What Can I Do With This Major

Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice focuses on the many aspects of crime and the criminal justice system (e.g., the criminalization of behaviors, law breaking, crime control, and societal reactions to crime).

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Social Services

Common Career Paths

  • Corrections
  • Probation / Parole
  • Juvenile justice
  • Program development
  • Outreach
  • Mentoring
  • Victim’s assistance
  • Counseling
  • Casework
  • Prevention services
  • Advocacy
  • Supervision
  • Assessment
  • Reporting
  • Grant writing
  • Consulting
  • Administration

Employers

  • Government agencies
  • State and federal correction facilities
  • County jails
  • Precinct station houses
  • Youth correction facilities
  • Voluntary correction facilities
  • Residential treatment facilities
  • Halfway houses and pre-release programs
  • Reintegration programs
  • Alternative schools
  • Juvenile detention centers
  • Juvenile group homes
  • Women’s and family shelters
  • Domestic violence agencies
  • Immigration and naturalization services
  • Medical centers
  • Other nonprofit organizations
  • Adult education providers
  • Public and private high schools

Strategies

  • Pursue classes or training in topics such as victimology, social problems, diversity issues, or grieving.
  • Supplement curriculum with courses in psychology, sociology, social work, or child and family studies.
  • To work with juveniles, gain experience with youth through sports teams, summer camps, park and recreation programs, or community/religious youth groups.
  • Seek volunteer or internship positions in areas such as employment interviewing, social casework, substance abuse, rehabilitation, or juvenile justice.
  • Learn to work well with people of diverse backgrounds. Study a second language for increased marketability.
  • Maintain a blemish-free driving and criminal record.
  • Gain firearms and self-defense training for some areas.
  • Consider earning a master’s degree in a counseling field for therapy positions.
  • Obtain a master’s degree in criminal justice or business for upper-level positions in facilities.

Judiciary and Law

Common Career Paths

  • Court reporting/Transcription services
  • Court clerkship
  • Security
  • Legal assistance
  • Legal research
  • Administration
  • Legal representation

Employers

  • Government agencies:
    • Department of Social Services
    • Department of Justice
    • Department of Treasury
    • Department of Defense
  • Local, state, and federal courts
  • Law firms
  • Corporate legal departments
  • Public interest law organizations
  • Self-employed

Strategies

  • Develop strong research, computer, and writing skills.
  • Consider a double major or minor in the humanities such as English, philosophy, or history as these build strong writing skills.
  • Attend a post-secondary vocational or technical college that offers court reporting (CR) or Paralegal (CLA) certification programs.
  • Seek research experience to learn about software and data management for research positions.
  • Seek opportunities to observe courtroom proceedings and become familiar with the legal system.
  • Participate in mock trial groups.
  • Maintain a high GPA and secure strong faculty recommendations for law school admittance, being sure to explore institution admission requirements and accreditation.

Law Enforcement

Common Career Paths

  • Patrolling
  • Investigating
  • Probation/ Parole
  • Court security
  • Surveillance
  • Loss prevention
  • Forensics

Employers

  • City/County government organizations:
    • Police departments
    • Correction facilities
    • County sheriff departments
    • Liquor Control Commission
    • Animal control offices
  • State government organizations:
    • State troopers
    • Crime laboratories
    • Penitentiaries
  • Federal government organizations:
    • U.S. Customs and Border Protection
    • Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI)
    • Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
    • Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
    • Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
    • Department of Homeland Security
    • Postal Service
    • Federal Marshals
    • Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks
    • United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
    • National Parks Service
    • Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, Explosives
    • Armed services
  • Prisons
  • Detention centers
  • Youth correction facilities
  • Airports and other transportation facilities
  • Crime laboratories
  • Colleges and universities
  • Banks and retail organizations

Strategies

  • Obtain related training or certifications such as CPR, first aid, or EMT. Seek training in firearms and self-defense.
  • Volunteer to support a police department or campus safety department.
  • Complete a citizen’s police academy while in college or a formal police academy upon graduation.
  • Develop strong interviewing, researching, writing, and computer skills.
  • Maintain a healthy and physically fit lifestyle.
  • Develop multicultural competency.
  • Study a “mission critical” language as those are in high demand by the federal government.
  • Become familiar with government application process. Seek assistance from career center.
  • Research entry requirements for agencies as some federal law enforcement agencies primarily hire candidates with experience (e.g., military, law enforcement, or other areas).
  • For a career in Forensics:
    • Obtain a double major in a hard science such as biology, chemistry, or biochemistry.
    • Complete an internship in a crime laboratory to gain experience in the forensic application of science.
    • Consider earning a master’s degree in Forensic Science or related discipline for increased opportunities.
    • Explore further tips in the Forensics profile.

Business

Common Career Paths

  • Private security
  • Consulting
  • Installation
  • Investigating
  • Systems integration
  • Global intelligence
  • Private investigation
  • Internet security
  • Surveillance
  • Loss prevention
  • Property loss management
  • Program development
  • Staffing and training

Employers

  • Insurance companies
  • Banks
  • Private security companies
  • Software companies
  • Retail organizations
  • Hotels and resorts
  • Health care facilities
  • Transportation services
  • Nuclear power plants
  • Manufacturers
  • Other large corporations
  • Local, state, and federal agencies
  • Private individuals
  • Self-employed
  • Online companies

Strategies

  • Minor in business or computer science, and/or take related courses in computer science.
  • Gain experience in an area of interest through internships, jobs, or volunteer positions.
  • Seek opportunities that include training in hardware and software of security systems.
  • Develop exceptional written and oral communication skills along with the ability to present information to others.
  • Pursue leadership opportunities in campus organizations to hone interpersonal skills.
  • Attend firearm safety courses. Obtain first aid and CPR certification.
  • Consider gaining military or law enforcement experience and training.
  • Maintain current knowledge of computer languages and technology.
  • Obtain a high GPA to ensure a greater number of graduate school opportunities.
  • Consider earning a graduate degree in business or law for upper-level positions.

Education

Common Career Paths

  • Teaching
  • Research
  • Supervision and consultation

Employers

  • Colleges and universities

Strategies

  • Earn a graduate degree in a related field (e.g., criminal justice, sociology, etc.).
  • Serve as a tutor to other students.
  • Develop strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to present materials well to others.
  • Assist a professor with research.
  • Take additional coursework related to research and statistics.
  • Maintain a high GPA and secure strong recommendations from faculty.
  • Network with others in your field through membership in professional associations and organizations.

Getting Started and Advancing in Major

  • Most entry-level positions for criminal justice majors reside with law enforcement and social service organizations.
  • Depending upon one’s career goals, earn a master’s degree in disciplines such as criminal justice, forensic science, social work, counseling, or business to obtain positions involving therapy, higher levels of administration, forensics, or research. Earn a doctoral degree for university teaching positions.
  • Many criminal justice professions require candidates to possess strong oral and written communication skills, good listening skills, and the ability to work with a wide range of diverse populations. Fluency in a second language is also desirable.
  • Obtain experience through volunteer, practicum, or internship opportunities.
  • Supplement program of study with courses in business, psychology, anthropology, or sociology. Course work related to the hard sciences (e.g., biology, chemistry, or biochemistry) is necessary for career opportunities in forensics.
  • Internet security is a rapidly growing area with a wide variety of career opportunities. Supplement coursework with computer science and technology courses to gain entry into this field.
  • Conduct informational interviews and job shadow with professionals in fields of interest to learn more about opportunities.
  • Stay up to date on advancements in your field by reading professional journals and related literature, joining professional organizations, attending conferences, and networking with others.
  • Be prepared to complete physical and psychological testing, fitness evaluations, and other evaluative tools for entry into law enforcement and related careers.

Professional Associations

Related Resources

Occupational Outlook

Employment Opportunities