What Can I Do With a BS in Criminal Justice?

Are you considering a degree in criminal justice? When choosing between degree programs, it is important to consider your long-term goals. You want to make sure your degree will give you the skills and knowledge needed for the careers you want.

Xavier University’s comprehensive MSCJ degree is a considerable investment of both time and money. It also provides students with the skills to enter many different occupations after graduation.

Criminal justice degrees tend to attract individuals who enjoy helping others and who want to make a difference in their local communities. Here are 5 jobs you might like! Click To Tweet

Local, State, and Federal Law Enforcement

Individuals with a solid background in criminal justice are equipped to become police officers for municipalities, cities, and counties. You can also consider opportunities at the state and federal levels.

However, please remember you must qualify for and complete academy training for the branch of law enforcement you are entering.

Holding a BS in criminal justice can put you in an ideal position to advance through the ranks once hired.

Court Reporters

Court reporters document all information presented in court cases. Formal education in criminal justice will make you familiar with legal terms and procedures. This extra knowledge can only help you in this field.

While there are opportunities to work for the courts, court reporters also work for private companies. These companies help equip law firms with relevant information before trial or before negotiating a settlement.

Those that have a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice will have an advantage in competing for these positions.

Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Legal proceedings typically involve a great deal of paperwork. One way that lawyers mitigate costs and expedite casework is by delegating tasks to paralegals and legal assistants.

These skilled professionals may prepare legal briefs, conduct research, and review materials before a court hearing.

Familiarity with legal terminology and court proceedings is an asset. Thus, making individuals with a degree in criminal justice ideal candidates for this position.

Security Guards

Businesses can offset insurance expenses and minimize repair and replacement costs by hiring effective security.

Security guards are tasked with monitoring a property, person, or item. They keep watch to identify potential threats, investigate suspicious activities, file reports, and may even apprehend suspects.

Having a degree in criminal justice will help you obtain the required licenses needed.

Probation or Parole Officers

Individuals who have committed crimes may be placed on probation. Or, after serving a sentence in prison, maybe released on parole.

In both cases, the individual receives some level of supervision from the courts through officers who oversee their case.

When an individual is given a set of conditions to follow to prevent jail time, they are on probation. Probation officers make sure these individuals are following the rules and inform the courts if they are not.

Parole officers monitor individuals who are released early from prison and placed on parole. They also notify authorities of any violations.

Both probation and parole officers routinely check up on individuals on their case list.

As evident, a degree in criminal justice can pave the way for many career paths. Whether you want to work in law enforcement, with the court, or as a security team member, a criminal justice degree from the right degree will help you get there.

Do you have any interest in criminal justice?