What Do You Do with a Criminal Justice Degree?
A degree in criminal justice can lead to a wide range of career opportunities, from law enforcement and corrections to research and policy-making. If you’re considering a career in criminal justice, you may be wondering what you can do with a degree in this field. In this article, we’ll explore the various career paths available to criminal justice graduates and provide information on the skills and qualifications needed to succeed in these roles.
Law Enforcement and Corrections
One of the most obvious career paths for criminal justice graduates is law enforcement and corrections. Police officers, deacons, and sheriffs are responsible for enforcing laws and maintaining order in their communities. Corrections officers work in prisons and jails, supervising inmates and maintaining order within the facility.
Table: Law Enforcement and Corrections Careers
| Career | Description | Education Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Police Officer | Enforce laws and maintain order in the community | Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related field |
| Deacon | Supervise and manage police officers and other law enforcement personnel | Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related field |
| Sheriff | Enforce laws and maintain order in a specific jurisdiction | Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related field |
| Corrections Officer | Supervise and manage inmates in a prison or jail | Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related field |
Research and Policy-Making
Another career path for criminal justice graduates is research and policy-making. Criminal justice researchers study the causes and consequences of crime, as well as the effectiveness of various criminal justice policies and programs. Policy analysts work with government agencies and non-profit organizations to develop and implement policies that address crime and justice issues.
Table: Research and Policy-Making Careers
| Career | Description | Education Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice Researcher | Study the causes and consequences of crime | Master’s or Ph.D. degree in criminal justice or related field |
| Policy Analyst | Develop and implement policies that address crime and justice issues | Master’s or Ph.D. degree in criminal justice or related field |
Private Sector Careers
Criminal justice graduates can also find work in the private sector. Private investigators and security consultants use their knowledge of criminal justice to help individuals and businesses solve problems and prevent crime. Risk management specialists work with companies to identify and mitigate risks related to crime and security.
Table: Private Sector Careers
| Career | Description | Education Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Private Investigator | Conduct investigations for individuals and businesses | Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related field |
| Security Consultant | Develop and implement security plans for individuals and businesses | Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related field |
| Risk Management Specialist | Identify and mitigate risks related to crime and security | Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related field |
Government Careers
Criminal justice graduates can also find work in government agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the United States Marshals Service (USMS). These agencies employ criminal justice professionals in a variety of roles, including law enforcement, investigations, and administration.
Table: Government Careers
| Agency | Description | Education Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| FBI | Conduct investigations and enforce laws related to national security and crime | Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related field |
| DEA | Enforce laws related to drug trafficking and other drug-related crimes | Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related field |
| USMS | Protect federal witnesses and enforce laws related to federal crimes | Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related field |
Additional Skills and Qualifications
In addition to the specific skills and qualifications required for each career, criminal justice graduates should also develop strong communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills. These skills are essential for success in any career in criminal justice.
Conclusion
A degree in criminal justice can lead to a wide range of career opportunities, from law enforcement and corrections to research and policy-making. By understanding the various career paths available and the skills and qualifications required for each, criminal justice graduates can make informed decisions about their future careers.
