Career Ideas for Criminal Justice Studies majors

A Criminal Justice Studies degree can open the door to a number of career possibilities. Explore some of the career paths that can be pursued after earning a Criminal Justice Studies degree.

A passion for order and the legal system may pull you toward earning a degree in Criminal Justice Studies. Luckily there are many career paths that fit your love of the law. If you are considering going back to school and exploring the idea of majoring in Criminal Justice Studies, take a look these possible career paths.

Corrections Officer (Supervisor) – Being the first-line supervisor of correctional officers requires you to directly supervise and coordinate activities of correctional officers and jailers. Daily tasks could include enforcing institutional policies, responding to emergencies (e.g. escapes), resolving problems between inmates, and/or completing administrative paperwork, among other responsibilities. Most positions will require at minimum an associates degree. In addition to the right educational background having soft skills like being an active listener, social perceptiveness, being a good communicator and negotiator and reading comprehension will help you be successful.

Loss Prevention – As a Loss Prevention Specialist you may implement procedures and systems to prevent merchandise loss, conduct audits and investigations of employee activity, or assist in developing policies, procedures, and systems for safeguarding assets. When it comes to daily tasks you could be called upon to identify merchandise shortages, perform covert surveillance of areas susceptible to loss and/or investigate suspected internal or external theft. Individuals who work well on their own, are enterprising and understand the importance of following set rules and procedures will do well in this career.

Police Officer (patrol) – As a patrol officer you are assigned an area to enforce laws and ordinances, regulate traffic, control crowds, prevent crime and arrest violators. You may be required to render aid to accident victims, photograph or draw diagrams of crime or accident scenes, interview eyewitnesses, pursue suspects and perpetrators, and/or testify in court to present evidence or act as witness in cases. You will be dealing and interacting with the public often so skills like good communication, active listening, critical thinking, negotiation, and persuasion are important. Additionally, service oriented people who actively look for ways to help others may find police work satisfying. An associate degree can be helpful in increasing your ability to get hired but is not required.

Security Manager – Security managers direct an organization’s security functions, including physical security and safety of employees, facilities and assets. As a security manager you may be required to respond to medical emergencies, bomb threats, fire alarms or intrusion alarms. Additionally, you will train subordinate security professionals, communicate security updates and resolve breaches. Many companies require a four-year degree for these types of positions. On top of a degree qualified candidates communicate effectively in writing and verbally, exhibit critical thinking skills, are quick thinkers and are apt at decision-making. Earning an associate degree in Criminal Justice Studies at Bryant & Stratton College will prepare you to enter the criminal justice field in one of these positions. If you are interested in learning about any of the online degree programs at Bryant & Stratton College, please call 1.888.447.3528 to speak with an admissions representative.

*Salary information from O*Net Online