What Are Some Possible Careers in Criminal Justice?

"Mini-Guide" to Online Criminal Justice Degrees

Kaplan University

Online Criminal Justice Degree

Looking for a career change or advancement in your current criminal justice career? Earning your associate's degree, bachelor's degree, master's degree, or Ph.D. in criminal justice while working and raising a family is possible with online education.

Request free information on criminal justice degrees from some of the most established criminal justice schools in the country.

Considering a Degree in Criminal Justice?

What Are Some Possible Careers in Criminal Justice?

Possible Job Titles for Associate's or Bachelor's Criminal Justice Degree Holders

There are a lot of different careers within the realm of criminal justice. Generally these careers fall within two distinct categories, either law enforcement or corrections. Take a look at some of the examples provided below and research some of these professions to see which you think would be a good fit for your interests and goals.

Airport Security Officer
Animal Treatment Investigator
Bailiff
Body Guard
Border Patrol Agent
CIA Agent
Child Support Agency Worker
Community Service Coordinator
Compliance Manager
Corrections Officer
Court Clerk
Customs Agent
Deportation Officer
Deputy Marshal
Discrimination Investigator
Drug Enforcement Agent

Employment Agency Recruiter
Environmental Conservation Officer
Fish & Game Warden
Foreign Service Officer
Housing/Tenant Representative
Industrial Security Specialist
Juvenile Court Counselor
Law Clerk
Litigation Manager
Loss Prevention Specialist
Military Officer
Naval Investigator
Nonprofit Organization Advocate
Paralegal

Park Ranger
Police Officer
Postal Service Investigator
Pre-trial Services Officer
Private Security Officer
Probation & Parole Officer
Probation Officer
Public Safety Officer
Secret Service Agent
Sheriff
Social Worker
Teacher
U.S. Customs Agent
U.S. Marshal
Victim Services Specialist
Youth Advocate

How does one advance in the field? How many years of experience are needed to move up to higher positions?

You advance in the field of criminal justice much like other professions: working hard and doing a good job consistently. Knowledge and a formal education are also important. It's not unusual to see the upper echelon of a law enforcement agency possessing advanced degrees. Some of the more common graduate degrees are the Master of Public Administration, a Master of Science in Criminal Justice, Criminology and other related areas.

Possible Job Titles for Advanced Criminal Justice Degree Holders

Attorney
Child Welfare Caseworker
Contracts Administrator
Coroner
Corrections Facilities Manager
Counter Intelligence Agent
Court Administrator
Criminal Investigator
Criminologist

District Attorney
FBI Agent
Law Librarian
Penologist
Police Detective
Private Investigator
Public Defender
Substance Abuse Counselor
Warden

How do I become a police officer, corrections officer, etc.? What is the hiring process like?

Hiring practices among the various jobs or agencies will vary widely, but most recruits can expect to see the following:

A Standardized Test

You will be administered an exam and be expected to pass and/or score within a certain percentile of test takers. These tests typically cover areas such as basic reading comprehension, logic, writing ability, and mathematics.

An Evaluation of Physical Ability

After a standardized written test, expect a physical fitness and agility test. There is no one standardized test used by all agencies, so know that you will have to maintain good overall physical fitness. As a general rule, you should be in good physical condition to work in the criminal justice field—you may face dangerous situations where your fitness level will have a direct impact upon your or someone else's likelihood of survival.

A Psychological Examination

Most criminal justice jobs will require some type of psychological exam. You may receive a written exam or a personal one-on-one interview with a professional psychologist (or any combination thereof).

An Interview

At some point in time, you will interview for the position. This may be a one-on-one interview or you may be required to sit before a board. Occasionally these interviews can be intimidating and seemingly unfriendly by design. Just be sure to answer questions as truthfully as you can to the best of your ability. If you don't know the answer, don't be ashamed to admit it.

A Polygraph Test

You may be subjected to a polygraph test or what is otherwise known as a lie detector test. Passing one is easy—don't lie, and answer their questions as truthfully as possible.

One of the main reasons people are not hired however usually has to do with their background investigation. This may be your criminal background and/or employment history, information you placed on your background information packet not matching with whatever the investigator discovers.

All Online Criminal Justice Degrees

Show me:

Want to earn your criminal justice degree? These hand-selected criminal justice schools offer online criminal justice degrees that are fully accredited and delivered in a convenient online format.

Distance Learning Discussion Forums
Online Degrees

Unsubscribe From Email