Criminal Justice Careers – Criminal Justice Jobs
Get info on the best criminal justice careers, jobs, and law enforcement training. The list of criminal justice career options below is by no means an exhaustive one, but rather continually growing. Each position has, or will have, a criminal justice job related description, along with salary information for various disciplines . Included is the info on the top criminal justice jobs around, with educational requirements and career advancement resources. So enjoy, and let me know of any I may have missed.
Law Enforcement Careers
Federal Law Enforcement Careers
Correctional Careers
Forensic Science / CSI Careers
Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) – Forensic Examiner
Latent Print Examiner – Finger Print Examiner
Forensic Accountant
Forensic Anthropologist
Forensic Artist
Forensic Hypnotist
Forensic Nurse
Forensic Pathologist
Forensic Psychologist
Forensic Serologist
Forensic Toxicologist
Legal / Court Careers
Judge
Defense Attorney
Paralegal, Legal Assistant, or Legal Researcher
Juvenile Court Judge - see: Judge
Probate Judge - see: Judge
Prosecutor
Bailiff – coming soon
Pre-trial Officer – coming soon
Juvenile Court Register – coming soon
Court Clerk – coming soon
Private Security and Contractor Careers
Loss Prevention Officer – Loss Prevention Manager
Bounty Hunter – Bail Enforcement Agent
Security Officer
Fraud Investigator – see: Private Investigator
Insurance Investigator – see: Private Investigator
Private Investigator
Security Analyst – coming soon
Security Operations Manager – coming soon
{ 38 comments… read them below or add one }
Mydaughter will be attending college in the fall. She will be attending Alabama State University with a major in Criminal Justice and a minor in Law enforcement. She wants to pursue a career in crime scene investigation. Will this major let her obtain her dream? The school also offers a degree in forensic science with a chemistry minor. My daughter is not good in science. I need your help in setting up her career path. She wants to do something that keeps her interest. Thanks for your help. I am not interested in any on-line courses or schools for her. we live in the state of Alabama.
Alabama State University is a very good academic institution in your State. As far as I know, Alabama State is not a top notch Criminal Justice university, but it is one of a few best in your state. So that’s good : ) Also, in-state tuition is cheaper.
A Forensic career is different from a police officer, detective, etc. It is a career rooted in many scientific disciplines, and although you don’t have to be strong in science to obtain an initial job offering, it is wiser to take a Forensic Science w/ Chemistry path over the Criminal Justice route if you would want to work as a CSI, lab technician, or in any other Forensic field.
My first suggestion is to have your daughter and yourself become more aware of what the two different disciplines are all about (Criminal Justice and Forensic Science). The Criminal Justice curriculum focuses a lot on what law enforcement is about, different subsets of criminal justice system, and in general, provides a perspective on the past, present, and future of the criminal justice system (police, prisons, crime labs, terrorism, federal law enforcement, white collar crime, history, criminology, and etc.). Forensic Science is just that: a science based path with stronger emphasis on chemistry, biology, physics, and blood spatter analysis to name a few.
Courses and the intensity of the program depend on the school offerings, professors running the programs, and perhaps interest in a specific forensic field. Specifically, what would your daughter like to to do in the Forensic Field?
I’m a High School student interested in a Criminal Justice Career. I don’t know what specific job is right for me, though i know i want to be in the Criminal Justice Career. I’m very interested in studying cases, murders, and serial killers. I would also like to be in a career where i would be interviewing, following, or tracking down criminals. I also can see myself helping and protecting people. Friends say I’ve been watching too many movies and CSI shows and that there isn’t a job that meets my interests but i don’t think so. Can you please help me find the right job for me?
Cases, murders, and serial killers fall under the watchful eye of detectives / investigators on local, county, state, and federal levels. Virtually each echelon has an agency or department that deals directly with these issues. These positions are usually achieved after a few/several years on the police force (a Detective’s Exam may be required) or earlier if working for the FBI, for example.
Interviewing, following, and tracking down criminals can also be achieved on all agency levels (local police to Federal Government). The FBI and the U.S. Marshal Service are a great place to start looking if you’re interested in federal employment.
Helping and protecting people falls under almost any law enforcement officer position. But, witness protection (for the most part U.S. Marshals provide it), Secret Service Special Agent, Diplomatic Security Agent, or private protection (aka bodyguards) deal with protection on a deeper level.
Only you can find the right job for yourself. But, I hope you find this site as a great resource to start your job finding quest. Good luck.
I am 48 years old and have been an RN for 21 years. I am interested in obtaining a BS degree in criminal justice from Capella University. My initial intention was to become a parole / probation officer, but understand that I would not be eligible for this position due to my age. By the time I graduate, I will be 50 years old. Have I “missed the boat” in having a career in criminal justice?
Hi Cindy,
You’ve sort of “missed the boat” when it comes to law enforcement careers, where the cut off age for new applicants is usually in the late 30s. But that said, law enforcement is a part of the criminal justice field – not the other way around. There are still potential careers that may be of interest to you (see links on this page). Good luck!
Radek
hello my name is jamaal im gonna be currently getting my degree in criminal justice and i wonder if my families background is gonna hold me back on any careers. mine background is good but none of theirs they live in lifes im trying not to be in thats why im trying to get my criminal justice degree
I don’t think there should be any hold up. Just make sure you’re in the clear.
i am entering school this fall, but i have become very interested in the criminal justice field. I am 29 now is it too late for me to even begin to look for a career in this field? im not sure what area im looking into, but maybe into the jail. or the investigation area…Do i enter that police academy to continue?
I don’t think it’s ever too late, but most law enforcement career hopefuls must be on average under 37 years old at the time of hiring.
For jail related duties you might want to speak with your local Sheriff’s Office and for investigation duties you usually must become a detective after being a police officer first – this doesn’t apply to Federal employment.
I would speak with the organizations you’re interested in joining. I know that many police agencies offer a recruitment seminar/meeting for those that would be interested.
I’m 18 and im about to enter a two year criminal justice program. Im not sure what exactly I want to go into yet but I plan to start at the bottom and work my way up as opportunities present themselves. I want to have the best background possible to be able to advance into whatever career I choose. Would it be best to advance to a bachelors degree after my two year course? Will a police academy help me? Do I need an academy since im taking the college course? What would be the best way to set myself up for career advancement?
In my opinion it’s always good to advance your education. A police academy is a major requirement in larger municipalities, regardless if you went to college or not. Smaller municipalities may require a state certification to work in law enforcement, which consists of a number of courses and training workshops. Also, for most of the police academies, after completing it successfully you’ll be state certified, too. I think that working for a larger police department — where police academy is required — can give you more opportunities in the future, higher salary, and perhaps chances of advancement. Completed education levels also determine your pay scale, especially in larger departments (larger cities, county sheriff, state police, and most definitely in federal law enforcement – where most highly sought after careers require a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree). As for advancement, training and education are one of the aspects. Moral fiber, deeds performed while on duty/off duty, and personal characteristics play a good chunk in your advancement strategy. And as always, interdepartmental politics can make or break chances for advancement. Hope this helps, and I wish you good luck.
I am 17 years old and im going into my senior year and i am very interested in forensic carerrs. Do you have to be very smart to go into this field? and also, do you have to be close to dead bodies?
Forensic careers require more of a science based education, so it may be a little harder. You don’t have to be close to dead bodies, there are many forensic careers that don’t require direct contact with a deceased individual.
Radek,
Thanks for the consistent updates. There seems to be more interest than ever before in the field!
My question regarding careers: are there jobs (local, state, federal or private) for current students in CJ, whether it be for Bachelor’s or Master’s candidates? Something that is beyond campus security positions?
I am reaching the point of exhaustion with my current cubicle job, and even though I will be starting my MCJ program soon, I thought it would be worth looking into graduate student assistantships in the field, whether it be investigative, research, or enforcement.
Thanks so much.
Zo,
You’re welcome!
Yes, there are jobs in Criminal Justice for people at all levels for Bachelor and Master candidates, although I would have at least a Bachelor’s completed for some state and federal employment options. One caveat of going to school while working (probably full-time in law enforcement / or at least full-time seasonal) would be that many who find their jobs comfy quit schooling altogether. It’s all good and such, but when the time for promotion or salary increase comes your education will most likely be scrutinized. Please read my article about Criminal Justice programs (and all degrees in general) as a requirement for law enforcement jobs — this should give you some perspectives on what you can do now : )
Yes, now that I read you’ll be starting your Masters in Criminal Justice I can highly recommend student assistantships in the field. Talk to your professors in the new MCJ program about such opportunities — get on it from the get go. I think, in the grand scheme of things, these wonderful opportunities carry a lot of value in your future career — no matter if it’s enforcement, investigative, or research field.
i have been reading a lot about criminal justice as a whole, just trying to learn as much as i can, i read a section about background checks and one part was about credit checks, can u explain a little more about that..
Whenever you consider a career in Criminal Justice you have to understand that you’re dealing with highly sensitive information on a daily basis, more over, if you’re in a law enforcement career you deal with much more than that: illicit drugs, illegal money, and people’s lives are on your daily watch.
The credit check serves often as an indicator to your responsibility — are you paying your bills on time? — but also, it serves as a potential risk factor — do you have a lot of credit card debt (for example)?
If you’re not paying bills on time and/or you have a lot of debt, or perhaps you defaulted on some loans or had judgments against you, you must be aware that can adversely affect your chances of being hired on. FYI, many agencies, especially on the federal level, automatically disqualify a candidate if they defaulted on Federal Student Loans.
Nearly all Criminal Justice agencies — not only those providing law enforcement — look over an applicant’s credit to assess the risk value. A good or excellent credit is a sign of stability, it is a statistical indicator of a lesser risk, it can even be interpreted on a psychological basis — taking high debt and negative references on your credit as a potential risk for “skimming of the top” on your next traffic stop or drug bust. These are just examples, but basically cover some of the major reasons why your credit might be checked.
Background checks are standard, too. They are an absolute must and look for any discrepancies in your life, especially for a criminal record – even certain misdemeanors can disqualify you from becoming a police officer. Domestic Violence and DUIs are often automatic disqualifiers. Like the credit check, a background check is designed to present information about you: have you been in legal trouble? how often have you moved as an adult? jobs you’ve held, and more.
I’m a Gov employee working in a dead end Gov job, In taking this criminal justice course, could this help me get a better job in the Gov as a background investigator and how can I get a certificate to show proof of completion of the course, will the certificate of proof cost me money.
I thank you for your help.
In your opinion, what would be my best option to jump start my career in Criminal Justice. In December I will be graduating from college with an AA degree in Criminal Justice. I would like to be a part of the police academy but physically I am not ready for the academy yet. Although my ultimate goal is to become a law enforcement officer, I am open to related careers in this field.
Miss Lewis,
This is a tough one. As a law enforcement officer, at most policing agencies, you’ll need to pass a Physical Test (PT) in order to come on the force. With an AA in Criminal Justice you should be open for most criminal justice careers. Check out his page and see what career might strike your fancy — there aren’t really “related” careers — you’re either an LEO or not. So to jump start your career, perhaps dispatcher jobs can be of help, certain prison positions may allow you to work, even if they may require a PT. Other than that, certain internships at the law enforcement agency of interest can help. As a last jump start scenario you may actually consider taking the Physical Test — most police departments administer them before most of the hiring processes are set in place. You may learn your strengths and understand your weaknesses better by trying, but depending on the agency, it may be looked at detrimentally next time you apply. Good luck Miss Lewis!
Hello,
I am deaf and junior student and majoring in criminology at Florida State University and I have Associate Degree in Criminal Justice and Liberal Studies. I don’t know what is specific job that i want to work? I know that some deaf employee work at CIA and FBI. So I had federal student employment for summer 2009 and had to work with Security Force Squadron for US Department of Air Force. So I need to know what i want to work for specific job? I know that Florida State University offer CSI Underwater program and have FBI and FDLE program in some courses but i am trying to get some answer from my mind and life for future career. I will graduate in 2011 or 2012. I appreciate if you can help me out.
I personally wouldn’t know how to help you out. It’s a very “tough cookie” to crack.
If someone can pitch in with some constructive input, that would be great.
I was wondering, lets say i wanted to have any career in criminal justice but that doesnt contain being a police officer.. What career would be best for that? If you dont get me, this is what i am trying to say:
I want to be part of criminal justice but i dont want to become a police first and then get the job i want. I hope you can help me with that.
Akie,
Check out the many non law enforcement careers above. But if that’s not what you’re looking for than perhaps I can make this analogy work:
If you’re looking to be a detective at a police department, but would like to skip being a police officer first — and the minimum average of 3-5 years of waiting before being eligible to take the Detective’s Test — you’re out of luck. In nearly all law enforcement agencies, from smallest (villages) to largest (federal government), you have to “earn your stripes.” Even advanced education like a Master’s or a PhD doesn’t exempt you from starting out at the lowest level.. the only probable difference would be that you would get a higher salary and be eligible for promotion faster (not always applicable).
Now, the story can be entirely different if you’re non law enforcement personnel; with a Law Degree, for example.
I am currently enrolled at the University of Phoenix working on my degree in Criminal Justice. I was thinking about becoming a Probation/Parole officer, Alcohol or substance abuse counselor, or a Crime Analyst. What other schooling might I need besides getting my degree in criminal justice?
I think you might be just fine with a criminal justice degree for nearly all the professions. The first two types of positions can also benefit from some social work related courses. The crime analyst position can benefit from forensic science courses.
hello,
im liliana garcia and i’m currently a senior in high school. I want to get involved in criminal justice careers but im not sure of what to major in.
I like working in computers, but i also want to be in a office like getting records of people or anything. I want to be involved in crime scenes also. Would i also fit in the major of probation officer? can you email me back please. Thank you.
You’re all over the place here. If you like IT, but like criminal justice, perhaps IT Security could be a great start. If you like crime scene stuff, then IT can help for things like data recovery from a crime scene. But, if you’re looking for dealing with cadavers, blood spatter analysis, or ballistics then you should look into Forensic Science schooling and careers. Probation Officers can benefit from Criminal Justice and Social Science courses.
I will be obtaining my Associates for Criminal Justice with a major in police enforcement from Kaplan University. I am 42 years old, I do not want to be a police officer, (the University recruiter mislead me on courses) I am looking to become a legal researcher, work for a background investigation company or become a juvenile probation officer. I am wondering if any certification courses would be good or would it be better to acquire a degree in law.
Any help is greatly appreciated!
many legal research jobs can be obtained through a Paralegal degree or certifications. I would look in that direction. Certification courses can be good, degrees in related fields are always better, and a law degree is many times unnecessary. A law degree is worth it if you would be interested in being an attorney.
Hi I’m 35yrs old back in school for an RN degree, but lately leaning towards Criminal Justice career. Such as Forensic Nurse or Forensic Investigator.
Isn’t it true that you must be a born in the us citizen to work for the FBI or CIA? I’m a citizen but was not born here. Also is my age an issue? or will it be in the next 3yrs? Thank you!
You must be a US citizen, either born OR naturalized. You have to be a born US citizen if you want to become the President. As for your age, now’s the time to look into law enforcement related career choices, especially with the FBI and the CIA. You may have less than a few years to qualify for employment at most law enforcement based positions (police officer, sheriff deputy, FBI Special Agent, DEA Special Agent, and etc.).
Radek, I am enjoying reading your blog! It has a lot of useful information. I double majored in sociology and criminal justice in my undergraduate degree. I later obtained a criminal justice: justice administration master’s of science degree from Tiffin Ohio.
I work as a pretrial officer and am excited to see you list this career option. In my state pretrial services is a state agency unlike other places where it may be a county agency or a non-profit.
I love my job but still want to move up to a higher position or obtain a position elsewhere. Though I have a master’s degree I have supervisors with lower levels of education (even GED level).
I am glad that a lot of criminal justice careers now require at least a 4 year degree, as I think we need well educated people in the criminal justice system.
In the future I’d like to continue my education. I would like to either obtain 18 hours in graduate sociology work or obtain a graduate certificate in criminal justice ( to add another emphasis).
Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Mike
I forgot to mention that the idea of obtaining a graduate certificate in criminal justice to add another emphasis would be obtaining one in a subject area such as forensic psychology, forensic criminology, or something of this nature.
I’m not sure if obtaining a graduate certificate once one already has a completed master’s degree is a good idea or not.
If I did it would mostly to enrich myself with new courses since I miss school a lot. I find value in learning in and of itself , but it would be nice to have more job opportunities.
thanks
I think that graduate certificates, on top of a grad degree, are a great addition to one’s personal repertoire. I think it can definitely help, despite you having a master’s degree already. As for your supervisors, it will be a little bit more time before those that are / were grandfathered in will either retire or be required to complete more educational requirements related to their careers. I it my life’s experience that tells me: if someone is educated it doesn’t mean they always know what they are doing, but those with hands-on experience can provide that someone with the help in real-life applications. Hang in there.
Hey Radek,
This blog is extremely helpful. Thank you; I have found more useful information here than anywhere else with regards to criminal justice by far!
I’m currently a Junior at Northern Arizona University with a major in Criminal Justice and minors in Chemistry and Sociology. For the last two years, I was a biochemistry major, but I found that any math course more advanced than Calculus is beyond my comfort zone. My late change in majors explains the two minors… Seeing as I am particularly interested in forensics and CSI, do these minors help me at all?
My main concern is the amount of science and math expected/required to pursue a career in crime scene investigation or forensics (as I’m sure are inevitable). Is having completed math courses through Calculus enough to succeed in this field? Also, I have taken quite a few chemistry and biology courses over the past two years, but will not major in a science… would a minor in chemistry be sufficient enough in an employer’s eyes? I’m more than willing to work for a masters to secure a job in this area. Do you think a masters would prove especially helpful? And if so, in what area should I get a masters?
Thanks so much for all your help.
1. these minors are of great help in my opinion
2. minor in chemistry can be more than sufficient for some organizations, while others may require an advanced degree – it all depends on the position you seek
3. depending on the need of crime labs, private organizations, and other forensic entities you may secure a position with a bachelor’s degree, where as in other places, you may need to obtain a master’s degree – check with the places of interest by phoning in, stopping in, or simply checking out career info on pertinent sites – that’s the best I can help with this one.
3a. In my opinion, a masters can be particularly helpful in the grand scheme of things (makes life a little easier, but not always) – degrees in Forensic Science and hard sciences, like Chemistry and Physics, may help — I would also check out careers of interest which are often accompanied by educational requirements similar or different from what I’ve just listed. To help you with that see recommendation in point #3 + consider looking at state and federal employment vacancies which are often very well detailed with job descriptions, salary & benefit info, and of course, requirements of ALL sorts.
Please keep us updated and good luck with everything.