Is Criminal Justice a BS or BA?
When it comes to pursuing a degree in criminal justice, many students are left wondering what the difference is between a Bachelor of Science (BS) and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in criminal justice. While both degrees may seem similar, there are significant differences between the two that can impact a student’s academic and professional trajectory.
What is a BS in Criminal Justice?
A Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BS) is a degree that focuses on the scientific and analytical aspects of the field. Students who pursue a BS in criminal justice typically take a combination of coursework in:
• Statistics and Research Methods: Students learn how to collect, analyze, and interpret data to understand crime patterns and trends.
• Criminal Behavior and Psychology: Students explore the psychological and sociological factors that contribute to criminal behavior.
• Law Enforcement and Policing: Students learn about the history, philosophy, and practices of law enforcement and policing.
• Criminal Procedure and Evidence: Students study the laws and procedures related to the collection and presentation of evidence in criminal cases.
A BS in criminal justice often requires students to take additional math and science courses, such as:
• Computer Programming: Students learn how to use programming languages to analyze data and solve problems.
• Mathematics: Students take courses in statistics, algebra, and calculus to develop analytical skills.
• Science: Students take courses in biology, chemistry, or physics to understand the physical and biological aspects of criminal justice.
What is a BA in Criminal Justice?
A Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice (BA) is a degree that focuses on the theoretical and liberal arts aspects of the field. Students who pursue a BA in criminal justice typically take a combination of coursework in:
• Criminal Justice Policy and Politics: Students explore the historical, philosophical, and political contexts of criminal justice policies and practices.
• Sociology and Criminology: Students examine the social and cultural factors that contribute to criminal behavior and the criminal justice system.
• Ethics and Justice: Students consider the ethical implications of criminal justice policies and practices.
• Law and Justice: Students study the laws and legal principles that govern the criminal justice system.
A BA in criminal justice often requires students to take additional humanities and social sciences courses, such as:
• History: Students take courses in American and world history to understand the development of criminal justice systems.
• Philosophy: Students take courses in ethics and philosophy to develop critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Social Sciences: Students take courses in sociology, anthropology, and psychology to understand the social and cultural contexts of criminal justice.
Key Differences between a BS and BA in Criminal Justice
While both degrees may seem similar, there are several key differences that can impact a student’s academic and professional trajectory. Some of the key differences include:
| BS in Criminal Justice | BA in Criminal Justice | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Scientific and analytical | Theoretical and liberal arts |
| Coursework | Statistics, research methods, law enforcement | Policy, politics, sociology, ethics |
| Prerequisites | Math and science courses | Humanities and social sciences courses |
| Career Options | Law enforcement, corrections, forensic science | Policy, advocacy, non-profit, academia |
| Admissions Requirements | Often requires higher math and science GPA | May have lower GPA requirements |
Career Options for BS and BA in Criminal Justice
Both degrees can lead to a wide range of career options, but there are some differences in the types of careers that each degree prepares students for. Some examples of career options for each degree include:
BS in Criminal Justice
- Law enforcement officer
- Corrections officer
- Forensic scientist
- Intelligence analyst
- Policy analyst
BA in Criminal Justice
- Policy analyst
- Advocacy specialist
- Non-profit professional
- Academic or researcher
- Public administrator
Conclusion
In conclusion, while both BS and BA degrees in criminal justice can lead to successful careers, there are significant differences between the two. A BS in criminal justice is ideal for students who want to pursue careers in law enforcement, corrections, or forensic science, while a BA in criminal justice is ideal for students who want to pursue careers in policy, advocacy, or academia. By understanding the differences between the two degrees, students can make informed decisions about their academic and professional trajectories.
Ultimately, the choice between a BS and BA in criminal justice depends on the student’s academic and professional goals.
It’s important to note that many criminal justice programs offer a combination of both BS and BA tracks, allowing students to take a mix of courses from both disciplines. Additionally, many criminal justice professionals hold graduate degrees, such as master’s or law degrees, which can provide additional career opportunities and advancement.
By considering the key differences between BS and BA degrees in criminal justice, students can make informed decisions about their academic and professional trajectories, and set themselves up for success in their chosen careers.
