Both undergraduate and graduate programs are available. In many schools, criminal justice may also be pursued as either a major or minor. Cal State Los Angeles offers a master's of science degree in criminal justice along with a bachelor's program. State University of New York Buffalo offers both a bachelor's degree and minor in criminal justice. A bachelor's degree as well as a doctorate is available at Florida State University.
Some of the core classes in criminal justice programs include basic criminology courses and introductory law classes. For instance, the curriculum at Florida State University in Tallahassee includes classes such as "Law Enforcement, The Courts" and "White Collar Crime." Classes offered by California State University Los Angeles include "Concepts of Criminal Law" and "Police Organization and Administration." State University of New York Buffalo's program includes classes such as "The Correctional Process" and "Research Methods in Criminal Justice."
From Hawaii Pacific University to the University of Alaska, programs in criminal justice are widely available. Program specifics will vary from school to school depending on focus, degree type and course content. Information for specific schools' programs can be found on their websites.
Criminal justice education forms the basis for a career in the prevention and prosecution of crime. Potential employment for this degree would include jobs with government agencies like the DEA or FBI or private sector institutes such as corporate security or attorney's offices. Law enforcement administration is usually combined with criminal justice in most schools' programs. The content of these classes lends itself to careers involving the management of law enforcement offices. Potential careers include police chief or sheriff.
Depending on the type of career that is desired, the choice of minor can be important. Students seeking a job in forensics should consider a minor in the specific field they wish to pursue such as chemistry or anthropology. Some schools, such as California State Los Angeles, offer a forensic science program. If a job in administration is the goal, consider a business minor. For financial investigators, consider studying economics or financial administration.
Criminal justice/law enforcement administration also provides an excellent background for those students wishing to enter law school.