Your guide to a criminal justice major and career paths

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Key takeaways about criminal justice majors

A criminal justice major explores crime, law, and public safety systems.
You’ll study everything from criminology to law enforcement practices.
This degree can lead to careers in law, corrections, or federal agencies.
It’s a strong choice for students interested in justice and social systems.
Grad school is common for roles like lawyer, criminologist, or forensic analyst.

So, what is a criminal justice major?

If you're into solving problems, understanding human behavior, and standing up for fairness, a criminal justice major might be a great fit. This major dives into the structure and function of law enforcement, legal systems, corrections, and public safety—basically, how society handles crime and justice.

What is criminal justice?

Criminal justice is the system that deals with crime, from prevention and investigation to punishment and rehabilitation. It includes police departments, courts, jails, and community programs. Studying this field helps you understand how all these parts work together—and how they can be improved.

What will you study as a criminal justice major?

This major blends theory with real-world applications. You’ll explore why crime happens and how the justice system responds. Courses often include:

Introduction to criminal justice
Criminology
Law enforcement and policing
Corrections and rehabilitation
Criminal law and procedure
Ethics in criminal justice

Popular concentrations for criminal justice majors

Many programs let you focus on specific areas like:

Forensic science
Cybercrime and digital security
Homeland security
Juvenile justice
Law and legal studies

Skills that students build in this major

Beyond learning how the system works, you'll sharpen skills like:

Critical thinking and analysis
Written and verbal communication
Problem solving under pressure
Understanding laws and legal procedures
Working with diverse communities

Who’s a good fit for criminal justice?

If you're detail-oriented, empathetic, and curious about how justice works, this major could be for you. It’s a solid choice for students interested in law enforcement, social justice, public safety, or legal advocacy.

Common double majors and minors

To strengthen your resume, you might pair criminal justice with:

Psychology or sociology
Political science or public administration
Computer science (especially for cybercrime careers)
Foreign language or communications

What are the top careers in criminal justice?

Criminal justice grads work in a variety of roles depending on their interests and level of education. Jobs include:

Police officer or detective
FBI or DEA agent
Crime scene investigator
Probation or parole officer
Correctional officer
Criminal analyst or intelligence officer

Graduate study options

Want to level up? Many criminal justice majors go on to earn advanced degrees in:

Law (JD)
Criminology or criminal justice (MA/MS/PhD)
Public administration or policy
Forensic psychology
Social work or counseling

Grad school can open doors to research, policymaking, or specialized legal careers.

Notable schools for criminal justice majors

Looking for standout programs? Some well-regarded schools include:

Whether you’re drawn to helping your community or tackling crime through policy or law, a criminal justice major can open doors. It’s a hands-on, meaningful degree that lets you make a real difference.

And if paying for college is on your mind (because yeah, it can get expensive), check out scholarships for criminal justice majors or apply for easy options like the $2,000 No Essay Scholarship. You can also use Scholly Scholarships to discover more awards.

Still choosing a school? Use the Scout College Search or explore more scholarships by major to find what fits.