Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Programs in D.C.

Every day, the criminal justice industry is working hard behind the scenes of society. In fact, you may rarely see it unless you are the victim of a crime. This field is especially important in Washington D.C., where legislators are constantly working to improve national safety. Consider earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice if you want to have a positive impact on the community of D.C. and on the country as a whole. If you’re serious about learning more about what types of criminal justice degrees there are to choose from, contact the D.C. schools you see below for program details.

Featured Online Criminal Justice Programs

There are many areas for career growth in this industry. The recent mishandling of evidence by a Washington D.C. crime lab has led many to see the importance of skilled forensic technicians and evidence processing professionals.

Similarly, the field of criminal justice needs professionals who are well-versed in technology and its appropriate use in this industry. In D.C., a computer glitch led to evidence for thousands of cases being hidden. Agencies that have a strong technological core may be better prepared to prevent and solve crime.

Perhaps most importantly, an extensive knowledge of criminal justice may help you affect nationwide legislation. The Bipartisan Summit on Criminal Justice Reform brings together experts from all areas of the political spectrum to improve industry outcomes.

A thriving career in the field of criminal justice starts with the right education. Regardless of which work environment you’re interested in, a bachelor’s degree can help you start getting the right experience and knowledge under your belt. Some of the courses that may be required for undergraduate students include Criminal Law, Juvenile Justice, Criminal Procedures, Evidence Processing, Theories of Crime and Deviance, and Women & Minorities in Criminal Justice.

You must also learn how to put your knowledge to use in a real work setting. Because of this, many schools require students to complete a practicum course or a semester-long internship. Consider what your career goals are before your each this part of your education, as your internship may determine which types of jobs you are qualified for after graduation.

Living in D.C. may give you the opportunity to apply for scholarships and grants through some of the country’s most prominent criminal justice agencies. The Department of Homeland Security funds scholarships and experience opportunities for promising criminal justice students. Another national resource for scholarships is the American Criminal Justice Association.

Job Outlook for Criminal Justice Graduates in D.C.

Job growth varies from profession to profession, particularly in a small area like Washington D.C. However, this region does have prominent police forces, legislative task forces, and security forces. You may also find job openings in other nearby metropolitan areas.

One benefit of living in Washington D.C. is the high earning potential enjoyed by professionals in a variety of fields. For example, police officers in this region earn an average salary of $81,160 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). Criminal investigators earn an average of $133,890 per year (BLS, 2022). In both cases, the average salary in D.C. is significantly higher than the national average (BLS, 2022).

Criminal justice is a growing field with a high demand for various professionals. Find out more about the opportunities in your area by contacting criminal justice bachelor’s degree programs in Washington D.C.

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Washington, D.C., contained here reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2023.