What can you do with a
Criminal Justice Degree?
Have you considered getting a criminal justice degree? If
the thought of what you can do with such a degree has stopped you from doing
so, then keep reading! On entering the field of criminal justice, you become
qualified to be hired for many different job opportunities. Sure, the go-to
choice for most people is becoming a police officer. But they are just one type
of professionals who are part of law enforcement. Your degree can open doors to
various other career options, such as an FBI agent and even a computer forensic
specialist.
All these options require the skills that you acquire while
getting a degree in criminal justice. They have varying pay scales and
benefits. You could land any of these jobs, provided you also possess the
qualification level they seek.
Below we mention some professions
that you could be a shoo-in for. Use this resource wisely, and you will see
great success:
The acronym ATF indicates a professional specializing in
criminal investigations involving the related issues of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms, and Explosives. You will work to uncover illegal activities. You'll
need a bachelor's degree for this job.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics said that as early as in 2017,
probation officers enjoyed a median wage of $51,410 per year. They could also depend on 6% job growth
all the way to 2026. As one, you will oversee parolees who have been released
from the corrections system. Your job would be ensuring that they stick to
their probational terms. Besides this responsibility, you will also aid the
said parolees to adjust to life after release.
These professionals are hired by companies to screen any potential
new employees before they can work there. Other than the duties mentioned, you
could be asked in court to give testimony during a hearing.
Let us start with the most tempting feature for this
profession. It pays about $42,439
per year. Now consider what you'd be doing as a corrections manager. Your duty
will include supervising employees working at correctional facilities, such as prisons.
To land this employment opportunity, you'd need to get yourself a bachelor's
degree, as well as, some work experience.
The name should clue you in that such a professional would
be working in a bank or connected to other financial services. Your job would
be to use the latest technology to ensure security for all credit and debit
card purchases. While having a bachelor's degree may boost your chances of
being hired, it isn't a prerequisite.
With a criminal justice degree, you won't be asked to be in
charge of unruly elementary, middle school, or even high school kids. But the
skills you gain while completing your education can help you get your state
teaching credentials. For instance, with a major in criminal justice, you would
be an expert in giving presentations, possess sharp decision making skills, be
computer literate, and be familiar with moral/ethical standards.
Federal and state government agencies are where you may find
employment as an instructor, program analyst, or a curriculum specialist. Major
companies like Apple, Ford, Sprint, and Kraft also have vacant positions for learning
managers and training coordinators that you could be perfect for!
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has certain
guidelines. They are in place to prevent terrorism. As an analyst, you will
ensure that these guidelines are adhered to.
From investigating minor crimes to issuing traffic citations,
police officers are bastions of law enforcement within most communities. You
won't need a bachelor's degree for this job but be prepared to patrol
communities and arrest suspects as part of your profession. As a cop, you are
looking at a median salary of $62,960.
As the name indicates, you will be asked to gather computer
data in case of an electronic crime. That would include offenses, such as
identity fraud or theft and other crimes that involve digital data. As a
digital forensics analyst, your yearly pay can be as high as $68,484.
A criminologist studies criminal behavior, i.e., the how's
and why's of it. But that isn't all they do. They also training in creating
useful profiles that other investigators can use to catch criminals, solve
mysteries, and prevent crime. Think of yourself as a specialized sociologist
who just happens to earn an average salary of $86,130
each year!
If the thought of finding evidence of criminal activity and
holding criminals accountable for their actions gets you excited, then the
field of criminal justice may be just right for you. You will come away with
great skills of investigation that help prove whether a person is guilty or
not. Does that sound like a profession you can be passionate about?