What can you do with a Criminal Justice Bachelor's Degree?

A bachelor's degree in criminal justice can open up a world of interesting career choices. As our nation faces expanding issues in regards to public safety, graduates in this field are finding more potential opportunities with an array of different organizations.

Yes, there is always a need for police officers, and if you hear the call to join a municipal police force, the county sheriff's office, or the state highway patrol, that's a solid career choice. If being in the front line protecting the public appeals to you, you'll find an abundance of career opportunities in either fast-paced urban areas or quieter rural settings.

If you haven't quite decided this is the route you want to take, you may want to look into some of the other career possibilities. Here are a few.

Probation Officer

Probation officers are responsible for ensuring that parolees from the corrections system act in accordance with the terms of their probation. An even more important responsibility can be helping parolees adjust to life outside the corrections facility. Probation officers are usually assigned caseloads of clients. They may meet the client on a regular basis at the parolee's home, at work, or at the probation office. A career in this field is likely to appeal to someone who has an interest in the social work aspect of criminal justice.

Fish and Game Warden

Does an active life in the outdoors appeal to you? Fish and game departments offer work opportunities on the public waterways, in forest preserves, in national parks, and in protected recreational and conservational settings. These officers are responsible for protecting wildlife and ensuring that those members of the public who engage in hunting, fishing, or recreational activities in these areas follow the law. Work is usually to be found in states where there are a number of high-traffic parks and natural areas. Besides a degree in criminal justice, aspirants might also pursue coursework in biology.

Crime Scene Investigator

We've all grown up with the expanding world of forensic science by watching crime scene investigators on TV; more and more police departments are availing themselves of these services, so the need for investigators is growing. Among the duties of this type of investigator are collecting evidence in the field, and then analyzing the evidence in the lab to reconstruct past events. Such work is invaluable.

FBI Agent

Think you've got what it takes to get into the top investigative agency in the land? A bachelor's degree in criminal justice may help you get in the door of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, but after that you'll need to complete the FBI's rigorous new agent training in academics, firearms training, operations, and case exercises.

Those who graduate from the 21-week training program could be working against cyber criminals, terrorists, public corruption, organized crime, and kidnappers, or to protect individuals' civil rights. Besides studying criminal justice, FBI agents generally become expert in other fields, such as finance and accounting, information technology, applied science, engineering or technology, or a language.

DEA Agent

Drug Enforcement Agents are employed by the U.S. Justice Department to enforce the nation's drug laws. They are responsible for investigating, tracking, and arresting violators of drug laws. They may also participate in covert operations. Learning a foreign language while pursuing a criminal justice degree may broaden employment opportunities.

U.S. Marshal

A United States marshal is responsible for apprehending fugitives from the law; for transporting, managing, and protecting prisoners; and for protecting federal witnesses. Marshals also seize and sell assets bought with illegally obtained funds for the Department of Justice's Asset Forfeiture Program. The funds go to compensate victims of crime and to fund law enforcement programs. Marshals may also protect judges, attorneys, and jurors in high profile court cases. This is a fast-paced, active job. A background in a foreign language or law can be helpful.

U.S. Postal Inspector

As an officer with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, you will be investigating and solving any crime that involves the U.S. Mail. Those crimes might include fraud, vandalism, theft, or identity theft. Investigation may involve using forensic methods, questioning witnesses, and researching leads.

Could you see yourself in one of these positions? If you feel your future lies in the criminal justice world and are interested in earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, consider ECPI University for the education you need to make a difference. With year-round classes and an accelerated schedule, you could find yourself earning your degree faster and working sooner. For more information, contact an admissions advisor today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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Gainful Employment Information – Criminal Justice - Bachelor’s

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