A major factor in selecting the best area of higher education is determining your career opportunities once you have your degree. With a criminal justice degree, the career options are extensive. They range from working on the front lines of crime to managing national parks. If you earn a criminal justice degree, you can choose to become a:
• Police officer
• Crime scene investigator
• Fraud investigator
• US Marshal
• Fish and game warden
Police Officer
With a criminal justice degree, you’ll be qualified to work as a police officer. The educational requirements for this line of work vary by state and even by city department. To become a police officer, plan to complete a specialized certification program. This includes passing a written and physical fitness test. As a police officer, you will be responsible for crime prevention. Since every city and town needs a police force, the career offers job security. It is also a field that is expected to grow. This demanding career is emotionally stressful and rewarding.
Crime Scene Investigator
New technologies and crime scene processing techniques are bringing job growth to the forensic science field. More police departments are hiring crime scene experts to process evidence. If you’re interested in a career in this field, you should expect to collect evidence and work in a lab analyzing data. You’ll be working alongside police officers to identify suspects through collected evidence as well as determine innocent parties. To be successful in this career, you must be able to provide clear details in written reports. This field may require you to appear in court to testify, so assess your ability to communicate in front of others before entering an educational program to become a crime scene investigator.
Fraud Investigator
If you want to catch bad guys but prefer to avoid the danger and gore of other types of criminal justice jobs, then consider becoming a fraud investigator. In this career, you’ll investigate the accuracy of filed claims. Often, you’ll be hired to do this after a company or individual has paid a claim. Fraud claims usually involve corporate finance crimes, property damage or personal injury situations. Fraud investigators collect evidence and interview those who are involved in the fraud case to present their findings to the person who hired them. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, fraud investigators in the health field will be in demand because of the recent federal healthcare changes.
US Marshal
US Marshals are responsible for transporting, overseeing and protecting prisoners as well as federal witnesses. In this field, you’ll be a member of the country’s oldest law enforcement agency. When high profile or dangerous court cases are in the works, it may be your responsibility to protect jurors, judges and attorneys. The most common job responsibility for US Marshals is to capture fugitives from the law. This career is fast-paced, intriguing and challenging. To become a US Marshal, you’ll need your bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. You must also qualify for government certifications.
Fish and Game Warden
If you enjoy spending time outdoors along with active living, then focus your career efforts on becoming a fish and game warden. Demand in this career area is high, so you may need to work your way up from a lower level position. As a fish and game warden, you’ll work in national parks, forest preserves and around public waterways. It will be your job to protect an area’s habitat and wildlife. Fish and game wardens also keep visitors safe. Because this career requires you to work around wild animals and nature, consider taking classes in wildlife biology and environmental science.
On the Side of Justice
With a criminal justice degree, you’ll be ready and qualified to work in many different law enforcement jobs. In the area of criminal justice, salaries are in the middle class realm while the line of work is often rewarding.
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