What can you do with a degree in criminal justice?
A Criminal Justice degree will build understanding of the functions and dysfunctions of the police, courts, and correctional systems. Majors learn about theories of criminal behavior as well as how to design social science measures of criminal justice outcomes. One of the advantages of a Criminal Justice Bachelor's degree is it allows you to leverage your degree into immediate employment in your field. The degree prepares students for careers as victims services advocates, correctional officers, as well as local, state, and federal law enforcement. Students may also use the degree to pursue graduate studies in law, criminology, or a related discipline.
The opportunities for a career in law enforcement extend far beyond simply being a police officer. A listing of career options follows, but this is by no means exhaustive.
- BATF Agent
- INS Officer
- Border Patrol Agent
- Insurance Fraud Investigator
- Campus Police Officer
- Laboratory Technician
- Crime Prevention Specialist
- Loss Prevention Officer
- Criminal Investigator
- Military Police Officer
- Criminal Profiler
- Park Ranger
- Customs Officer
- Police Administrator
- Deputy Sheriff
- Police Dispatcher
- Deputy U.S. Marshal
- Police Officer
- Drug Enforcement Agent
- Polygraph Examiner
- FBI Special Agent
- Postal Inspector
- Federal Agency Investigator
- Private Investigator
- Fingerprint Technician
- Secret Service Agent
- Forensic Scientist
- State Trooper
- Highway Patrol Officer
Related Web Sites
Careers in Law Enforcement - At this Web site you can find information about available law enforcement jobs across the country. The site also provides information about the hiring process.
Department of Justice Job Search - Search for career opportunities with the U.S. Department of Justice and its offices, boards, and divisions, including the Bureau of Prisons, Drug Enforcement Administration, Immigration and Naturalization Service, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Justice Programs, United States Attorney Offices, and United States Marshals Service
Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) - The Fraternal Order of Police is the world's largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers, with more than 2,000 lodges and 294,000 members.
International Association of Chiefs of Police - The International Association of Chiefs of Police is the world’s oldest and largest nonprofit membership organization of police executives, with over 19,000 members in over 100 different countries.
Within the corrections system, a legion of workers maintains security and discipline within institutions, and provides myriad services in institutions and community-based programs.
- Activity Therapy Administrator
- Mental Health Clinician
- Business Manager
- Parole/Probation Officer
- Case Manager
- Presentence Investigator
- Chaplain
- Prison Industries Superintendent
- Chemical Dependency Manager
- Program Officer/Specialist
- Child Care Worker
- Programmer/Analyst
- Children’s Services Counselor
- Psychologist
- Classification Officer
- Recreation Coordinator
- Client Service Coordinator
- Rehabilitation Counselor
- Clinical Social Worker
- Researcher
- Community Liaison Officer
- Residence Supervisor
- Correctional Officer
- Sex Offender Therapist
- Dietary Officer
- Social Worker
- Drug Court Coordinator
- Statistician
- Field Administrator
- Substance Abuse Counselor
- Fugitive Apprehension Officer
- Teacher
- Home Detention Supervisor
- Vocational Instructor
- Human Services Counselor
- Warden or Superintendent
- Job Placement Officer
- Youth Service Worker/Coordinator
- Juvenile Detention Officer
- Youth Supervisor
- Juvenile Probation Officer
Related Web Sites
The American Correctional Association is a multi-disciplinary organization of professionals representing all facets of corrections and criminal justice.
The American Probation and Parole Association is an international association composed of individuals actively involved with probation, parole and community-based corrections.
Visit Govtjobs.com for listings of open positions in all areas of government and criminal justice.
The International Corrections and Prisons Association provides a forum for criminal justice professionals to join in a dialogue and to share ideas and practices aimed at advancing professional corrections.
The people who train others are an important cog in the wheel of the criminal justice system. Some careers include:
- Agency Researcher
- Community College, College, or University Lecturer or Professor
For more information on career development, go to: State University of New York at Fredonia Career Development Office
