The Many Career Paths Available with a Degree in Criminal Justice
Graduating with a degree in criminal justice can open up a wide range of career opportunities. However, it’s common for graduates to be unsure of what they can do with their degree or how to apply their skills to different industries. In this article, we will explore the various career paths available to individuals with a criminal justice degree, the skills and training taught by this degree, the job market, success stories from working professionals, degree levels and earning potential, and alternative degree or certificate programs to consider.
Career Paths in the Criminal Justice Field
There are a variety of job roles available in the criminal justice field, including:
- Law enforcement
- Corrections
- Probation and parole
- Government agencies
- Private security
Within each area, there are numerous job titles such as police officer, detective, correctional officer, investigator, probation officer, and security consultant. Some positions may require additional training or certification, depending on the state or employer requirements.
Skills and Training Taught by a Criminal Justice Degree
A criminal justice degree focuses on various topics such as criminal law, criminology, and ethics. Graduates learn about the criminal justice system and aspects such as police work, corrections, and the legal system. They are often trained on investigative techniques, computer skills, report writing, and communication.
These skills can easily transfer to other industries and job roles such as legal or paralegal, social work or counseling positions. A strong foundation in communication and critical thinking make graduates well-suited for roles such as negotiation or consulting, while computer skills and forensic knowledge are useful for jobs in data analysis, cybersecurity, and forensic science programs.
Job Market in the Criminal Justice Field
The criminal justice field is a broad area encompassing many job roles, so opportunities for employment will vary by location and job descriptions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of police and detectives is projected to grow 5% from 2019 to 2029, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. Meanwhile, the employment outlook for correctional officers and probation officers is expected to grow by 4% and 4%, respectively.
The highest demand for new police officers usually comes from medium to large size cities. With so many options to specialize, it is recommended to have a few fields in mind before pursuing a career in criminal justice. These fields include federal law enforcement, state or local law enforcement, corrections, or probation and parole.
Success Stories from Individuals with a Criminal Justice Degree
It can be reassuring to hear stories from working professionals who have graduated with a criminal justice degree. Brenda, a graduate of the criminal justice program, works as a police department’s public information officer. Her role involves writing press releases, managing social media accounts, and working with the community to promote community safety. Jeff, a graduate of the forensic science program, works at a DNA lab, taking swabs from crime scenes and analyzing the DNA samples to match them to suspects. Their stories are proof that a degree in criminal justice can lead to a diverse range of career opportunities with a significant impact.
Degree Levels and Earning Potential
A degree in criminal justice can be earned at various levels, including associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree. While an associate degree can help graduates secure a job in law enforcement, it can take several years to move up the ladder and increase earning potential. A bachelor’s degree offers better pay and a wider range of employment opportunities, while a master’s degree can help graduates advance to leadership roles, including management or administrative positions.
According to PayScale, the average salary for criminal justice graduates ranges from $36,000 to $78,000 per year.
Alternative Degrees or Certificate Programs
Criminal justice graduates can consider other degree or certificate programs that complement their skills such as data analysis, cybersecurity, or forensics. These programs can deepen graduates’ knowledge and open up additional job opportunities.
Conclusion
A degree in criminal justice offers a diverse range of job opportunities with various career paths available. With ample opportunities to specialize and versatile skills gained in current technology and communication, graduates can excel in fields such as social work, security, law, and law enforcement.