Expected Field Growth for Criminal Justice Degrees
Even as the United States sits in the middle of a recession, some fields are still showing signs of life. One of them is criminal justice. Since crime does stop during economic downturn, the need for qualified individuals to protect and serve remains. Work in the criminal justice field spans all education levels and work tiers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, criminal justice is one of America's fastest-growing career fields. Employment in areas such as corrections, law enforcement and security is projected to increase as much as 35 percent through 2010.
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Take Care of Home
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The multifaceted Department of Homeland Security, created after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, boasts a host of career opportunities for individuals with criminal justice degrees at all levels. The Coast Guard, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Transportation Security Administration fall under the department. Border Patrol Agents are a high-need area for the department. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, to become an agent, applicants must have at least a bachelor's degree.
CSI Growing
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From crime scene investigators to forensic scientists, a criminal justice degree helps individuals enter into the world glamorized by television police dramas. An associate's level degree puts graduates on pace for a career as a forensics technician. Although better opportunities are found by pursuing more education, forensic technicians with a background in criminal justice are still able to find above-average salaries--$50,000 in 2008--and the ability to take part in the criminal investigation process.
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Legal Preparation
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An undergraduate or associate's degree in criminal justice can lead to a career in the paralegal profession. This high-demand field requires that individuals offer assistance to a licensed attorney by completing legal research, preparing notebooks for trial, interviewing clients, helping write legal briefs, reviewing and updating files, and drafting documents. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that growth in faster than others. By 2016, 84,000 legal assistants are needed. A criminal justice background is helpful in comprehending terminology related to criminal cases.
State and Federal Penitentiaries
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The need for probation, parole and corrections officers makes a criminal justice degree a hot commodity. The probation and parole officer positions require at least a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or another social service field such as social work or sociology. While most corrections officer positions require at least a high school diploma, the need for baccalaureate-level officers is high. For instance, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice starts correction officers with bachelor's degree out at a higher pay rate than those with less formal education.
Enforcing the law
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For police officers who have worked on the force at least two years, a bachelor's degree in criminal justice can help officers who are interested in stepping up in the ranks. Detectives and crime investigators are expected to see faster that average growth according to Bureau of Labor Statistics projections. Through 2016, 42,000 new positions will be created due to retirement and promotions. In addition, with the Obama administration earmarking funds for police force increases, new programs could arise, creating need for additional personnel.
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