Criminal law students are prepared for careers in law enforcement, law practice, and the justice system. The focus of these programs is the law for crime prevention, criminal behavior, and legal procedures related to the prosecution and defense of criminal cases.

A degree in criminal law provides the opportunity to develop critical thinking and analytical skills and to gain a complete understanding of how societies function through the legal system. So, if you are thinking of pursuing a career in criminal law, then be sure to read this detailed guide about criminal law degree programs, highlighting their different aspects along with information on some of the top schools offering these degrees in the nation. 

What is a Criminal Law Degree?

Those who complete criminal law degree programs, such as the Bachelor of Criminal Justice or Bachelor of Laws with a criminal law emphasis, learn concepts and procedures related to criminal law, as well as the fields of criminal justice and forensic science. This prepares students for careers as law enforcement officers. 

In recent years, online criminal law degrees have become increasingly popular among young and transitioning professionals seeking to enhance their careers. A good criminal law degree program examines the justice system from various perspectives such as international criminal law, capital punishment, and criminal justice reform. People who study criminal law tend to have a high level of empathy and logic, as well as the ability to take a human approach to the law, navigating the psychology of crime and the wider society.

Are Criminal Justice and Criminal Law Degrees Different?

There might be some confusion between criminal justice degrees and criminal law degrees since both have the word ‘crime’ in them, and they focus on law enforcement and criminal law. However, both terms differ a lot. Here is how:

Aspect	Criminal Justice Degree	Criminal Law Degree
Focus	Covers the entire criminal justice system, including law enforcement, corrections, and rehabilitation.	Focuses on the legal aspects of crime, including laws, court procedures, and prosecution.
Curriculum	Includes criminology, forensic science, policing, corrections, and criminal investigations.	Covers legal studies, criminal litigation, constitutional law, and courtroom procedures.
Career Paths	Leads to careers in law enforcement, corrections, private security, and crime prevention.	Prepares students for roles as lawyers, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and legal consultants.
Degree Levels	Offered at associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.	Offered at bachelor, master’s and doctorate degrees for legal practice.
Work Environment	Graduates work in police departments, correctional facilities, private security, and government agencies.	Professionals work in law firms, courtrooms, government legal departments, and academia.
Licensing & Exams	No specific licensing is required for most roles, but police officers may need academy training.	Requires passing the bar exam to practice law as an attorney.
Skill Development	Emphasizes investigative skills, critical thinking, and public safety strategies.	Focuses on legal reasoning, argumentation, and case analysis.

What Can You Do With a Criminal Law Degree?

A criminal law practice focuses on the criminal code and the laws relating to criminal offenses, charges, trials, and punishments for convicted criminals. It helps in determining whether a crime has been committed or not, what its consequences are, and how it should be punished if a person is found guilty. These are a few examples of criminal law jobs and salaries you should be expect if you are pursuing a criminal law degree:

• Public defender

People without private counsel are represented by public defenders or lawyers, who are government employees. In general, they are responsible for refuting the evidence against their client, advocating for lighter sentences, and generally advocating on behalf of their client. Regardless of the type of charges involved, they work on all types of case assignments.

Average salary: $78,500 per year

• Private defense attorney

When a person has been charged with a crime and does not want to hire a public defender, they hire a private defense attorney. The private defense lawyers specialize in different types of criminal defense, while others work with all types of clients. A private attorney performs the same functions as a public defender, but often has fewer cases to handle at once and more control over their hours and fees.

Average salary: $145,760 per year

• Prosecutor

Attorneys who represent the state as prosecutors attempt to prove that a suspect committed the crimes for which they are charged. They collect evidence, interview witnesses, and conduct criminal investigations. They also make decisions regarding the prosecution of an individual based on their legal research.

Average salary: $100,330 per year

• Criminal Law Paralegals

Paralegals who specialize in criminal law, also known as criminal defense paralegals or criminal litigation paralegals, assist attorneys in defending criminal cases. Depending on their work setting, they may work for special interest groups, public defenders, or private law firms as part of a criminal defense team or for government prosecutors.

Generally, paralegals work in law offices where they perform administrative tasks such as document coordination and scheduling of court appearances. They can also assist attorneys in preparing cases and making presentations, so they sometimes accompany them to court.

Average salary: $60,970 per year

Please note that all the salary information is taken from Indeed.com. You can view the salary details and more career information here as well. 

Which is Suitable for Criminal Law: Online or On-campus Degree Programs?

As far as academics are concerned, it does not make a significant difference whether a criminal justice program is taken online or in person. Each method of learning uses the same or similar curriculum and covers the same course material. It is common for the same professor to teach on-campus and online courses at some universities.

However, the learning experience differs significantly between the two. In both online and on-campus learning, you will find advantages and disadvantages. Let’s discuss the major differences between the two so you can choose accordingly:

Online Criminal Justice Degrees

Online degrees allow students to study from the comfort of their own homes while also having the flexibility to schedule their studies. Those with professional obligations or other responsibilities can benefit from studying at home. 

In an online criminal law degree program, students study criminal law theory, legal systems, and case studies to gain an understanding of justice and the law.

The study of criminal law requires more than textbooks, as it requires practical training experiences as well. For students pursuing a criminal law program online without moot courts, internships, and courtroom practice, the absence of these opportunities becomes a limitation. 

Some students may find it more difficult to establish professional relationships with professors, legal experts, and classmates via online learning.

On-Campus Criminal Law Degree

Traditional on-campus criminal law degrees offer students a chance to interact with their professors and learn under their guidance. Students participate in mock trials, legal debates, and courtroom exercises that strengthen their expertise as part of the educational program. 

In many law schools affiliated with universities, students can gain real-world legal experience by doing internships at law firms and government agencies.

Having access to law libraries, research centers, and workshops at an on-campus degree institution helps you prepare to enter the legal profession. A student who learns in person develops important connections with lawyers and mentors that could lead to a job opportunity in the future.

Which One Should You Choose?

• Students who are interested in criminal law can pursue online degrees to pursue positions involving research, policy or advisory work.

• In choosing between an on-campus or online law degree, it is important to consider whether you intend to practice law in a courtroom or just to enhance your skill sets. 

As a criminal law specialist, you are required to have courtroom experience and a legal education. Therefore, it is recommended that you enroll in an on-campus program. Online degrees are accepted for legal research and policy work.

What are the Different Types of Criminal Law Degree Programs?

Here are some different types of criminal law degree programs that you can pursue:

• Certificate Program

A criminal law certification is a professional credential that shows you’ve completed a training or educational program in a specific area of criminal justice. Many schools currently offer criminal law certifications. 

UC Davis School of Law, for instance, offers training and experience in criminal law to interested students. This certificate requires the completion of four foundation courses, one advanced course, two substantial practice experiences, and a writing requirement. Furthermore, students may request credit from their faculty supervisor for non-explicitly listed Criminal Law certificate-related courses and activities.

• Online Bachelor’s Criminal Law Degree Programs

Students who pursue this degree gain a solid understanding of legal concepts and practices. The online bachelor of criminal law program covers a broad range of topics related to law enforcement, the criminal justice system including criminal, contract, property, and civil procedure. 

At Marquette University, a criminal law degree program includes courses such as Community Prosecution, Constitutional and Criminal Investigations, Criminal Law, Criminal Process, and the Criminal Process and Restorative Justice for Prisoners. It also teaches Federal Criminal Procedure, Juvenile Law, Restorative Justice, Sentencing and Terrorism.

Students in bachelor’s LLB programs develop case analysis skills, legal writing skills, and oral advocacy skills in preparation for law school and careers. After graduation, students will have the ability to understand and manage complex legal systems, enabling them to pursue a variety of legal careers.

No prior college experience or criminal justice work experience is necessary to enroll in an online bachelor’s degree program in criminal law.

• Master Criminal Law Degree Programs

The study of criminal law at the master’s level provides a deeper understanding of the complexities of the legal system. It contains advanced topics such as prosecution, defense, white-collar crime, and criminal justice policy. 

Students receive rigorous coursework that sharpens their skills in researching, analyzing, and advocating for legal issues. By studying emerging issues like cybercrime and human rights violations, the students gain a deeper understanding of the legal landscape.

Students learn critical debate, legal writing, and clinical experiences, as well as opportunities for internships and clinicals. Those who earn a master’s in criminal law can find employment at high levels in law firms, government agencies, or academia, making a lasting contribution to the criminal justice system and policies.

• Online PhD or DCJ degree

It is not as common for criminal justice students to earn PhDs (Doctors of Philosophy) or DCJs (Doctors of Criminal Justice).

The majority of online doctoral programs require you to attend classes in person for a period of time during which you must visit the campus. Such as the PhD program of University of Arizona which is offered on campus.

Those who want to become college professors or conduct criminal research tend to choose doctoral programs in criminal law. 

What are the Requirements for Criminal Law Degree Programs?

In order to become a criminal lawyer, one must be familiar with criminal law degree requirements. Specific entry-level requirements for the University of Louisville’s degree program for example, are the following:

• A high school diploma or GED certificate from an accredited school or a GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Completion of the Kentucky Pre-College Curriculum;
• An ACT composite score that is at or above the national average. ACT National Composite score is 21.1 as of 2006.

For other universities the requirements might vary a little but these basic ones are a must. So, it is important to visit their website and read their complete requirements to ensure that you thoroughly meet them. 

How to Select a Criminal Law Degree Program?

Selecting proper law school courses is one of the most important decisions that any law student who dreams of becoming a criminal attorney should make. The options you choose determine the grasp you get of the legal arena, and the knowledge you acquire will help define your later profession. Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a criminal law degree school:

• Accreditation and Reputation

Check that the program holds accreditation from an established accrediting organization like the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) or the American Bar Association (ABA). Further also verify the school or college accreditation with regional government agencies, which you can find here. 

An accredited institution demonstrates educational compliance through standards that affect your access to financial aid and work prospects. You can check the program’s standing through evaluations of its rankings combined with alumni achievement reports and faculty member qualifications.

• Curriculum and Specializations

Check the educational content to verify that it includes fundamental criminal legal subjects, including evidence of criminal procedure and ethics. The curriculum of these programs allows students to specialize in digital forensics corrections or police administration through additional areas of study. 

• Faculty Expertise

Check the educational background and practical experience of all teaching staff. Expert faculty leaders who teach the program provide superior educational opportunities and create networking chances for students. 

• Flexibility and Format

Students should evaluate the learning options offered by the program, including online, on-campus, and hybrid delivery formats. Working professionals and individuals with other commitments can use online programs to manage their academic responsibilities. For instance, the National University offers the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration through flexible course structures that include both online and on-campus facilities. 

• Cost and Financial Aid

Check the program costs alongside available financial support, including grants, scholarships, and installment payment options. Knowing exactly how much you need to allocate for your education, combined with all forms of financial assistance, will guide you to effective planning.

Which Colleges and Schools Offer Criminal Law Degree Programs?

Here are some top colleges and schools offering criminal law degree programs nationwide:

• Capital University Law School

Located in Columbus, Ohio, Capital University offers a comprehensive legal education with opportunities to focus on criminal law. An acceptance rate of 77.5% provides a more accessible option for prospective students. The curriculum prepares students for various legal disciplines, and the school boasts a 91.53% bar passage rate. Students can participate in Moot Court and Mock Trial programs, competing in regional and national competitions

• Program Link: Capital University Law School
• Acceptance Rate: 77.5% 
• Tuition Fees: $43,814 per year

Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School

Based in Lansing, Michigan, this law school welcomes students from all backgrounds and offers flexible study options. It provides a strong foundation in criminal law and courtroom practice. The school focuses on real-world legal skills to prepare students for their careers.

• Program Link: Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School
• Acceptance Rate: 85% 
• Tuition Fees: $51,200 per year

Quinnipiac University

Quinnipiac University offers both undergraduate and graduate programs related to criminal law, including a BA in Criminal Justice, a minor in Criminal Justice, and a JD program with a Criminal Law and Advocacy concentration. The university helps students develop the skills needed for careers in law and criminal justice.

• Program Link: Quinnipiac University
• Acceptance Rate: 84% 
• Tuition Fees: $56,610 per year

University of New Haven

Located in Connecticut, the University of New Haven is known for its well-regarded criminal justice program. It provides students with practical training and access to experienced faculty. Graduates go on to work in law enforcement, legal fields, and public service.

• Program Link: University of New Haven
• Acceptance Rate: 91% 
• Tuition Fees: $36,000 per year

Northwestern Pritzker School of Law

Northwestern University’s criminal law program emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills in the study of criminal law. The program encourages students to explore criminal justice from multiple perspectives and offers a variety of clinical and experiential learning opportunities

• Program Link: Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
• Acceptance Rate: 28% 
• Tuition Fees: $77,532 per year

Georgetown Law

The criminal law program at Georgetown University is unique because it is located in the heart of Washington, D.C. Because of this proximity to the nation’s capital, students have access to many criminal justice organizations as well as valuable opportunities to network with professionals.

• Program Link: Georgetown Law
• Acceptance Rate: 19.6% 
• Tuition Fees: $79,672 per year

Conclusion 

If you are interested in pursuing a legal career in criminal justice, a criminal law degree program is the right choice for you. However, before you go into this field, it is important to have the right education and skill set to deal with challenging criminal cases, which can only be achieved by choosing the right degree program. 

Whether you aspire to become a defense attorney, prosecutor, legal consultant, or law enforcement officer, a well-chosen program will equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills. 

In this blog, we have briefly explained the criminal law degree programs, and we hope you will find it helpful and informative. However, you should do further research on your own before choosing the right program that meets your requirements.