If you are considering a criminal justice career, you do not necessarily need a college degree in the field. However, there are several reasons obtaining a degree can help position you for success throughout your career. In this blog post, we will explore some of the many benefits of criminal justice degree programs and highlight career possibilities you could pursue after obtaining a degree.
YOU’LL UNDERSTAND THE SYSTEM
A criminal justice degree is more than just a piece of paper. The coursework you take to earn your degree will give you the necessary foundation of this field. You’ll graduate with a solid working knowledge of each separate element of the criminal justice system. Thus, when you start working, you’ll understand what your role is in keeping the wheels of justice turning. This, in turn, can make you better at your chosen career.
CURRICULUM HELPS YOU DEVELOP CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS
You will also develop and hone the ability to assess situations and think critically so you can react appropriately. People in criminal justice roles are often faced with the need to make fast decisions in emotional situations. Your education can help you learn to focus your instincts and manage your emotions in tough scenarios.
YOUR JOB-SPECIFIC TRAINING WILL BE EASIER
No matter what type of job you choose to pursue after earning your degree, you can expect some job-specific training. If you intend to work as a corrections officer or police officer, for example, you will need to go through academy training. Your criminal justice degree should make that training easier, as you will already know much of the information you’re being taught.
YOU’LL BE ABLE TO APPLY THE SKILLS YOU LEARNED
As you pursue your degree, you’ll learn about more than just our nation’s system and framework of laws. You’ll take courses that teach you interpersonal skills, help you become a better writer, articulate your viewpoint, and hone your powers of observation and analysis. These are all real-world skills you will need to know on the job. Having a solid educational foundation can give you the necessary edge to excel in your career.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF JOB OPPORTUNITIES AND CAREER ADVANCEMENT NATIONWIDE
When you earn your criminal justice degree, you’ll be ready to pursue a career doing what you love in whatever part of the country you want. There is a need for skilled, dedicated criminal justice professionals nationwide.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE CAREER POSSIBILITIES
There are a number of exciting career opportunities for people who successfully complete criminal justice degree programs. Some of the roles our former students are now working in include:
- Police officer: This category involves local police as well as state patrol officers and sheriff’s deputies.
- Detective: Criminal investigators conduct thorough inquiries and investigations, seeking to solve crimes. Detectives often specialize in specific areas, such as homicide or robberies.
- Corrections officer: Working directly in a jail or prison, corrections officers play a key role in helping maintain order and rehabilitating people serving sentences for their crimes.
- Probation officer: Rather than working directly in a correctional facility, probation officers work with individuals in the community who need criminal justice oversight but are not confined to a facility.
- Private investigator: Employed by private companies rather than the government, private investigators put their criminal justice degree programs to work helping clients investigate civil matters.
- Security guard: There are many opportunities in private enterprises for people with criminal justice degrees to serve in security roles.
- Fraud investigator: Obtaining a criminal justice degree can also prepare you to be a fraud investigator — helping uncover and document crimes so they can be prosecuted.
Other criminal justice careers that may require advanced education include criminologist, forensic psychologist, attorney, educator and federal investigator.
PREPARE YOURSELF FOR A CAREER IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Are you ready to learn more about pursuing your criminal justice degree through Generations College? Request more information about our associate in criminal justice degree program online or call (312) 922-1884 today.