When seeking to understand the differences between a criminal justice and forensic science degree, it is important to consider the unique nature of each specialization. Both degrees offer a range of opportunities for those interested in law enforcement, crime prevention, investigation, or research. However, there are distinct differences between the two, and it is critical to understand these differences in order to make an informed decision when selecting which program is right for your educational and professional goals. In this blog post, we’ll explore the distinctions between criminal justice and forensic science degrees, what you can expect to learn in each program, and the career paths available to those who complete the degree. We’ll also take a closer look at what makes each degree unique, and the advantages and disadvantages of each. By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of which degree is the best fit for your situation and goals.
What is a forensic science degree?
A forensic science degree program is an academic program in higher education that combines the study of biology, chemistry, and physics in order to instruct students on how to investigate crimes scientifically, find the criminals, and investigate the causes of crimes. Candidates for forensic science degrees may acquire skills that enable them to analyze biological evidence such as DNA, fingerprints, and fluids chemically in addition to looking at physical evidence discovered at crime scenes. A degree in forensic science can also equip students with the skills necessary to gather evidence at crime scenes, evaluate evidence, report pertinent information, and examine crimes using advanced scientific methods.
Many forensic science degree programs equip students with problem-solving abilities that are vital to the conduct of criminal investigations and the determination of what constitutes justice for crime victims. Depending on their background and interests, forensic science graduates frequently work for law enforcement or intelligence agencies, and frequently their methods for solving crimes are much more effective and cutting-edge than those used by conventional investigative methods. For instance, rather than questioning unreliable suspects, forensic science experts can play a significant role in understanding the scope of a crime and its context by examining crime scene artifacts.
What is a criminal justice degree?
A degree program in criminal justice is a field of study in higher education that instructs students about crime, its causes, how law enforcement responds to crime, and what effective crime prevention strategies are. Candidates can typically learn the basics of the criminal justice system, including how law enforcement works, the court system, corrections, incarceration, legal issues, policing concerns, ethics, and reentry programs for people who have been incarcerated, by earning a criminal justice degree. Additionally, criminal justice students typically build a foundation of research and criminology theory analysis skills.
Students enrolled in a criminal justice degree program are frequently equipped with the necessary skills to work in a professional setting to prevent, comprehend, and investigate crimes, as well as to determine their causes and social repercussions. Graduates with degrees in criminal justice can then pursue a variety of career paths where they can put their abilities and knowledge to use. Graduates of these programs frequently work for local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies as well as other government agencies. As an alternative, some decide to work for criminal justice reform advocacy organizations, probation and parole systems, private security firms, or departments of corrections.
Criminal justice vs. forensic science degree
Law enforcement, the justice system, and criminal investigation are all professions that graduates of forensic science or criminal justice degree programs can pursue. However, despite their general similarity, these two fields of study are distinct from one another due to a few significant differences. To help you better understand the differences between forensic science and criminal justice degrees, here is a side-by-side comparison:
Length
A four-year degree program in criminal justice or forensic science is available to students at colleges and universities. Graduates from this program can obtain a bachelor’s degree in either discipline, which is typically the minimum educational requirement for those seeking careers in law enforcement or criminal investigation. Through accelerated programs, which might be completed over the course of two or three years without any significant summer or holiday breaks, students may be able to speed up their academic progress.
Comparatively, some institutions offer associate degree programs in criminal justice or forensic science that last two years. Candidates seeking a foundation of skills to enter entry-level roles in either field frequently choose these programs. In spite of this, it’s crucial to remember that most employers prefer to hire applicants with bachelor’s degrees because a four-year degree program can give applicants more in-depth knowledge and a higher-level set of competencies. This is especially true for candidates in the field of forensic science who might have to outbid applicants who have master’s degrees in the subject.
Purpose
Students who pursue criminal justice degrees learn about criminology from a theoretical perspective. Students who major in criminal justice typically study various perspectives on crime, such as its causes and effects on both the individual and the larger society. Criminal justice as a field frequently examines crime through a sociological, philosophical, or legal lens in order to better understand it. From here, students can examine various court processes, law enforcement practices, the effectiveness of particular law enforcement systems, policing tactics, the morality of law enforcement and corrections, and the most effective ways to stop crimes from happening.
Comparatively, the aim of forensic science degrees is to instruct students about investigating crimes after they have occurred through the scientific analysis of evidence. Candidates who major in forensic science can learn about specialized techniques for gathering, safeguarding, and evaluating evidence to better understand why and how a crime occurred. Students may learn how to infer conclusions about criminal perpetrators and their intentions using this as a foundation. In order to create a more efficient method for processing criminal evidence, forensic science as a discipline integrates various practices from other disciplines like biology, genetics, chemistry, physics, and criminology.
Areas of study
Both criminal justice and forensic science degrees typically cover various fields of study and coursework because they serve different purposes for students. For instance, students pursuing a criminal justice degree may enroll in courses in the following subject areas:
Comparatively, the following fields of study might be covered by students in a forensic science degree program:
Concentrations
Students can focus on a specific area of specialization with both degrees in criminal justice and forensic science. Specializations in corrections, intelligence, prison reform, policing, emergency management, cybercrime, criminal behavior, homeland security, law enforcement policy, or advocacy may be available to students pursuing a degree in criminal justice. Each of these concentrations gives students the opportunity to take a specific set of classes, which may inspire them to pursue careers in various fields.
However, these options typically only give a broad overview of what forensics is and the value it adds to criminal investigation proceedings rather than in-depth scientific training. Occasionally, schools will offer forensic science as a concentration for students in criminal justice degree programs. As an alternative, students majoring in forensic science can choose to focus on topics like DNA, genetics, serology, toxicology, pathology, and death investigation. Most of these concentrations give students a thorough understanding of particular scientific procedures that they can apply to a variety of career paths.
Possible career paths
Graduates with degrees in either criminal justice or forensic science have a wide range of career options. Candidates with a degree in criminal justice could work in the criminal justice system, government, security, corrections, or advocacy. Following completion of their degrees, criminal justice students might pursue the following positions:
Comparatively, those who earn degrees in forensic science may work in related fields, but in different capacities. Following are a few career options for graduates of forensic science programs:
Further educational opportunities
A graduate may decide to pursue advanced educational opportunities to build a more sophisticated knowledge base and advance their careers in accordance with their professional interests. This is especially true for jobs that require applicants to hold doctoral degrees in order to be considered Graduate programs in criminal justice or other related fields, like law, philosophy, sociology, or psychology, are options for students with undergraduate degrees in criminal justice. These graduates may be able to advance their careers in the criminal justice system or the legal system by studying law.
As an alternative, graduates of criminal justice programs may be able to work in research positions that look at the causes and effects of crime, law enforcement, policing tactics, and corrections by studying philosophy, sociology, or psychology. Comparatively, graduates of forensic science undergraduate programs can focus their skills in forensic science or related fields like cybersecurity, information security, or digital forensics. In addition, some forensic science students decide to enroll in medical school to become forensic pathologists, psychiatrists, or medical examiners.
Job prospects
The job outlook for each educational path depends on a graduate’s professional preferences because graduates with degrees in forensic science and criminal justice can pursue a variety of careers. Criminal justice program graduates can work in law enforcement, community corrections, probation and parole management, government, and private investigation, among other fields. The U. S. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), each of these professions will see an increase in employment. The BLS forecasts the following employment growth rates between 2019 and 2029:
criminal justice vs forensic science
FAQ
Is criminology better than forensic science?
A “hands on” field of study, forensic science frequently uses molecular techniques to solve crimes. The study of criminal behavior in the context of societal effects and responses is done through the more theoretical practice of criminology, which aims to understand the causes of crime.
Is forensic science criminal justice?
About. A crucial component of the criminal justice system is forensic science. To create unbiased conclusions that can help with the investigation and prosecution of criminals or clear an innocent person of suspicion, forensic scientists examine and analyze evidence from crime scenes and other locations.
Can I go into forensics with a criminology degree?
Criminalist Forensic scientists with criminology degrees can use their understanding of criminal behavior and intent to properly interpret the evidence. The majority of criminology majors would be able to enroll in forensic science courses while still in college if that is a career path they are interested in.
Is criminal justice the same as criminal science?
The primary distinction between a degree in forensic science and one in criminal justice is the area of study. In order to prepare students for careers investigating criminals and their motivations for committing crimes, criminal justice fields of study concentrate on concepts of legality and criminality.
