To obtain a criminal justice degree, an understanding of the basics of criminology is necessary. The majority of criminal justice degrees have the requirement of taking, at a minimum, an introduction to criminology class. A basic criminology course explores criminality, victimology and the causes and theories of deviant behavior. An intermediate level criminological theory class may be required for criminal justice degrees at some schools.
At least one, and likely more than one, required course for a criminal justice degree is one that teaches the structure and functions of the court system. The courses teach the function of the federal court system, as well as state court systems. Other aspects of these courses include trial processes, civil and criminal, and the judiciary.
Criminal justice degrees require the study of corrections. The study of corrections is an examination of the history and issues with institutional correctional facilities, such as jails and prisons. In addition to the history, courses in corrections discuss the problems and solutions to those problems in the prison system. Included in most corrections courses is the discussion of the death penalty.
Students need to take criminal law courses for a criminal justice degree. The exact number of classes and courses to take depends on the requirements of each school. The study of criminal law includes classifying crimes, legal terminology, due process and supreme court decisions. While the study of civil law might be required, the study of criminal law is mandatory.