Careers a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Can Prepare You For

Police officers and detectives are responsible for protecting lives and property and investigating crimes. Most police departments prefer applicants with bachelor’s degrees; in fact, they’re required for federal agents or fish and game wardens, which are specializations police officers can pursue. Students seeking fish and game warden positions should also study biology, wildlife science, or natural resources, while those hoping to become federal agents should acquire computer science or accounting skills.

Coursework in a criminal justice program focuses on the practical skills law enforcement personnel need, like effective verbal and written communication, quick problem solving, and strong leadership. Students also study local and federal law, civil rights, and police ethics.

Earning a bachelor’s is necessary for anyone pursuing a forensic science technician career. Forensic science technicians assist in criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence. They often specialize in a particular type of laboratory analysis, such as toxicology, pathology, or DNA, and they need a good understanding of math and science.

Most people who pursue this career path have a bachelor’s in a natural science, like biology or chemistry, and a master’s in forensic science. Often, they work for police departments and must also go through police academy. Some criminal justice programs provide the necessary specializations for forensic technician positions, but students should be sure to research this in advance, as it is not universal.

Students interested in administrative positions should consider becoming emergency management directors. Emergency management directors are responsible for responding to natural disasters and other emergencies. They write preparedness plans and coordinate the response during emergencies. Candidates for these roles need previous experience in disaster planning, emergency response, or public administration.

A criminal justice degree helps students develop skills in critical thinking, decision making, effective verbal and written communication, and strong leadership, which are all key skills for this career. They also often offer specializations in public administration, emergency management, public health, or finance, which can help graduates stand out in the job market.

A probation officer or correctional treatment specialist provides social services to help rehabilitate criminal offenders in custody, on probation, or on parole. They evaluate clients, develop plans for rehabilitation, and provide resources.

Candidates for these positions usually need bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice, social work, behavioral sciences, or a related field; however, requirements differ by jurisdiction. Some officers and specialists concentrate on a particular type of casework, such as domestic violence or substance abuse. Others work with specific populations, like juvenile offenders.

Skills applicable to this career path include critical thinking, effective communication, informed decision making, and emotional stability. Students in criminal justice programs also learn the ins and outs of the prison system, which helps them to understand the pathways their clients have taken and to advocate for their needs.

Typically, arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators are responsible for facilitating negotiation and dialogue between disputing parties in an effort to help resolve conflicts outside of the court system. They are usually brought in to try to prevent a civil court dispute from going to trial, though they can also serve as expert witnesses in court proceedings.

Candidates usually have a bachelor’s degree, though advanced positions often require a master’s or higher. The coursework of a criminal justice program prepares students developing their skills in listening, writing, critical thinking, and respectful interpersonal communication.