Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Programs in Washington

With the wide variety of communities and populations in Washington, maintaining order and keeping the public safe can be a tall order. However, the criminal justice professionals of Washington are up for the job. From minor incidences and misunderstandings to major crimes and public safety issues, criminal justice graduates are responsible for it all. Find out how you can get started in this career by contacting the schools below with bachelor’s in criminal justice programs in Washington.

Featured Online Criminal Justice Programs

In the state of Washington, lawmakers and justice professionals are always trying to act more ethically and more fairly in the interests of the people. In one landmark Washington Supreme Court case, it was determined that one cannot be arrested for swearing at the police, as free speech is a protected right.

Working in criminal justice may also require you to handle issues of environmental safety. In the eastern part of Washington, for example, it was up to criminal justice professionals to uphold a burn ban. This may involve an understanding of laws and environmental safety.

Getting Your Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice in Washington

Education is of the utmost importance in the field of criminal justice, as the justice system is one of the cornerstones of American society. When you start your four-year education, you may take core courses like Introduction to Criminal Justice, Police Systems and Practices, Corrections Systems and Policies, and Courts & Criminal Procedures.

When you have met the main requirements of your program, you may be able to select from specialized elective courses to finish your degree. Options that may be available in Washington include Statistics for Criminal Justice, Penology, Management in Criminal Justice, and Fundamentals of Criminal Law. Some of the classes you take may only require classroom work, but others may include a lab component in which you learn to process evidence and work with criminal justice tools.

Scholarships and grants can go a long way in making your education more affordable. You may want to look at each school’s scholarship opportunities and look into community agencies that offer financial support. One local scholarship provider is the Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs, which awards college scholarships to incoming students every year.

Working in the Field Of Criminal Justice in Washington

As a criminal justice professional, you may earn a variety of salaries over the duration of your career. Much depends on what field you specialize in and where you hope to work. Washington police supervisors claim a median salary of $123,290 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). The average salary for a private detective is $67,490 per year (BLS, 2022).

Job growth in this industry is fairly stable in Washington. By the year 2030, a 10% increase in police supervisor jobs is expected (CareerOneStop, 2022). During this time frame, private detective jobs may jump by 21% (CareerOneStop, 2022).

If you are ready to get started on your new career path, contact criminal justice programs in Washington for more information.

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