Let's start out by putting the fantasy aside for a minute and being honest. People who have a criminal justice career that you see on TV done in futuristic-looking labs or portray investigators hanging onto the hoods of speeding cars don't really exist. There are very, very few people whose sole job in a criminal justice career is getting to investigate serial killers. It's even less likely that there are forensic lab specialists who could pass for supermodels too, but we'll move on.
Let's lay down a few basics
As in many technically specialized careers, you start at the bottom and work your way up to investigative or supervisory positions. This can be a long but fulfilling road in a criminal justice career. After completing criminal justice training, most people's job experience will come as:
In some cases, military experience can count toward field experience in a criminal justice program, but not always. Be sure and check with the admissions office about this before choosing a school.
Did you know?
A number of criminal justice careers require only a few years of career training. Discover a new career in the criminal justice industry by viewing the job descriptions below:
Where are the jobs?
The vast majority of crime in this country is a state or local matter, not federal. Therefore, most people who work in the criminal justice system work for local and state agencies. However, new federal agencies are expanding which could boost your chances of getting hired after completing the right criminal justice training program.
How about some good news?
An increasing number of city, county, and state police agencies don't require that you have an undergraduate degree. This is despite the trend of law enforcement agencies seeking applicants with college degrees in the past. Jobs such as working with juveniles or adults are common career choices that don't typically require a Bachelor's degree. There are also a variety of jobs within the human services field, such as working with at-risk families. Clearly some will pay better than others, but they all tend to be challenging and rewarding.
Salary Range:
$17,290 — $77,500
Education Level (minimum):
Bachelor degree in social work, criminal justice or similar
Growth Outlook (2002 – 2012):
21 – 35%
