Information about http://www.careers.csulb.edu/major/pdf/criminaljust.pdf
CRIMINAL JUSTICE …
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Created: Mon Mar 23 01:10:52 1914
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CRIMINAL JUSTICE
What can I do with this degree?
AREAS EMPLOYERS STRATEGIES
SOCIAL SERVICES
Corrections State and federal correction facilities Seek courses or training in topics such as
Counseling County jails victimology, social problems, diversity issues, or
Juvenile Justice Precinct station houses grieving.
Casework Prison camps Supplement curriculum with courses in psychology,
Administration Youth correction facilities sociology, or social work.
Probations & Parole Medium-security correction facilities Gain experience working with a juvenile population in
Victim Advocacy Voluntary correction facilities any capacity (i.e., sports teams, summer camp
Halfway houses and pre-release programs counselor, parks and recreation programs, and
Reintegration programs community/religious youth groups).
Alternative schools Gain related experience in employment interviewing,
Juvenile detention centers social casework, substance abuse, and
Juvenile group homes rehabilitation.
Women's and family shelters Learn to work well with people of diverse backgrounds.
Domestic violence agencies Consider learning a second language.
Immigration and naturalization services Maintain a blemish-free driving and criminal record.
Other nonprofit organizations Gain firearms and self-defense training.
Earn a master's degree in social work or counseling
for therapy positions.
Obtain a masters degree in criminal justice or
business for upper-level positions in facilities
management or administration.
JUDICIARY AND LAW
Court Reporting Local, state, and federal courts Consider a double major or minor in the social
Legal Assistance Law firms sciences such as psychology, anthropology,
Legal Research Corporate legal departments sociology, or political science.
Administration Public interest law organizations Attend a postsecondary vocational or technical college
that offers court reporting or paralegal certification
programs.
Obtain a law degree from a law school accredited by
the American Bar Association (ABA).
Learn to use software packages such as CD-ROM
research databases.
Develop strong research, computer, and writing skills.
Maintain a high grade point average to gain admittance
to law school.
Participate in mock trial groups.
(Criminal Justice, Page 2)
AREAS EMPLOYERS STRATEGIES
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Patrolling City/County Government Organizations including: Obtain related training or certifications such as CPR,
Investigating Police departments first aid, or EMT.
Forensics Correction facilities Complete a formal police academy program upon
Probation County sheriff departments graduation.
Security Liquor Control Commission Maintain a healthy and physically fit lifestyle.
State Government Organizations including: Volunteer to work in a police department or campus
State troopers safety department.
Crime labs Complete an internship in a crime laboratory to gain
Penitentiaries experience in the forensic application of science.
Federal Government Organizations including: Obtain a double major in criminal justice and a hard
U.S. Customs and Border Protection science (biology, chemistry, or biochemistry) if
Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) interested in a career in forensics.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Consider earning a master's degree in Forensic
Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Science or related discipline.
Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Become familiar with the government application
Department of Homeland Security process.
Postal Service Learn a second language.
Federal Marshals
Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
National Parks Service
Crime laboratories
Colleges and universities
BUSINESS
Private Security Insurance companies Minor in business or computer science.
Consulting Banks Seek practicum/internship experiences that include
Investigating Private security companies training in the hardware and software of security
Systems Integration Software companies systems.
Global Intelligence Hotels and resorts Maintain good physical fitness.
Private Investigation Health care facilities Develop exceptional written and oral communication
Internet Security Transportation services skills.
Loss and Prevention Nuclear power plants Seek leadership opportunities and develop strong
Manufacturers interpersonal skills.
Online companies Attend firearm safety courses. Obtain first aid and
Other large corporations CPR certification.
Gain military experience and training.
Earn a graduate degree in business or law for upper-
level positions.
(Criminal Justice, Page 3)
AREAS EMPLOYERS STRATEGIES
EDUCATION
Teaching Colleges and universities Earn a graduate degree for post-secondary teaching
Research Adult education providers opportunities.
Public and private high schools Get a teaching certificate for elementary or
secondary education. Gain a dual certification for
increased opportunities
Serve as a tutor to other students.
Develop strong written and oral communication skills.
Assist a professor with research.
Take additional coursework related to research and
statistics.
GENERAL INFORMATION
· Many criminal justice professions require candidates to possess strong oral and written communication skills and good computer skills. The ability to speak
a second language is also desirable.
· Develop good listening skills and the ability to work well with a wide range of diverse populations.
· Most entry-level positions for criminal justice majors reside with law enforcement and social service organizations.
· Be willing to start in an entry-level job in order to prepare for more advanced career opportunities.
· Obtain experience through volunteer, practicum, or internship opportunities.
· Supplement program of study with courses in business, psychology, anthropology, or sociology. Course work related to the hard sciences (biology,
chemistry, or biochemistry) is preferred for career opportunities in forensics.
· Depending upon one's career goals, earn a master's degree in disciplines such as criminal justice, forensic science, social work, counseling, or business to
obtain positions involving therapy, higher levels of administration, forensics, or research. Earn the doctorate degree for university teaching positions.
· Conduct informational interviews with professionals in fields of interest to learn more about opportunities.
Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. (2004)
UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA /ADEA Employer