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Makayla
Student
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What should I expect if I want to get my major in criminal justice and I have a little science experience ?
I’m a soon to be senior when school start back and I really want to major in criminal justice but I’m not a big fan of science and don’t really get it.
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2 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
5884
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Mikayla,
Exploring Criminal Justice as a Major with Minimal Science Background:
It's entirely feasible to major in criminal justice even without a strong science foundation. This path can open the door to a multitude of successful careers within the criminal justice sector. While some programs may include basic science courses, the primary focus of a criminal justice major is usually on areas such as law enforcement, criminology, criminal law, and the judicial system.
Choosing the Right College and Understanding the Curriculum:
Selecting a College: When picking a college for your criminal justice major, it's advisable to look for programs with a flexible curriculum or those that offer alternative courses to meet science requirements, aligning more with your interests.
Curriculum Content: Most criminal justice programs will have you studying subjects like Introduction to Criminal Justice, Criminology, Criminal Law, Policing, Corrections, and possibly elective courses in specialized areas such as forensic psychology or cybercrime.
Science Prerequisites: While some colleges may require science prerequisites or general education requirements, there are often options to select from a range of science courses that are less intensive or more relevant to criminal justice, like forensic science or behavioral sciences.
Career Prospects:
Law Enforcement: A criminal justice degree can pave the way for careers in law enforcement agencies at local, state, or federal levels. Roles like police officer, detective, or federal agent often value skills such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving more than science knowledge.
Legal Careers: A criminal justice degree can also lead to legal professions like paralegal work or court administration, where a deep understanding of the legal system and procedures outweighs the need for scientific knowledge.
Corrections and Rehabilitation: Another potential career path for criminal justice majors is working in correctional facilities or rehabilitation centers, focusing on managing inmate behavior and aiding their reintegration into society.
To sum up, a lack of extensive science experience shouldn't deter you from majoring in criminal justice. It's crucial to research college programs that cater to your strengths and interests. With commitment and diligence, you can thrive in this field and explore a variety of fulfilling career paths within the criminal justice system.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Consulted:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers comprehensive information on job prospects, salaries, and educational prerequisites for various roles within the criminal justice field.
American Criminal Justice Association (ACJA-LAE): ACJA-LAE provides resources for students pursuing criminal justice degrees and insights into career paths in the industry.
National Institute of Justice (NIJ): NIJ carries out research and offers valuable information on trends and developments in the field of criminal justice, beneficial for students considering this major.
God Bless You,
JC.
Exploring Criminal Justice as a Major with Minimal Science Background:
It's entirely feasible to major in criminal justice even without a strong science foundation. This path can open the door to a multitude of successful careers within the criminal justice sector. While some programs may include basic science courses, the primary focus of a criminal justice major is usually on areas such as law enforcement, criminology, criminal law, and the judicial system.
Choosing the Right College and Understanding the Curriculum:
Selecting a College: When picking a college for your criminal justice major, it's advisable to look for programs with a flexible curriculum or those that offer alternative courses to meet science requirements, aligning more with your interests.
Curriculum Content: Most criminal justice programs will have you studying subjects like Introduction to Criminal Justice, Criminology, Criminal Law, Policing, Corrections, and possibly elective courses in specialized areas such as forensic psychology or cybercrime.
Science Prerequisites: While some colleges may require science prerequisites or general education requirements, there are often options to select from a range of science courses that are less intensive or more relevant to criminal justice, like forensic science or behavioral sciences.
Career Prospects:
Law Enforcement: A criminal justice degree can pave the way for careers in law enforcement agencies at local, state, or federal levels. Roles like police officer, detective, or federal agent often value skills such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving more than science knowledge.
Legal Careers: A criminal justice degree can also lead to legal professions like paralegal work or court administration, where a deep understanding of the legal system and procedures outweighs the need for scientific knowledge.
Corrections and Rehabilitation: Another potential career path for criminal justice majors is working in correctional facilities or rehabilitation centers, focusing on managing inmate behavior and aiding their reintegration into society.
To sum up, a lack of extensive science experience shouldn't deter you from majoring in criminal justice. It's crucial to research college programs that cater to your strengths and interests. With commitment and diligence, you can thrive in this field and explore a variety of fulfilling career paths within the criminal justice system.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Consulted:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers comprehensive information on job prospects, salaries, and educational prerequisites for various roles within the criminal justice field.
American Criminal Justice Association (ACJA-LAE): ACJA-LAE provides resources for students pursuing criminal justice degrees and insights into career paths in the industry.
National Institute of Justice (NIJ): NIJ carries out research and offers valuable information on trends and developments in the field of criminal justice, beneficial for students considering this major.
God Bless You,
JC.
Susan Su McKenzie
28
Answers
Singapore
Updated
Susan Su’s Answer
If you're considering majoring in criminal justice and have limited science experience, here’s what you should expect and how you can prepare:
Understanding the Field
Diverse Areas of Study: Criminal justice covers a range of areas, including law enforcement, corrections, criminology, and legal studies. Not all areas require a strong background in science.
Forensic Science: If you’re interested in forensic science, this area will involve scientific principles and methods for crime scene investigation and evidence analysis. This is the most science-intensive part of criminal justice.
Course Content
Core Courses: Typical criminal justice programs include courses on criminology, criminal law, criminal procedure, corrections, and police operations. These generally do not require a deep understanding of science.
Electives and Specializations: Some programs offer electives in forensic science, cybersecurity, or criminal psychology. If you choose electives outside the forensic science area, you may not need significant science knowledge.
Preparing for the Major
Research Programs: Look at the curriculum of the criminal justice programs at the colleges you're interested in. This will give you a clear idea of the required courses and whether they align with your interests and strengths.
Strengthen Relevant Skills: Focus on building skills in areas such as critical thinking, writing, and understanding the legal system. Courses in sociology, psychology, and government can be very helpful.
Navigating Science Requirements
Basic Science Courses: If your program includes basic science courses, try to approach them with an open mind.
Avoid Forensic Specializations: If science isn't your strength, consider focusing on other areas of criminal justice that align more with your interests and skills.
Degree Levels
Undergraduate Programs: In the US, you typically start studying criminal justice at the college level. Most programs offer a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.
Final Advice
Speak with Advisors: Talk to academic advisors or professors in the criminal justice department to get personalized advice and insights.
Career Goals: Consider your long-term career goals. If you're aiming for a role in law enforcement, corrections, or legal studies, these areas generally have less emphasis on science compared to forensic science.
By researching and planning your course of study, you can tailor your education to fit your strengths and interests, ensuring a successful and fulfilling experience in the field of criminal justice.
Understanding the Field
Diverse Areas of Study: Criminal justice covers a range of areas, including law enforcement, corrections, criminology, and legal studies. Not all areas require a strong background in science.
Forensic Science: If you’re interested in forensic science, this area will involve scientific principles and methods for crime scene investigation and evidence analysis. This is the most science-intensive part of criminal justice.
Course Content
Core Courses: Typical criminal justice programs include courses on criminology, criminal law, criminal procedure, corrections, and police operations. These generally do not require a deep understanding of science.
Electives and Specializations: Some programs offer electives in forensic science, cybersecurity, or criminal psychology. If you choose electives outside the forensic science area, you may not need significant science knowledge.
Preparing for the Major
Research Programs: Look at the curriculum of the criminal justice programs at the colleges you're interested in. This will give you a clear idea of the required courses and whether they align with your interests and strengths.
Strengthen Relevant Skills: Focus on building skills in areas such as critical thinking, writing, and understanding the legal system. Courses in sociology, psychology, and government can be very helpful.
Navigating Science Requirements
Basic Science Courses: If your program includes basic science courses, try to approach them with an open mind.
Avoid Forensic Specializations: If science isn't your strength, consider focusing on other areas of criminal justice that align more with your interests and skills.
Degree Levels
Undergraduate Programs: In the US, you typically start studying criminal justice at the college level. Most programs offer a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.
Final Advice
Speak with Advisors: Talk to academic advisors or professors in the criminal justice department to get personalized advice and insights.
Career Goals: Consider your long-term career goals. If you're aiming for a role in law enforcement, corrections, or legal studies, these areas generally have less emphasis on science compared to forensic science.
By researching and planning your course of study, you can tailor your education to fit your strengths and interests, ensuring a successful and fulfilling experience in the field of criminal justice.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Makayla
This is an awesome answer!
Curious, how did you get stuck on the involvement of a forensics degree being laden with science? Were you initially looking at landing in a lab studying evidence and marching hair follicles?
1. No matter what you choose, you can always change your mind and reinvent yourself. Having a degree to spring board from makes the whole thing easier.
2. Make sure what you chose takes care of you on your time off.
3. As Susan has mentioned above, consider your long term goals where do you want to be when you are your parent's age? (Not 40, not 50, those are inconcienvable, but if you have parents who are older people, that are easy to determine if they are living the life of your dreams.
Rachel Starr, COA