Career opportunities for graduates with a criminal justice degree.
A criminal justice degree prepares students to work in law enforcement and security jobs to keep people and places safe from crimes and criminal behavior. A degree in criminal justice offers students the knowledge and skills necessary to prevent and react to violent and criminal activity. Students learn about the courts and criminal justice system, principles of law enforcement, correctional programs, crime scene investigation, juvenile violence and policing techniques.
Detective
Detectives are responsible preventing, investigating and solving crimes committed against citizens and property. Opportunities are available with police departments and detectives use investigative tools, such as computers and communication devices to gather information and evidence to arrest criminals. Additional responsibilities include interviewing witnesses, observing suspects and posing undercover. In addition to completing police academy requirements, a criminal justice degree ensures that prospective detectives understand the procedures and protocols in criminal investigations. According to Indeed.com, as of 2010 the average salary for a detective is $47,000 per year.
Corrections Officer
Corrections officers guard prisoners inside federal, state and local prison facilities. Duties of a corrections officer include escorting prisoners, patrolling grounds, monitoring behavior, enforcing rules and regulations and protecting inmates from one another. Officers are trained to use guns and other restraint equipment. A criminal justice degree is required to work in federal prisons. While state and local facilities often require a high diploma or GED, it is preferred that applicants have an associate's degree. A degree in criminal justice can also help applicants pass the written examination. In 2010, Indeed.com reports that the average salary of a corrections officer is $44,000 per year.
FBI Agent
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents use surveillance, wiretaps and undercover assignments to investigate a wide range of serious crimes, including kidnapping, terrorism, drug trafficking, cybercrime and bank robberies. The work of FBI agents is investigative and all evidence is turned over to the U.S. Attorney General for prosecution. Candidates for FBI positions must undergo extensive background, character and security checks. In addition to having a strong educational background in criminal justice, applicants must be able to pass physical, oral and written examinations. In 2010, Indeed.com reports that the average salary for a FBI agent is $80,000 per year.
