Is Criminal Justice a Good Major for Me to Pursue?

Do you dream of having an exciting career, where every day you’re protecting the public and making a difference in the world? Maybe you want to work in the criminal justice or law enforcement field, but have found yourself wondering: ‘Is criminal justice a good major for me?’

Earning a criminal justice degree is, without a doubt, a smart choice. The need for police officers and detectives, for example, is expected to grow in the coming years. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment for these positions to grow 7 percent over the next several years, with more than 50,000 jobs becoming available nationwide.

If you’re looking to break into the field of Criminal Justice, then you probably already have a good sense of justice and integrity, as well as a desire to help others. Whether you’re looking for a change from your 9 to 5 desk job or are just starting out in the workplace, you are likely yearning for something hands-on and exciting, where no day is the same. By enrolling in a career-focused Criminal Justice school, you will stand out from the competition and leave better prepared for your mission to protect and serve.

Some careers in Criminal Justice can be obtained with a high school diploma or equivalent, although many federal agencies and law enforcement departments today now require a college degree. Pursuing a Criminal Justice major in college, from the get-go, is one of the best ways to put yourself at an advantage when seeking a job.

Why is criminal justice a good major? An associate degree in Criminal Justice will provide you with hands-on experience and foundational knowledge in all aspects of the Criminal Justice system – positioning you for a successful career. At Goodwin College, for example, students develop the critical thinking skills necessary for modern law enforcement, security, emergency response, and investigative professions. Through exposure to contemporary policing issues, historical development, and the future of Criminal Justice, they leave ready to fulfill highly-demanded roles in the law enforcement field.

After earning their associate degree, some choose to go on to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree. But a criminal justice associate degree alone can help you land a job as a police officer, private detective or investigator, along with other, impactful criminal justice careers. Aside from the role of cop, you’ll be able to protect and serve in the following positions:

• Corrections
• Customs and Border Protection
• Drug Enforcement Agency
• Federal Bureau of Prisons
• Immigration and Customs Enforcement
• Law Enforcement
• Private and Personal Security Agencies
• Transportation Security Administration

As a criminal justice major, you can expect to pursue courses in:

• Investigative Report Writing
• Ethical and Legal Issues
• Criminal Procedures
• Criminal Law
• Juvenile Justice in America

At Goodwin, the criminal justice courses are taught by seasoned professionals, such as police commanders, detectives, state troopers, military veterans, attorneys, and other experts from the force. Their experience can teach you what you’ll need to know better than any textbook ever could!

Skills Earned as a Criminal Justice Major

When asking if criminal justice is a good major, it’s important to consider the outcomes that a focused college career can provide. Graduates of the criminal justice program at Goodwin, for example, walk away with the ability to discuss and demonstrate knowledge of:

• The basic structure and functions of the American Criminal Justice System
• The development of the corrections system in the United States
• The structure and function of the Federal and State court systems
• The development of criminal law and criminal procedure
• The effects of a culturally diverse society on the development of the Criminal Justice System
• The ethical and legal issues of criminal justice professionals
• The basic issues and problems in policing, the courts, and corrections in America
• The major sociological theories that may explain criminal behavior and delinquency

In addition to the skills acquired with your degree, you’ll also receive career support for life. The Career Services team works tirelessly to help graduates land their dream job. Our staff offers:

• Networking/Connecting with field professionals
• Resumé building
• Interview practice
• And so much more

At Goodwin, our job isn’t done until every student is working in a career they love. Start making a difference and jumpstart your career in criminal justice today! Learn more about the Criminal Justice Degree at Goodwin College online, or call 1-800-889-3282.