What Do You Study in Criminal Justice and How Will I Use it in the Field?

What Is the Study of Criminal Justice and How Will I Use it in the Field?

Are you fascinated by detective shows and legal procedures? Are you passionate about justice and ensuring those who do break laws are caught and appropriately sentenced? If so, then you could be a great candidate for a criminal justice degree.

Criminal justice is a social science that aims to identify patterns of criminal behavior and explain how society can reduce or  control criminal elements. Those who enroll in a criminal justice program can expect to learn a lot about the legal and correctional systems in this country. The following is a look at a few of the classes criminal justice majors can expect to take and how those classes help in field work.

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Areas of Study in a Criminal Justice Program

  • Chain of evidence: You've likely heard this term in procedural television shows. Chain of evidence is a critical component of law enforcement as well as legal prosecution. This term refers to the correct procedure regarding criminal evidence, and 'breaking' the chain can result in a complete breakdown of the case--meaning your bad guy goes free. This area of study emphasizes the necessary procedures to keep evidence free from corruption, tampering, or degrading. 
  • Law and due process: Law enforcement must first find evidence before the chain of evidence can begin. To do so, they must properly secure a crime scene, find and interview witnesses and potential suspects, and procure warrants to search and arrest individuals. All of these steps must be done in accordance with certain laws and following due process as set out by county, state, and federal legislature. These are all areas of study covered by a criminal justice program, although graduates should expect to continually learn on the job.
  • Investigative principles: It is very rare for a criminal to just come to you and explain in detail what crime they committed and how they did it. As such, one of the most significant parts of law enforcement is the investigation of crimes. During the course of an investigation, law enforcement officials will need to know both how to secure and analyze a physical scene and how to research people, places, and criminal elements after a crime takes place. Coursework in investigative principles builds on the thousands of protocols and procedures that have been proven to be effective.
  • Proper Conduct and Behavior: TV detectives seem to fly off the handle at any inconvenience. Real police officers and detectives need to keep their cool, respond to problems professionally, and always remember their mission: to serve and protect the public.  

Benefits of Pursuing a Criminal Justice Degree

A criminal justice degree may be beneficial in more ways than one: 

  • Specialized knowledge: Law enforcement and law corrections is a busy, varied, and, sometimes, highly-stressful job. This is a field where individuals have to be on their feet and moving, dealing with different people every day. While it is possible to learn as you go with on-the-job training, most find advanced training incredibly helpful. With a criminal justice degree, you can feel confident that you know the correct procedures.
  • Dedication to the field. Earning a degree in this field demonstrates that you are sure this is where you want to be and what you want to do. 

Get Started On Your Criminal Justice Degree Today at ECPI University

Are you determined that criminal justice is the only field for you? If you want to learn more about how to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice, ECPI University offers this program at an accelerated rate. For more information, connect with a helpful admissions counselor today.

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