If you are bothered by injustices, are skilled at solving complex puzzles and enjoy learning about the world and its people, a career in law or justice may be for you.
Careers in law and criminal justice have gotten a lot of attention on television, thanks to programs like Law & Order, CSI and Boston Legal. Though the reality of a career in the legal or justice system isn't nearly as glamorous as it seems on late-night television, these real-life careers offer a challenging day at work.
Appropriate training is important, so if you are naturally drawn to solving puzzles and enjoy scientific or research-driven work, consider earning a degree in criminal justice or in an area of law. Career training programs can be completed with a low time commitment on your part, training you efficiently and getting you into the field fast.
Offer: Search for Schools
College Degrees in Criminal Justice
Degree and certificate programs are available in criminal justice, ranging from certificate programs that take a matter of months to complete to associate, bachelor's and master's degree programs offering advanced training. Typical coursework includes criminology, criminal evidence and investigation and correctional treatment courses.
Bachelor's degrees in criminal justice combine practical and theoretical studies, studies in civil procedures and civil rights and the role of science and technology in solving problems. But coursework doesn't just include classroom time. According to the College Board Web site, criminal justice majors may do internships with the police, the FBI or a human rights organization.
Examples of Criminal Justice Careers
Criminal justice graduates may enter a number of different careers, including law enforcement, probation/court services, juvenile justice, social services, legal studies, teaching and any number of positions in the private sector, including research associate, claims adjustor or systems analyst. From police and corrections officers to forensic scientists and criminologists (especially popular since the rise of CSI), criminal justice graduates apply their skills every day.
Because these careers involve specialized knowledge, the need for education is crucial. The Bureau of Labor Statistics recommends a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or similar for anyone interested in a career as a probation officer or correctional treatment specialist. The Federal Bureau of Prisons requires entry-level correctional officers to have at least a bachelor's degree. If you intend to work with juvenile offenders, further specialization may be required.
Career Training & Law Degrees
For those who prefer to study the law's broader underlying principles, there are a number of career options, including some that don't necessarily entail going to law school. A solid foundation in law and justice, gained while earning a two-year or four-year degree, prepares you for a range of popular careers, including:
- Title examiner
- Private investigator
- Paralegal
- Law clerk
No educational program can guarantee a particular career or salary, but the targeted training you receive in a legal education program may be preferred or required by hiring managers in the field.
Career Training Focus: Paralegals & Legal Assistants
The BLS notes that most paralegals and legal assistants hold an associate degree in paralegal studies, though some pair an existing bachelor's degree with a certificate in paralegal studies. Adult learners with some educational experience can add certificates like these to their existing degrees, increasing specialization and marketability in the legal field.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that employment in the paralegal field will grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2016. Competition is strong among paralegals, but those with sufficient education stand a stronger chance at a rewarding career. Paralegals know the nuts and bolts of the law, and are responsible for uncovering facts in a case, preparing documents and researching past cases. A paralegal's hours are much less rigorous than those of an attorney, and significantly more hands-on.
Returning to School: Adult Education
Many students in law and criminal justice programs don't fit the traditional student template. These interesting degree programs are popular among adults returning to school to update their skills, gain certification and expand their marketability as workers. Many adult learners choose to complete distance education programs online while keeping a current full-time job.
The reward of an education in law and criminal justice may be a satisfying, challenging career. Regardless of the career you choose in the field of law and justice, with the right training, you could be playing a major role in improving the world.
