What is a BS in Criminal Justice Good For?

They fight crime in big cities and small towns across the country. They're responsible for securing prisons, conducting federal investigations and making sure that communities are prepared for emergencies.

And most have one thing in common: a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice.

For many criminal justice professionals, earning a degree opened the door to long and successful careers, including many in industries you might not expect. Here's a look at some of the things you can do with a BS Degree in Criminal Justice:

Police Officer

Right now, there are more than 900,000 sworn law enforcement officers serving communities across the United States (according to the FBI). Some patrol the streets, others investigate crimes. Then there are those who specialize in working to end gang violence, human trafficking, illicit drug use, or any number of other public health issues.

That's the great thing about being a police officer, you could use your talents and follow your interests into an array of areas that are critically important to the safety of cities across the country.

A career in local, state or federal law enforcement may appeal to you if you are organized, principled, caring, and interested in helping people in need.

Security Management

Each year, retail businesses lose more than $30 billion to sophisticated rings of criminals who run organized retail crime operations (according to the National Retail Federation). They are professional shoplifters. They hold up semis hauling goods around the country. They steal baby formula and resell it on the black market--and security management professionals spend their days trying to stop them.

Security management employees spend their days working to stay a step ahead of the criminals. They work undercover in retail environments, partner with law enforcement, conduct investigations and leverage the latest technology to keep inventory safe.

It's a great career path for people who enjoy working with cutting edge technology, are innovative problem solvers, and can use data to make decisions.

FBI

The FBI stands for Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is a national security organization the employees roughly 35,000 people across the country. They fight domestic and international terrorism, cyber crime, illegal drug sales, white-collar crime, and public corruption.

They also investigate alleged civil rights violations, organized crime, and major offenders.

A career as an FBI agent is a good fit for people who are interested in the law, behavioral science, forensic science, and investigative techniques.

Juvenile Probation Counselor

Sometimes young people just need someone to help them get back on track and stay out of the criminal justice system. That's what juvenile probation counselors do.

They work with criminal offenders who are younger than 18 and have been put on probation. If this is a career path you choose, your job will be to work with the young person to make sure they are abiding by the laws as well as the probation terms.

It can be a rewarding career choice for people who have good communications skills, enjoy working with young people, and believe in the power of redemption.

U.S. Marshal

The U.S. Marshals Service is the country's oldest federal law enforcement agency. It's been in existence since 1789. Since then its employees have been providing security for courthouses, protecting judges, hunting fugitives, securing prisoners, protecting witnesses, and protecting government officials.

To qualify for employment, you need to meet a list of requirements, which include being a U.S. citizen, being between 21 and 36 years old, and having a bachelor's degree.

Correctional Officer

Right now there are more than 2.3 million people who are paying their debt to society in more than 1,700 state prisons, 100 federal prisons, 942 juvenile correctional facilities, and 3,200 local jails (according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics).

They are sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, and more importantly, they are people. They all deserve to be protected and treated with dignity. That's what you'll do as a correctional officer.

You'll ensure that all policies and protocols are followed, supervise inmate activities, inspect facilities to make sure they are safe, and escort inmates to important meetings.

A career as a correctional officer is ideal for people looking to gain experience in the criminal justice system as it can often lead to other career opportunities--especially if you have a bachelor's degree.

Private Security

Imagine providing security services to professional athletes, musicians, or movie stars. That's exactly what private security professionals do.

Some work special events, such as concerts or athletic events. Some travel with their clients. A few even live with their clients, providing around-the-clock security service.

Ready to join the ranks?

Are you interested in joining the field of criminal justice? If you want to earn a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, ECPI University offers this degree at an accelerated rate. For more information about this exciting program, connect with a friendly admissions officer today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

DISCLAIMER – ECPI University makes no claim, warranty, or guarantee as to actual employability or earning potential to current, past or future students or graduates of any educational program we offer. The ECPI University website is published for informational purposes only. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained on the ECPI.edu domain; however, no warranty of accuracy is made. No contractual rights, either expressed or implied, are created by its content.

Gainful Employment Information – Criminal Justice - Bachelor’s

For more information about ECPI University or any of our programs click here: http://www.ecpi.edu/ or http://ow.ly/Ca1ya.