Criminal Justice Degree Jobs And Salary
Do you need a criminal justice degree to serve as a law enforcer? How far will this kind of education take you? People often equate "criminal justice" (CJ) with being a cop. Law enforcement, in fact, is just one of its components. The other two are the courts and correctional systems. And while not really a prerequisite for most jobs in this field, you do get a better sense of the system with a criminal justice degree.
In many forums, one favorite topic for discussion is the value of completing this course. While there are those who believe that criminal justice degrees don't necessarily spell success in this career, you become a more effective professional with this as part of your preparation.
What Can I Do With a Criminal Justice Degree?
If you are seriously considering a job or career in law enforcement at the state or federal levels, a criminal justice degree will help you get one foot in the door. Your options with this degree are certainly not limited to being a police officer. You can work as a court reporter, a probation officer, a border patrol agent, a paralegal, a criminal investigator or even a security personnel. In the end, your level of commitment and the desire to serve in whatever capacity for the public good are the ultimate keys to a fruitful work life.
Bachelor or associate degree?
A college degree is a big decision. Whether you decide on an associate or bachelor degree, you will spend time and money. And there are apprehensions as to the value of a criminal justice degree. Two years or four years will cost, and even get you in debt. But those who know better will always say go for it if this is something you truly want to do.
Whatever career in criminal justice you end up pursuing, any previous college courses, especially science, English and math, will come in handy even if you end up doing something entirely different.
In the case of CJ, the question often asked is: should I take up an associate or bachelor degree?
In the first place, why are you taking up a criminal justice degree? Are you seeking entry-level jobs in law enforcement, the courts or correctional system? Is it a requirement for the position you are eyeing?
The two-year program is usually an introduction to the three main elements of CJ -- law enforcement, courts and the legal system and the correctional system. Programs vary with each criminal justice college but generally, the curriculum includes an overview of the fundamentals of CJ, technical aspects of law enforcement, societal causes of crime, the court and correctional systems, juvenile justice, security and criminal procedures.
You can choose to focus your studies on one particular aspect by taking more courses about them, or pursue this later on for advancement.
On the other hand, the four-year bachelor program includes more subjects involving issues about CJ. Terrorism, global security, technological security, criminal law and ethics as well as CJ administration are introduced at this level.
One criminal justice degree student relates he was hired even before graduation because he was pursuing a CJ bachelor degree. He said taking up the bachelors program demonstrated a level of commitment to the field and this weighed in the decision to get him for the job.
Ultimately, it is your decision, based on what you want to achieve that will dictate what kind of program to enroll in. Acceptance for criminal justice degree jobs don't necessarily rest on your education but rather on your capacity as a worker.
How will a criminal justice degree help my career as police officer?
No, a criminal justice degree is not a prerequisite to becoming a member of the police force. Any college degree, as long as you have ample preparation in science, math and English, are acceptable. Aside from a high school diploma or GED, you need to pass a written exam and background checks. Besides, it is during police academy training where recruits are evaluated if they are cut to become police officers.
Is it advisable to take up CJ before applying with a law enforcement agency? If you see yourself really pursuing this career, yes. Otherwise, you can probably do this once you're employed and when eyeing promotions. Criminal justice degree graduates caution there are those who eventually discover they are not cut for the profession and realize there are college credits not transferable when they decide to study for something else.
You already get ample preparation at the police academy to be a cop. In fact, it is more advantageous to pursue a criminal justice degree once you have experience on the streets to enhance your knowledge about law, criminality and the dispensation of justice.
Promotions usually require further education and a criminal justice degree, in general, or with some specialization, will help meet that requirement.
How much do criminal justice degree jobs pay?
Depending on the specific area you work in, the salary for criminal justice degree jobs can be as low as $29,000 to a high of $119,000 annually. The wide range factors in the level of education and training, the nature of the work and experience as well as expertise of each position.
You can be working for a loss prevention agency, either as an agent or investigator. The median salary for the former is $28,900, while an investigator makes $37,800.
Security is also an area of expertise that can make use of a CJ degree graduate. A regular security officer makes $31,900, an armed one, $34,000, while a supervisor earns $42,800. With experience, you can work to become a security manager and receive $66,500. A security director makes even more at $78,700.
Federal law enforcement officers are paid higher with salaries ranging from $46,000 (probation officer) to $80,000 (police detective or investigator). The FBI agents make $119,000 a year because of the more stringent requirements they must comply with.
What work opportunities are available for CJ graduate?
There are also private employment opportunities for a criminal justice degree holder who is not keen to work for government agencies.
A paralegal or legal secretary will benefit from an associate degree in CJ, or even by taking up certain courses in conjunction with specific training for the work they want to engage in.
Fraud investigation is also among the criminal justice degree jobs that you can explore. Many companies hire investigators and a strong background in the elements of CJ will be very helpful.
Security is big business and constantly in need of professionals. Or you can become a private investigator, which can be as exciting as being a police detective but minus the protocols and restrictions.
While there may be other college degrees acceptable in these fields, you can't go wrong even with a two-year criminal justice degree tucked under your belt.
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