What Careers Can You Get with a Criminal Justice Degree?
Pursuing a degree in criminal justice can lead to a wide range of career opportunities in law enforcement, corrections, and related fields. In this article, we’ll explore the various career options available to those who obtain a criminal justice degree. Whether you’re interested in working as a police officer, probation officer, or in a related field, we’ll cover the career options and requirements to help you get started.
Common Career Paths
Criminal Justice Professionals
Some common career paths for criminal justice graduates include:
- Police Officer: Enforcing laws and maintaining public order. Requires: Police certification, bachelor’s degree. Median salary: $61,380.
- Probation Officer: Monitoring and supervising offenders’ behavior. Requires: Bachelor’s degree, certificate in probation work. Median salary: $55,410.
- Sheriff’s Deputy: Responsible for enforcing laws and maintaining jail security. Requires: Law enforcement certification, associate’s degree. Median salary: $52,380.
- Court Prosecutor: Representing the state in criminal trials. Requires: Juris Doctor (J.D.) or bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in law enforcement/criminal justice. Median salary: $119,850.
Law Enforcement Careers
Some law enforcement career paths include:
* Detective/FBI Agent: Conducting investigations and gathering evidence.
+ **Requirements:** Bachelor’s degree, advanced training in investigation and police procedures.
+ **Median salary:** $90,990 (detectives), $124,390 (FBI agents)
* Border Patrol Agent: Enforcing immigration and drug laws at borders. **Requires:** Bachelor’s degree, background check, pass physical fitness test. **Median salary:** $51,800.
* Criminal Investigator: Investigating crimes and gathering evidence.
+ **Requirements:** Bachelor’s degree, strong analytical skills.
+ **Median salary:** $63,700.
* Forensic Science Technician: Analyzing evidence for police investigations.
+ **Requirements:** Associate’s or bachelor’s degree, on-the-job training.
+ **Median salary:** $61,370.
**Corrections and Prison Careers**
Some corrections and prison careers include:
* Correctional Officer: Supervising prisoners and maintaining jail security.
+ **Requirements:** High school diploma or associate’s degree, law enforcement certification.
+ **Median salary:** $49,500.
* Case Manager: Overseeing prison programs and rehabilitation efforts. **Requires:** Bachelor’s degree, experience in criminal justice or social work.
+ **Median salary:** $52,510.
* Parole and Probation Officer: Overseeing offenders’ supervision.
+ **Requires:** Bachelor’s degree, law enforcement certification.
+ **Median salary:** $55,410.
**Other Career Options**
Some other career options for criminal justice graduates include:
* **Government Work:**
+ Immigration officer
+ Public administrator
+ Court reporter
* **Non-profit and Private Sector Work:**
+ Juvenile justice counselor
+ Victim advocate
+ Private investigator
* **Academia and Education:**
+ College instructor
+ Program director
+ Juvenile justice specialist
* **Research and Analysis:**
+ Criminal justice researcher
+ Law enforcement analyst
+ Policy analyst
**Educational Requirements**
While most criminal justice careers require an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, some may necessitate advanced degrees, certificates, or specialized training. Here’s a breakdown of the typical educational requirements:
| Career | Typical Education |
| — | — |
| Police Officer | High school diploma or associate’s degree |
| Probation Officer | Bachelor’s degree and certificate in probation work |
| Sheriff’s Deputy | Associate’s degree or specialized training |
| Court Prosecutor | Juris Doctor (J.D.) or bachelor’s degree with emphasis on law enforcement/criminal justice |
| Detective/FBI Agent | Bachelor’s degree with advanced training in investigation and police procedures |
**Getting Started**
To start exploring criminal justice career options, consider the following steps:
1. **Research** different careers and their educational requirements.
2. **Network** with professionals in the field to learn about job opportunities and necessary qualifications.
3. **Build** relevant skills through volunteer work, internships, or online courses.
4. **Pursue** a degree or certificate in criminal justice to set yourself up for success.
5. **Stay current** with industry developments by attending conferences, seminars, and workshops.
By choosing a career in criminal justice, you’ll be supporting the administration of justice, protecting communities, and pursuing a fulfilling and challenging profession.
