If you are thinking about starting a criminal justice career, you will first need to decide what type of degree you want. Most programs offered by most colleges and universities will take a minimum of two years to complete. There are a number of different types of degree programs that can be completed to obtain a career in this field. A bachelor’s degree is a good starting point for anyone who wants to start their own law enforcement or corrections career. A degree will prepare you for a number of career options, but it will also prepare you for a future in this field.
Some of the jobs available in this area include: police officer, sheriff, probation officer, correctional officer, parole officer, bailiff, prison guard, correctional institution officer, jail officer, forensic pathologist, police officer, public defender, parole officer, correctional institution officer, or court bailiff. If you decide to choose a more specific field, such as a forensic pathologist, it will take one year to complete. Many people pursue a two-year college degree to advance their career and provide them with additional knowledge. Many of the same jobs available in this field require you to have a masters or PhD.
As a career in this field requires you to perform a number of tasks that require you to conduct public records background checks and investigate criminal activities. This type of research often involves interviewing witnesses, gathering documents, and performing forensic investigation on potential evidence. You may also be required to perform investigative work, such as fingerprinting, handwriting analysis, or laboratory analyses, to help in a case.
Those considering a criminal justice choice should also have some training in areas such as mathematics, history and sociology. This type of degree program often combines general education with courses in various types of law, investigation, and forensics. This is an excellent way to prepare a person to enter the field with no prior experience.
A bachelor’s degree will prepare you for employment in any number of the areas in the criminal justice field. It will prepare you for a job in law enforcement or corrections. If you decide to pursue a two-year degree program, you will be able to work as a corrections officer, police officer, or a probation officer. These positions require a lot of hands-on experience as you interact with those incarcerated in the local area. A two-year degree program will prepare you for a job that will make a difference in the communities you serve.
Once you finish your degree, you will have a great number of career choices. Some jobs will focus on helping individuals with various types of problems, while others will work with businesses and government agencies to improve conditions in the community. You may find employment in the medical community as a police officer, investigator, or investigator of public offenses.
Many people who are interested in pursuing a career in the justice field will choose to go on to become judges, prosecutors, or defense attorneys. This field is very competitive, so many law enforcement personnel look into obtaining an advanced degree to get ahead. If you have the necessary skills and experience, you can work as an attorney, or work in private practice to defend individuals accused of various crimes. These career choices offer a rewarding option for those interested in working toward a criminal justice degree.
