The Value of a Criminal Justice Degree: Skills, Evolution, and Degree Pathways

Is a criminal justice degree worth it? The value of a criminal justice degree is a common question among those considering earning one. Earning a degree in the field can be worth it for those who want to pursue their passion while helping communities.

Consider the following ways an associate or bachelor’s degree program can help you develop the skills you need to enter and thrive in this field.

Key Skills in the Criminal Justice Field

Criminal justice professionals often encounter high-pressure, high-stakes situations that demand quick and informed decision-making.

You must have critical thinking skills to evaluate options, weigh consequences and make sound judgments under duress. Your problem-solving skills will help you identify the root causes of criminal behavior and develop effective strategies for intervention and prevention.

Success in the criminal justice field requires robust written and verbal communication skills. These allow you to gather accurate information, build trust and de-escalate conflicts. You’ll be able to effectively interact with a diverse range of individuals, from colleagues to suspects to witnesses and members of the public.

You will also need a deep understanding of law, ethics and public policy. This knowledge must inform your decision-making and advocacy, as you will use these principles in your day-to-day work.

Criminal justice professionals must have a range of technical skills. Knowledge of best practices in forensics, data analysis and, cybersecurity will ensure you can handle critical and sensitive information with care and extract insights that can solve crimes, enhance community safety and make the criminal justice system more fair and efficient.

Is a Criminal Justice Degree Worth It? Why the Criminal Justice Field Is Booming

The criminal justice field is slated for significant growth over the next decade. Data suggests that roles like probation officers and correctional treatment specialists will experience an average growth rate of 4%. Other roles, such as forensic technicians, will grow nearly four times as fast (+14%).

The criminal justice boom can be attributed to several factors, including the increasing complexity of law and crime enforcement. The rise of cybercrime, as well as ever-evolving criminal tactics, has created a need for professionals with specialized skill sets.

Technological advancements have not only changed the way people commit crimes, but also the way those in the justice system gather and analyze evidence and data, identify suspects, and even partner with the community to prevent crime.

Evolution of Criminal Justice Practices

Traditional policing was based on reacting to crimes after they had occurred. Detectives and officers often had to rely on experience and professional intuition, making it more difficult to solve crimes or even know if they were on the right track. This also made it challenging to know what to do to prevent crime, as data surrounding underlying social issues was scarce.

Fortunately, the criminal justice system as a whole has become much more data-driven and, therefore, more effective with the advancement in technology. Predictive policing, which uses data analysis and algorithms to anticipate crimes, allows for resource allocation that enables crime prevention instead of simply responding to crime.

Additionally, new theories have developed in the field of criminal justice. Instead of a focus on punishment, many have realized the power of restorative justice, a movement to rehabilitate offenders through reconciliation with victims and the community, in reducing recidivism.

What Are the Components of Criminal Justice Degree Programs

Criminal justice degree programs include several core components that help students build the skills they need to contribute positively to the profession. The coursework you’ll encounter includes police and corrections systems, criminology, criminal procedure and legal research. You’ll also attend courses in psychology, sociology and ethics.

Your program may also offer an opportunity to take electives or even specialize in a complex and growing area of criminal justice. Professionals with knowledge of criminal psychology, forensic science and cybercrime can be in demand due to their specialization.

For example, at UA Grantham, we have two criminal justice concentrations, Computer Forensic Investigation and Homeland Security, allowing students to not only take core criminal justice courses but also expand their knowledge with subtopics.

Degrees in Criminal Justice: Associate to Master’s

Because the field is so versatile, criminal justice degrees are offered at every level to cater to varying interests and needs. An associate’s degree in the field builds foundational knowledge in police and corrections systems and practices, criminology, judicial process and legal research. In an associate degree program, you’ll also develop basic skills in written and verbal communication, psychological analysis and ethics.

Should you decide to transition to a bachelor’s degree, you’ll get the opportunity to dive deeper into specialized topics. These may include policing, criminal investigation and criminal justice administration. This degree can prepare you for facing the complexities of the system and making real change in the field.

Pursuing a master’s degree in the field also has merit, as it allows you to build advanced skills and expertise. Individuals who pursue a master’s degree usually are seeking advanced positions and leadership roles in the criminal justice field or participation in research projects and additional specialized roles.

Roles in Criminal Justice: Skills and Knowledge for Success

The field of criminal justice is vast and includes a wide range of careers requiring specialized skills and knowledge. For example, detectives and investigators gather evidence, conduct interviews and analyze data to solve crimes.

Those in this role certainly need a strong foundation in psychology, as well as critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Transferable skills like written and verbal communication, which can be developed in our online criminal justice associate degree program, help investigators get the information they need while they’re on the case.

Some students pursue roles as criminal analysts. Our online Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice can prepare these professionals to analyze crime data to identify trends and patterns, extracting actionable insights to help with crime prevention or investigation.

Is a criminal justice degree worth it? Many would say “yes.” Whether you decide to pursue one of these roles or become a correctional professional, probation officer, or law enforcement officer, a degree in criminal justice can help you build the skills to contribute positively to your community.