2 answers
Emma
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
5
Questions
Asked
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What kind of career can I pursue with a Master's in Criminal Justice?
I am in high school and I'm currently trying to decide what career to get into. I am interested in criminal justice and want to get in the field. The problem is I don't know what kind of job I can get with this degree.
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2 answers
Violaine Gonzalez
Senior Associate
176
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Violaine’s Answer
Hi Emma, With a Master's in Criminal Justice, you can pursue a diverse array of careers that leverage your advanced knowledge in the field. In law enforcement, you can aim for advanced roles within police departments or federal agencies such as the FBI, DEA, or ATF. In corrections, you could become a correctional officer supervisor, probation officer, or parole officer, focusing on the rehabilitation and management of offenders. Legal services offer opportunities as a paralegal, legal analyst, or court administrator, where you can work closely with the judicial system. Criminology and research roles, such as crime analyst or policy advisor, allow you to study crime patterns and influence policy decisions. Homeland security positions in emergency management, cybersecurity, or intelligence analysis are also viable options, helping to protect national security. Lastly, you can work in victim advocacy, supporting crime victims through non-profits or government agencies. Each of these career paths utilizes the comprehensive education provided by a Master's in Criminal Justice to impact various aspects of the criminal justice system.
Kevin Czora
Law enforcement
19
Answers
Amherst, New York
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
Emma,
My answer to your question will be geared towards my approach and experience towards law enforcement. I hope it helps guide you.
My suggestion is to look at your situation differently. Instead of trying to find the best job based on your interested degree, base your degree on your interested job. I think if you change your approach, you may have greater success.
I received two degrees while waiting to become a police officer. One was criminal justice, the other was social sciences. I found my degree in criminal justice was of little use in my career. Although it gave me an understanding of the laws and the history of law enforcement, it did not give me much practical information I used in my career. My academy training and field training taught me how to be a police officer.
My degree in social sciences proved to be a bit more interesting, as it covered psychology and sociology.
My suggestion would be to minor in criminal justice, and major in another topic. This makes you a more rounded candidate and officer. If you have an interest in technology, take computer classes. If your interest is in languages, take a foreign language major. Again, try to figure out type of law enforcement officer you want to be, then look at majors suited to that position.
Lastely, as part of my departments hiring process team, I looked for candidates that did not major in criminal justice. I was fine with it as a minor, but I prefered another type of major. As I mentioned before, it showed a more rounded candidate. Grades and performance were more important than degree topic.
I hope this gives you some direction. Thank you for heading towards this profession, we can always use more dedicated and enthusiastic new members in our honorable profession!
All my best,
Kevin
My answer to your question will be geared towards my approach and experience towards law enforcement. I hope it helps guide you.
My suggestion is to look at your situation differently. Instead of trying to find the best job based on your interested degree, base your degree on your interested job. I think if you change your approach, you may have greater success.
I received two degrees while waiting to become a police officer. One was criminal justice, the other was social sciences. I found my degree in criminal justice was of little use in my career. Although it gave me an understanding of the laws and the history of law enforcement, it did not give me much practical information I used in my career. My academy training and field training taught me how to be a police officer.
My degree in social sciences proved to be a bit more interesting, as it covered psychology and sociology.
My suggestion would be to minor in criminal justice, and major in another topic. This makes you a more rounded candidate and officer. If you have an interest in technology, take computer classes. If your interest is in languages, take a foreign language major. Again, try to figure out type of law enforcement officer you want to be, then look at majors suited to that position.
Lastely, as part of my departments hiring process team, I looked for candidates that did not major in criminal justice. I was fine with it as a minor, but I prefered another type of major. As I mentioned before, it showed a more rounded candidate. Grades and performance were more important than degree topic.
I hope this gives you some direction. Thank you for heading towards this profession, we can always use more dedicated and enthusiastic new members in our honorable profession!
All my best,
Kevin