What Can I Do with a Criminal Justice Degree?
A degree in criminal justice can lead to a wide range of career opportunities in law enforcement, corrections, and related fields. If you’re considering pursuing a career in criminal justice, you may be wondering what you can do with a criminal justice degree. In this article, we’ll explore the various career paths and job opportunities available to you.
Law Enforcement Careers
One of the most obvious career paths for those with a criminal justice degree is law enforcement. With a degree in criminal justice, you can pursue a career as a:
- Police Officer: As a police officer, you’ll be responsible for enforcing laws, preventing crimes, and protecting the public.
- Detective: As a detective, you’ll investigate crimes, gather evidence, and interview witnesses to solve cases.
- Sheriff’s Deputy: As a sheriff’s deputy, you’ll work under the supervision of a sheriff to enforce laws and maintain order in a county or municipality.
- Border Patrol Agent: As a border patrol agent, you’ll work for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to prevent illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
Corrections Careers
Another important aspect of the criminal justice system is corrections. With a degree in criminal justice, you can pursue a career in:
- Correctional Officer: As a correctional officer, you’ll work in a prison or jail to supervise and care for inmates.
- Probation Officer: As a probation officer, you’ll work with offenders who have been released from prison or jail to ensure they comply with the terms of their probation.
- Parole Officer: As a parole officer, you’ll work with offenders who have been released from prison to ensure they comply with the terms of their parole.
- Juvenile Corrections Officer: As a juvenile corrections officer, you’ll work with young offenders who have been arrested or convicted of a crime.
Other Career Opportunities
While law enforcement and corrections are the most obvious career paths for those with a criminal justice degree, there are many other career opportunities available. Some of these include:
- Criminal Justice Researcher: As a criminal justice researcher, you’ll conduct studies and analyze data to better understand crime and the criminal justice system.
- Policy Analyst: As a policy analyst, you’ll work with government agencies and non-profit organizations to develop and implement policies related to crime and justice.
- Crime Analyst: As a crime analyst, you’ll use data and statistical analysis to identify patterns and trends in crime and help law enforcement agencies develop effective strategies to combat crime.
- Forensic Scientist: As a forensic scientist, you’ll work in a laboratory to analyze evidence and help solve crimes.
- Criminal Justice Professor: As a criminal justice professor, you’ll teach courses in criminal justice at a college or university and conduct research in the field.
Table: Career Opportunities in Criminal Justice
| Career | Description | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Police Officer | Enforce laws, prevent crimes, and protect the public | $61,380 |
| Detective | Investigate crimes, gather evidence, and interview witnesses | $76,310 |
| Correctional Officer | Supervise and care for inmates in a prison or jail | $44,300 |
| Probation Officer | Work with offenders who have been released from prison or jail | $54,290 |
| Parole Officer | Work with offenders who have been released from prison | $54,290 |
| Juvenile Corrections Officer | Work with young offenders who have been arrested or convicted of a crime | $44,300 |
| Criminal Justice Researcher | Conduct studies and analyze data to better understand crime and the criminal justice system | $63,200 |
| Policy Analyst | Work with government agencies and non-profit organizations to develop and implement policies related to crime and justice | $63,200 |
| Crime Analyst | Use data and statistical analysis to identify patterns and trends in crime | $63,200 |
| Forensic Scientist | Analyze evidence and help solve crimes in a laboratory | $61,400 |
| Criminal Justice Professor | Teach courses in criminal justice and conduct research in the field | $83,360 |
Conclusion
A degree in criminal justice can lead to a wide range of career opportunities in law enforcement, corrections, and related fields. Whether you’re interested in working directly with the public, conducting research, or analyzing data, there’s a career path in criminal justice that’s right for you. With a criminal justice degree, you’ll have the skills and knowledge to make a positive impact on your community and help keep society safe.
