Security Criminal Justice Jobs

For the student interested in a career in criminal justice, the options are numerous. Often, your ultimate career goal will determine the focus of your education. While the most well-known jobs in criminal justice are those of police officers, and various other agencies of regular law enforcement, an education in criminal justice can prepare someone for a less common law career such as trial lawyer or forensic scientist. Many positions in the field of law enforcement require or pay better with education in criminal justice. There are great programs online.

Police Officer and other local law enforcement: As already mentioned, local or city law enforcement is a very popular criminal justice job. Many police stations do not require officers to have a criminal justice degree, but a degree can improve ranking and promotion opportunities. On the city level, police stations can offer very broad positions, such as general response officer, or specialize into swat units, bomb squads, canine patrols and others. At the state and federal levels, police are generally highway patrol officers and emergency assistance officers.

State and federal jobs in courts and corrections facilities: State and federal governments are usually in charge of large prisons. Those with criminal justice degrees may find jobs in these facilities such as correctional treatment specialist, corrections counselor, juvenile probation officer, parole officer, warden, clinical psychologist, caseworker, substance abuse specialist, and facilities specialist. In the federal or state courts, criminal justice degree holders can hold position such as court counselors, pretrial officers, victim services counselors, or bailiffs.

Federal Jobs: Although federal jobs are less numerous, a criminal justice degree may prepare someone for a career at the federal level. Federal jobs can offer more variety. These jobs include positions in the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Agency, a job with the US Marshals, the department of Immigration and Naturalization, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and the U.S. Customs department.

Less known jobs: A criminal justice degree may also prepare someone to go into lesser known fields. The field of forensic science is a great example. Forensic scientists may not find employment in smaller agencies, but could easily find themselves working for larger investigative agencies at the state and federal level. Criminal justice majors may also find themselves employed as private detectives or security agents, or obtaining a PH.d to teach college. A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can also be used as a foundation for obtaining a higher degree in law to become a trial lawyer.

There are many options available for criminal justice majors. Knowing which option suits one best, can help a student plan his or her education appropriately. Criminal justice majors can choose a focus that fits best with their career plans by speaking to counselors at their colleges and having a clear vision for their future.