Whether you plan a career as a police officer or are interested in learning more about the legal system in preparation for research or law school, a course in criminal justice can give you a solid foundation. From community policing to criminology, criminal justice is a broad field, allowing students to select an area of specialization.

What is a course in criminal justice? Courses in criminal justice range from two-year law enforcement academies to doctoral programs. Students interested in a bachelor’s degree can expect to study a wide range of criminal justice topics, including foundations of the legal system and comparative criminal justice. Specific courses may be available in juvenile justice, corrections, and criminology, as well as in specialized focus areas like hate crimes, terrorism, or hostage negotiation. For those who wish to go on to a PhD, further study allows exploration of research methods and theory.

With a host of potential careers in law enforcement, a course in criminal justice gives students a broad understanding of the justice system. In addition, students gain in-depth knowledge about specific components of the system.

Because courses in criminal justice range from online to full-time doctoral study, the costs vary widely. Contact the program that you are interested in attending to learn more about both the costs and specific course offerings.

Graduates of a course in criminal justice have a range of career possibilities to choose from. Many students opt to work in law enforcement on police forces, in correctional facilities, or in juvenile detention facilities. In addition to traditional law enforcement careers, there are also opportunities for graduates to work in schools, in the courts, or in the community. Some graduates choose to pursue further study, focusing on research, teaching, or law.

For those interested in law and order, a course in criminal justice can be the springboard to a fulfilling career in the justice system. Search for your program below and contact directly the admission office of the school of your choice by filling in the lead form.