What Do You Study in Criminal Justice Administration?

Do you want to promote justice at the local, state, or federal level? With a degree in Criminal Justice Administration (CJA), you can make a difference and explore many career options.

This degree teaches you about the U.S. justice system, leadership, management, and policy. It focuses not just on upholding the law. It also covers the three main parts of the system: police, courts, and corrections. The goal is to get you ready for careers in public service, social justice, and ethical leadership.

Let’s look at what you study in this program, possible specializations, and the jobs you can get after graduation. Read the guide to the end. This way, you’ll understand what the degree offers. Then, you can decide if it’s the right career choice for you. 

Key Takeaways

• A CJA degree teaches leadership, ethics, and the inner workings of the system, not just crime and punishment.
• You will gain a broad perspective on justice by delving into subjects like criminal law, investigations, victimology, and corrections.
• You can study subjects like intelligence, terrorism, forensics, and even white-collar crime investigations through electives.
• While campus programs offer practical labs, face time, and internships, online programs offer you flexibility if you’re balancing work.
• Internships, projects, and certifications in leadership, fraud, or cybercrime help you develop your credibility and confidence as a professional.
• Graduates go on to work as investigators, probation officers, intelligence analysts, or even directly with victims and their families.

Overview of Criminal Justice Administration (CJA) Degree

A Criminal Justice Administration (CJA) degree is a program for students who want to study and work in systems that keep order in society. A general criminal justice program usually focuses on police work and criminal investigations. Criminal justice administration focuses on leadership, management, and policy-making within the justice system.

The justice system is not only about police officers making arrests. It includes courts, prisons, probation services, juvenile programs, forensic labs, and policy agencies. A CJA degree brings together law, criminology, public administration, sociology, and management. This mix helps graduates build leadership and decision-making skills.

Students who take this degree are often interested in roles such as correctional administrators, police supervisors, and court managers. There are also jobs available for probation officers, policy analysts, or federal officials. CJA programs at both undergraduate and graduate levels teach problem-solving, critical thinking, leadership, ethics, and communication. These skills are important for managing justice systems in a fair and effective way.

What Are the Core Subjects Studied in CJA?

The main subjects in Criminal Justice Administration (CJA) focus on three key parts of the justice system: law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Courses vary by school and degree level. Most programs cover theory, law, ethics, and practical skills.

For instance, University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with the following required courses:

1. Criminal Justice Introduction

This course gives students an overview of the justice system. It explains how the police, courts, and correctional institutions work. Students also learn how these parts connect to enforce laws, maintain order, and deliver justice.

1. Criminal Law in Action 

Students learn key parts of criminal law. They study crime definitions, prosecution, and defense. The course also covers constitutional rights, case precedents, and criminal trial processes.

1. Juvenile Delinquency

This course looks at why youth commit crimes and what leads to delinquent behavior. It also looks at the juvenile justice system, rehab programs, and ways to help young offenders avoid reoffending.

1. Law Enforcement Administration

The course focuses on policing leadership and management.

Key topics are:

• Organizational structure
• Accountability
• Supervision
• Resource allocation
• Current issues in law enforcement

It equips students with supervisory and administrative positions in the police departments.

1. Victimology

Victimology is the study of crime victims and how they are treated in the justice system. Students learn patterns of victimization, victim rights, support services, and advocacy programs. The course emphasizes the need to balance between offender responsibility and victim safety.

1. Criminal Investigation

In Criminal Investigation courses, students learn to investigate cases and gather evidence. The course covers how to interview witnesses, interrogate suspects, and build cases for trial.

1. Drugs and Crime

This course examines the intricate interconnection between drug use, trafficking, and crime. Students learn about controlled substance policies. They also study the social effects of drug abuse. They also look at how law enforcement and communities fight drug-related crime.

1. Criminal Justice Ethical Behavior

Ethics is an important aspect of criminal justice careers. This course analyzes ethical issues that police officers, correctional employees, and lawyers encounter. Students learn about ethical decision-making models. They also focus on building trust in the justice system.

1. Correctional Administration

This course focuses on the justice part of the criminal justice system, which comes under corrections. Students learn about prison management, probation, parole, and rehabilitation. They also look at overcrowding, prisoner rights, and reentry programs. These programs help criminals return to the community and live normal lives.

• Are There Electives and Specialization Courses?

Yes. In addition to the necessary core, the majority of CJA programs permit students to take electives or declare a concentration. This provides the flexibility to match studies with career objectives. For example, the National University offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration. Students are required to complete core courses. They also have options of different upper-division electives.

• Criminal Evidence (CJA 356): This course deals with the rules of evidence in criminal trials. It covers such issues as collection, admissibility, and evaluation.
• Financial Investigations (CJA 458): White-collar crime, fraud, and financial tracking investigative techniques.
• Criminal Intelligence (CJA 401): Study how to collect, analyze, and use intelligence in law enforcement and homeland security.
• Survey of Forensic Sciences (CJA 434): This course is based on forensic methods. You will get to know about evidence analysis, lab work, and crime scene work.
• Organized & White Collar Crime (CJA 441): Organized crime, corporate crime, and legal responses.
• Current Issues in Law Enforcement (CJA 443): Policing is a problem today. These are technology, recruitment and community trust.
• International/Domestic Terrorism (CJA 467): Reasons, prevention, and response measures to terrorism in the U.S. and internationally.

Online vs On-Campus Degree Programs 

Students who are interested in studying Criminal Justice Administration (CJA) usually pose the question whether online or on-campus is the best. The two formats discuss the same topics, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections. But the manner in which students learn and acquire experience is different.

What Do You Study in Online Programs?

CJA programs online are flexible. This makes them very convenient to working professionals, military personnel or students who have other engagements. Students usually acquire:

• Principles and Theories: You are taught the fundamental principles and theories of CJA in online programs. This comprises such courses as criminology, criminal law, corrections, and ethics. These are taught using digital lectures, readings, and case studies.
• Policy and Leadership Training: Online courses are devoted to leadership, management, and planning of justice system jobs.
• Online Cooperation: Students in an online degree collaborate in online teams to develop their network. Online collaboration and conferences have become a standard skill in law enforcement and justice administration employment.

What You Get in On-Campus Programs?

The on campus CJA programs are less flexible but offer direct access to on-the-job training and face-to-face interaction. Students taking traditional classroom formats enjoy:

• Practical Experience: In an on-campus program, students get more practical experience. Students get to study in labs and workshops where crime scene simulations provide students with practical experience.
• Increase Network: At the campus, students meet teachers, make friends, and experts like police chiefs, lawyers, or correctional leaders. This helps them build useful career connections.
• Internships: Getting an on-campus degree can also help you land an internship. Campuses usually have arrangements with local police, courts, and prisons, where students can get an internship.

What Do You Do After Graduating From a CJA Degree Program? 

Graduating with a CJA degree offers many opportunities. However, success often relies on hands-on experience and continual learning.

Internships and Projects

Most universities require or strongly recommend internships, capstone projects, or research papers. Internships put students in police departments, probation offices, or court systems. This lets them apply theory to practice. Capstone projects usually involve policy analysis, community research, or administrative problem-solving.

Certifications After Graduation

While a degree is valuable, certifications can give graduates a competitive edge in the job market. These credentials show employers that you have specialized skills beyond the classroom. Some options include:

• Certified Criminal Justice Professional (CCJP): This certification focuses on corrections and rehabilitation. It shows skills in treatment, probation, and managing offenders. Many state boards approve it. See CCJP.
• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE): This certification is for financial crime and corporate security. It proves knowledge in finding, stopping, and investigating fraud. Learn more ACFE
• Crime and Intelligence Analysis Certificate: Offered by many universities and training schools. It trains graduates to use data and intelligence in policing. Read IACA.
• Law Enforcement Management or Leadership Certifications: Given by police academies or professional groups. They prepare candidates for supervisory and command-level jobs. Learn more: International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)
• Cybersecurity Certifications (CompTIA Security+, CISSP, CEH): Important for roles in cybercrime units and digital forensics. These certifications strengthen knowledge in networks, security, and ethical hacking.

Careers, Jobs, Qualifications, and Salaries After a Criminal Justice Degree

Criminal justice programs can help you get jobs in law enforcement. But they also open doors in conservation, the postal service, and teaching. Below, you’ll find a list of ten criminal justice jobs you can pursue after graduating.

• Forensic Psychologist

A forensic psychologist studies how mental health connects to crime. They often meet with people one-on-one to understand behavior and provide insight into why a crime may have happened.

Their tasks involve:

• Collecting data
• Assessing mental health issues
• Providing treatment
• Sharing expert opinions in court

Salary: $94,310 per year according to the BLS

• Crime Scene Investigator

Law enforcement relies heavily on evidence in a variety of cases particularly when an individual is charged with a crime. One key role of crime scene investigators is to collect evidence at crime scenes. To do their jobs well, these professionals need to be thorough and detail-oriented.

Salary: $67,440 per year according to the BLS

• Intelligence Analyst

An intelligence analyst studies information from many sources to find important details. They then share their findings with policymakers through reports, presentations, or briefings.

They often build a network of contacts. They also watch online spaces, forums, and other channels to gather useful information.

Salary: $124,910 per year according to the BLS

• Youth Correctional Counselor 

Youth correctional counselors work with young offenders. They offer counseling in juvenile detention centers. They help youth with rehabilitation and reentry into society. They support young people both one-on-one and in groups. By guiding them, these counselors not only improve lives but also strengthen the justice system as a whole. Youth offenders are interconnected individually and in groups by these professionals.

Youth correctional counselors guide young people and strengthen the whole criminal justice system.

Salary: $64,520 per year according to the BLS

• Private Investigator

In popular crime dramas, you often see and read about private investigators. However, they are considered to be one of the most satisfying careers in the world. This is a great career chance if you enjoy solving mysteries. You’ll interview people and find answers to unsolved cases. 

Salary: $52,370 per year according to the BLS

• Criminal Profiler

A criminal profiler helps identify suspects using special methods and training. They create profiles by studying details from crimes and comparing them with past offenders.

Profilers look at witness reports, victim statements, and evidence from crime scenes. Law enforcement depends on them to find patterns in criminal behavior and guide investigations.

Salary: $88,421 per year according to the Glassdoor

• Public Safety or Correctional Officer

Public safety and correctional officers play key roles. They wear uniforms as part of their duties. They work for the government at the city, state, or federal level and must follow strict safety rules.

Public safety officers patrol assigned areas to keep people safe. They may also give first aid in emergencies and make arrests when needed. These officers play a key role in protecting communities and maintaining order every day.

Salary: $44,417 according to Indeed.com 

• Victim Advocate

The purpose of victim advocates is to provide assistance to those affected by crime. These professionals typically offer emotional support. They share details about victims’ rights, locate needed resources, and assist with crime victim forms. A victim advocate frequently assists victims and their families throughout criminal justice proceedings.

Salary: $54,000 per year according to Indeed.com 

• Probation or Parole Officer

Despite the similarities between probation and parole officers, they have distinct differences. The probation officer assists people on probation. They also support the transition to life afterward. A parole officer’s duties are like those of a probation officer. However, they focus on helping former inmates. 

Salary: $64,520 per year according to the BLS

Conclusion 

A Criminal Justice Administration degree is more than basic training. It combines law, criminology, leadership, and ethics. Students learn how the justice system works and how to manage people and policies. It prepares graduates, both online and on campus, to lead in law enforcement, corrections, courts, or policy.

This program is perfect for those who want to serve the public, promote fairness, and shape the future of justice. We hope this guide helps you decide if a criminal justice administration degree is right for you.