Best Jobs For Criminal Justice Major

Criminal justice is a multifaceted field that offers many career opportunities. This discipline focuses on the systems and practices involved in upholding social control, deterring, and mitigating crime, as well as sanctioning violators of laws with criminal penalties and rehabilitation efforts.

As a criminal justice major, you are equipped with a unique skill set that includes critical thinking, an understanding of law and legal procedures, and a deep knowledge of societal issues and their impact on crime.

Explores some of the best job opportunities available to those who have pursued a degree in criminal justice, ranging from law enforcement roles to positions in the corporate world. Whether you’re a recent graduate or considering a career change, this guide will provide valuable insights into the potential paths your criminal justice degree can lead you down.

The Best Jobs For Criminal Justice Major 2023

1. Investigator

An investigator, also known as a detective, is one of the most sought-after roles in criminal justice. Investigators are responsible for gathering facts and collecting evidence for criminal cases. They conduct interviews, examine records, observe the activities of suspects, and participate in raids or arrests. Their work is crucial in solving crimes and bringing justice to victims.

2. Security Specialist

Security specialists are responsible for planning and implementing security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. Their responsibilities are continually expanding as the number of cyber-attacks increases. With a criminal justice degree, you can specialize in cybercrime and work as a security specialist in various industries.

3. Security Officer

Security officers, also known as security guards, protect property, enforce rules on the property, and deter criminal activity. They may work in various settings, including public buildings, retail stores, and office buildings. Some officers are armed and must be registered with the appropriate government authority.

4. Analyst

Analysts in the criminal justice field often work with law enforcement agencies to analyze criminal behaviour and activity patterns. This role requires strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret and present data clearly and concisely. Analysts are crucial in helping law enforcement agencies predict and prevent criminal activities.

5. Legal Secretary

Legal secretaries work in law offices and perform a variety of administrative duties. These may include answering phones, scheduling appointments, filing documents, and preparing legal paperwork. They often have a strong understanding of legal terminology and procedures, which can be gained from a criminal justice degree.

6. Legal Assistant

Legal assistants, also known as paralegals, perform many of the same tasks as legal secretaries but may also conduct legal research, draft documents, and assist attorneys during trials. They play a crucial role in the legal process, and their work can often influence the outcome of a case.

7. Human Resources Coordinator

A criminal justice degree can also lead to a career in human resources. As a human resources coordinator, you can work on employee relations, compensation and benefits, and training issues. This role requires strong interpersonal skills and a thorough understanding of employment laws and regulations.

8. Correction Officer

Correction officers oversee individuals arrested and awaiting trial or sentenced to serve time in jail or prison. They maintain security and inmate accountability to prevent disturbances, assaults, or escapes.

9. Office Assistant

Office assistants perform administrative and clerical tasks in different types of organizations. They might answer phones, file records, and schedule appointments. In a law office, they might prepare legal documents and assist with legal research.

10. Sales Consultant

While it might seem unusual, many criminal justice majors succeed in sales. As a sales consultant, you can leverage your understanding of legal systems and regulations to sell products or services related to the criminal justice field. This could include software for sale to law enforcement agencies, consulting services to legal firms, or security systems to businesses.

A Degree in criminal justice can open up a wide range of career opportunities. Whether you’re interested in law enforcement, legal work, or even a career in business or human resources, there’s likely a job that fits your interests and skills.

Frequently Asked Questions: The Best Jobs For Criminal Justice Major 2023

What kind of jobs can I get with a criminal justice degree?

A criminal justice degree can lead to various careers in law enforcement, legal services, corporate security, and human resources. Some potential roles include investigator, security specialist, legal secretary, correction officer, and more.

Can a criminal justice major work in the corporate sector?

Yes, a criminal justice major can work in the corporate sector. Roles such as security specialist, human resources coordinator, and sales consultant are all potential career paths in the corporate world for criminal justice majors.

What skills do I need to succeed in a criminal justice career?

Skills needed for a career in criminal justice include critical thinking, problem-solving, understanding of law and legal procedures, strong communication skills, and the ability to work well under pressure.

Can I work in human resources with a criminal justice degree?

Yes, a criminal justice degree can benefit a human resources role. Understanding laws, regulations, and societal issues can be applied to managing employee relations, compensation, benefits, and training.

Is a career in sales possible with a criminal justice degree?

Absolutely. A criminal justice major can leverage their understanding of legal systems and regulations to sell products or services related to the criminal justice field. This could include software for sale to law enforcement agencies, consulting services to legal firms, or security systems to businesses.

What is the role of a legal assistant?

Legal assistants, also known as paralegals, perform many tasks, such as conducting legal research, drafting documents, and assisting attorneys during trials. They play a crucial role in the legal process, and their work can often influence the outcome of a case.

What does a security officer do?

Security officers, also known as security guards, protect property, enforce rules on the property, and deter criminal activity. They may work in various settings, including public buildings, retail stores, and office buildings. Some officers are armed and must be registered with the appropriate government authority.

Can a criminal justice major work as an analyst?

Yes, analysts in the criminal justice field often work with law enforcement agencies to analyze patterns in criminal behaviour and activity. This role requires strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret and present data clearly and concisely.