Christian Colleges with Criminal Justice Majors

By Calli Wolfenden, Staff Writer
 

Criminal Justice is a vast field and interdisciplinary major. There are several career paths one can take from it, and all of them vital to the criminal justice system as a whole. Criminal justice deals with maintaining order in society, investigating and prosecuting crime, providing justice for victims, and correcting the offenders. Getting a Criminal Justice degree prepares an individual to step into a vital field that relies on the commitment, intentionality, and integrity of those serving in it.

Getting a criminal justice degree from a Christian college emphasizes the importance of true justice, service, and forgiveness that is required of God’s people. Scripture provides us with an abundance of examples of justice, wisdom, integrity, love, and forgiveness that provide us with a valuable perspective to bring into the world of criminal justice today. Choosing to major in criminal justice at a Christian college allows students to learn how to enact justice from the only truly Righteous Judge, the Lord.

Example career options for those who choose to major in Criminal Justice:

• Police officer: Police Officers are law enforcement professionals who work to keep the peace, ensure the safety of the general public, and enforce the law. They patrol streets and neighborhoods, respond to emergencies, make arrests, and investigate crimes. Their work often involves collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, courts, and others.
• Detective/Criminal investigator/Crime Scene Investigator: Criminal Investigators/Detectives work with crime scenes, collecting evidence and analyzing the information to solve crimes. Their work often entails interviewing suspects and witnesses, and working with forensic experts and police officers to analyze evidence and build cases. The purpose of their work is to uncover truth and bring about justice.
• Correctional Officer: Correctional officers ensure the safe and lawful management of incarcerated individuals, those awaiting trial, or even those who are being transported to prison. They are responsible for maintaining order within prisons, overseeing security for the safety of other guards and prisoners, and supervising prisoners. Correctional officers may also be called upon for disturbances, and an essential part of their role is preventing the escape of convicts. Paperwork and filing reports on incidents, transfers, and other instances is also part of the job.
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Agent: FBI Agents enforce the law and protect national security at the highest level. They conduct investigations, compile evidence, conduct surveillance, make arrests, and often work closely with other agencies and law enforcement professionals. Their cases are often high profile dealing with corruption, white collar crime, terrorism, cybersecurity, and organized crime.
• Lawyer: Lawyers represent an individual or party/group in criminal cases, either as a defense lawyer or prosecutor. Defense lawyers protect the rights of the accused and attempt to prove them innocent or lessen the charges. Prosecutors seek to prove guilt and seek justice for the victims or affected party. They advise clients, present evidence, argue in court, and may also negotiate plea deals for clients. Their role is vital in the pursuit of justice and ensuring the process is conducted fairly.
• Forensic Psychologist: A Forensic Psychologist bridges the gap between psychology and law enforcement, aiding in legal decisions, particularly where testimonies and court cases are concerned. They may psychologically evaluate witnesses, suspects, defendants, or victims to determine their mental health and competency in standing trial or providing testimony. Forensic Psychologists can also offer help in rehabilitation or conducting risk assessments, as well as offer insight into criminal behavior.

The field of criminal justice is one that is in constant demand, which means constant opportunity for those who choose to major in criminal justice. Placement rates for graduates are typically high with plenty of different career options within the field of Criminal justice. The average annual salary for careers in the field is $70,775 with lots of room for increase throughout your career. Even with a criminal justice degree under your belt, there are some important things to note that may help land a career-starting job right out of college.

The first is to know what specifically you want to do in the field of criminal justice. With so many options for careers, it’s best to be able to narrow your focus and become a competitive candidate with targeted experience and expertise in that specific area. For example, if you want to become a forensic psychologist, it would be important to have internships that are tailored to the psychological side of criminology, as well as a focus within your major on criminal and abnormal psychology. Some careers with a criminal justice degree require further education as well, such as a lawyer, forensic psychologist, or certain kinds of federal agents. Knowing if these are the sort of careers you want to have can better prepare you to continue your education, research schools, and prepare for the longer academic road ahead.

Gaining experience through internships, volunteer work, or job-shadowing is also important. Many careers with a criminal justice degree are intense environments and important jobs. Employers want to know that you have experience within the field and know what you’re getting yourself into. This also provides you with the opportunity to test out the career, see what it would require of you, and gauge how well suited you are for it. Additionally, it allows you to start building a network that you can refer to for job references or potential job openings.

Again, those who choose to major in criminal justice are choosing a vital and possibly intense career path. A career in criminal justice can mean defending the innocent or ensuring that justice is enacted on the guilty. It entails standing up for those who are not able to stand up for themselves and pursuing the truth. As such, it is vital that someone with a criminal justice degree move with integrity and attention to detail. The outcome of a case changes lives, for good and bad, so it is imperative that the pursuit of justice is done meticulously, honestly, and intentionally. Being a good communicator is also an essential trait for careers in the criminal justice field, as there are many moving parts and different departments involved in the criminal justice system. These characteristics are necessary for any career with a criminal justice degree, but they can also make someone well attuned for a role in ministry.

Works Cited:

• Hanson, Karen S. “Criminal Justice Salary Guide.” All Criminal Justice Schools, www.allcriminaljusticeschools.com/criminal-justice/criminal-justice-salaries/. Accessed 15 Oct. 2024.

By Calli Wolfenden, Staff Writer
 

The principles of integrity, justice, and forgiveness are heavily rooted in the word of God. We aren’t just called to act justly, but to forgive and love even when others fail and sin against us. For those who choose to major in criminal justice, the importance of both justice and forgiveness is clear, especially as we obey the call to bring others to Christ.

Isaiah 1:17
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”

Colossians 3:12-14
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

Someone with a criminal justice degree will have a deeper understanding of the legal system, the innerworkings of prison, and the process for both criminal and victim. Because of their knowledge, there is opportunity for ministry to both sides of the coin. Prison ministries are an important outreach option, where someone with a criminal justice degree can make a difference by sharing the gospel with convicts, able to understand what they’ve gone through and how prison life is managed. They can also play a vital role in rehabilitation and preparing convicts for life outside of prison, connecting them with churches, and helping them find employment. Victim care and advocacy is also a great ministry, where those who major in criminal justice can provide support for the victims of crimes and guidance through the legal system, while showcasing the love of God.

Youth outreach and prevention is also a great ministry opportunity for someone with a criminal justice degree. These individuals can help churches develop youth programs for at risk kids that offer mentorship, education on the legal system, and provides them with opportunities to get away from a criminal lifestyle. These programs can showcase the love and compassion of Jesus, making a difference in the lives of those who are subject to a situation they didn’t choose. These ministries are just some examples of incredibly impactful ways that a criminal justice degree can be used to glorify God.

A criminal justice degree opens the door to career paths that are vital to maintaining order and ensuring justice is served in our society. If you are passionate about serving others, speaking when others can’t, pursuing truth, and are dedicated to moving with integrity, then a criminal justice degree may be where the Lord is calling you.