What job options would I have if I majored in criminal justice?

Question

Im interested in this area but I don't know much about it...also, how hard is it to become a police detective? and what steps would I need to take education wise?

Answer 1

A degree in criminal justice has several career paths:
http://www.uncwil.edu/stuaff/career/Majors/criminal.htm

Job boards/info for law enforcement
http://www.criminaljusticeusa.com/
http://www.policeemployment.com/
http://www.copcareer.com/

US Dept of Labor - police & detectives
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos160.htm

Police officers usually become eligible for promotion after a probationary period ranging from 6 months to 3 years. In a large department, promotion may enable an officer to become a detective or to specialize in one type of police work, such as working with juveniles. Promotions to corporal, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain usually are made according to a candidate’s position on a promotion list, as determined by scores on a written examination and on-the-job performance.

Answer 2

A degree in criminal justice opens the door to many jobs, but you do NOT immediately step into a job like a detective. You have to work your way up, pay your dues, etc. But the options also include working with Parole and Probation, Criminal Investigations Bureau, and Juvenile Court.

The steps you need to take are make sure where you are attending is an accreditated education facility. Many community colleges or junior colleges have degrees (AA) but that is not the same as the degree from a university (BA/BS). Go talk to the school guidance counselor and determine what degree they offer, what classes, and the percentage of graduates who were immediately hired due to their degree.

Answer 3

There are many employment options in the Criminal Justice system and here are just a few; CORRECTIONS OFFICER-DEPUTY SHERIFF-POLICE OFFICER-PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR-SECURITY OFFICER-STATE TROOPER-PARK RANGER-911 DISPATCHER-DNR WARDEN-PROBATION & PAROLE AGENT-FRAUD INVESTIGATOR (for an insurance company) As far as your education you need, contact your nearest college or technical college to see if they have the Criminal Justice Program. Most colleges have a four year Criminal Justice Program and that is where you want to start. Some technical colleges have the two year Associate Degree in Criminal Justice, that is the degree I completed. I completed the two year Associate Degree. I was then hired by a police agency and was sent through the Police Academy for my state certification as a Police officer. I live in the State of Wisconsin where a student has to complete a four year Criminal Justice Program or a two year Associate Degree in Criminal Justice first before they are eligible to apply at any local, county or state law enforcement agency. After you are hired by that agency, they will send you through police academy training for a minium of 10 weeks. I hope this information was helpful, it is as accurate as any you will find. Law Enforcement can be a very rewarding career in so many ways, once it is in your blood, its there forever.

Answer 4

There are many different law enforcement officer jobs that you could try to get. Some job titles you could consider include animal cruelty investigator, bailiff, conservation officer, constable, correctional officer, criminal investigator, deputy sheriff, game warden, humane law enforcement officer, park ranger, police officer, probation officer, and special agent. Consider local, state, and federal jobs. Becoming a police detective can be a very competitive process. Getting a college degree is one of the best things that you can do.

Answer 5

Well, J. Edgar Hoover is dead so talk to Bruce Cutler.