If you’re fascinated with crimes and determined to make a lasting impact on society, you may be debating between an education in either criminal justice or forensic science.

Several overlaps exist between the two disciplines. But what is forensic science and how does it relate to criminal justice? Both involve understanding crimes and the criminal behavior behind them. Both are critical to law enforcement and the legal and judicial systems. And both are key to crime scene investigation and bringing justice to victims.

That said, a criminal justice and forensic science program are far from synonymous, even if they’re after similar objectives. In this post, we’ll map out the primary differences between the two fields and the skills and education required of each. We’ll also review their chief responsibilities and possible career paths—all so that you can make a sound academic decision. 

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What is a Criminal Justice Degree?

A criminal justice degree provides graduates with an in-depth understanding of several matters within the criminal justice system, including:

• The nature of crimes
• The causes of crimes
• The effects of crimes on individuals and society as a whole
• The role law enforcement plays

A criminal justice degree pulls from a host of topics and other fields of study, including social sciences, history, politics, and psychology. All of this is done to help students view criminal behavior from a holistic perspective, and the leading aim of those who work in the field is to contribute to a safer, more equitable world.¹

Common Courses in Criminal Justice

Whether you’re intent on working in a correctional facility or hope to become a federal law enforcement officer, a criminal justice degree typically offers students courses that will broaden their comprehension of crimes, how they’re handled, and the most effective prevention strategies. These may include classes in the following:

• Sociology
• Social research
• Political science
• Legal theory
• Psychology
• Law Enforcement 
• Philosophy and ethics
• Criminology

Generally, an undergraduate degree in criminal justice takes four years to complete. That said, some institutions may offer an associate’s degree in the subject, which might be ideal for those who are eager to join the workforce as soon as possible.

What is a Forensic Science Degree?

On the flip side, a forensic science degree supplies students with the instruction and training they need to apply scientific methodologies to crimes. Working at a less theoretical and experimental level than criminal justice, forensic science programs show students how to:

• Assess crimes from an objective, scientific standpoint
• Apply technical, lab-based procedures to examine evidence left behind at a crime scene, such as DNA, fibers, and fingerprints
• Document and report key pieces of evidence
• Serve as an expert witness in criminal and civil cases
• Work alongside law enforcement personnel to determine the cause of a crime and its potential perpetrators

While those who work in criminal justice may focus their attention on, say, the efficiency of the prison system or police activities within a community, forensic scientists concentrate on criminal investigation and solving crimes from an irrefutable (or as close to irrefutable as possible), scientific standpoint.

Common Courses in Forensic Science

Aspiring forensic scientists must develop a forensics concentration and a foundation in science, crime, and the law. As such, they may take courses in:²

• Explosives chemistry
• Fingerprint identification
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Toxicology
• Crime scene investigation 
• Case reporting

What’s more, forensic science students may have the opportunity to pursue a specialization such as forensic pathology or DNA analysis. A bachelor’s degree in the field usually requires four years, while an associate degree may necessitate two. Yet, a forensic science major keen on advancing their career may go after a higher degree, such as an MS in Forensic Science, Investigation, & Technology. For those aspiring to delve deeper into this field, understanding how to become a forensic scientist can provide a clear pathway.

Key Responsibilities in Criminal Justice

So, how else do criminal justice and forensic science compare? In the fundamental obligations associated with each.

The specific duties you might perform in the realm of criminal justice will depend on the position you hold and your employer. A few examples, however, include:³

• Guiding inmates through rehabilitation as a correctional officer
• Acting as a mediator in civil court cases, such as divorce, contract disputes, and child custody arrangements
• Patrolling designated regions of your community as a police officer
• Examining evidence and managing interviews as a fraud investigator
• Working as an advocate

As you can see, it’s a dynamic field with a number of potential professional routes (a topic we’ll look at shortly).

Key Responsibilities in Forensic Science 

Another commonality in the criminal justice forensic science debate: the particular forensic investigation duties you might conduct on a daily basis will, again, vary depending on your role. For forensic scientists, they run the gamut from picking through a crime scene for physical evidence to recovering important data in the wake of a cyber attack.⁴ A forensic scientist might also:⁵

• Take photographs of a crime scene
• Interview witnesses 
• Process, evaluate, and preserve fingerprints
• Interpret criminal data
• Assist investigators on determining the time and/or cause of a death
• Assess financial records in bank account fraud
• Create treatment plans for inmates
• Consult on civil and criminal cases
• Examine material found in digital devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops

All of these obligations and the roles they’re attached to highlight the vastness and variety of the forensic investigation field. But if there’s one single responsibility all forensic scientists have, it’s the capacity to consider crimes without judgment or bias—just a hyper-sharp eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to accuracy.

Career Opportunities in Criminal Justice

Leaning more toward criminal justice? If so, there are several professional routes you might want to check out, such as that of a:

• Private investigator – Private investigators work on the behalf of lawyers, businesses, individuals, and organizations.⁶ They’re responsible for an array of matters, such as monitoring witnesses and suspects, conducting surveillance, and collecting tangible evidence that can be used in a court of law. How does a criminal justice degree prepare one for this role? By learning about police administration and criminology, and potentially obtaining experience in law enforcement before stepping into the PI world.
• Immigration officer – Immigration officers are employed by the Department of Homeland Security and are obligated to find, apprehend, and deport individuals who have entered the United States illegally. This role may be optimal for those who have an interest in immigration laws and policies.
• Forensic accountant – Happen to have a mind for numbers and a fascination with solving financial crimes? Forensic accountants investigate incidents of fraud, such as money laundering, tax fraud, and embezzlement, by perusing financial accounts, records, documents, and assets. Depending on the case, they may also be called in to testify in criminal and civil cases.

Additional opportunities in criminal justice include:

• FBI agent
• Paralegal
• Substance abuse counselor
• Parole officer
• Security officer
• Public safety officer
• Victim advocate
• Forensic accountant

Broadly speaking, a criminal justice grad might explore career opportunities within law enforcement and federal agencies. Others, though, may work for private organizations or advocacy groups.

Career Opportunities in Forensic Science

Comparatively, forensic science encompasses dozens of roles in places ranging from crime labs to government organizations. Considering the diverse opportunities, many might wonder, is forensic science a good career? Here’s a quick glimpse of a few of the most well-known:

• Forensic toxicologist – Forensic toxicologists put science in action: They inspect blood samples for drugs, alcohol, and other toxic substances (such as poison). Forensic science toxicology may have a hand in criminal cases, like driving under the influence.
• Arson investigator – Arson investigators are critical to discovering how a fire may have started and the culprit (or culprits) behind it. They’re brought onto crime scenes to collect samples, take photographs, and interview witnesses.
• Forensic psychologist – Forensic psychologists work at the intersection of psychology and the law.⁷ Both are critical to law enforcement and the legal and judicial systems, addressing aspects such as criminal psychology and forensic psychology. Legal personnel and law enforcement officers may tap into their expertise to determine if a suspect is psychologically competent to stand trial, for example, or they may supply inmates with mental health counseling.⁸

Other career paths include (but aren’t limited to):

• Ballistics expert 
• Autopsy technician
• Legal consultant 
• Medical examiner
• Forensic nurse 
• Fingerprint specialist
• Forensic biologist
• Blood spatter analyst
• Intelligence officer
• Polygraph examiner
• Computer forensic specialist

All of that said, there’s one role popular in both criminal justice and forensic science: A crime scene investigator.⁹ Consider it a natural fit if you want to be at the forefront of solving crimes and seeing justice unfold.

Choosing the Right Path

Criminal justice and forensic science play a pivotal role in society. The former takes a wider, more panoramic approach to crime and its impact on society, corrections, and prevention; the latter tackles crimes and examines them on a microscopic level (sometimes literally). In the end, though, there is no criminal justice forensic science debate. They’re fundamentally different disciplines, and both are integral to justice.

Alliant International University would be delighted to help you find the most suitable route for your interests. The MS in Forensic Science, Investigation, & Technology, for one, provides students with the knowledge they need to take the next step in their forensic science career, including instruction on law, ethics, documentation, and cultural competency. If you’re intrigued by the psychology behind crime, Alliant International University also offers an MS in Forensic Behavioral Science.

Land on your passion at Alliant International University by requesting more info today.

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Sources: 

1. Follman, Ali. What you need to know about becoming a criminal justice and Corrections Major, July 16, 2019. https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/criminal-justice-major-o…. Accessed July 17, 2024. 
2. Grey, Sheryl. “Degrees and Careers in Forensic Science: Everything You Should Know.” Forbes, May 28, 2024. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/law/careers-in-forensic-scienc…. Accessed July 17, 2024. 
3. 11 jobs you can get with a bachelor’s in criminal justice.https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/criminal-justice-bac….  Accessed July 18, 2024. 
4. Tyas Tunggal, Abi. “What Is Digital Forensics?: Upguard.” RSS, April 26, 2024. https://www.upguard.com/blog/digital-forensics. Accessed July 17, 2024.
5. 25 popular forensic science careers to investigate | indeed.com, April 18, 2024. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/forensic-science-jobs. Accessed July 17, 2024. 
6. What is a private investigator? (plus salary) | indeed.com. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-is-private-inve…. Accessed July 18, 2024. 
7. "Forensic Psychology.” American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/ed/graduate/specialize/forensic. Accessed June 25, 2024. 
8. Cherry, Kendra. “A Brief Overview of the Field of Forensic Psychology.” Verywell Mind, October 18, 2022. https://www.verywellmind.com/an-overview-of-forensic-psychology-2794901. Accessed June 25, 2024.
9. “Crime Scene Examination.” National Institute of Justice. https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/law-enforcement/investigations/crime-scene. Accessed July 17, 2024.