General introduction:
Criminal Justice/Police Science is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on the study of the criminal justice system, law enforcement practices, and the social implications of crime. This major prepares students to understand the complexities of crime and the various components of the justice system, including law enforcement, the judiciary, and corrections.
Students in this program typically explore topics such as criminology, criminal law, forensic science, and the sociology of crime. They learn about the processes involved in criminal investigations, the legal framework governing police conduct, and the ethical considerations in law enforcement. The curriculum often includes practical training through internships or field experiences, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
Graduates of Criminal Justice/Police Science programs can pursue various careers in law enforcement, such as police officers, detectives, or federal agents. Additionally, they may work in roles related to corrections, probation, parole, or in roles such as crime analysts or policy advisors. The field emphasizes the importance of community policing, crime prevention strategies, and the role of social justice in the criminal justice system.
Overall, the study of Criminal Justice/Police Science equips students with the critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills necessary to navigate the challenges of crime and justice in society, contributing to safer communities and a more effective justice system.
Graduates information
The data provided for the Criminal Justice/Police Science program reveals significant trends in graduation rates and demographics over the years.
From the first dataset, we observe a general increase in the total number of graduates from 2002 to 2016, with numbers peaking at 17,724 graduates in 2016. However, this number has since declined to 8,748 in 2023. This decline in recent years suggests potential shifts in enrollment or interest in this field. The number of international students (留学生) has remained relatively low compared to domestic graduates, with a peak of only 87 in 2020 and just 69 in 2023. This indicates that while international students contribute to the overall numbers, they represent a small fraction of the total graduates.
The breakdown of the second dataset for 2023 highlights a more nuanced demographic landscape among graduates. The Associate degree holders make up the largest group at 6,379, with a significant representation of White students (3,080), followed by Hispanic (1,726) and African students (873). Notably, the Bachelor’s degree holders also show a predominance of White graduates (993), but the diversity is more apparent with a higher count of Hispanic (683) and African students (310) compared to their Asian (75) and Pacific (192) counterparts.
The Master's degree numbers are considerably lower, with only 99 graduates, indicating a potential bottleneck or lesser interest in advanced degrees within this field. Furthermore, no doctoral graduates were recorded, which may suggest that Criminal Justice/Police Science is more oriented towards practical applications rather than academic research.
Overall, the data illustrates a dynamic yet fluctuating enrollment trend in the Criminal Justice/Police Science field, with a strong presence of domestic students, particularly from Hispanic and White backgrounds. The low representation of international students and the absence of doctoral graduates may indicate areas for potential growth and outreach, especially in promoting advanced studies and attracting a diverse international student body. As the field evolves, it will be crucial for institutions to adapt to these changing demographics and interests to ensure a robust and diverse pipeline of graduates.
List of colleges that has Criminal Justice/Police Science. degree
The data provided offers a glimpse into the landscape of graduates in the Criminal Justice/Police Science field across various U.S. university rankings for 2023. It is clear that there are significant differences in the number of graduates from institutions within different ranking tiers, allowing us to draw insights about the popularity and accessibility of this field of study.
In the 51-100 ranking tier, we see that Florida State University stands out with a total of 37 graduates in this field. This institution, ranked 53rd according to US News, has a robust presence in criminal justice education, which reflects its commitment to this discipline and its relevance in today's society. You can find more about Florida State University here.
Moving to the 101-150 ranking tier, George Mason University has a remarkable number of graduates—359 in total. This is particularly notable as it indicates a strong emphasis on criminal justice studies at this institution, making it one of the largest producers of graduates in this field. The university, ranked 105th, is well-regarded for its focus on public policy and social sciences, which likely contributes to its high graduate numbers in this major. More information about George Mason University can be accessed here.
In the 151-200 ranking category, Rowan University has reported 246 graduates. This number is impressive and highlights the university's significance in the criminal justice domain. With a rank of 163, Rowan University is fostering a strong educational framework for students aspiring to enter the field of criminal justice. You can learn more about Rowan University here.
The 201-250 ranking tier features Keiser University and Suffolk University. Keiser University has a modest number of 7 graduates, while Suffolk University has reported 11 graduates, both ranked at 249. The relatively low numbers from these institutions suggest that while they are offering programs in criminal justice, they may not yet have established a strong foothold in this particular field compared to higher-ranked universities. More details about Keiser University can be found here, and for Suffolk University, click here.
Lastly, in the 251-300 ranking range, Gwynedd Mercy University and Texas State University have reported 4 graduates each. Both institutions are ranked at 260 and 280, respectively, indicating that they are still developing their criminal justice programs. Their low graduate numbers might reflect the emerging status of these programs. More information about Gwynedd Mercy University is available here, and you can learn more about Texas State University here.
Overall, the data illustrates a trend where higher-ranked universities tend to produce a larger number of graduates in the Criminal Justice/Police Science field, particularly notable at institutions like George Mason University. This trend may be influenced by factors such as the university's resources, faculty expertise, and the availability of specialized programs. As the demand for criminal justice professionals continues to rise, these institutions are pivotal in shaping the future workforce in this critical sector.