Criminal Justice Degrees & Careers
Criminal justice offers a variety of career paths. Whether you hold an associate degree in criminal justice or a juris doctorate, you'll find a wealth of opportunities available to suit your interests. From law enforcement to forensic science, this article outlines some of the options for degrees and careers in criminal justice.
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Criminal Justice: Associate Degree
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An associate degree in criminal justice offers a solid base in the fundamentals for students who will pursue a four-year degree or are interested in entering the criminal justice field immediately following graduation. Individuals who pursue an associate degree in criminal justice will be able to obtain positions as law enforcement officers, including county sheriffs and deputies, police officers and state troopers. Other positions include correctional officers working in jails and detention centers and juvenile reformatory facilities. Courthouse bailiffs, airport security officers and bodyguards may also find employment with an associate degree.
Criminal Justice: Bachelor's Degree
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Opportunities for employment in criminal justice increase significantly when you obtain a bachelor's degree. Larger police departments may require a candidate to have a bachelor's, and the majority of federal and government agencies, like the FBI and Secret Service, require a bachelor's degree at a minimum. A bachelor's also may be required if your want to advance within a department or a facility. Other career options include probation and parole officers, investigators and substance abuse and treatment counselors.
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Criminal Justice: Master's Degree
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Earning a master's degree in criminal justice opens the door for significant career advancement opportunities, especially coupled with work experience. A master's degree offers the opportunity to prepare for leadership positions and teaching. Master's candidates have improved opportunities to enter careers as agents or investigators with the FBI, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and other federal agencies.
Forensic Science
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A bachelor's or master's degree in forensic science prepares graduates for careers in a crime laboratory, crime scene investigation, criminal investigations and crime scene analysis. As technology has advanced and forensic science has gained popularity on television, the interest in this field has increased significantly and employment opportunities are very competitive. Concentrations in chemistry and biology will prepare students who are interested in working with DNA, toxicology and other laboratory-related testing.
Law
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Legal professionals play a pivotal role in criminal justice, as lawyers and their staffs present a case for justice for the victim or defend the rights of a person accused of a crime. Associate and bachelor's degrees prepare you to be a legal assistant or paralegal. A juris doctorate is needed to become an attorney. Legal assistants/secretaries and paralegals play a supportive role to attorneys as they work with clients, victims, review evidence, file documents with the court and prepare for cases. Other careers in law include court reporters, court clerks and judges.
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