Jobs Requiring a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice
Criminal justice majors study criminal behavior and the process and role of the legal system. While many positions in criminal justice require a bachelor's degree, for others it is good enough simply to have majored in it. Jobs at higher levels of security may require education in the field in lieu of experience. Careers in criminal justice can range from on-the-street enforcement to an investigative role behind the scenes.
Other People Are Reading
-
Police Officer
-
The most popular career path for a criminal justice major is a police officer. Police officers respond to emergencies, investigate crimes, enforce laws and keep order in many different situations. Police officers can work for the city, county, state or at the federal level. Most police officers start at the city or county level. Police officers also maintain order in courtrooms, schools and federal buildings.
Detective
-
Detectives perform the investigative role under the criminal justice umbrella. Detectives typically work strange hours and without the use of a uniform. They interview witnesses, perform extensive research, investigate the scene, and can also arrest criminals. Like police officers, detectives can work on both a smaller police force with minor crimes, or a large force specializing in large homicides and fraud.
-
Probation Officer
-
Many criminal justice majors looking to work directly with criminal offenders often become probation officers. Probation officers supervise those who have been placed on probation by the court. They make regular visits to offenders' homes and jails to make sure they are complying with the terms of their probation. Probation officers work with juveniles to repeat criminal offenders.
Security Guard
-
While a security guard position most likely requires just a high school education, a supervisory role may require a four-year degree. These jobs are less dangerous than being a police officer. Security guards typically guard private businesses and homes. The position requires long hours of repetitive surveillance to prevent criminal activity.
Correction Officer
-
Correction officers typically perform the same duties as security guards. However, they typically work in prisons at the federal and state level. High-level federal prison jobs require either adequate experience in criminal justice or a degree. Because of security issues, a clean record is typically also necessary to get a job in the industry.
-
