Were you fascinated by the characters from TV shows like “Law and Order” and “The Wire?” Do you imagine doing many of the things you see the actors do, only in real life? All you have to simply do now is choose to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice and you’ll soon become a part of the vast network of institutions and organizations that serve the criminal justice system. Okay, that sounds great, right? But what exactly can you do with a criminal justice degree?
Earning a degree in criminal justice can help you get hired for a wide variety of different job opportunities within the criminal justice field. In as little as two years you can earn a degree and qualify for many entry-level positions in law enforcement, security, and corrections. Attaining a bachelor’s or master’s degree, however, opens up many more doors to exciting and lucrative criminal justice careers.
Why Get a Bachelor’s Degree?
You might know some well-meaning people who have told you something along the lines of – No one needs to spend all that time and money on school to get a job working in the criminal justice field. To be sure, there are people who work in the field without degrees. Not surprisingly, however, the best jobs are going to require credentials.
There are more than just a few good reasons to work toward having a bachelor’s degree. For one, it shows that you are able to accomplish the goals you set; likewise, it shows that you’re a serious person and that you are further serious about the professional practice of criminal justice. The successful attainment of a degree demonstrates, moreover, other important less tangible things that can’t be demonstrated through a job interview – a degree demonstrates that you can delay personal gratification and work under pressure to achieve a goal. Similarly, it demonstrates that you can understand diverse perspectives, balance competing interests, and process information from accredited sources.
To this end, employers are always on the lookout for candidates to demonstrate these skills, this way they can help ensure that new hires will have not only the ability but also the empathy required to fulfill the duties and obligations of these critical public service roles.
Police officers, of course, make up a large portion of the professionals working in law enforcement. But you may feel more suited and driven to pursue other options, many of which you may not even be aware. With such a wide range of roles available, you should be able to find a job that is a good fit for your unique interests, skills, talents, and salary expectations. By earning a criminal justice degree and completing subsequent training programs, you can develop a variety of skills essential to success as a law enforcement, security, or corrections professional.
The Difference Between Criminology and Criminal Justice
For those who haven’t yet decided what to study, it’s important to distinguish between criminology and criminal justice. Though they are certainly complimentary fields of study, they focus on different sides of the same coin (Penn State students can get an Administration of Justice degree at the Commonwealth campuses and, if they desire, a degree in Criminology at the main campus).
People who study criminology look at crime as a social phenomenon and thus a social problem. They study all aspects of crime and its effects on society as a whole. Alternatively, students of criminal justice tend to study the system and the institutions within which crime is detected, prosecuted and punished.
Criminology careers are generally more academic in their focus than those in criminal justice, though there is some overlap between the two. It is also not uncommon for a person to earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a Masters degree in criminology, or vice versa. Both career approaches require students to be able to understand the role that evidence-based research plays in informing understanding of crime and criminal justice institutional practice.
Probation Officer
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2010 median wage for probation officers is $47,000 per year, with 18% job growth expected through 2020. Probation officers monitor parolees released from the corrections system to ensure that they abide by the terms of their probation while assisting parolees with adjusting to life after release using specialized treatment techniques. A probation officer is typically assigned a caseload of parolees, with whom they interact at the parolees’ homes and places of work as well as at the office. This gives probation officers the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Those interested in the criminal justice system or social work may find a career as a probation officer to be very rewarding.
Forensic Science Technician
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the annual salary of forensic science technicians at $55, 660, though the average salary is higher in states with high demand for these specialists like California, Virginia, and Illinois, where the average is between $61,040 and $74,050. Aspiring forensic science technicians can get a head start on the training required for this career as early as high school with a focus on science and math curriculums,2 but by obtaining a forensic science degree, individuals can enter this exciting field at any age. Forensic science technicians work in labs, government agencies, hospitals, courtrooms, and other places where the ability to reconstruct events based on clues such as hair samples, broken material, and fingerprints are needed. This is an exciting career for analytical minds with an interest in science.
Police Officer/Patrol Officer
Demand for police officers is expected to grow by 7%, with an average annual salary of $55,010 reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Police officers are on the front line of the US criminal justice system, working not just to apprehend criminals but to prevent crime through community outreach and visible presence efforts. Every city and municipality from rural communities to metropolises like New York needs a police force, which offers job security for those accepting a position as a police officer. Successful police forces invest in a great deal of training for their officers beyond the initial degree and certification; such training includes cultural diversity awareness, legal ethics, and law enforcement technologies. This is a demanding and fast paced career with personal and professional growth opportunities.
Correctional Officer
Correctional officers, who work primarily within jails and prisons to supervise and assist those convicted of crimes, average a salary of &39, 000 year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Correctional officers are needed at the local, state, and federal levels as each judicial body maintains separate incarceration systems. Less pre-career training is needed for correctional officers than for other careers within the justice system because correctional officers receive qualification and on the job training on a regular basis to ensure their safety and that of a prison population. The focus for correctional officers in recent years has shifted from one of “guarding” prisoners to one of rehabilitating prisoners by enhancing their treatment programs while incarcerated. Degrees, certifications, and/or past experience in social work or criminal justice will help those interested in starting a career as a correctional officer.
Private Detective/Investigator
While they may assist public detectives and local police forces, private detectives and investigators also take on cases in the private realm that do not involve a criminal aspect, adding variety to daily work while earning an average salary of $48,610 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Private detectives are often hired to do background checks and uncover information related to divorce cases, worker’s compensation claims, and other work similar to that of a public detective. Knowledge of forensics and the law as it applies to collecting evidence and surveillance is a must in this field, which is why most private detectives have a degree in criminal justice as well as some experience working as a detective or officer in the public sector.
Fish & Game Warden (Game Commission Officers)
For those who enjoy the outdoors and an active lifestyle, the average annual salary of a fish and game warden, estimated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics at $55,670, is a generous reward for enjoying what comes naturally. Fish and game wardens work in forest preserves, public waterways, national parks, and other protected recreational and conservational areas to ensure that the wildlife and habitat are protected and visitors are kept safe. Demand is highest for fish and game wardens in states with many busy parks and natural areas, such as Arizona, Texas, and Florida. This position uniquely combines the knowledge areas of biology and law enforcement in a challenging career, where certifications in criminal justice with classes in forensics or biology will be helpful.
State Trooper
State troopers work on state highways, ensuring that all state and federal vehicle laws are met. This includes well-known laws such as speeding and seatbelt use, but state troopers are also responsible for enforcing lesser known laws, such as those regulating the use, size, and equipment of commercial vehicles such as semi-trucks. State troopers also assist local and federal law enforcement in searching for and apprehending wanted criminals, detecting signs of illegal activity, and preventing terrorism. These professionals earn roughly the same salary as other police officers, with a median wage of $55,010 reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, highly trained or experienced state troopers may command a higher salary, especially in higher-risk metropolitan areas.
Computer Forensics Investigator
Computer forensics investigators or specialists combine the specialties of forensic science, computer science, and criminal investigation. Computer forensics investigators reconstruct data and activities on electronic media rather than on crime scenes because as technology moves forward crime is being committed more frequently with computers and electronic devices. Criminals may try to destroy electronic evidence by deleting it, hiding it, or even physically destroying it, which is where computer forensics investigators come in. These highly trained individuals use advanced data extraction techniques to piece together information that criminals hoped was lost, and may be called on in court to present their findings.
Para Legal/Legal Assistant
Paralegals, also sometimes known as legal assistants, are individuals who are trained to assist attorneys in the delivery of legal services. They might work for law firms, corporations, the government, and in other practice environments, but always under the supervision of a lawyer. Paralegals can’t give legal advice. They can’t represent clients in court, establish legal fees, or sign documents that will be filed with the court.
Paralegals must have a solid knowledge of legal terminology, federal and state rules of legal procedure, and substantive law. They must have excellent organizational skills to manage voluminous case files and exhibits, which can number in the hundreds for a single case. Communication skills are crucial because paralegals regularly interact with clients, experts, vendors, court personnel, and attorneys other than their employers. Strong research and writing skills are also necessary for drafting pleadings, research memorandums, correspondence, and other documents. An ability to handle pressure and looming deadlines can be crucial in some specialties, particularly litigation.
Although some paralegals possess no formal paralegal, many have two-year associate degrees or four-year bachelor’s degrees. Some colleges offer courses toward a paralegal certificate. Most certification bodies require that a paralegal pass an examination and possess at least one year of experience in the field.
Paralegals with a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies or a college degree in any field combined with a paralegal certificate generally have the most career prospects. Some paralegals work their way up, though, starting as legal secretaries within a firm and taking on more and more responsibility as they learn the ropes. They become indispensable to the firm and can still enhance their professional status through paralegal certification.
Court Reporter
Court reporters – also referred to as shorthand reporters – are responsible for keeping written records of legal proceedings, whether in government, court, or private settings. The verbatim documentation in criminal, civil and other court proceedings requires professionals who are highly skilled and trained in court reporting, which usually involves stenography.
Court reporters may also find a wealth of professional opportunities in the fields of closed and real-time captioning services, webcasting, and Communications Access Realtime Reporting (CART) reporting, all of which require expert stenographic skills. Voice writing, which involves speaking into a computer that then translates the words into written transcripts, is also another important field within court reporting.
This occupation does not necessarily require a college degree (though it requires training/certification); however, those pursuing their 4-year credential over a longer period of time, particularly people trying to balance work and family responsibilities, might want to pursue this training while continuing their college studies to obtain a more advanced credential. This occupation can offer a means to acquire in-depth insight into how the criminal justice system works. You will literally have a front row seat!
Crime Victims Service Coordinator
When you work as a crime victim specialist, you will play a crucial role in the criminal justice system. Keep in mind that when someone is the victim of a crime, or they are related to a loved one who is the victim of a violent crime, they need all the support they can get. This goes beyond the emotional needs and extends to help with daily tasks, such as appointment setting and arrangements that need to be made as a result of the crime. Unfortunately, police officers and social workers don’t always have the time to dedicate to these tasks. Crime service specialists are essential to making sure the victim and their family are okay throughout the process while allowing law enforcement to focus on their role in the investigation.
This is a type of job that requires a criminal justice degree, though it is not typically glorified on the crime shows or movies. As a victim’s advocate, you might also help represent children in the courts when their adult relatives cannot be present or support them in a legal environment. In your role, you will help them learn how to plan for safety; especially in domestic or other abuse-related cases. There are many ways these advocates help victims. But the fact that this job typically flies below the radar in the field of criminal justice does not dismiss how essential it is.
Probate Investigator
If you’re asking, “What jobs can you have with a criminal justice degree?” and you’re interested in helping children, this might be the perfect match for you. Custody negotiations are necessary in divorce cases, or when a child needs a probate officer to step in and help settle the issue between the disagreeing sides. This can even involve making sure the parents are using the appropriate funds for the children’s medical insurance and other basic needs. You can prepare for this type of role through criminal justice programs, and by focusing on courses that involve child welfare and juvenile issues. Just remember, your first priority in this position is to protect the welfare of the child. The desire to protect the most vulnerable among us is the first reason to pursue this career.
Fraud Investigator/Loss Prevention Specialist
Fraud investigators earn an average salary of $58,460 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, thanks to their in-demand specialized skills and experience. Fraud investigators are often needed to determine whether or not a claim is true, usually after an insurance company or other party has paid for a claim. This could involve claims of property damage, personal injury, or other types of fraud such as corporate financial crimes. Fraud investigators gather evidence, interview the parties involved, and present their findings to the client that hired them. The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that health insurance fraud investigators will be in particularly high demand in coming years due to the recent federal health care legislation, making fraud investigation a strong career choice for future growth. Expertise in finance and accounting in addition to coursework in criminal justice is helpful in this particular career field.
FBI Agent
FBI agents have a multitude of responsibilities, as their primary task is to enforce federal law as agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. For this reason, many FBI agents specialize in one area of law enforcement after graduating from new agent training. The new agent training is extremely rigorous, including nearly 1,000 hours of training in academics, case exercises, firearms training, and operations.
After training, FBI agents may work against terrorism, cyber crime, civil rights violations, public corruption, organized crime, violent crime, or major thefts, following each step of an investigation through to the sentencing of a criminal. In order to become an FBI agent, applicants must have a four-year degree by an accredited institution. There are many career paths that special agents can enter to start their career, including Finance & Accounting, Information Technology, Language, Intelligence Analysis, and Applied Science, Engineering & Technology. The degree obtained should match the entry path, though the FBI also suggests some critical skills that could help applicants obtain a position as a special agent.
The first place to start for any student interested in an opportunity with the FBI is the FBIJOBS.GOV website, where you can apply for an internship opportunity (must pass a background check).
Pittsburgh and Penn State applicants can contact the local recruiter, Jeff Tisak, for additional information. His contact phone is 412-432-4405.
A member of the FBI walks to the Pulse nightclub June 13, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. Forty-nine people died and more than 50 were injured early June 12 when a heavily-armed gunman opened fire and seized hostages at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, in the worst mass shooting in US history. / AFP / Brendan Smialowski (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)
CIA Agent
Special agents for the Central Intelligence Agency help the federal government investigate violations of the law all over the world. Like domestic agents and police officers, CIA agents put their lives at risk in service to their department and community, but are more often called upon to do so covertly. This element of risk contributes to the high salary of CIA special agents, between $74,872 and $155,500 for agents based in Washington, DC, where CIA headquarters are located. However, CIA agents may be based in satellite offices in the US or abroad, as a CIA agent can be called upon for foreign travel. CIA agents collaborate with other law enforcement agencies on a regular basis by bringing a special mix of skills acquired in CIA training to the table. Those interested in becoming a CIA agent are encouraged to obtain a bachelor’s degree in a field related to law, forensics, language, or criminal justice, and acquire at least five years of experience in investigation.
ATF Agent
The career of an ATF special agent offers a unique challenge to work in federal law enforcement. Headquartered in Washington, DC, ATF has field offices throughout the United States and its territories. Highly trained special agents are responsible for investigating violations of federal laws relating to firearms, explosives, arson, and alcohol and tobacco diversion. These investigations involve surveillance, interviewing suspects and witnesses, making arrests, obtaining and executing search warrants, and searching for physical evidence. Special agents must be tough both physically and mentally. They must also be able to handle rigorous training, personal risks, irregular hours, and extensive travel. Special agents are subject to reassignment to any ATF office in the United States, to include any U.S. territory or ATF overseas assignment.
U.S. Postal Inspector
As members of the United States Postal Inspection Service, postal inspectors investigate and solve crimes related to the US mail. Such crimes include theft, vandalism, fraud, and even identity theft. Any time a crime is committed that involves the postal service, postal inspectors are likely to be involved. Postal inspectors use forensic techniques, question witnesses, and research leads in order to solve these crimes. In order to become a postal inspector, applicants must have a four-year degree from an accredited college or university and a clean criminal record. Applicants who are selected receive 12 weeks of intense training at the US Postal Inspection Service Strategic Learning Services facility in Maryland.
Immigration & Customs Enforcement Agent (ICE)
Immigration and customs enforcement agents are responsible for investigating, arresting, and deporting individuals who do not have permission to be in the US To do this they must keep abreast of current policies and regulations, make recommendations or presentations to courts hearing immigration cases, and participate in special assignments, which may be covert.12 The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement division is a component of the Department of Homeland Security, which entitles enforcement agents to a range of competitive benefits, including life and long-term care insurance, generous vacation time, flexible work schedules, and tuition reimbursement, just to name a few. Salary is based in part on experience, but applicants with a degree in criminal justice have an advantage in entering this exciting career.
Department of Homeland Security
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a cabinet department of the United States Federal Government with responsibilities in public security. Its stated missions involve anti-terrorism, border security, immigration and customs, cybersecurity, and disaster prevention and management. It was created in response to the September 11th attacks and is the youngest U.S. cabinet department.
The job of DHS professionals is to protect the citizens of this country from attack, at home and abroad. DHS employees are involved in securing the nation’s borders, airports, seaports, and waterways. They are also involved in developing and testing new security technologies. In addition to responding to terrorist threats, the DHS also responds to natural disasters.
There are many DHS divisions that provide opportunities for homeland security professionals. These include Immigration Enforcement, US Customs and Border Protection, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Secret Service, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and others.
Blood Spatter Analyst
As forensic scientists, blood spatter analysts have a highly specific education in the physics, biology, and chemistry of spilled blood. This education is the basis for an average salary of $53,090 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Blood can be the most critical clue in a crime scene, but understanding how it arrived and who it belongs to can be an intense process. Blood spatter analysts visit the scene of a crime, help locate and preserve blood samples, and do in-depth analysis at the lab. This analysis may include experiments to try to replicate an intriguing blood spatter pattern. Even small volumes of blood require an educated blood spatter analyst’s investigation, since blood patterns vary according to motion, gravity, air pressure, volume, the surface it lands on, and many other variables. This career is not for the faint of heart but is a rewarding way to support the criminal justice system.
Homicide Detective
Homicide detectives support police officers and other investigative detectives with solving murders and apprehending suspects. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the average salary of all detectives at $55,010 per year, but because the work of a homicide detective is specialized the salary for this work is often higher. Homicide detectives must work to establish how and when a murder was committed, what the motive was, and who committed the crime. They will gather evidence, oversee the work of crime scene technicians, and identify and interview witnesses, sometimes years after an unsolved crime is committed; these investigations are sometimes called cold cases. The nature of this work makes the career of a homicide detective a stressful one, but through their work homicide detectives are able to make a real difference in the communities in which they live.
DEA Agent
Drug Enforcement Administration agents, known as DEA agents for short, work for the US Justice Department to enforce the drug laws of the United States. Salaries for DEA agents depend on education and experience, but a starting salary of $49,746 is average, which can increase to $92,592 or more after four years of working in the field. DEA agents investigate, track, arrest, and dismantle drug traffickers and their organizations through overt and covert operations. To excel in the competitive application process, the DEA recommends that applicants have a bachelor’s degree with a focus in criminal justice, police science, or foreign languages, although other bachelor’s degrees can help applicants succeed. Successful applicants receive 18 weeks of Basic Agent Training at the DEA Training Academy and may receive other ongoing training opportunities. DEA agents must also be in excellent physical condition.
A Secret Service agent keeps a watchful eye as U.S. President George W. Bush throws out the first pitch during the Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals Opening Game Day at Busch Stadium on April 5, 2004 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)
Secret Service Agent
Although the US Secret Service is typically thought of as the service that protects the President and other high-level officials, Secret Service agents actually do much more. The Secret Service is tasked with protecting the integrity of the United States’ financial systems by thwarting cyber attacks on banking systems, identifying and removing counterfeit currency from circulation, and investigating, arresting, and prosecuting criminals who break the laws intended to protect our nation’s financial security. The Secret Service is also involved with crimes such as computer and telecommunications fraud and document forgery. Due to the nature of the work, the Secret Service expects agents to be willing to travel frequently, have a bachelor’s degree preferably with a focus related to the work of the Secret Service, and be in excellent physical condition. In return, agents receive comprehensive government benefits with a starting salary around $49,746 (GL-7), though this may be higher depending on an individual’s qualifications.
US Marshal
US Marshals transport, manage, and protect prisoners and federal witnesses; arrest wanted criminals; and administer the Department of Justice Asset Forfeiture Program, which seizes and sells assets purchased with illegally obtained money to compensate victims and fund law enforcement programs. As members of the nation’s oldest law enforcement agency, US Marshals also provide protection to judges, attorneys, and jurors in high profile or potentially dangerous court cases. What they are best known for, however, is apprehending fugitives from the law; in 2010, the US Marshals arrested over 36,000 fugitive felons – that’s almost 100 a day. To become a part of this fast-paced career, individuals should have a bachelor’s degree or a combination of education and experience to meet the government’s GL-07 level classification. Education in police work, criminal justice, foreign languages, or law will help applicants gain an edge.
Policy Advisor/ Non-Profits and Research Organizations
Let’s say you work in law enforcement for several years while working your way up through graduate degree programs. From there, you are seen as an expert in a specialized area of law enforcement, thanks to your years of experience. With these kinds of credentials, you can help shape public policy and organizational goals at both the public and private levels.
There are many types of non-profit, for-profit, and government agencies that can use professionals with experience in the field of criminal justice to help foster dialogue between private citizens, businesses and government organizations. Completing one of the many criminal justice programs offered at your college can be one of your first steps toward working as a policy analyst.
Example:
How Can I Find a Job?
If you are just starting to research jobs that require a criminal justice degree, then you are probably searching around to see what careers are out there once you complete your education. So, of course, it only makes sense to begin scouring the net for every list of criminal justice jobs you can find.
When looking for your first criminal justice job, you benefit from starting your search early. Start looking at agency websites and documenting their individual requirements for applicants.
Review internship application deadlines and requirements. And look for local professional associations, whose meetings you might attend so that you can learn more about occupations from industry insiders, who might be willing to help connect you to resources that can help you build your professional network and secure a job offer.
Finally, cultivate a good relationship with your professor. Many of the jobs you will be applying for may require background investigations and security clearances. Cultivating as well as demonstrating good work habits and demeanors in the classroom can go a long way in helping you to secure a proper job reference (or fail to obtain one).
For Reflection (comment above)
Write a reflection about your thoughts regarding a career in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, and/or the legal profession.
What career paths appeal to you? What qualifications do you need to acquire to be a competitive applicant for one of these jobs?
What steps will you take over the next 3-4 years to position yourself for a rewarding career?
References:
Career information provided by Criminal Justice Degree Schools, which you can access directly by following the hyperlink embedded here.
1. Siegel, Larry J. Introduction to Criminal Justice. 12th ed. Belmont: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2010.
2. Echaore-McDavid, Susan and Richard A. McDavid. Career Opportunities in Forensic Science. New York: Ferguson, 2008.
3. Glenn, Russell W., et al. Training the Twenty-first Century Police Officer. Santa Monica: Rand Public Safety and Justice, 2003.
4. Josi, Don A. and Dale K. Sechrest. The Changing Career of the Correctional Officer: Policy Implications for the 21st Century. Woburn: Butterworth-Heinemann, 1998.
5. McMahon, Rory J. Practical Handbook for Private Investigators. Boca Raton: CRC Press LLC, 2001.
6. Grosz, Terry. Wildlife Wars: The Life and Times of a Fish and Game Warden. Boulder: Johnson Books, 1999.
7. Jaquish, Michael. The Role of the Security Officer. Gig Harbor: Michael James Jaquish and Security Training Services International, 2006.
8. Olsen, Marilyn. State Trooper: America’s State Troopers and Highway Patrolmen. Paducah: Turner Publishing Company, 2001.
9. Fisher, Barry A.J. Techniques of Crime Scene Investigation. 7th ed. Boca Raton: CRC Press LLC, 2005.
10. Kruse, Warren G. II and Jay G. Heiser. Computer Forensics: Incident Response Essentials. Crawfordsville: Lucent Technologies, 2010.
11. Pedneault, Stephen. Anatomy of a Fraud Investigation. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons Inc., 2010.
12. Sherman, Michael D. et al. U.S. Customs: A Practitioner’s Guide to Principles, Processes, and Procedures. Chicago: American Bar Association, 2009.
13. Bevel, Tom and Ross M. Gardner. Bloodstain Pattern Analysis: With an Introduction to Crime Scene Reconstruction. 3rd ed. Boca Raton: CRC Press, 2008.
14. Miletich, John J. Homicide Investigation: An Introduction. Lanham: Scarecrow Press, Inc., 2003.
15. Walton, Richard H. Cold Case Homicides: Practical Investigation Techniques. Boca Raton: CRC Press, 2006.
From someone who is not a Criminal Justice major and disagrees with the current system, I found the Policy Advisor/ Non-Profits and Research Organizations to be most interesting (although I hope to be a revolutionary and not a reformist). To me, the most important factor of this career is the dialogue between business owners (people in power) and citizens (people subjected to the former’s wants), in order to shift the power back to The People. I would hope that this career helps use insight from citizens to support equitable policy. While it seems a bachelors degree in Criminal Justice would be sufficient step, it seems that a masters degree in Public Policy could be very beneficial. As stated, one of he most important credentials is years of experience in law enforcement.
My interest in careers like CSI, FBI, and CBU has been long-standing, but my disability has sometimes made me question which paths are fully accessible to me. Despite these uncertainties, my determination remains unwavering. I am committed to pursuing a career in criminal prosecution or investigative law enforcement, dedicating myself to advocacy and justice for any being who may not have a voice or can not find theirs yet.
To be a competitive applicant in these fields, I know I need strong academic performance, hands-on experience, and specialized skills. Over the next 3–4 years, I plan to focus on excelling in my criminal justice courses, pursuing internships or volunteer opportunities that provide practical experience, and earning certifications in legal research and investigative techniques. I also hope to connect with mentors and professionals in law enforcement and the legal fields, building a network that will support my growth and future career opportunities.
Beyond qualifications, I want to cultivate the traits essential for success in this field: resilience, empathy, and adaptability. My experiences navigating personal and systemic challenges have already taught me these lessons, and I intend to carry them forward. My ultimate goal is to make a tangible impact—ensuring that justice is fair, accessible, and humane for all.
The list of jobs included and described was very interesting to read. I was surprised to learn that someone pursuing a degree in criminal justice has a variety of career options. In my opinion, jobs in the criminal justice field seem especially exciting. If I were to pursue any of the careers listed, I would choose to become a criminologist. I find the sociological aspects of crime fascinating, so becoming a criminologist would be fitting for me. To be qualified, a criminologist needs to obtain a master’s degree. Working as a criminologist would be fulfilling because they address problems behind the scenes and contribute to crime prevention. There would also be endless research opportunities that could lead to a better understanding of various types of crime. My ultimate career goals do not align with the criminal justice field. However, if I were to work as a criminologist, as described, I would definitely start by getting my bachelor’s, then attending graduate school.
A criminal justice degree is not something with my major I would need but I could use in my major. The degree that looks the most appealing to me in this field is the FBI. As it is something that is interesting how they work and with only 1% of people getting hired to the FBI. The qualifications needed to enter this field where the new training process is that you need nearly 1000 hours of training in academics, case exercises, firearms training, and operations. Within the next 3-4 years you should be in an accredited institution and find out what critical skills you should have or learn to give yourself a higher chance than the other applicants to give an upper hand in the field you are entering within the FBI.
While I am not genuinely considering any of the options on the list or anything in the criminal justice field at all, I can say that all of these jobs sound very interesting in their own ways. The job that interested me the most is the blood spatter analyst. The education and training required is a bachelors degree and a Certified Bloodstain Pattern Analyst (CBPA) certification. I’ve always been interested in all sorts of biology and forensics courses and being able to analyze a crime scene like that sounds really cool. I don’t think I would be able to really do this as my job though, because despite my interest in biology classes, I am pretty awful at them.
While going into criminal justice isn’t my career path, I respect the skills that are required to work the jobs in that field. I feel that a lot of criminal justice work requires a critical thinker, which is why so many jobs in that field require college degrees. If I were to ever change my career plans and chose to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice, I would probably use it to become a probation officer or correctional officer, as I feel these jobs have a very big role in the success of a criminal re-entering society, and can make real differences to their communities. To become a corrections officer, less pre-career training is necessary as a lot of training is done on the job. However, to set themselves apart, it may help applicants to have a background in criminal justice or social work, whether through degrees or certifications. Both of these jobs overlap with social work a fair bit as well, which makes sense considering that both of these jobs require working closely with those moving through the criminal justice system. Something I learned as someone not pursuing criminal justice as a career path is that there are way more jobs within that field than most people would expect and a lot of them are more specialized than they are typically given credit for.
Having a career in criminal justice has always appealed to me. My dad was a juvenile probation officer that worked for more than twenty years in law enforcement. I noticed I had a big interest in it when I would watch shows with him and I would comment on certain things that I felt were interesting.
A career path that has always appealed to me is a probation officer. Besides my dad being involved in it, I have always liked the fact that you can be like a police officer but with less risks. Being a police officer was my first idea until I realized that risks were not worth the reward. As a police officer, you start out at low wages just to get shot at. Also, I wouldn’t want to be a police officer in this day in age due to people having a bad view of them. Why would I take a job where I know I’m going to be hated by a majority of the people?
To be a probation officer, you have to be less than thirty-seven years old, have a college degree, and be a U.S. citizen. Some of the other things depend on what state you are in.
The career path that appeals to me is Policy Advisor/ Non-Profits and Research Organizations. You need a bachelor’s degree, go to Law School for about 3 years or longer, take exams called Law School Admission test, Licensing exams, a good background and lastly take a continuing legal education course. I would have to really focus and see if this is a good career for me because it requires a lot of schooling and testing, but I feel like if I really want to do it, I totally can I just would have to really put in the work for my career. I can really see me being a lawyer and actually fighting for people while helping them with lifelong lessons, I’m very excited to learn more about my career in this class but I still am very undecided, but I do know what I want to do if that make’s sense.
After reading through the careers listed, I’m still ultimately interested in getting a bachelors in criminology and possibly minoring in psych, then going on to get a masters degree. My career choices are still forensic psych, profiling, or detective work but the reach goal is some kind of federal profiling job with a agency like the NCIS or DACID. I’m interested in why people do the things they do alongside the justice side of things, which is why I think forensic psychology would be the perfect place for me.
Forensic psychology involves exploring the human psyche before applying it to a legal setting.
To work as a profiler for a federal agency I’d need to get my bachelors in CrimJ and psych, then go and work as a LEO in the field, gain top security clearance and gain experience before going and applying to be a special agent. Along with being physically fit, you need critical thinking and problem solving skills and the ability to travel when needed.
It’s basically the same thing for non-federal forensic psychology, I’d need my advanced degrees in forensic psychology. I also want to continue learning Spanish to gain an edge.
I certainly don’t think a degree is necessary for every criminal justice related job but I believe that having one gives a applicant an edge over others. It shows your ability to discipline yourself and that you went through the years of gaining knowledge of a specific field.
Reading this post and learning all the insights of the careers under this degree, I’ve learned the distinct difference between criminal justice and criminology, also, the incomes that all of these jobs make were a lot lower that I expected. I’m not 100% sure which path I want to go down, but there were still two jobs that stood out to me, including the FBI.
I understand that the FBI is one of the most difficult levels to achieve under this degree, but it is something that I’ve been interested in for a very long time. On top of all the hours you’d have to put into training, qualifications that are required are the 4 years of college.
The other career that caught my interest were the Forensic Science Technicians. This career caught my attention because of how interesting it really is. This profession includes a bunch of testing, finding finger prints, hair follicles, broken fragments of materials/ items, and so much more. Qualifications that are required include a bachelor’s degree in forensic science or another science related field. Traits that could be beneficial, but not required, are having good math and science skills.
Over the next 3-4 years my steps to make my career rewarding for myself contain, studying, putting myself out there, internships, and having a good work life balance. These next 3-4 years in my life are the most challenging and most crucial to the next 40 to 50 years in my life. As a college freshman these next years in college will either strive for me or deteriorate me for my future. I have to make sure that I study on a daily basis for my classes to make sure I don’t have to have a delay in my future career. Studying and keeping up with all my school work will enable me to graduate in 4 years and if I excel myself I can graduate earlier. I will have to put my head down and make sure that I have everything in line for me to graduate and be ready for the real world to come. Over the next couple of years, I am going to have to market myself into the economy as a worker for employers. I need to make sure with every interaction I make with people it is good because people know people and people talk to people and you never know where it can get you. Anyone can know anybody so making sure I speak correctly and intelligent to everyone can get me just a little further. Lastly, any internships that I can get over my next couple of years can set me up for a job right when I get out of college. Having a job and an employer that trusts you with your work can really benefit you in your favor for your future with that company. In conclusion, over the next 3-4 years there are a lot of steps that I can take to benefit myself for the next 50 years. This helps me to have a solid career and a good work and life balance to live for the rest of my life.
The career that appears to me most is the FBI. This type of agent has a very intriguing path and would definitely be the challenge I am looking for. The qualifications I would need to be a competitive applicant would be to specialize in one area of law enforcement after graduating from a new agent training. That would require 1,000 hours of training in academics, case exercises, firearm training, and operations. To become an FBI agent, any applicant must have a four-year degree by an accredited institution, this field also requires professional experience. Now for the next 3-4 years I would need to be in a new agent training and then to specialize in an area of law enforcement like I stated above, meaning an internship of a sort during my time at an accredited institution.
One of the biggest career path that appeals me is a Forensic Science Technician. This career grabbed my attention because of how hands on it is. I’m very much a hands on person. Being able to do different testing in labs, sitting in court cases, being in the hospital, and looking at the crime scene feels like a very fun job. Items that you are able to look at from a scene could be: fingerprints, hair, or other broken materials. This profession would make someone feel like they are in the show criminal minds. I think it would be very unique to be able to solve a crime scene. You could be able to cause justice for a case by figuring out what fully happened in a situation. Qualifications that are needed for this career path are a bachelor’s degree in forensic science or another science related field. Other things that aren’t necessarily qualifications but characteristics that can help you are: building your math and science skills. These skills can help you become ready quicker for this field of study. As fun as this profession sounds; I also feel like it could be a scary profession as well. You never know what duty might be called upon you to do. Some scenes and cases may not be that bad, while other could be very messy and disturbing. Still something that if I was a criminal justice major that I would look into. What do you think that would be the most exciting or interest you the most about this career?
If you get your bachelors degree it shows that you are able to accomplish a goals that you would what want to do in your career. If you have degrade peoples can see that your good at this one thing that you want to do. People who study criminology look at crime as a social criminology look at crime. I would like to do US Marshal and Private Detective work or be a police officer. I feel that I can help lots of people in those jobs and that I can feel like I’m helping my community out and if I can help them out I can lower the crime rate and make a better community.
My thoughts on a career in criminal justice are that there are many fields to pick from in the criminal justice field. If you have the drive and the empathy regarding sensitive matters it is a terrific opportunity. Criminal justice is the field that I want to get into rather than criminology because I want to detect the law and follow accordingly. The career that I want to pursue is getting into the FBI. Being an FBI agent requires a bachelor’s degree, complete 1,000 hours of training, and follow through the investigation like a criminal. The FBI interests me because of my competitive nature, interest with the mind, and empathetic personality. Additionally, I always wanted to be in this field, and my interest started off with wanting to be a police officer. The steps I’m going to take going forward are going onto FBIJOBS.gov and applying myself to getting my degree since it is such a difficult field to get into.
Some career paths that appeal to me with a criminal justice degree would be becoming a state trooper or getting into policing. I am interested in these professions because I want to enforce the law in an unbiased way, and protect the residents and citizens in whatever area I choose to work in. My thoughts on these professions would be that I believe they are good careers and I will enjoy working in my day-to-day life as a state trooper or police officer.
To be competitive for a job in one of these fields you must get a baccalaureate or associate degree in criminal justice. You should get a degree in this field to not only get a leg up, but to educate yourself on the chosen profession.
In the next 3-4 years I will work on my fitness and educate myself while working on getting a degree to better prepare myself for the life of a state trooper or police officer.
A degree in criminal justice isn’t required for some jobs in the field, but it could give you access to a few things such as higher paying jobs, a time-frame to prepare for developing multiple skills, and in general it will show you have the determination to work hard, to go above and beyond for the job. A bachelor’s degree gives you extra credits and a wider access to career opportunities. I feel that I will receive my masters in criminology after receiving a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice to fulfill my knowledge on the system and the effects crime has on society. However, there are many career opportunities you can pursue with a degree in criminal justice. After looking into the list of the many jobs you can work for with a degree in criminal justice, these are just a few of careers that have interested me in the field of criminal justice.
A detective/investigator takes an approach in the private realm of investigating. This includes doing background checks on individuals, looking into workers compensation, and collecting evidence based on investigation. Typically they are hired by people who acquire an investigation to take place that does not involve a criminal aspect or crime. Also could be retired detectives/investigators that worked for the FBI.
State troopers work on state highways to regulate use of commercial vehicles and patrol speeding. They also may work with federal law enforcement to search for wanted criminals that might be trying to flee the state or country. In general their duty is to watch for signs of illegal activity and keep citizens aware of the law when driving on the highways.
Paralegals assist attorneys or lawyers with legal services such as investigating facts, organizing files and documents. They are not permitted to give legal advice, but will represent clients. It’s very important they are trained to have the best organizational skills and experience of legal terms.
Crime victims service coordinators are specialized to help the victim and their family through the process of after a crime takes place. Ensuring they are safe and have the resources to call for additional help such as counseling and support groups. If children under eighteen are involved they will help represent them in courts if the adult in the child’s life isn’t present.
FBI agents are involved in multitudinous roles and responsibilities. To be considered a new agent in the field it requires intense and rigorous one thousand hours of firearm training and case exercises. Once completed they work with officials to solve cyber crimes and violent crimes. Career requires a four year degree.
These are only a few career opportunities mentioned, but they all require a degree at least in criminal justice which are all higher paying jobs with tough and strenuous sacrifices.
I will be pursuing a career in criminal justice with a bachelor’s degree. I’m still undecided of what exact career I would like to go into, but after reading each job description I can conclude that the field in law enforcement requires many skills and tough training. I feel I’m more decided towards helping victims and investigating crimes. The career paths I feel drawn to are working with the FBI and investigating crimes. To qualify for the FBI it requires 1,000 hours of rigorous training in firearm training and case exercises. It also requires a four year degree in criminal justice.
The next steps I will take over the next four years to secure a rewarding career is studying as much as I can to receive my bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. I also want to additionally get my masters in criminology.
I am ultimately interested in furthering my education by attending Law school and becoming a JAG Officer in the Air Force. I am currently pursuing a Criminal Justice major, but I have interest in Criminology. I did not want to go to Main Campus because I thrive in smaller class sizes. To obtain my future in Law, I plan on majoring in Criminal Justice, while taking any Criminology related courses I can and participating in AFROTC. Upon graduating Law School, I will have to practice both prosecution and defense. I currently don’t prefer either side, however I would like to become a Victim Advocate for military victims. I am taking the long way around; however, I like that I will always have a career option.
After reading through all the listed careers and the brief insights into them, I’ve realized that, in comparison to the risk and work amount, most law enforcement jobs don’t pay as much as I expected them to. Nonetheless, there were a few jobs that I had already had in mind, and after reading through a brief description of them, I still have expectations of pursuing them. First would be a traditional police officer/ state trooper; they are two different roles, but they fall somewhat into the same category of preventing crime where possible, but also being the force to correct it when necessary. A benefit of them is that since those jobs are so regulated, I would have a higher chance of being placed in a department of my preference.
Secondly, it would be an FBI agent. I understand that almost everyone who pursues this career has the same thoughts about the FBI as I do. Still, I’m interested in the BAU aspect of the FBI, specifically understanding why someone who committed a violent enough crime to involve the FBI did it. For all career paths, having a degree in criminal justice is extremely helpful, but it is not always necessary. Having one shows determination and commitment, as well as supports the idea of the knowledge one might have. In addition to being mentally capable, you must also be physically fit, with the flexibility to be available and go wherever you are needed.
Over the next 3-4 years, I will take the appropriate classes specific to my interests, as they may change or narrow down in the years to come, as well as continue to improve my physical strength and knowledge. I will also check back at the job site to see what exactly is in demand and how long those patterns last, such as Specific languages and skills.