Are you curious about pursuing a career in criminal justice? This exciting and rapidly growing field has a variety of professional options to consider that could allow you to make a significant difference in your community. The field is full of jobs that help make our world a safer and more harmonious place; from preventing crime to supporting victims, a career in criminal justice is highly rewarding. Below is an overview of this industry along with some tips on how to get started.
The Criminal Justice Professional
Before we dive into the many job opportunities available, let’s first consider the type of individual who is best suited for a career in criminal justice. These professionals are curious in nature and love to solve problems. They’re not easily deterred and remain headstrong, even in challenging situations. People in this line of work need to be able to work effectively in a team environment and have the ability to empathize with victims who may be dealing with traumatic situations. For this reason, among many others, excellent communication skills are also highly vital to have a successful career in criminal justice.
Rewarding Career Paths
A degree in criminal justice can open a variety of professional avenues. Many people seek out jobs in law enforcement, working as a police officer or deputy sheriff. The court system and legal careers are another area to consider; common roles include paralegal, judicial assistant, or corrections. You can work in the private sector in security, as a private investigator, in forensics, or cyber-crime. Many individuals who are more scientifically inclined tend to enjoy working as a crime scene investigator. Lastly, you can further advance your studies and get into law. With an education in criminal justice behind you, the opportunities are many.
Getting Started
If you’re new to the criminal justice field, your education will serve as the gateway to success. To start, you’ll want to earn an undergraduate degree, such as a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) and, depending on your professional goals, earn a graduate-level degree. Here’s why a BSCJ can be so useful to jumpstart your career:
At CalSouthern, the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice offers learners the breadth and depth of learning that supports the full variety of law enforcement careers. This will help you sample the various professional opportunities out there and pick an area to pursue after graduation. In addition, faculty mentors in each course have a variety of experience in their criminal justice professions and can serve as a great resource to those seeking guidance on their professional journeys. More importantly, employers want to see that applicants for entry-level positions have the foundational knowledge and experience to qualify them for a job.
Each state determines the minimum education requirements of its law enforcement officers. Although some states only require a high school diploma to be a police officer or sheriff’s deputy. Several states have increased their minimum education requirement to 60 college-level units or an associate degree. Moreover, other states have mandated that an applicant must have a bachelor’s degree and generally, a four-year degree is also a requirement for federal law enforcement positions.
If you’re ready to take the first step in becoming a criminal justice professional, speak to one of our admissions representatives by emailing us at admissions@calsouthern.edu or by calling 800.477.2254.