Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement majors study law from the administration side. You'll learn skill needed to call the shots and manage police departments and other law enforcement agencies. You'll take courses in law, ethics, psychology, sociology, public administration and police science.

Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement majors can pursue certificates, associate degree's, bachelor's degree, online degrees and master's degrees through programs available at technical schools, career college, community colleges, online schools, 4-year colleges and universities. A Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement degree can also prepare you to enter the police academy, and some prospective law school students choose this major for their undergraduate college study.

Students in this major should have strong, outgoing personalities and shouldn't be afraid to take control and speak their minds. Problem-solving and people skills are paramount as is desire for justice to be served. If you want to be in the field, rather than behind the desk, make sure you're in top physical condition. Beyond Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement, you may also want to consider Corrections; Corrections Administration; Corrections and Criminal Justice; Criminal Justice/Police Science; Criminal Justice/Safety Studies; Criminalistics and Criminal Science; Fire Protection; Fire Protection and Safety Technology/Technician; Fire Science/Firefighting; Fire Services Administration; Forensic Science and Technology; Human Services; Juvenile Corrections; Securities Services Administration/Management; Security and Protective Services; and Security Services.

Choosing a Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement School

Students interested in Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement should start narrowing down their nationwide school choices depending on the degree they want to earn including certificates, associate degrees, bachelor's degrees and master's degrees. Next, find out what specialties you can focus on or minor in at prospective schools. Ask about potential internships with law enforcement agencies as well as career placement services that could help you find a job after college.

Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Degree Programs

Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement degree programs vary greatly depending on what area you want to work in. Many technical schools, career colleges and community colleges offer Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement certificate programs and associate degree programs. Virtually all of your courses will be focused on criminal justice including philosophies and investigative techniques. Longer programs may allow for a specialization in an area such as drug enforcement or gang activity.

To open doors to higher-paying positions later, many students choose to seek a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement. With more schooling, comes a liberal arts and science education base. You'll also learn more advancement public administration and management skills that will help you secure jobs directing law enforcement agencies.

Online Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Degree Programs at Online Schools

If you're interested in attending an online school, you can get an online degree in Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement. From your home and on your own schedule you can study criminal justice, law and social science courses through an online school, college or university certificate program, associate degree program, bachelor's degree program or master's degree program.

High School Preparation

Prospective college Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement majors should focus on government and history courses during high school. If you can, sign up for psychology and sociology. Many jobs in criminal justice require you to be physically fit, so stay active and try out for school sports teams. If you're interested in managing a law enforcement office, build your managerial and leadership skills by running for student government, directing a school play or leading a school organization.

Popular Careers in the Field of Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement

Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement careers in local government are expected to grow, with excellent job prospects. However, jobs with State and Federal agencies won't experience the same growth and will be harder to get. The easiest jobs to get are in high-crime areas or in low-paying departments. For a successful Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement career, consider a bachelor's degree from a career college or university, which will give you added qualifications for top jobs.

To advance your career, look to police supervisory position or detective spots with earn $54,000 to $84,000 annually on average. Or enroll in the rigorous FBI training program—FBI agents in supervisory and management roles can earn up to $131,000 per year. Others may wish to explore related careers as Child, Family and School Social Workers; Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary; Detectives and Criminal Investigators; First-Line Supervisors/Managers of Police and Detectives; and Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers.