If you think that a career in criminal justice is for you, then taking a degree is highly recommended. It is a great way of grounding yourself in a vital and fascinating subject. Why? Read on to find out more.
- Great Job Prospects
It’s hard to turn on the news without hearing about national security and law enforcement these days. Due to terrorism threats and crime rates in our cities, criminal justice is at the forefront of modern society.
In fact, it is one of the key issues of governments all over the world and. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the criminal justice sector will grow by a minimum of 11 percent by 2016. Just to keep up with the demand for those with the right set of skills.
- Diverse Opportunities
If you have an interest in the law and criminal justice, a degree will open up many different paths to you. You could join institutions such as the police or FBI, and work as an investigator, detective or even a forensic scientist.
If computers are of interest to you, then you could set yourself on a path towards being a technology security expert. You can work for the courts in many different areas, and also take up many positions in the field of corrections. Probation officer, forensic psychiatrist, or correctional officer are all good careers with a lot of potential.
- Get Ahead Of The Competition
While it is true there will be more jobs created over the next couple of years, the competition for those jobs in criminal justice will also rise. Therefore, it is important you give yourself an edge. Many fields within criminal justice and law enforcement look favorably on degree holders. This happens even more so at Masters and Doctorate level.
Professional work experience is equally as important. But combined with a degree, it will open more doors for you and give you the chance of earning a higher wage. It will also give you a better chance of achieving a higher position in your chosen sector.
It used to be that criminal justice jobs were usually filled by those already working in the sector. People would move from the police into forensics, or from the prison service to probation. But these days degrees are becoming a more accepted route of entrance to a criminal justice career.
- They Are Worth Something
While you are investigating criminal justice degrees, you will probably come across the claim that they are worthless. Don’t listen to the naysayers. If you don’t succeed in a career in criminal justice, you will still have a degree. And that puts you in a better starting point than those who haven’t got anything.
However, while few degrees are worthless, it will help you more if you look for a degree from a recognized, accredited institution. This will prove to your potential employers that you have received an education with maintained and evaluated standards.
