A bachelor's degree in criminal justice and legal studies is an increasingly popular choice for undergraduate coursework. It usually takes about four years to earn a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and legal studies. With such a degree, students have a variety of career opportunities open to them within the fields of crime analysis, law enforcement, public safety, and legal administration.
Benefits of a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice & Legal Studies
Earning a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and legal studies is an excellent way to begin a career in law enforcement or legal administration. With a bachelor's degree, you will have higher qualifications than someone who simply earns a professional certificate or associate's degree in criminal justice and legal studies. People with bachelor's degrees tend to earn thousands more per year than people with only a high school education. With a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and legal studies, you can expect to make between $30,000 and $80,000 per year over the course of your career.
Popular Careers with a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice & Legal Studies
Some of the things you will study while earning a bachelor's in criminal justice and legal studies might include criminal investigation, ethics, criminal procedure, juvenile justice, and the laws and standards that revolve around law enforcement work. Within a criminal justice and legal studies bachelor's degree program, you can usually choose to focus on administration, paralegal studies, or public safety. Different schools offer different specialties. Some of the most popular career choices with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and legal studies include:
- Police Officer
- Probation Officer
- Correctional Treatment Specialist
- Security Manager
- Director of Security
- Loss Prevention Manager
- Paralegal
- Legal Assistant
The starting salary for each of these positions is typically over $30,000 per year. In some of these positions, you can eventually make over $80,000 per year.
How to Earn a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice & Legal Studies
Earning a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and legal studies takes time, hard work, and commitment. You can earn a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from public or private universities. Students can earn their degree in about four years and become fully qualified for careers within the criminal justice and legal studies field.
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