Criminal Justice Degrees
Criminal Justice Degrees
Start your GCU
journey today.
journey today.
Let GCU help you start your journey toward a career serving communities.
Discover Criminal Justice Degrees
Request Info
Criminal justice majors and legal studies programs can lead to similar careers paths, but it is important to learn the differences between the two fields. If you’re unsure which degree program is best suited for your career goals, view the criminal justice majors below and visit our legal studies page to see your degree options in both fields at GCU.
Learn more by reading our answers to common questions about criminal justice, government, social work and public administration degrees.
Is criminal justice a social science?
How do public administration vs. criminal justice professionals compare?
What are some differences between legal studies and criminal justice programs?
What are the requirements for criminal justice graduate schools?
Do degrees in criminal justice require math?
Are online criminal justice degree programs respected?
Protecting the safety of our communities and the rights of our fellow citizens are at the heart of our country’s justice system.
If you want a that is focused on serving and protecting others, a major in criminal justice from GCU can help set you on the right educational path to pursue your career goals in the following areas:
Government and public administration
Criminal justice
Forensic science
Social work
A benefit to earning a criminal justice degree at GCU is the option to specialize in an area that fits your personal interests. Focus your justice studies program with one of our emphasis options:
24 Matching Degrees
GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. As a major in criminal justice, you will receive a quality education taught by faculty who are knowledgeable in their fields.
If you’re already in law enforcement and looking to deepen your expertise, a bachelor’s or master’s degree can provide valuable knowledge and skills to support your professional development.
GCU’s online Master of Public Administration (MPA) offers specializations in government and policy, healthcare management and nonprofit management.
These programs are designed to help you prepare for positions, such as:
Chief executive
City manager
Legislator
Social and community manager
General and operations manager
Estimated number of new jobs to open for police and detectives from 2023 to 2033(See disclaimer 1)
Estimated number of new jobs to open for social and community service managers from 2023 to 2033(See disclaimer 2)
When pursuing a criminal justice degree, you will have the opportunity to gain foundational skills in diplomacy for the diverse individuals and communities you will serve.
GCU provides all students with a Christian-driven curriculum founded on these key competencies:
Innovative thinking
Effective communication
Transformative leadership
Global contribution
Online Learning
Affordability
You can pursue government-related degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s or certificate levels. There are programs offered in government and public administration, criminal justice and social work.
Bachelor’s Degrees
Master’s Degrees
Certificate Programs
Earning an interdisciplinary major in criminal justice at Grand Canyon University can benefit you by teaching you how to apply humanities and investigative skills to governmental concepts and practices — both ethically and effectively.
Grand Canyon University’s campus and online criminal justice programs offer flexibility and an opportunity for quality education to help you in the government and legal fields.
