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Criminal Justice Majors study the sociological reasons for, and trends in criminal behavior.  Students will also study the measures put into place in prevent crime and their efficacy in doing so.  The final facet of Criminal Justice is the study of the systems put into place to punish criminals and the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs in preventing recidivism. 

 The multidisciplinary curriculum will also focus on psychology, sociology, political science, and legal studies. 

Graduates with a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice are prepared for a career in law enforcement, after completing police training. This track leads to a career as a police officer or as a detective.  According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2006), Sheriff's officers and police earn a median annual salary of $47,500.  Detectives and criminal investigators make $58,000 a year, but one must first pass a detective's exam.  

In the same vein are careers as private detectives or investigators.   They are usually self-employed but can work as special investigators for a variety of organizations.  The median annual salary is about $34,000, but a flexible schedule and down-time can be spent earning extra income at a second job.  And obviously, the better investigators get paid more and have more clients.  Police and Detective supervisors can make more than $70,000 a year. 

A popular choice among Criminal Justice Majors is to become an Agent in the FBI.  To do so, however, the applicant with a Bachelor's degree must have three years of experience in the field.   With an advanced degree, the applicant must still have two years of field experience.  With Law Enforcement Availability Pay (LEAP), Agents can make upwards of $100,000 a year in a non-supervisory role.

Criminal Justice graduates can also pursue careers in forensics, using scientific techniques and a keen eye to solve crimes that would have otherwise gone cold.  The median annual salary for these jobs is around $50,000. 

A comprehensive understainding of crime and criminal law also makes this a perfect major on a pre-law track if the student wants to work on criminal cases.