2 answers
2
Questions
Asked
464 views
What fields are there in criminal justice, and what degrees get you there?
I'm a high school student who's stumped on what field of criminal justice I want to work to become a part of. What I'm looking for is a job with a fairly consistent schedule, decent pay, and involves crime. Bringing justice is what motivates me to work in this area, so every field sounds interesting to me. Criminal law, forensic science, CSI, policing, etc.
I would love to hear any advice or stories about any field. I'm still undecided, so I just want to see the options. Even if they're hard.
Login to comment
2 answers
Updated
Iryna’s Answer
Hi Hannah!
In the field of criminal justice, there are various majors and degrees that can lead to diverse career paths. Here’s a breakdown of some common areas of study within criminal justice, along with potential career options and considerations:
1. Criminal Justice
Degree: Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s
Careers: Police officer, probation officer, corrections officer, criminal investigator.
Overview: This major provides a broad understanding of the justice system, legal concepts, and the criminal law process.
2. Forensic Science
Degree: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Careers: Forensic scientist, crime scene investigator (CSI), forensic technician.
Overview: Focuses on the application of scientific methods to solve crimes. It includes biology, chemistry, and crime scene management.
3. Criminal Law
Degree: Juris Doctor (JD), Master’s in Criminal Law
Careers: Criminal defense attorney, prosecutor, legal consultant.
Overview: Involves studying the legal framework of criminal justice and preparing for a career in law practice.
4. Homeland Security
Degree: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Careers: Border patrol agent, security analyst, emergency management director.
Overview: Focuses on national security, disaster preparedness, and response to terrorism.
5. Psychology (with a focus on Criminal Psychology)
Degree: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Careers: Criminal profiler, forensic psychologist, rehabilitation counselor.
Overview: Studies the psychological aspects of crime and criminal behavior.
6. Public Safety Administration
Degree: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Careers: Emergency management director, safety officer, corrections administrator.
Overview: Prepares students for administrative roles within public safety-related agencies.
7. Cybersecurity
Degree: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Careers: Cybercrime investigator, information security analyst, ethical hacker.
Overview: Focuses on the protection of computer systems and networks from crime, often involving law enforcement in cyberspace.
Considerations for Your Decision:
Job Stability: Careers in law enforcement and corrections typically offer stable employment due to ongoing public safety needs.
Work Schedule: Some roles, like policing or forensic science, may have irregular hours, while others in administration may have more standard hours.
Salary: Salaries vary widely. For example, forensic scientists generally earn decent pay, while police officers' salaries can depend on the department and location. Research salary data for specific roles to get a better understanding.
Advice:
Internships and Volunteer Work: Consider internships or volunteer positions in various fields (e.g., local police departments, legal offices, or correctional facilities) to gain firsthand experience.
Networking: Speak with professionals in the field to learn about their experiences and seek guidance.
Further Education: Keep in mind that some fields may require advanced degrees (e.g., law school for attorneys), so plan your education accordingly.
Stories & Insights:
Many police officers find a sense of fulfillment in serving their communities, but the job can also be challenging due to unpredictable situations.
Forensic scientists often share fascinating stories about evidence analysis, contributing to the resolution of high-profile cases.
Careers in criminal law can be very rewarding but often come with pressures related to defending clients and navigating complex legal systems.
Ultimately, exploring different areas through courses, internships, and networking will help you make a more informed decision about your future in criminal justice.
Good luck!
In the field of criminal justice, there are various majors and degrees that can lead to diverse career paths. Here’s a breakdown of some common areas of study within criminal justice, along with potential career options and considerations:
1. Criminal Justice
Degree: Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s
Careers: Police officer, probation officer, corrections officer, criminal investigator.
Overview: This major provides a broad understanding of the justice system, legal concepts, and the criminal law process.
2. Forensic Science
Degree: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Careers: Forensic scientist, crime scene investigator (CSI), forensic technician.
Overview: Focuses on the application of scientific methods to solve crimes. It includes biology, chemistry, and crime scene management.
3. Criminal Law
Degree: Juris Doctor (JD), Master’s in Criminal Law
Careers: Criminal defense attorney, prosecutor, legal consultant.
Overview: Involves studying the legal framework of criminal justice and preparing for a career in law practice.
4. Homeland Security
Degree: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Careers: Border patrol agent, security analyst, emergency management director.
Overview: Focuses on national security, disaster preparedness, and response to terrorism.
5. Psychology (with a focus on Criminal Psychology)
Degree: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Careers: Criminal profiler, forensic psychologist, rehabilitation counselor.
Overview: Studies the psychological aspects of crime and criminal behavior.
6. Public Safety Administration
Degree: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Careers: Emergency management director, safety officer, corrections administrator.
Overview: Prepares students for administrative roles within public safety-related agencies.
7. Cybersecurity
Degree: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Careers: Cybercrime investigator, information security analyst, ethical hacker.
Overview: Focuses on the protection of computer systems and networks from crime, often involving law enforcement in cyberspace.
Considerations for Your Decision:
Job Stability: Careers in law enforcement and corrections typically offer stable employment due to ongoing public safety needs.
Work Schedule: Some roles, like policing or forensic science, may have irregular hours, while others in administration may have more standard hours.
Salary: Salaries vary widely. For example, forensic scientists generally earn decent pay, while police officers' salaries can depend on the department and location. Research salary data for specific roles to get a better understanding.
Advice:
Internships and Volunteer Work: Consider internships or volunteer positions in various fields (e.g., local police departments, legal offices, or correctional facilities) to gain firsthand experience.
Networking: Speak with professionals in the field to learn about their experiences and seek guidance.
Further Education: Keep in mind that some fields may require advanced degrees (e.g., law school for attorneys), so plan your education accordingly.
Stories & Insights:
Many police officers find a sense of fulfillment in serving their communities, but the job can also be challenging due to unpredictable situations.
Forensic scientists often share fascinating stories about evidence analysis, contributing to the resolution of high-profile cases.
Careers in criminal law can be very rewarding but often come with pressures related to defending clients and navigating complex legal systems.
Ultimately, exploring different areas through courses, internships, and networking will help you make a more informed decision about your future in criminal justice.
Good luck!
Updated
Sandrika’s Answer
Hello Hannah,
I'm delighted to share my journey with you. I started off with a degree in Criminology, which led me to work in Loss Prevention for some of the biggest names in retail. After that, I made a smooth transition to the Risk Management team at Verizon, where I served as a Compliance Analyst. This role was a stepping stone for me, paving the way to join the Corporate Security team as a Senior Investigator.
Wishing you all the best!
I'm delighted to share my journey with you. I started off with a degree in Criminology, which led me to work in Loss Prevention for some of the biggest names in retail. After that, I made a smooth transition to the Risk Management team at Verizon, where I served as a Compliance Analyst. This role was a stepping stone for me, paving the way to join the Corporate Security team as a Senior Investigator.
Wishing you all the best!
I had no idea that a degree in criminology could get you into that career! Thank you for sharing!
Hannah