Careers in Criminal Justice
Careers in criminal justice require varied combinations of education and experience. Persons working in protective services occupations are often called to respond to high-pressure emergency situations that require sophisticated human relations techniques coupled with quick and decisive action.
Work in the related areas of regulations enforcement is heavily centered on field investigation and the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data related to health, foods and drugs, agriculture, transportation, and business and industrial regulation compliance.
A bachelor's degree with a major in criminal justice is necessary for many entry-level professional positions in law enforcement. Personal qualifications such as honesty and an understanding of human nature are important. In addition to educational requirements, most workers in protective service areas must undergo formal training programs and get on-the-job training experience before they are fully qualified.
Career Options
Graduates with this major have found work as: Police Officer, Probation Officer, Claims Representative, Private Investigator, Customs Agent, Special Agent, FBI, Health & Safety Inspector, Criminologist, Game Warden, Park Ranger, Alcohol-Tobacco-Firearms Inspector, Correctional Officer, Paralegal Assistant, Immigration Inspector, Intelligence Analyst-CIA, Parole Officer, Teacher, Prison Administrator, Lawyer, Credit Investigator, and Border Patrol Agent. Some of these careers require additional education or experience. Various entry-level trainee positions in business and industry are available for graduates regardless of academic discipline.
Typical Employers
Air and cruise lines, banks, colleges and universities, courts, correctional institutions, aerospace and finance companies, government agencies, insurance companies, law enforcement agencies, law firms, military services, national/state parks, security/investigative firms, major corporations, prisons and halfway houses.
Salary and Employment Outlook
The future outlook for occupations in the law enforcement area is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the 1990's. Competition is keen for persons seeking positions with government employers. Most require a written and oral examination. Additionally, persons interested in protective services careers must take a rigorous physical agility test. As the nation's population and economy grows, there will be an increased emphasis placed upon protective service positions.
Salaries will vary by size and type of employer, geographic location, course work and related experience.