real difference in your community.

Husson University’s Criminal Justice Degree program provides the comprehensive education and practical experience you need to succeed in today's evolving criminal justice landscape. Don't wait to start building your future in criminal justice. Contact Husson University today to learn more!