What Job Can I Get with a Criminal Justice Degree?
Earning a degree in criminal justice can be a valuable asset in preparing students for a wide range of careers in the fields of law enforcement, criminology, and juvenile justice. With a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in criminal justice, you’ll be equipped with a deep understanding of the principles, policies, and procedures involved in the criminal justice system. But what types of jobs can you land with a criminal justice degree? In this article, we’ll explore the answer.
Law Enforcement Roles
One of the most obvious career paths for someone with a criminal justice degree is in law enforcement. You can work as:
• Police Officer: Police officers are responsible for maintaining law and order by preventing and investigating crimes.
• Detective/Investigator: Detectives/investigators gather facts, take witness statements, and solve crimes.
• Law Enforcement Administrator: Administrator positions include roles such as deputy chief, captain, and sergeant.
Supportive Roles
While criminal justice professionals often work closely with law enforcement, you don’t have to pursue a job directly in law enforcement. Consider roles such as:
• Criminologist: Criminologists study the causes, effects, and prevention of criminal behavior.
• Paralegal: Paralegals assist attorneys, lawyers, and investigators by preparing legal documents, researching laws, and handling litigation.
• Judge or Magistrate: Many states require judges and magistrates to have a strong educational background in criminal justice, laws, or legal ethics.
• Probation or Parole Officer: These professionals work with former inmates to help them integrate back into society and supervise them during their probation/parole period.
Public Service Roles
Mental Health and Healthcare: If you’re passionate about mental health and health-related issues, consider jobs in:
• Probate: Probate cases involve handling the estates, trusts, and wills of deceased individuals.
• Counseling/Mental Health: Many programs integrate criminal justice and social services to address the complexities of offender rehabilitation.
• Nursing/Jail Medical: Nursing careers involve providing medical care, performing triage, and taking vital signs in corrections settings.
Private-Sector Opportunities
Loss Prevention: Many companies offer training and certification programs to recognize the skills and qualifications criminal justice graduates bring:
• Loss Prevention Officers: Loss prevention officers focus on preventing theft, investigating criminal activity, and deterring employee misconduct.
• Risk Management: You could work in risk assessment, identifying potential threats and creating strategies to mitigate these risks.
• Corporations and Security Management: Corporations often value expertise from a criminal justice degree holder in managing security risk.
Education and Academic Pathways
Professors/Instructors: If you’re enthusiastic about teaching and sharing knowledge, consider a career:
• Professor/Adjunct Instructor: Share your expertise by teaching criminal justice-related courses at the academic or community college level.
Government Agencies
Many federal agencies recruit personnel from criminology and criminal justice backgrounds:
• FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation): The FBI’s recruitment process emphasizes investigative techniques, analytical skills, and communication abilities.
• ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives): Agents and investigators work together to solve and disrupt illicit and organized criminal activity.
• Bureau of Justice Statistics: This agency works closely with law enforcement to identify and address crime rates and trends.
Internship and Volunteer Opportunities
Many organizations offer internships, fellowships, and volunteer positions to gain work experience:
• Red Cross: The American Red Cross provides disaster response training for professionals, including those from a criminal justice background.
• National Institute of Justice: The National Institute of Justice offers research-focused internship opportunities for students, professors, and professionals in criminology and law.
• Local police departments: Many police departments participate in internship programs and have a strong need for college-educated, criminal justice-educated students.
Research Opportunities
Academics and Research Institutes
Institutions and research institutes dedicate themselves to studying crimes and the criminal justice system:
• University/Centre for Criminological Studies: Many universities operate centre for criminology research, offering opportunities to join research projects and become published.
• Brookings Institution: Researchers affiliated with the Brookings Institution address criminal justice policy-related research.
Conclusion
Criminal justice graduates hold immense value in the modern world, with a broader spectrum of career options expanding than ever before. Embrace the diverse range of potential roles, from directly applicable positions in law enforcement, corrections, and investigation, to supporting roles that facilitate a deeper understanding of crime and justice. Cultivate a strong educational and skill foundation, and network widely to unlock the extensive professional possibilities available to criminology and criminal justice professionals.
Table
Criminal Justice Grad Jobs by Sector
- Law Enforcement: 11 roles
- Police Officer
- Detective/Investigator
- Law Enforcement Administrator
- Criminology: 6 roles
- Criminologist
- Researcher/Assistant
- Criminal Behavior Analyst
- Juvenile Justice: 2 roles
- Probation Officer
- Juvenile Program Administrator
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): 8 roles
- Non-Profit Programs and Services
- Advocate and Counselor
