Studying Criminal Studies: Degrees at a Glance
A degree in criminal studies, commonly offered as a criminal justice major, can prepare you for several careers in the social and protective services. Government agencies offer many of these careers. For example, you may pursue a career as a probation officer. These individuals monitor former offenders to ensure they meet the terms of their probation and do not commit additional crimes. You may also consider becoming a police officer to enforce laws and make arrests.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), national employment opportunities for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists were expected to increase 18% from 2010-2020. This anticipated growth is due to prison overcrowding and the trend toward probation for non-violent crimes. By comparison, the BLS projected police and detectives would see just seven percent growth over that same time period, caused by these professions' reliance on government spending. Both careers typically have additional requirements, such as passing written or physical exams, completing academy training or on-the-job training.
| Associate | Bachelor's | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is this Degree for? | Individuals interested in front-line work in law enforcement, such as apprehending suspects and maintaining laws | Experienced individuals interested in leadership positions in law enforcement |
| Common Career Paths (with approximate median annual salary) | - Police and sheriff's patrol officers ($54,000)* - Correctional officers and jailers ($39,000)* - Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors ($39,000)* | - Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists ($48,000)* - Detectives and criminal investigators ($72,000 - often requires work experience and a degree)* - First line supervisors of police and detectives ($78,000 - may require work experience plus a degree)* |
| Time to Completion | 2 years (full time) | 4 years (full time) |
| Common Graduation Requirements | Practicum | Practicum |
| Prerequisites | - High school diploma - SAT/ACT or other placement test scores | - High school diploma - SAT/ACT scores |
| Online Availability | Yes | Yes |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011).
