Students may choose associate degree programs in criminal justice or law enforcement for employment with a law enforcement agency, local court or corrections facility. The requirements for an associate degree generally inlcude basic college-level subjects such as English composition then classes in criminal justice, criminal procedure, report or technical writing, and psychology, as well as electives.
Students who wish to pursue a four-year degree in criminal law or criminal justice should consider bachelor's degree programs offered by colleges and universities. Besides general liberal arts coursework required for all undergraduate students, a criminal justice major includes course selections in criminal justice topics, criminology, psychology, investigative techniques, policing, corrections and rehabilitation. A four-year criminal law program might include separate tracks depending on whether the student wants to pursue a career as a law enforcement or corrections officer.
Students who already have a bachelor's degree may engage in further study of criminal law through a master's degree program, even if they have no interest in practicing law as attorneys. Master's degree students in criminal law must usually fulfill requirements in advanced criminal law and criminal procedure, as well as courses such as international criminal law, terrorism or white collar crime. Some law schools, such as the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, allow master's degree students to take criminal law courses alongside its law students.
The juris doctor degree (J.D.) is a three-year, full-time professional degree for students who plan to become lawyers. At law schools with criminal law certificate programs, such as Pepperdine University School of Law, interested J.D. students earn criminal legal practice certificates by completing a core group of criminal law classes such as criminal law and procedure, criminal trials and evidence. Students must also take several advanced electives such as juvenile law, sentencing, corrections, and police practices.