What Can You Do With a Certificate in Criminal Justice?
The amount of time required to obtain a criminal justice degree varies depending on the profession a person wishes to enter. Colleges throughout the United States offer two-, four- and six-year degree programs. Criminal justice degree programs are offered online and on college campuses. A degree in criminal justice can provide a solid foundation for those interested in law enforcement, private investigation and forensics.
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Private Investigator
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Criminal justice degrees provide specialized training for potential private investigators. Private investigators often employ knowledge of cyber-security, surveillance and criminal psychology in their day-to-day employment. Knowledge of privacy laws in the jurisdiction an individual wishes to practice is often crucial. Individuals interested in working for attorneys can benefit from doing coursework in criminal procedure and evidence. Insurance companies often employ private investigators to conduct surveillance on worker's compensation claimants.
Loss Prevention Specialist
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A criminal justice degree is beneficial for individuals interested in loss prevention specialist careers. Loss prevention specialists are often employed by large retail companies to protect merchandise through surveillance. Surveillance for retail outlets often involves use of hidden cameras; thus, knowledge of closed-circuit camera equipment is beneficial. Loss prevention specialists employed by retail outlets may also be responsible for detaining potential shoplifters.
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Legal Secretary
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Legal secretaries are employed by law firms to do a variety of clerical tasks. Often, legal secretaries draft pleadings and motions, organize client files, type correspondence letters, set attorney appointments and organize court calendars. Certain colleges offering criminal justice degrees provide coursework in legal terminology, basic legal principles, civil procedure and motion drafting. Courses in the rules of professional responsibility are also helpful, as confidentiality is critical in a law office setting.
Other Career Opportunities
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Individuals with bachelor's and master's degrees in criminal justice have many career opportunities from which to choose. Forensics, fingerprint analysis and crime scene investigation are just a few examples of criminal justice-related careers. An individual interested in becoming a crime scene examiner should choose a college that offers a criminal justice degree with special emphasis on natural science. Crime laboratory analysts should have a criminal justice degree with additional coursework in biology and chemistry.
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References
- PayScale: Popular Careers for a Criminal Justice Degree
- Criminal Justice Degrees Guide: Criminal Justice Careers
- Criminal Justice Degrees Guide: Becoming a Private Investigator: How to Become a Private Investigator
- Criminal Justice Degree Schools: Loss Prevention Specialist -- Retail: Job Description and Career Outlook
- Criminal Justice Degree Directory: How to Become a Legal Secretary
