Dean College Criminology professor working with student

In order to evoke change, you need to first know how the system works. This allows you to find out exactly what the problems are and how to fix them. While most people equate a degree in criminal justice with a career in law enforcement, security, or even as a springboard to a law career when combined with law school, these degrees can also give you some insights that can help you promote social justice.

Why does it help to know how our criminal justice system works? And how can you use your knowledge to promote social justice? Here’s some tips to get you started on your criminal justice journey.

Learning More About the Criminal Justice System

The number one thing that a criminal justice degree includes are courses on the system. You’ll learn more about criminology, white collar crime, law enforcement, emergency management, and even forensics. By getting a first-hand look at the things that law enforcement deals with daily, as well as gaining plenty of knowledge about crime and criminal psychology, you’ll have a good grasp on why people do the things they do on both sides of the law.

Other courses can help you understand the system at a higher level. By studying topics like the court system and juvenile justice system in depth, you’ll be able to understand and refute various points when it comes to discussing how to fix the system from within. In addition, classes on corrections, investigations, and more will provide you with even more detailed knowledge of how things work and why, so you can determine weaknesses and loopholes that may need future attention. There’s nothing quite like learning the ins and outs of the criminal justice system, so you can make a difference. 

Promoting Social Justice

Social justice is consistently in the news these days. Those who are working to improve conditions and treatment for others are starting nonprofit organizations, organizing protests and marches, and more. If you want to work for one of these groups or someday start your own in order to change the world, then you need to start by fully understanding the criminal justice system. 

There’s no better way to learn how the court system, police training, and other things work than learning about it in and out of the classroom. By getting a degree in criminal justice that includes time spent at an internship somewhere in the field, you’ll be better poised for developing programming that produces change. You’ll also understand the best methods of implementing these new developments in the field so that they are successful. 

Earn a Criminal Justice Degree from Dean College

If you’re looking for the best place to earn your criminal justice degree, then look no further than Dean College. Our criminal justice program includes everything you’ll need to prepare to work in law enforcement, promote social justice, and more. Plus, you’ll earn your degree on our beautiful campus, which combines small campus perks with large campus activities. What could be better? Ready to learn more? Request more information, today!