Criminal justice is a broad discipline that spans many subfields, such as policing, corrections, and private security. With different types of jobs available to someone with a degree in criminal justice, it might be hard for you to narrow the field down to work that you are truly interested in. You must remember that criminal justice is a broad field, and the number of job options available to you extending beyond your degree will depend on the types of jobs you are interested in.

What Jobs Are Available to Someone With a Criminal Justice Degree?

A degree in criminal justice can lead to careers in law enforcement, correctional services, and private security, among other areas. Before you decide what career path you want to take, consider your unique personal traits and skillsets, and then look at the job listings for a career field that matches them. If you have stellar people skills and like working with the public, a police officer may be a good fit for you. On the other hand, if you are more analytical and enjoy solving problems, a criminal analyst career might be a good choice for you.

What Are the Educational Requirements?

To be successful in criminal justice, you will need some education that applies to the career field you are looking into. Most professional careers require you to have at least a bachelor's degree in criminal justice before being hired. Some positions, especially law enforcement and corrections, may require special training or certification before being hired. Researching and checking with the hiring agency before committing to a career path is always a good plan.

How Can You Prepare Yourself for a Career in Criminal Justice?

Investing in yourself by taking as many relevant courses as possible is essential to succeed in any career field. Every job description lists the prerequisite education and training you must have; some will require certification or special training before you can be hired. It's best to ensure that you are at least certified or qualified for a position before committing your time and energy to the criminal justice field.

What Are the Long-Term Career Opportunities?

The long-term career opportunities are quite varied in the field of criminal justice. Some positions, like a correctional officer, offer a lot of job security because only a few people want to do this type of work. Well-paying positions that offer career stability include law enforcement positions, detective, and fraud examiner. Professions with a high demand for labor include probation officers and private investigators. Long-term careers in criminal justice can also include contracting with law enforcement agencies on an as-needed basis to supply analytical support, such as forensic research technicians and digital forensic specialists.

Many job opportunities are available to those with a degree in criminal justice or a related field. By preparing yourself with the proper education and training and staying up to date on the latest trends in criminal justice, you can find a successful long-term career in the field. It is important to research all aspects of a potential career before committing to the job and to ensure your education and training are relevant to the position. Getting a degree through the criminal justice program at Fort Hays State University can help you on your path to your desired profession.