BIG RAPIDS, Mich. —
You may already know you want to apply to a criminal justice degree program. But it
can be hard to see the difference between a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Both degrees can lead to careers in law enforcement, law, and public service.
However, there are major differences between a BA and a BS that are important for every CJ student to consider.
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
A BA in criminal justice offers a broad education in the CJ field. This degree combines
theory with general education and liberal arts classes. It is ideal for students who
want to go to graduate school, do research in the criminal justice system, or work
in policy.
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
A BS in criminal justice focuses on the technical aspects of the field. A BS degree in criminal justice offers
hands-on learning that reflects real-world professional practice.
This hands-on approach is key to the top criminal justice programs. One example is
the BS program at Ferris State University. Professor John Walsh explains, “Ferris
State’s mission is to provide professional development and career readiness for employment.
To meet this mission, Ferris State offers a bachelor of science degree in CJ.”
At Ferris State, criminal justice students can specialize their bachelor of science
degree. They can choose one of three tracks: generalist, law enforcement, or corrections.
Real-World Experience in Criminal Justice
“When students start college, they usually have lecture-based classes,” says Ferris
State CJ Professor Michael Mendenhall. “We add hands-on learning in the student’s
first year. We start by teaching students how to handcuff properly, take notes, and
write a police report.”
The best bachelor of science degrees have a strong focus on real-world learning in
the criminal justice field.
For those focused on law enforcement careers, this may include courses in precision
driving, firearms training, physical defense.
Hands-on experience is also important for students interested in other areas of the
criminal justice field. At Ferris State, all CJ students complete a required internship.
This helps them apply their knowledge in real-world settings and build a professional
network.
“We place people across Michigan in policing, courts, correctionsand private security jobs,” says Professor Walsh. “They try these roles to see if
they really want this career.”
Common Types of Criminal Justice Internships
Police Department Intern – Assisting with administrative tasks, community outreach,
records, or ride-along observations with law enforcement officers
Sheriff’s Office Intern – Supporting jail operations, court transport coordination,
or community programs
Probation or Parole Office Intern – Helping officers track case files, attend meetings,
and observe supervision processes
Corrections Facility Intern – Working with staff on inmate programs, reentry initiatives,
or facility operations
Court Administration Intern – Assisting clerks, observing hearings, and learning how
cases move through the court system
Prosecutor’s Office Intern – Supporting case preparation, research, and victim-witness
coordination
Public Defender or Legal Aid Intern – Helping with intake, case organization, and
legal research
Victim Advocacy or Crisis Center Intern – Supporting survivors, assisting with resources,
and learning about trauma-informed services
Juvenile Justice or Youth Services Intern – Working with diversion programs, mentoring
initiatives, or youth rehabilitation efforts
Community Corrections or Reentry Program Intern – Assisting organizations that help
individuals transition back into society
Homeland Security or Emergency Management Intern – Supporting preparedness planning,
training exercises, or public safety coordination
Private Security or Corporate Investigations Intern – Learning about loss prevention,
risk management, or internal investigations
Crime Analysis or Intelligence Intern – Assisting with data entry, mapping, and trend
analysis to support investigations
Nonprofit or Community Outreach Intern – Working with organizations focused on violence
prevention, restorative justice, or neighborhood safety
Working Side-by-Side with Criminal Justice Experts
Faculty experience is another feature of top bachelor of science programs in CJ. Walsh
explains, “All our faculty have the right degrees, research, and publishing credentials
found at many other universities. The difference is that they also have strong experience
working as criminal justice professionals in the field.”
Ferris State CJ faculty members have practiced criminal law in Michigan. They have served in state and local police
departments. They have worked in institutional corrections.
Understanding the difference between a BA and a BS in criminal justice helps students
choose the best degree for their goals. A bachelor of arts degree suits those who
want to explore legal theory. A bachelor of science is a better choice for hands-on
learning and field experience.
Ready to start your criminal justice degree?
Source: www.ferris.edu
