If you’re considering a future in law, law enforcement or public policy, you may be asking yourself: what is a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and is it the right next step for me?
Rowan University offers a fully online Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Law & Justice Studies program that prepares students with the knowledge, critical thinking skills and professional readiness needed to succeed in criminal justice and related fields. An online bachelor’s in criminal justice combines academic foundations with flexible learning so you can balance your education with work, family and life.
For many students, pursuing an online bachelor’s degree in law and justice isn’t just about coursework; it’s about opening doors to career advancement, graduate study and meaningful change. Below, you’ll find five types of students who tend to excel in this program. Do you see yourself in one of them?
Five Types of Students Who Excel in Law and Justice Programs
1. The Future Investigator or Public Safety Leader
If you’re aiming for a career in investigative work or leadership roles within public safety—whether at the state, federal or local level—a bachelor’s degree in law and justice can be a powerful credential. Many agencies require or strongly prefer a degree for advancement, especially for specialized units or supervisory positions.
This program equips you with knowledge of criminal law, investigative procedures and ethical decision-making, helping you stand out in competitive applicant pools and preparing you for long-term career growth.
2. The Policy-Minded Advocate
Are you drawn to questions about how the justice system works and how it can be improved? If so, you may thrive as a policy analyst, legislative aide or researcher.
Through courses in criminology, law and justice administration, students in this online bachelor’s degree in law examine not only how laws are enforced but also how they’re shaped by politics, economics and social change. For many, this becomes a stepping stone to graduate school in public policy, criminology or law.
3. The Career Changer Looking for Purpose
Maybe you’ve built a career in another industry but always felt pulled toward criminal justice. With its fully online format, Rowan’s online program makes it possible to transition while continuing to work.
Taught by faculty with real-world experience, the curriculum helps you pivot toward meaningful roles in victim advocacy, corrections or community outreach. And if you’ve taken classes before, Rowan’s transfer credit tools (TREQ and Transferology) can help you make the most of your past coursework.
4. The Student Planning for Law School
A criminal justice background is a valuable foundation for students considering law school. This program emphasizes analytical writing, legal theory and critical reasoning—skills that matter in both the law school admissions process and in practice.
By studying how the justice system operates in real-world contexts, you’ll gain perspective that sets you apart when pursuing a J.D. or graduate degree. Academic advisors are also available to help map out your next steps toward professional study.
5. The Advocate for Communities and Nonprofits
If your passion is working directly with communities, nonprofit organizations or advocacy groups, a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can equip you to make an impact.
This program emphasizes the social and cultural aspects of justice, preparing you to serve diverse populations effectively. Graduates often pursue roles in social service agencies, victim services or nonprofit organizations where communication and justice knowledge make a tangible difference.
Why Choose Rowan’s Online B.A. in Law & Justice Studies?
Choosing where to earn your degree isn’t just about the classes—it’s about finding a program that fits your life and sets you up for what’s next. Rowan’s 100% online format means you can balance school with work and family while still getting a high-quality education. As a Top 100 public research university and the 3rd fastest-growing public research university in the country, Rowan has a reputation that adds real value to your degree.
Rowan Online focuses on what matters most to students: quality, affordability, flexibility and career advancement. In practice, that means learning from expert faculty, studying on your schedule and graduating with the skills and recognition to open new doors in law, justice and beyond.
Career Paths with a Bachelor’s Degree in Law and Justice
Graduates of an online bachelor’s degree in law and justice can pursue careers in a variety of professional settings. While specific career outcomes may vary depending on experience, location and additional education, potential roles include:
- First-line supervisors of police and detectives
- Loss prevention managers
- Compliance managers
- Security managers
- Police identification and records officers
- Detectives and criminal investigators
- Emergency management directors
- Labor relations specialists
- Police and sheriff’s patrol officers
- Security management specialists
- Public safety telecommunicators
These positions reflect the broad opportunities available in law enforcement, security services, emergency management and community-focused organizations.
Is a Law and Justice Degree Right for You?
So, what is a bachelor’s degree in law and justice really? At its core, it’s a flexible and career-focused program that equips you with the knowledge and skills to pursue roles in law enforcement, legal professions, public policy and advocacy.
Whether you’re advancing in your current field, changing careers or preparing for graduate study, an online bachelor’s degree in law and justice gives you the academic preparation and flexibility to reach your goals.
A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can open doors to careers in law enforcement, corrections, compliance, emergency management and beyond—roles that make a real difference in public safety and justice.
If you see yourself in one of these student profiles, now is the time to take the next step.