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Is it a good idea to major in criminal justice and minor in psychology?
I've been thinking of majoring in criminal justice and minoring in psychology, and I would like to know whether that is a good idea.
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7 answers
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Desirae’s Answer
Yes, this is a great idea! Coming from someone who studies solely psychology, majoring in one thing and minoring in another broadens the range of what you're learning and can potentially use in your future career! Psychology is able to add on additional resources and knowledge that a criminal justice major wouldn't be able to give you alone. Some jobs that are directly related to both of these degrees are: social worker, detective, correctional officer, court reporter, counselor, and the list goes on! Having a minor allows you to cover a greater part of your major. Both of these areas of study will open you up to a wide range of entry level jobs after you get your degree, so if you want to pursue these, go through college with an open mind as to what you could end up doing career-wise. Both of these areas are super interesting, and I personally know a lot of people who take this path and are enjoying it lots!
Thanks for the help.
kan
Updated
Troy’s Answer
Hello Kan,
Deciding on college degrees and how they will apply to future employment is a broad question. The above responses are full of great information and suggestions. I would like to add the below consideration.
The Criminal Justice field is vast and there are many avenues to pursue. Looking back on my college experience, many of us didn't wind up in the exact field we thought we would while in college. As a result, I would suggest focusing on a college degree that would give you the broadest skills possible that could be applied to the largest variety of fields/jobs. I would suggest evaluating the possibility of flipping your degree interests, major in Psychology and minor in Criminal Justice. Typically, a BA in Psychology is a broad degree that you can tailor to the CJ field by taking classes in Abnormal Psychology, Juvenile Psychology, Criminal Psychology, etc.
I hope your college experience is wonderful. Typically, you will learn just as much outside of the classroom as you will inside it.
Deciding on college degrees and how they will apply to future employment is a broad question. The above responses are full of great information and suggestions. I would like to add the below consideration.
The Criminal Justice field is vast and there are many avenues to pursue. Looking back on my college experience, many of us didn't wind up in the exact field we thought we would while in college. As a result, I would suggest focusing on a college degree that would give you the broadest skills possible that could be applied to the largest variety of fields/jobs. I would suggest evaluating the possibility of flipping your degree interests, major in Psychology and minor in Criminal Justice. Typically, a BA in Psychology is a broad degree that you can tailor to the CJ field by taking classes in Abnormal Psychology, Juvenile Psychology, Criminal Psychology, etc.
I hope your college experience is wonderful. Typically, you will learn just as much outside of the classroom as you will inside it.
Thanks for your encouragement!
kan
Updated
Bonnie’s Answer
Hello Kan, echoing the sentiments of our other advisors, blending criminal justice with psychology is a brilliant strategy. Ultimately, understanding people and mastering the art of influencing outcomes based on the nature of the crime or issue will significantly enhance your effectiveness in your field. If your aspiration is to become a detective, where understanding an individual's psyche is a crucial part of the job, the knowledge gained from criminal justice will undoubtedly amplify your capabilities in handling such situations. Wishing you all the success in your journey!
Thank you, Bonnie!
kan
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
Kan,
From my expereience, I would say it depends. I'm assuming you're looking to get into law enforcement by your major selection.
I ran our investigative unit, and was 3rd in command in my police department. Because of my position, I was involved in the entire hiring process.
What I looked for in a good candidate was a well rounded person, including their schooling. I preferred one who was well diversed, and a degree in criminal justice had no affect on my decision. Although a CJ degree gives you a good overview of the field, it doesnt teach you how to be a police officer. The academy starts that process, but Field Training is the true learning phase.
Psychology, sociology, any type of writing courses, computer tech, etc are more practical paths to follow that you would be able to apply to your career. Police work is alot of writing, communication and human understanding. Hone those areas.
In the end, college is important, and having ANY degree is beneficial. Find one that will help you be the best cop you can be!
Best of luck.
From my expereience, I would say it depends. I'm assuming you're looking to get into law enforcement by your major selection.
I ran our investigative unit, and was 3rd in command in my police department. Because of my position, I was involved in the entire hiring process.
What I looked for in a good candidate was a well rounded person, including their schooling. I preferred one who was well diversed, and a degree in criminal justice had no affect on my decision. Although a CJ degree gives you a good overview of the field, it doesnt teach you how to be a police officer. The academy starts that process, but Field Training is the true learning phase.
Psychology, sociology, any type of writing courses, computer tech, etc are more practical paths to follow that you would be able to apply to your career. Police work is alot of writing, communication and human understanding. Hone those areas.
In the end, college is important, and having ANY degree is beneficial. Find one that will help you be the best cop you can be!
Best of luck.
Thank you, Kevin for the advice.
kan
Updated
Annah’s Answer
Kan, I think it is a brilliant idea! You can never go wrong by studying psychology as a minor (or major) and in your case, criminal justice. We need more professionals in law enforcement roles to understand how the brain and body work together, how 'we' make sense of the world and our place in it, and issues that may contribute to a decline in functioning. If you ever have the opportunity to take a class in addiction or counseling, do so. It will give you a greater appreciation for holding conversations that are neutral yet empathic, how to manage a crisis situation, and how to convey and build trust. These skills are critical to learn when you are working with people in a helping role. The Black Lives Matter movement really shone a light on police brutality and racism. While not a new issue, the public came together with renewed energy to spread the word that there needs to be a change at all levels of power. The more you can do as a student to learn how to work from a social justice perspective, the better it will serve you in the field of criminal justice. Explore how your own background has contributed to your views as well; we all hold judgements, and we are all shaped by our culture, community, and the systems within which we operate. Explore your core values and how they align with your academic pursuit(s). I wish you the best!
Thank you for giving me advice.
kan
Updated
D.J.’s Answer
Choosing to major in criminal justice and minor in psychology can be a fantastic blend, particularly if you're drawn towards fields like law enforcement, corrections, or forensic psychology. This mix not only equips you with a robust understanding of the criminal justice system but also offers valuable insights into human behavior, which can be beneficial in numerous related professions.
By studying criminal justice, you'll gain a deep understanding of the legal framework, crime prevention techniques, and law enforcement procedures. Complementing this, psychology will help you grasp the intricacies of human motivations, mental health concerns, and behavioral trends - all of which are vital in the realm of criminal justice.
This blend of studies can pave the way for a variety of careers such as:
1. Law enforcement roles (police officer, detective, federal agent)
2. Corrections officer or counselor
3. Probation or parole officer
4. Victim advocate
5. Forensic psychologist (with additional education)
6. Criminal profiler
In the end, the "ideal" major-minor mix hinges on your unique career aspirations and interests. If you're enthusiastic about both areas and envision a career that fuses them, then this could be a perfect fit for you.
To dig deeper into these career paths, including job prospects and salary details, I suggest using the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) website. Here's a quick guide:
1. Head over to https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ (Occupational Outlook Handbook)
2. In the search bar, enter "Criminal Justice" or specific job titles like "Police Officer" or "Probation Officer"
3. Click on the relevant occupation to uncover details about:
- Median salary
- Typical entry-level education requirements
- Number of jobs
- Job outlook (projected growth)
- Work environment and job responsibilities
This information can assist you in making a well-informed decision about your educational and career trajectory. Don't forget to investigate multiple occupations related to your interests to gain a holistic view of your potential career opportunities.
By studying criminal justice, you'll gain a deep understanding of the legal framework, crime prevention techniques, and law enforcement procedures. Complementing this, psychology will help you grasp the intricacies of human motivations, mental health concerns, and behavioral trends - all of which are vital in the realm of criminal justice.
This blend of studies can pave the way for a variety of careers such as:
1. Law enforcement roles (police officer, detective, federal agent)
2. Corrections officer or counselor
3. Probation or parole officer
4. Victim advocate
5. Forensic psychologist (with additional education)
6. Criminal profiler
In the end, the "ideal" major-minor mix hinges on your unique career aspirations and interests. If you're enthusiastic about both areas and envision a career that fuses them, then this could be a perfect fit for you.
To dig deeper into these career paths, including job prospects and salary details, I suggest using the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) website. Here's a quick guide:
1. Head over to https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ (Occupational Outlook Handbook)
2. In the search bar, enter "Criminal Justice" or specific job titles like "Police Officer" or "Probation Officer"
3. Click on the relevant occupation to uncover details about:
- Median salary
- Typical entry-level education requirements
- Number of jobs
- Job outlook (projected growth)
- Work environment and job responsibilities
This information can assist you in making a well-informed decision about your educational and career trajectory. Don't forget to investigate multiple occupations related to your interests to gain a holistic view of your potential career opportunities.
Thank you so much, D.J.!
kan
You're welcome. It's always good to help out a fellow Michigander. :)
D.J. Benion, MBA
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Kan,
Majoring in criminal justice and minoring in psychology can be a great idea, especially if you are interested in understanding the psychological aspects of criminal behavior and the criminal justice system. By combining these two fields, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of both the social and psychological factors that contribute to crime and how they are addressed by the legal system.
The knowledge and skills gained from studying psychology can greatly complement your understanding of criminal behavior, helping you to better understand why individuals commit crimes and how interventions can be tailored to address underlying psychological issues. Additionally, a minor in psychology can provide valuable insights into human behavior, which is essential for anyone working within the criminal justice field.
Most importantly, pursuing a major in criminal justice with a minor in psychology can provide you with a well-rounded education that prepares you for various careers within the criminal justice system or related fields such as forensic psychology or counseling. However, it's important to consider your specific career goals and interests before making this decision.
Best wishes.
Majoring in criminal justice and minoring in psychology can be a great idea, especially if you are interested in understanding the psychological aspects of criminal behavior and the criminal justice system. By combining these two fields, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of both the social and psychological factors that contribute to crime and how they are addressed by the legal system.
The knowledge and skills gained from studying psychology can greatly complement your understanding of criminal behavior, helping you to better understand why individuals commit crimes and how interventions can be tailored to address underlying psychological issues. Additionally, a minor in psychology can provide valuable insights into human behavior, which is essential for anyone working within the criminal justice field.
Most importantly, pursuing a major in criminal justice with a minor in psychology can provide you with a well-rounded education that prepares you for various careers within the criminal justice system or related fields such as forensic psychology or counseling. However, it's important to consider your specific career goals and interests before making this decision.
Best wishes.