3 answers
Kaitlynn
Student
Brea, California
1
Question
Asked
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What kind of jobs can I get with a criminal justice BA?
I am going to uni for a Criminal Justice degree and want to make sure I'm making the right choice for a future.
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3 answers
Traci Thomas
Corporate Patent Paralegal
23
Answers
Fort Collins, Colorado
Updated
Traci’s Answer
Hi Kaitlynn! I received my BA degree in Criminal Justice and I've landed in a career as a Corporate Intellectual Property Patent Paralegal.
I chose Criminal Justice as my major in college because law enforcement was very interesting to me, but I knew I wasn't a good fit to become a police officer. Most of the students in my CJ classes were going to be Probation Officers or Police Officers.
My first job in the legal field was as a paralegal for a non-profit. I was responsible for their trademark portfolio in that role, and that is where I found Intellectual Property was a perfect fit for me.
I ended up moving across the country and took a job as a Country Court Clerk to a judge (the clerk who sits next to the judge in the courtroom). That was an exciting and interesting position for me, but I really missed the Intellectual Property work. I finally found a position as a Corporate Intellectual Property admin, then was promoted in a year to Patent Paralegal where I am still today. I love it and can't see myself doing anything other than patent work for the rest of my career.
If I hadn't found my love for Intellectual Property, I may have gone back to receive my masters to get in to Criminal Justice administration to do research or become an analyst. Here is a link to some more information for you!
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/masters-in-criminal-justice-jobs
So as you can see, a degree in Criminal Justice isn't only for future police officers. You can use the degree to get in to other fields of law. It's pretty exciting to have so many options!
Best of luck to you! :)
I chose Criminal Justice as my major in college because law enforcement was very interesting to me, but I knew I wasn't a good fit to become a police officer. Most of the students in my CJ classes were going to be Probation Officers or Police Officers.
My first job in the legal field was as a paralegal for a non-profit. I was responsible for their trademark portfolio in that role, and that is where I found Intellectual Property was a perfect fit for me.
I ended up moving across the country and took a job as a Country Court Clerk to a judge (the clerk who sits next to the judge in the courtroom). That was an exciting and interesting position for me, but I really missed the Intellectual Property work. I finally found a position as a Corporate Intellectual Property admin, then was promoted in a year to Patent Paralegal where I am still today. I love it and can't see myself doing anything other than patent work for the rest of my career.
If I hadn't found my love for Intellectual Property, I may have gone back to receive my masters to get in to Criminal Justice administration to do research or become an analyst. Here is a link to some more information for you!
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/masters-in-criminal-justice-jobs
So as you can see, a degree in Criminal Justice isn't only for future police officers. You can use the degree to get in to other fields of law. It's pretty exciting to have so many options!
Best of luck to you! :)
Stacey Rearick
Paralegal
23
Answers
Georgetown, Texas
Updated
Stacey’s Answer
A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice opens up a diverse range of career opportunities in law enforcement, legal services, corrections, and federal agencies. Here are some jobs that typically require a criminal justice bachelor’s degree:
Air Marshal: Air marshals work undercover on commercial flights to ensure passenger safety and prevent terrorism. They receive specialized training and play a crucial role in aviation security.
Corrections Officer: Corrections officers manage inmates in jails, prisons, or detention centers. They maintain security, enforce rules, and oversee rehabilitation programs.
Crime Scene Investigator (CSI): CSIs collect and analyze evidence from crime scenes. They help solve crimes by examining physical evidence, documenting findings, and collaborating with law enforcement agencies.
DEA Agent (Drug Enforcement Administration): DEA agents combat drug trafficking and related crimes. They investigate drug organizations, gather evidence, and participate in undercover operations.
Detective: Detectives investigate criminal cases, analyze evidence, interview witnesses, and collaborate with other law enforcement professionals. Their work contributes to solving complex crimes.
FBI Agent (Federal Bureau of Investigation): FBI agents handle a wide range of federal crimes, including terrorism, cybercrime, organized crime, and white-collar offenses. They undergo rigorous training and specialize in various areas.
ICE Agent (Immigration and Customs Enforcement): ICE agents enforce immigration laws, combat human trafficking, and investigate customs violations. They work to maintain border security and protect national interests
Air Marshal: Air marshals work undercover on commercial flights to ensure passenger safety and prevent terrorism. They receive specialized training and play a crucial role in aviation security.
Corrections Officer: Corrections officers manage inmates in jails, prisons, or detention centers. They maintain security, enforce rules, and oversee rehabilitation programs.
Crime Scene Investigator (CSI): CSIs collect and analyze evidence from crime scenes. They help solve crimes by examining physical evidence, documenting findings, and collaborating with law enforcement agencies.
DEA Agent (Drug Enforcement Administration): DEA agents combat drug trafficking and related crimes. They investigate drug organizations, gather evidence, and participate in undercover operations.
Detective: Detectives investigate criminal cases, analyze evidence, interview witnesses, and collaborate with other law enforcement professionals. Their work contributes to solving complex crimes.
FBI Agent (Federal Bureau of Investigation): FBI agents handle a wide range of federal crimes, including terrorism, cybercrime, organized crime, and white-collar offenses. They undergo rigorous training and specialize in various areas.
ICE Agent (Immigration and Customs Enforcement): ICE agents enforce immigration laws, combat human trafficking, and investigate customs violations. They work to maintain border security and protect national interests
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3916
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Kaitlynn,
Here's your guide to careers with a Criminal Justice BA:
A Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice paves the way for a diverse range of career paths in both public and private sectors. Here are some popular job options for Criminal Justice degree holders:
1. Law Enforcement Officer: Many graduates become police officers, sheriff's deputies, state troopers, or federal agents. These roles involve enforcing laws, investigating crimes, and ensuring public safety.
2. Corrections Officer: You could also become a corrections officer or probation officer, overseeing individuals who have been convicted of crimes in correctional facilities, jails, or community settings.
3. Legal Assistant/Paralegal: The legal field offers opportunities as a legal assistant or paralegal, where you'd support lawyers by conducting research, drafting legal documents, and assisting with case preparation.
4. Private Investigator: As a private investigator, you'd conduct investigations for individuals, businesses, or law firms, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and documenting findings.
5. Crime Analyst: Crime analysts use data and statistics to identify patterns, trends, and potential suspects in criminal activities. They assist law enforcement agencies in solving crimes and developing crime prevention strategies.
6. Probation Officer: As a probation officer, you'd monitor and support individuals on probation, helping them reintegrate into society while ensuring they comply with court-ordered conditions.
7. Federal Government Careers: A Criminal Justice degree may qualify you for positions within the federal government, such as the FBI, DEA, ATF, or other federal law enforcement agencies.
8. Security Specialist: You could work in private security firms or corporate security departments as a security specialist, safeguarding assets, employees, and property.
9. Victim Advocate: Victim advocates support victims of crime, guiding them through the criminal justice system, connecting them with resources, and advocating for their rights.
10. Social Services Worker: Some graduates work in social services agencies, helping at-risk populations like juveniles involved in the justice system or individuals struggling with substance abuse issues.
In essence, a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice unlocks a broad spectrum of rewarding careers within the criminal justice system and related fields.
Here are the top 3 authoritative sources I used:
1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides comprehensive information on job outlooks, salaries, educational requirements, and duties for various criminal justice-related occupations.
2. American Society of Criminology (ASC): The ASC provides valuable insights into current trends in criminology research and education, helping guide career choices for Criminal Justice degree pursuers.
3. National Criminal Justice Association (NCJA): The NCJA offers reliable information on policy developments and best practices in the criminal justice field, aiding career decisions for Criminal Justice graduates.
God bless!
James Constantine Frangos.
Here's your guide to careers with a Criminal Justice BA:
A Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice paves the way for a diverse range of career paths in both public and private sectors. Here are some popular job options for Criminal Justice degree holders:
1. Law Enforcement Officer: Many graduates become police officers, sheriff's deputies, state troopers, or federal agents. These roles involve enforcing laws, investigating crimes, and ensuring public safety.
2. Corrections Officer: You could also become a corrections officer or probation officer, overseeing individuals who have been convicted of crimes in correctional facilities, jails, or community settings.
3. Legal Assistant/Paralegal: The legal field offers opportunities as a legal assistant or paralegal, where you'd support lawyers by conducting research, drafting legal documents, and assisting with case preparation.
4. Private Investigator: As a private investigator, you'd conduct investigations for individuals, businesses, or law firms, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and documenting findings.
5. Crime Analyst: Crime analysts use data and statistics to identify patterns, trends, and potential suspects in criminal activities. They assist law enforcement agencies in solving crimes and developing crime prevention strategies.
6. Probation Officer: As a probation officer, you'd monitor and support individuals on probation, helping them reintegrate into society while ensuring they comply with court-ordered conditions.
7. Federal Government Careers: A Criminal Justice degree may qualify you for positions within the federal government, such as the FBI, DEA, ATF, or other federal law enforcement agencies.
8. Security Specialist: You could work in private security firms or corporate security departments as a security specialist, safeguarding assets, employees, and property.
9. Victim Advocate: Victim advocates support victims of crime, guiding them through the criminal justice system, connecting them with resources, and advocating for their rights.
10. Social Services Worker: Some graduates work in social services agencies, helping at-risk populations like juveniles involved in the justice system or individuals struggling with substance abuse issues.
In essence, a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice unlocks a broad spectrum of rewarding careers within the criminal justice system and related fields.
Here are the top 3 authoritative sources I used:
1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides comprehensive information on job outlooks, salaries, educational requirements, and duties for various criminal justice-related occupations.
2. American Society of Criminology (ASC): The ASC provides valuable insights into current trends in criminology research and education, helping guide career choices for Criminal Justice degree pursuers.
3. National Criminal Justice Association (NCJA): The NCJA offers reliable information on policy developments and best practices in the criminal justice field, aiding career decisions for Criminal Justice graduates.
God bless!
James Constantine Frangos.