Crime scene & forensic investigators
The Differences Between a BA and a BS in Criminal Justice
Updated June 24, 2022
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What is criminal justice?
Criminal justice is a branch of social science that focuses on law enforcement and the administration of criminal penalties. Its purpose is to maintain order and security within society, as well as fairness under the law. The first step to becoming employed in a field revolving around crime solving and prevention is to acquire a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.What is a BA in criminal justice?
A BA in criminal justice, or a bachelor of arts in criminal justice, is typically an academic program that offers courses and study programs on specific topics related to crime, law enforcement and the judicial system. This BA requires students to complete basic course requirements, like math and English, and courses related to the major. The curriculum includes lectures, discussion groups, case studies, internships and guest speakers that help ensure students are able to apply what they learn after graduation.Related: 20 Positions You Can Hold With a Master's in Criminal JusticeWhat is a BS in criminal justice?
A BS in criminal justice, or a bachelor of science in criminal justice, is typically a bachelor's degree that provides students with the necessary courses to enter the criminal justice field. These courses provide an overview of criminal justice, criminal law and criminology. They also may provide the experience needed for careers in law enforcement. This degree also prepares graduates for graduate studies related to the field.Related: 16 Jobs in Criminal Justice With No Required Police TrainingShowcase your skills with help from a resume expert
BA vs. BS in criminal justice
The difference between a BA and BS in criminal justice depends on the school offering each degree, but here are some general differences between these two degrees:Course offerings
A BA in criminal justice may allow students to take more liberal arts courses on topics not necessarily related to criminal justice. These courses include, but are not limited to, philosophy, sociology and the arts. They also commonly include many courses directly related to criminal justice.A BS in criminal justice may offer a more specific focus on criminal justice topics. This may include courses related to investigation, forensics, homeland security and security management. Schools may offer courses that are not directly related to criminal justice as electives or through online courses.Career opportunities
A BA in criminal justice may be more open to students who are undecided about what they want to study after graduation. This degree may offer the flexibility needed for students who don't know if they want to become judges, work in corrections or become a probation officer.A BS in criminal justice is most often offered by community colleges and technical programs. Students who earn this degree are most likely to pursue jobs in law enforcement, corrections or security. A BS in this field may focus on the core skills needed for these careers. It may also include hands-on training through internships at local agencies, like state police departments or jails.Related: 15 Jobs For a Criminal Justice Certificate (With FAQ)Concentrations
A BA in criminal justice may offer a variety of concentrations, some of which include:- Law Enforcement Administration: This concentration offers a broad overview of the field. Students who pursue this concentration are typically interested in law enforcement careers, but not necessarily for a specific agency. These students may also pursue graduate studies after graduation.
- Corrections: This concentration is typically for students who want to work as corrections officers at prisons or jails, but may also pursue careers in probation, parole and probation officers. Students who pursue this concentration often spend the majority of their time within the criminal justice system, which involves learning how individuals commit crimes and how to rehabilitate them after they serve their sentences.
- Criminology: This concentration includes courses that focus on the criminal activities of individuals, why they commit crime and how to measure criminal behavior. Students may also take electives in sociology, psychology and statistics. Interested students may pursue graduate studies in criminology.
- Homeland Security: This program focuses on identifying security risks for groups and businesses so they can protect them from threats from criminals. Students learn about terrorist threats and government responses and how to counter them in a variety of ways.
- Security Management: This program focuses on the management of security firms, law enforcement departments and military units. Students learn how to respond to security threats, minimize crimes and prevent future attacks.
- Law Enforcement: This program focuses on public safety at all levels. Students learn about patrolling, investigations and preserving evidence in order to keep communities safe.
Internships
A BA in criminal justice may allow students to take an internship at a local agency. These internships may include a prison, a jail, a state police department or the US military. Students may gain real-world experience that they can apply to their career once they graduate.A BS in criminal justice allows students to take internships with agencies such as the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security and state police departments. Students can learn about what it's like to work for these agencies and apply what they learn to their careers after graduation.Related: 15 of the Highest-Paying Criminal Justice JobsAvailability
A BA in criminal justice is available at many schools, including state colleges and private schools. This degree may also be available online through satellite programs. A BS in criminal justice is available at fewer institutions. Students may research their options for earning this degree before committing to one school or program.
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