Are you thinking about majoring in criminal justice? It’s a good major to choose since there are many job options available to those who earn a degree in this field.
What can you do with a criminal justice degree?
Fish and Game Warden
Fish and game wardens are uniformed officers who work in places such as forests preserves, national parks, and public waterways. They keep a lookout for illegal activity including poaching and falconry, and they keep a close watch on fish and wildlife to monitor changes to their environment such as pollution. The salary is approximately $55,670, and demand for fish and game wardens are highest in states like Florida that have busy parks and natural areas.
Fraud Investigator
These investigators are responsible for investigating both credit card and insurance fraud. They do this by interviewing all involved parties, researching records and transactions, and conducting surveillance. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, health insurance fraud investigators will be on the rise over the next several years due to the federal healthcare legislation. The average salary is $58,460.
Secret Service Agent
While some secret service agents protect the president, vice-president, and their families, others investigate counterfeiting crimes, financial and telecommunications fraud, and identity theft. Starting salary is around $49,746, but may be higher depending on qualifications.
Police Officer
There are some police departments that will hire those that only have a high school diploma or a G.E.D., but many departments require officers to have an associate degree or higher in criminal justice. Duties vary, but often include routine patrols, responding to motor vehicle accidents, and conducting road safety inspections. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary is $56,980, with earnings higher for officers who have overtime opportunities.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agent
Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents investigate, arrest, and deport anyone who did not enter the United States legally. They also work at border patrols to check documents of those wanting to enter the country. The starting salary is $40,000.
US Marshal
US Marshals are responsible for several duties including managing, transporting, and protecting federal witnesses and prisoners, as well as arresting fugitives. Salary is based on a pay grade with the lowest being $26,468.
Probation Officers
These officers work with offenders who are on probation. They often write reports on the offenders to help the judge decide on a sentence and probation guidelines. The average salary is $39,000 per year, but can range from $28,000 to $63,000.
Paralegal
Paralegals assist attorneys and have a wide range of duties which include summarizing legal precedents to drafting motions. They may also take exhibits, notes, and other necessary materials to the courtroom on the day of a trial. According to the Labor of Bureau Statistics, the median yearly salary is $46,990.
Homicide Detectives
Homicide detectives investigate deaths caused by criminal or unknown acts. Their many responsibilities include evidence gathering, interviewing eyewitnesses, and preparing cases for court. The average annual salary is $79,030.
Private Investigator
Private Investigators conduct undercover work, surveillance, background checks, and occasionally visit crime scenes. They can own their own business or work for a company that needs an investigator to perform pre-employment verification on potential hires, escort valuable property from one location to another, or guard a high-profile individual.
Court Clerk
Court Clerks are appointed by a judge or elected to the position at the county or district level. Their duties include being in charge of the court’s money, record keeping, answering official correspondence, and issuing licenses and fees.
These are just some of the employment opportunities you can have once you earn a criminal justice degree. To learn more, contact us. We can help you decide which career in this field is the right choice for you