What You Need to Know About Becoming a Criminal Justice and Corrections Major

A criminal justice major gives students an understanding of the three main elements of the justice system: the courts, policing and corrections. The study of criminal justice and corrections involves research methods for criminology, criminological theory and the psychology behind criminal behavior. Those in this field work to help society operate safely and effectively.

What Is a Criminal Justice and Corrections Major?

A criminal justice major provides students with a liberal arts and social sciences-focused education in addition to criminal justice and corrections-specific training. Areas of study for this major include juvenile justice, criminal law, corrections, the judicial process, administration theory and evaluations, and crime prevention. The major draws on topics from history, political science, communications, psychology and sociology to supplement students’ coursework. Students can choose to specialize in an area of criminal justice like law enforcement, forensic science, homeland security, crisis management, or corrections and case management. For example, a law enforcement specialization likely focuses on police interactions with the community throughout the levels of the justice system. Courses for that particular speciality might cover law enforcement ethics, the structure of police organizations and daily administrative operations of the police. Those who are unsure can choose to be a generalist in criminal justice and corrections. Field experience and internships with the FBI or police are ways for students to take the theories outside of the classroom and use their knowledge in agency situations. Study abroad is an option through some programs as an opportunity to learn how other countries approach issues in criminal justice.

Common Coursework Criminal Justice and Corrections Majors Can Expect

Many of the required courses for this major are in the areas of criminal justice and criminology, psychology, political science and sociology. The foundational courses in these areas include introduction to criminal justice; problems of law enforcement; introduction to sociology; introduction to social research; the American political system; and statistics for criminology and criminal justice. More advanced courses are focused on topics like social psychology; constitutional law; civil liberties: equal protection; problems of corrections; courts and sentencing; crime and delinquency prevention; and contemporary criminological theory. For example, in the course titled “Problems of Corrections,” students learn an overview of the American corrections system, current problems with the system, philosophy of punishment, the prison experience, alternatives to incarceration and more. These broad areas of study give students exposure to the elements of the field and allow them to decide on an area of interest. No matter what career path students choose, understanding the law, policing ethics, human behavior and best practices in the field will be helpful to succeed.

How to Know if This Major Is the Right Fit for You

When choosing this major, students can think about what sparked their interest in this area of study and choose a speciality based on that answer. This major is right for students who are interested in the law, have great people skills and want to help people by serving society. People who work in criminal justice are often subjected to tough decision-making situations, so they must be calm and professional under pressure. Whether it’s working with law-abiding citizens to make progress in the community, rehabilitating convicted criminals to help them rejoin society, advocating for victims or overseeing offenders on parole or probation, this area of study can result in a rewarding career path.

What Can I Do With a Criminal Justice and Corrections Major?

Those with a criminal justice and corrections degree have a range of career options in law enforcement and other law-related professions. The undergraduate degree sets a foundation for students who want to go to law school or into other graduate degree programs. Criminal justice majors can work for the government as a federal agent, in the private sector as a private investigator or in other jobs like a court reporter, court administrator, and criminal justice educator or researcher. In addition, criminal justice majors can become parole or probation officers, juvenile court counselors, correctional administrators, social workers, federal law enforcement officers, or police officers on the municipal, county or state level. Some of these careers involving counseling, psychology and social work require advanced degrees or licensing. An added perk to working in the criminal justice system or in law enforcement: Employees are known to receive favorable health and retirement benefits.

Schools Offering a Criminal Justice Major

Check out some schools below that offer criminal justice majors and find the full list of schools here that you can filter and sort.