Criminal justice is a vital part of our society. Since humans began to settle into cities, a need arose to deal with the issue of crime and civil order through law enforcement agencies, law enforcement officers and private investigators, attorneys and judges to preside over civil and criminal trials, and more. These days, we have a complex system that includes patrol officers, probation officers, data and lab scientists, and social workers. The variety of career options that are available to a person with a degree in criminal justice are immense. Some work in government as public administrators, some work at crime scenes collecting materials and data or in the labs that process evidence, and there are some whose research makes them valuable as consultants.
There are many ways to prepare for a career in criminal justice. One of the best is by earning a ">criminal justice degree from an accredited college or university. That can mean earning a two-year associate, a bachelor’s, or even a master’s criminal justice degree.
However, some don't start a criminal justice career with a criminal justice degree. That's okay, but there are some degrees that may be better than others. A degree in psychology or sociology, for instance, may be a great fit; as is a degree in social work. Some start with a degree in public administration if they want to work in upper management of the criminal justice system. Degrees in sciences such as biology or physics might not be the best fit, unless, of course, you want to be one of those lab workers. Even if you don’t, these degrees don’t mean that a criminal justice career is out of reach, though these students may need to gain more experience before rising through the ranks of criminal justice.
Even business students may find a place in criminal justice. Management students may find that their leadership skills translate well to certain aspects of the criminal justice field. Those who focused on public relations may find that they can help their local police maintain their image in the public eye.
A degree in criminal justice is worth it for those who have a passion for criminal justice. However, it's worth noting that there are many different roles under the CJ umbrella that may need more or different credentials than other roles. For instance, those who want to work in the forensics lab may need a master’s degree to rise through the ranks. Similarly, a bachelor's degree in business administration may help someone land a job in the criminal justice system, but a master’s in public administration, if not an MBA with a public administration concentration, will take them farther.
For those who want to work on the police force, a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice will help them achieve the rank of detective and will perhaps help them rise farther up in city hall, though you might not need any degree to join the police force at the entry level. Even an associate degree in criminal justice will be a great help to those who work as police on the beat.
Regardless of what degree a person has, experience is going to matter a lot. It may even be preferable to start work on a police force and then begin an associate criminal justice degree program at a local community college. Adding a degree on top of experience is a great choice, since it shows true dedication to the field.
The good news for those seeking a career in criminal justice is that the field is always growing. However, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, certain areas, such as police and detectives, are growing at only around 3%, slower than average. Other fields, such as private investigations, are growing at around 6%, closer to the average growth rate. Science students will be happy to learn that forensic science technicians are experiencing great growth. The BLS reports a growth rate of 11% through 2031. However, the field itself isn't huge, which means that fewer jobs result in a larger percentage jump, so students should consider this when applying for a position.
Naturally, the growth rate for criminal justice career fields depends on public sentiment, political realities, and public budgets. Certain cities and states may be hiring more for their police departments, correctional facilities, or public administration, while others may be diverting funds to other areas of government.
During times of slower growth in any field, it may be necessary for students to start their careers in a new geographical area. While this may not be ideal for some, those who are able to make a move may find that the change of scenery is welcome and refreshing. Further, if someone moves from a smaller town to a big city, they may one day be able to return with valuable experience.
Landing a job in criminal justice is different for each job type. Those who are eager to become police officers may be able to begin that process with a high school diploma. They will need to qualify for, and then successfully complete, their local police academy training. Meanwhile, someone who wants to become a police detective should complete a criminal justice bachelor's degree before or after entering the police force.
Most jobs in criminal justice can be attained with a bachelor's criminal justice degree, but others may require a master’s degree. For instance, when a forensic science professional earns their MS in forensic science they tend to earn raises and promotions. Social workers in the corrections system may also earn a master’s social work degree to improve their position. Even public administration officials can achieve greater success with a master’s degree.
Ultimately, students who are interested in criminal justice should consider a degree. Even though police work doesn't require a degree, those with an associate degree are well-known to be more effective and happier in their work. They then have only two years of school to go before they can earn a bachelor’s and qualify for a detective badge.