Positions in criminal justice are expected to grow by five percent over the next decade, which is why individuals who successfully complete bachelor’s in criminal justice programs in the District of Columbia and in other areas of the country may find themselves in higher demand than those who have not completed such degrees. Criminal justice degrees qualify people for jobs as arbitrators, mediators and conciliators as well as court reporters, judges, hearing officers, lawyers, police, paralegals and other positions that deal with the criminal justice system.
The average salary for a lawyer in this country is $118,160, but requires an advanced degree. Other careers, such as arbitrators, court reporters and paralegals are not required to have advanced degrees and have salaries that range between $49,500 to $59,770 per year.
In July 2017, the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington DC reported that violent crime had dropped in the city during the first half of 2017. There were 14 percent fewer homicides and 22 percent fewer assaults with dangerous weapons. However, there was an increase in sexual abuse cases, but the increase was less than one percent. Credit for this drop in violent crime was given to criminal justice experts in law enforcement who worked to curtail crime in the nation’s capital.
American University
School of Public Affairs
The School of Public Affairs was born from President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal Program which sought to increase contacts between colleges, the world of education and the government. President Roosevelt believed that academia and public service would bring about better decision making. For over 80 years, the School of Public Affairs at American University has been cultivating a culture of lasting impact and empowering those who seek knowledge, want to conduct meaningful research and build a bridge between academia and policy. Today, there are more than 1,800 students enrolled in the School of Public Affairs.
BA in Justice and Law
The bachelors in criminal justice program in Washington DC through the School of Public Affairs at American University is a 120-credit hour program. The degree requires completion of ten general education courses with students required to complete two from each foundational area. In addition, students must complete The Natural and Mathematical Sciences are with a laboratory science component. Students choose one of three concentrations, completing 21 credit hours in each of the following areas:
- Criminal Justice
- Criminology
- Terrorism and Security Studies
Combined BA/MS in Justice, Law & Criminology
This program allows students to complete their Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science in Justice, Law & Criminology in five years. Undergraduate students with majors in justice or related disciplines must apply to this program no later than their last graduate semester. Students must complete all requirements for the Bachelor of Arts as well as all requirements for the Master of Science. Students may select from the following concentrations:
- Jurisprudence
- Justice and Public Policy
- Law and Society
- Terrorism and Security
Accreditation
- Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools
- National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
- Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management, Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences
Contact
School of Public Affairs
American University
Ward Circle Building
4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington DC 20016
Telephone: 202-885-2940
Email: spa@american.edu
George Washington University
Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
The Columbian College of Arts and Sciences matches sophisticated research with liberal arts. The college is the oldest and largest at George Washington University with professors who conduct behavioral research alongside students. Students are able to scrutinize historic documents at the Folger Shakespeare Library, conduct research with animals at the National Zoo as well as engage in many other hands-on experiences. The Columbian College of Arts and Sciences emphasizes analysis, communication, collaboration and perspective.
Criminal Justice
The Columbian College of Arts and Sciences at American University delves into the historical development of criminal justice and its development into the system we use today. This bachelor’s in criminal justice in Washington DC program helps students analyze different forms of criminal justice as they apply to individuals and society. Students gain an understanding of sociological theory with an emphasis on history a well as the social conditions that have an impact on criminal behavior. Graduates have found positions as lawyers, firefighters, paramedics, correctional officers, private investigators and more.
Accreditation
- Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
Contact
Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
George Washington University
Phillips Hall
801 22nd Street NW
Washington DC 20052
Telephone: 202-994-6210
Howard University
College of Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences at Howard University is recognized as a premier research university. It is often referred to as the flagship of Howard University because it is the oldest and largest of the colleges at the university. Its roots began during the second year of the university’s existence and today enrolls more than 3,000 students. The college consists of four divisions including Fine Arts, Humanities, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences. It is located on the main campus, offering many opportunities for academic achievement and social activities.
Sociology
The Sociology degree studies the social life and social causes that impact human behavior. Students investigate the structure of groups, organizations and society as well as informal development and interaction. Students gain an understanding of various aspects of society, including intimate family relationships, the psychology of hostile mobs, crime, religion, the impact of race, gender and social class as well as a shared belief of common culture. Although it is not a bachelor’s in criminal justice degree program in Washington DC, it prepares students for careers in the field as it gives them a background into social behavior and interaction. Students who wish to focus on a career in criminal justice can supplement their studies with electives like Introduction to Criminology and Intergroup Relations. Required courses include Collective Behavior, Urban Sociology, as well as Resistance, Revolt, Reform and Revolution.
Accreditation
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Contact
Howard University
Department of Sociology and Anthropology
Douglass Hall, Room 207
PO Box 987
Washington DC 20059
Telephone: 202-806-6853
Email: rubin.patterson@howard.edu or Joanna.bonner@howard.edu
Trinity University
College of Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences at Trinity University began as Trinity’s historic women’s college. It is committed to the education of women through a foundation in liberal arts. Although Trinity University admits men, they make up only eight percent of the population. This allows Trinity to commit to the education of women, advancing principles of equity, justice and honor. Every student at Trinity must complete a General Education curriculum, honoring the school’s tradition as a liberal arts Catholic college for women.
Criminal Justice (B.A.)
The bachelor’s in criminal justice degree program offered through the College of Arts and Sciences at Trinity University emphasizes both academic and real-world approaches to crime. Students are provided an understanding of methods to prevent crime and what causes people to commit them. The curriculum overs a wide range of criminal justice subjects, including delinquency, criminology, juvenile justice and criminal procedures. Courses include Criminal Law, Juvenile Justice, Criminal Procedures, Evidence, Criminal Investigations as well as Theories of Crime and Deviance.
Accreditation
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Contact
Vernon Scott, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice
Trinity Washington University
125 Michigan Avenue, Northeast
Washington DC 20017
Telephone: 202-884-9000
Email: scottve@trinitydc.edu
The need for individuals who have completed bachelor’s in criminal justice degree programs in Washington DC is expected to increase over the next decade and these programs offer the best opportunity to obtain the degree.
See also: Top 50 Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Degree Programs
