This is a great time to be thinking about getting a government job with a Criminal Justice Degree. The career choices are so diverse and numerous. You can choose positions in law enforcement, corrections, courts, or social services. The economy has negatively impacted the job outlook for other degree majors; however, the job market for Criminal Justice Majors is very promising through 2020. The time and money invested in getting a degree in Criminal Justice will definitely be well spent.
One of the best advantages of a getting a Criminal Justice degree is the opportunity you’ll have to get a government job. There are many government jobs at all degree levels. Many entry level positions can be obtained with an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice. This is a great way to gain experience and move up to positions in the Federal Government as you advance in degree levels. It’s best to check with specific government employers to know what level of degree is required. This will help you plan your short and long term career goals in Criminal Justice.
The government career possibilities are too numerous to include here. Below are some of the available government jobs graduates with a degree in Criminal Justice can pursue:
Police Officer
When people hear “criminal justice”, they immediately think of police officers. Police Officer positions are available at city, county, state, and federal levels. The projected job growth for police officers is slow compared to all the other careers you will read about here.
Probation Officer
These officers keep released crime offenders in check. The expected job market for Probation Officers is expected to grow by 18% by 2020 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Average annual salary is $41,760.
Evidence Technician
Evidence Technicians collect, process, and analyze evidence. Typical annual salary range is between $30,000 and $50,000.
Game Law Enforcement Agents
These federal officers protect and manage wildlife and ecosystems. They promote wildlife conversation. To learn more check out the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement at www.fws.gov.
Border Patrol Agents
Border patrol agents enforce immigration and nationality laws. Agents must be U.S. citizens who are under age 40 and fluent in Spanish. Pre-employment Fitness Tests must be taken before hire.
Criminal Investigators
This career has increased in popularity with the influx of CSI television shows. FBI agents work to protect national security and enforce federal laws. They may investigate terrorism, kidnappings, drug-trafficking, organized crime, and many other violations of the federal laws.
There are other career options for Criminal Justice majors in the private sector. Private detectives and paralegal positions are also in high demand. It’s great to have these promising private career options to fall back on while waiting for a desired government position to open. To keep updated on government positions, be sure to check out this informative government job site . This particular jobsite provides valuable information on job descriptions, market projections, and pay scales. With the projected job growth for Criminal Justice positions, it is without a doubt you will be able to get a government job with a Criminal Justice Degree!
