Criminal Justice Degree
Program Overview
The criminal justice system protects the rights of the victim and the accused by ensuring justice is served for both. If you dream of being a detective, security specialist, or prosecutor, this may be the major for you.
Criminal justice is a captivating field that delves into how criminal offenders are processed by federal, state, and local agencies. It examines law enforcement officers, courts, and corrections.
Students pursue a criminal justice degree for many reasons, including a desire to help their community and contribute to a safer society. Aspiring professionals in this field often feel a strong sense of social responsibility and seek to uphold justice, protect the vulnerable, and promote fairness within the criminal justice system.
At King's College in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., we equip students with a deep understanding of the criminal justice system and its impact on society so they can solve crimes, succeed in a courtroom, or pursue any number of rewarding careers that contribute to the public good.
What Can You Do with a Criminal Justice Degree?
Graduates with a B.A. in Criminal Justice can find rewarding careers as police officers, investigators, parole officers, counselors, court administrators, corrections officers, attorneys, and federal agents.
Our criminal justice major covers law enforcement, corrections, private security, and local, state, and federal court systems. Criminal justice graduates learn to solve problems strategically by gathering and analyzing data. In addition, writing and public speaking skills are an important part of the curriculum and apply to any career.
Over the past two decades, criminal justice employment opportunities have experienced remarkable growth as legal challenges become increasingly complex and global.
Salary and employment growth
For instance, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for police and detectives was $69,160 in May 2022, and overall employment is projected to grow 3% from 2022 to 2032.
Federal agents also have access to rewarding and well-paying positions in all aspects of the criminal justice field. For instance, the average salary for new FBI agents ranges from $81,000 to $129,000.
Open positions for lawyers, who enjoyed an average salary of $135,740 in May 2022, are expected to increase by 8% over the next 10 years.
Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists earned a median salary of $59,860 in May 2022, with related positions projected to grow 3% percent from 2022 to 2032.
This is just a snapshot of the countless opportunities in this field. Whether you aspire to enter the labor market right after graduation or pursue further studies, our comprehensive curriculum prepares you for success.
What Makes the King's Criminal Justice Program Different?
Our criminal justice program is designed to provide a well-rounded education that prepares students for successful careers and fosters a deep understanding of the complexities of the criminal justice system.
Here are some key aspects that make our program stand out:
- Diverse areas of study: Our curriculum encompasses a wide range of subjects, ensuring that our graduates are well-versed in all aspects of the criminal justice field.
- Career-focused: We enhance the career opportunities of our students within the criminal justice system. Whether you aspire to be a police officer, federal agent, prosecutor, public defender, or corrections officer, our program equips you with the knowledge and skills to succeed.
- Double major opportunities: We understand that our students have diverse interests. As a criminal justice major, you have the unique opportunity to pursue a double major, selecting from various fields such as government, history, psychology, and sociology. This flexibility allows you to align your education with your personal and professional aspirations.
- Internship program: Hands-on experience is crucial in the criminal justice field. As part of our program, you can intern with municipal, county, state, and federal agencies in the Wilkes-Barre area. This practical training provides invaluable real-world insights and networking opportunities.
- Small classes: With small class sizes, students receive a high level of personal attention at our beautiful campus in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
