Criminal justice jobs focus on curbing criminal behavior and undertaking effective public safety measures. Criminal justice professionals are typically responsible for supervising, maintaining the safety of, and corrective retention of criminals.

There are four main branches of the criminal justice system in the US. They include:

  • Law enforcement
  • Judiciary
  • Private security
  • Corrections

About Criminal Justice Degree Programs

criminal justice jobsCriminal Justice Degree programs prepare students for many different careers.

  • An associate degree in criminal justice provides you with the necessary knowledge of subjects including causes of crime and their control policies.
  • A bachelor’s degree program familiarizes you with the processes in the criminal justice system. Much emphasis is placed on the security methods and law enforcement techniques that are applied in the legal system.
  • A master’s degree in criminal justice helps you acquire expertise in specialized areas of criminal justice including law enforcement and corrections.
  • Online criminal justice programs help working professionals expand their knowledge and appear more attractive to their current and potential employers.

Associate and bachelor-level degrees can lead to a wide range of entry-level positions, while master-level degrees often provide better career prospects due to including advanced curriculums and specialty concentration.

Specific coursework allows students to have a sound understanding of criminal justice, including these courses such as these that are offered in both graduate and undergraduate degree programs:

  • Criminal Law
  • Criminal Justice
  • Criminology
  • Administration of Criminal
  • Justice
  • Penology
  • Police and Society
  • Social Policy
  • Politics of Law
  • Civil Liberties

The FBI, CIA, ATF, and Department of Homeland Security offer some of the best opportunities in criminal justice jobs. Salary and benefits will depend upon the sector and the location of the employer.

Some of the top criminal justice careers:

Paralegal: These legal assistants help to reduce the workload of attorneys. Paralegals generally perform functions such as drafting legal documents, carrying out day-to-day administrative tasks that exist in a legal setting, and conducting research.

Police Officer: Police officers protect the general public and enforce local and federal laws. They respond to emergency calls and apprehend individuals who break the law. They also play a significant role in enforcing local traffic laws.

Judges and Lawyers: Judges and lawyers are necessary professionals in the criminal justice system. Lawyers represent individuals, businesses, corporations, and government entities on legal issues. Once lawyers have gained experience and expertise in criminal justice, they may be appointed as judge or magistrates.

Forensic Analyst: Forensic analysts analyze, identify, and categorize evidence that relates to crimes. These professionals work in laboratories and use specialized equipment to analyze DNA and other evidence. They may also be also be required to give testimonies or statements of fact in certain cases.

Other criminal justice jobs include:

  • Parole Officer
  • Correctional Officer
  • FBI Agent
  • Criminal Profiler
  • Coroner
  • Emergency Dispatcher
  • Fish and Game Warden

People with criminal justice degrees can apply to positions in both the private sector and the public sector. One job in the public sector that is highly sought after is the personal injury defense lawyer. When you’re needing personal injury defense legal advice, a lawyer who focuses on the area of law can be a significant ally. Contact a personal injury defense lawyer in your local area and set up a consultation.