Criminal Justice Major: Career Options for Graduates in the Field

Protecting the public and serving the country through extraordinary measures is something that attracts many people to the criminal justice field. But what kind of careers are available to those who study criminal justice in a formal setting? If you're looking for a variety of positions, all focused on keeping the United States safer, you have found the right major for you.

Careers in criminal justice

As relevant now as it was 200 years ago, the criminal justice system presents many fascinating career opportunities. If you’re physically fit and like to be where the action is, a career in local law enforcement might be right for you.

If facing the occasional physical danger isn’t your idea of a good time, and you like the idea of working outdoors, then perhaps you’d enjoy being an interpretive park ranger. If you can identify and subdue a drug trafficker trying to enter the country illegally and still have the empathy to deal with frightened families seeking refuge or asylum, a state border patrol agency will welcome you with enthusiasm.

Local law enforcement

The role of a police officer is to protect property and people (sometimes from themselves). Some days, you best serve the public by talking to a group of at-risk youth about the importance of good citizenship or by arbitrating a domestic squabble. Other times, you will have to subdue someone who is out of their mind on drugs or alcohol. On a given day, you may control traffic, respond to an emergency, or speak to schoolchildren on the consequences of experimenting with drugs.

A Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice could prepare you for a career in law enforcement by providing you with a grounding in the processes of arrest, prosecution, and punishment. You will learn how the constitution dictates what actions are and are not permissible under the law.

A criminal justice degree course should give you communication skills for speaking in public, giving evidence in court, and completing the voluminous paperwork that comes with protecting and serving the community. If you later decide to pursue a career as a lawyer, having a criminal justice degree under your belt can help you advance up the promotion ladder.

Park Ranger

Park rangers are more than tour guides with hats and shovels. Charged with educating and protecting the public, managing resources, and guarding our national parks, park rangers fight fires, save lives, and make arrests. Park rangers engaged in law enforcement carry firearms, while others, called interpretive rangers, do not carry weapons, wear body armor or confront those deemed dangerous.

In the heat of the Painted Desert or thousands of feet above sea level in the Rockies, your day at the office could begin by giving directions to lost tourists and end by initiating a criminal investigation that entails a bit of scuba diving or rock climbing. On any given day, your mode of transport around the workplace might include a bicycle, ATV, snowmobile, boat, or the back of a horse.

A criminal justice degree should prepare you for your role by introducing you to the systems, processes, data analysis, theories of criminal behavior, methods of criminal justice research, and ethics of the criminal justice system. You will learn theories of criminal behaviors as well as leadership and management.

Border Protection

The United States Customs and Border Protection agency has the responsibility of keeping drugs, weapons, and criminals out of the country while facilitating legitimate international travel and trade. With over 60,000 employees, it is one of the world's largest law enforcement agencies. The CBP has been recognized by Monster.com as one of the "Best Companies for Veterans."

Jobs here are varied. As a Border Patrol Agent, you would be tasked with securing the nation's land and coastal borders from terrorists and weapons. Instead of a cubicle, your workstation might be located on a ship or a helicopter. Field Operations Officers are responsible for trade compliance, immigration, anti-terrorism, agriculture protection, and anti-smuggling at ports of entry. As an air, aviation, or marine interdiction agent, you would be part of a team that prevents unlawful people and cargo entering the United States, investigates criminal networks, and provides awareness in the air and maritime environments.

Graduates with criminal justice degrees are desired for jobs at the entry level as roles become more specialized and technology more sophisticated. As a college graduate, you will receive preference at the selection stage and earn more throughout your career.

Getting started in criminal justice

If you're interested in earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice, you should consider ECPI University for the education you need. For more information about this exciting opportunity, connect with a helpful admissions officer today and learn what you need to do in order to enroll in this program.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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Gainful Employment Information – Criminal Justice - Bachelor’s

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