Criminal Justice / Legal Programs
Criminal justice degree programs help train students in a comprehensive understanding of the legal process. This largely interdisciplinary field is informed by findings from legal studies, psychology, theory, political science and sociology. Bachelor's-level coursework in this subject may be arranged by themes, such as global criminology, law and justice, criminal justice organizations and public policy. After completing their bachelor's, graduates can become more intimate with policy-oriented aspects of the field through a master's in criminal justice, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Students who are entering the field from other disciplines may consider pursuing a certificate or associate's degree to develop appropriate skills before entering a four-year program. A criminal justice degree can lead to careers at the local, state and federal levels. Graduates may also choose to enroll in law school to become prosecutors and judges. Sociologists who are interested in offering lawmakers policy recommendations for criminal justice reform may do so after they have completed a master's degree program, according to the BLS.