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What high school courses and extracurricular activities should I take if I wanted to pursue a career in criminal justice?

should I switch into those classes or wait til next year ?

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Thank you comment icon Hello Torey, Your inquiry is right up my alley! Regrettably, I don't reside in the USA. You're the perfect mentor for me, yet my forte lies in economics, which limits my ability to provide guidance. I recommend exploring this intriguing topic from an Artificial Intelligence viewpoint or continuing to seek advice from my colleagues. May blessings always be upon you! Isida Mici
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Annah’s Answer

Torey, typically high school coursework is foundational for any career path. I suggest doing your best to build good study skills that will serve you well going forward. In college you can plan to attend a school with a criminal justice major. This is a good route if you know you want to enter into law enforcement or probation work. However, if you are leaning more towards law, you can look at becoming a paralegal, public defender investigator, or attending law school (graduate school). Subjects like political science, philosophy, and public policy may be a solid choice of undergraduate studies. As a student currently, you might look at joining the debate team. Some schools also have a club for students hoping to join the military. Criminal justice as a field values discipline and rules. If this is also something you highly value, you are on the right track. To throw out another option for college- studying social work with a focus on working in policy and government. To work as a police officer or to enter the military you will need to be physically fit. If you are not already playing a sport, perhaps choose to get involved in something. Not only do team sports build life skills in communication and collaboration they are also opportunities for leadership. Sports are one of the best character-building activities. They teach participants how to be committed, flexible, how to bounce back from adversity, and how to persevere. No academic subject will teach you this in the same way. At this point in your life, your extracurriculars may have the most impact. You could also look at volunteer opportunities with legal and social-justice oriented organizations. I wish you the best!
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Chinyere’s Answer

Hello Torey,

That’s an exciting goal! Criminal justice is a fascinating field with many career opportunities. Let’s break it down so you can make the most of your high school years.

1. Recommended High School Courses
To build a strong foundation, consider taking classes that develop critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills:
- Social Studies or History: Learn about the justice system, government, and societal issues.
- Psychology or Sociology: Great for understanding human behavior and social dynamics.
- Law-Related Courses: If your school offers criminal justice, legal studies, or forensic science, these can give you a head start.
- English and Writing: Strong writing skills are essential for report writing, research, and communication.
- Math: Logical thinking and problem-solving are crucial for roles in forensics or data analysis.

If these classes aren’t available this year, check if you can enroll next year or explore them through online platforms in the meantime.

2. Extracurricular Activities
Participating in relevant activities will help you build skills and show your passion for criminal justice:
- Debate or Mock Trial Club: Perfect for learning about legal arguments and public speaking.
- Student Government: Gain leadership experience and learn how policies are made.
- Community Service: Volunteering with local organizations, especially those related to law or public safety, can give you valuable insight.
- Junior ROTC or Police Explorer Program: If available, these can provide hands-on experience and connections to professionals in the field.
- Clubs: Join or start a club focused on criminology, psychology, or current events to engage with topics related to justice.

3. Should You Switch Classes Now or Wait?
If the opportunity to switch to relevant classes this year is available and won’t disrupt your current progress too much, go for it! If switching isn’t an option, focus on excelling in your current courses and plan to take the criminal justice-related classes next year. You can also start exploring the field on your own through books, documentaries, or online courses.

4. Plan for the Future
High school is just the beginning. Use this time to build a strong foundation and explore your interests. Colleges and programs in criminal justice will look for your dedication and a well-rounded background, so every effort you make now will count.

You’re already on the right path by thinking ahead. Keep exploring and getting involved—you’ve got this!

Best wishes!
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