Articles > Criminal Justice > Criminal justice vs criminology degrees and careers

Criminal justice vs. criminology degrees and careers

Reviewed by Christina Neider, EdD, Associate Provost of Colleges

A brain and handcuffs representing the difference between criminal justice and criminology

There are differences between criminal justice vs criminology. Criminal justice and criminology are two related fields, and many universities offer degree programs in both subjects. Though both can prepare students for security, public administration, corrections and legal careers, they focus on different topics. Here's a closer look at the two fields.

Differentiating criminal justice vs. criminology

When choosing between a degree in criminal justice vs. criminology, both can prepare students for careers in security, corrections, investigations or the courts. However, a criminology or criminal justice degree are different path within the larger fields. It’s important to understand the similarities and differences between these two subjects to choose the one that best fits overall career goals. Criminology is a social science that concentrates on criminal behavior, the factors surrounding crimes and the steps necessary for effective enforcement and prevention. Criminal justice involves the hands-on application of criminology. It focuses more on implementing enforcement and prevention.

What is criminal justice?

Criminal justice is the “interdisciplinary academic study of the police, criminal courts, correctional institutions (e.g., prisons) and juvenile justice agencies, as well as of the agents who operate within these institutions,” according to Britannica.

Pursuing a career in this field will likely lead to work to prevent crimes, enforce the law or punish those who break it. This work is typically performed in law enforcement agencies, the courts or corrections.

Criminal justice degrees are available at all postsecondary levels. Depending on a student's educational achievements, the degree could be used to pursue a career as a police captain or detective sergeant. Corrections and probation officers can also have a criminal justice education, as can people who work for other law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI or the Department of Homeland Security.

Finally, a criminal justice degree can prepare students for further education to become lawyers or public administrators.

Criminal Justice salary ranges and career paths

Professionals in criminal justice vs criminology careers earn different salaries depending on their area of focus. Here are some of the most common careers and the average salary for each.

Police officers and detectives work to enforce laws and investigate crimes. As of May 2024, these professionals earned between $48,230 and $120,460 each year, with a median wage of $77,270, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
As of May 2024, correctional officers earned between $41,750 and $93,000 a year, with a median wage of $57,970, according to BLS.
Probation officers and corrections specialists ensure that criminals meet the conditions of their sentence and release. As of May 2024, probation officers and corrections specialists earned between $45,390 and $105,220 a year, with a median wage of $106,290, according to BLS.

Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of University of Phoenix. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. University of Phoenix does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.

Related fields, such as forensic investigation, also require knowledge of criminal justice, but such specialties require additional training.

Criminal justice education requirements

When comparing criminal justice vs criminology, keep in mind that the educational requirements for both careers vary depending on career plans. For the criminal justice path:

A high school diploma is necessary for some law enforcement training programs (police academies). However, other agencies require some college coursework.
An associate degree in criminal justice can prepare for jobs that require college coursework or specialized positions, such as a bailiff, game warden or investigator. Associate programs take two years to complete.
A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice is a four-year program. According to the BLS, federal law enforcement agencies often require a bachelor’s degree, and graduating from a four-year program can help when applying for senior or administrative positions within an agency.
A master’s degree in criminal justice can help candidates qualify for senior positions in a law enforcement agency or fields like private security.

Even if not required, a degree can help pursue career goals.

What is Criminology?

Criminology is a social science related to subjects like psychology. It focuses on the issues, causes, and patterns related to criminal activity. Also, the subject touches on the overall functionality and operation of the criminal justice system.

Criminology is a broad field, with some professionals studying the effectiveness of law enforcement practices and systems, while others examine the psychology and motivations of criminals.

Criminologists can apply their knowledge in the field as investigators, detectives, profilers or analysts for law enforcement agencies. Criminologists may also work for organizations that focus on public policy. Additionally, a criminology degree can prepare for private-sector jobs as a security or loss prevention specialist.

Finally, criminology degree holders can move on to attend law school, become psychologists, or specialize in fields like forensics.

Criminology salary ranges and career paths

In terms of the criminal justice vs criminology paths, criminologists can work in some of the same law enforcement careers as criminal justice majors.

Criminology bachelor’s degree holders can work as police officers, detectives or criminal investigators. As of May 2024, police and detectives earned between $48,230 and $120,460 each year, with a median wage of $77,270, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
As of May 2024, social workers earned between $41,580 and $99,500, with a median wage of $61,330, according to BLS.

Criminologists may also find work in fields like corporate security or loss prevention.

Criminology education requirements

Criminology careers typically require a bachelor’s degree or postgraduate studies.

A bachelor’s degree in criminology may be required by an agency for a career as an investigator, detective or analyst.
A master’s degree in criminology or a related field could be necessary for administrative positions.
Postgraduate studies are necessary to work as a forensic psychologist or lawyer or in an academic position.

Law enforcement careers require attending a police academy or other training program, regardless of degree achievements.

Degrees in criminal justice vs. criminology

When looking at criminal justice vs criminology degrees and careers. remember that both focus on law enforcement, prevention and rehabilitation. However, degrees in these two specialties offer different career directions.

For a job that focuses on hands-on law enforcement, a criminal justice degree is the better option.

Both criminal justice and criminology majors can qualify candidates for investigative and analyst positions. These positions are for people who want more analytical challenges. Though these professionals can work “in the field,” they are not usually on the front lines of law enforcement.

Investigative jobs may require being on call and working anytime a crime is committed. Therefore, detectives may have more challenges with their work-life balance than patrol officers or analysts, who typically work scheduled shifts.

Administrative positions in either criminal justice or criminology usually require a postgraduate degree. Be prepared for a lengthy academic effort to reach these senior roles.

University of Phoenix offers these criminal justice degrees:

Need more info about these and other UOPX programs? Request more info.

Infographic of education requirements for criminal justice vs. criminology

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at University of Phoenix where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.

ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Christina Neider is the associate provost of colleges and former dean of the University of Phoenix College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Neider’s career spans more than 30 years in academia, healthcare and the U.S. Air Force. She has held several academic leadership roles at University of Phoenix, and she is the Vice President of membership for the Arizona Chapter of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society.

This article has been vetted by University of Phoenix's editorial advisory committee.
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