Jobs for the Major
How this major affects a job search
A degree in criminal justice or criminology should teach you loads about crime, right? Well, sort of. That's only part of it. You'll also learn all about the law, why people break laws, and how they are convicted.
Not only that, but you'll start to pay close attention to the smallest of details. That's a crucial skill to have in the criminal justice field, because being alert is often the difference between catching a criminal and letting him/her walk.
Criminologists compile criminal profiles (not the Facebook kind) that make it easier to catch those perps. For example, knowing that a criminal has violent tendencies will alert authorities to use extra caution. It's all about knowing how the mind of a criminal works.
These skills make looking for a job in this sector a little easier, especially since they usually come with a rigorous training program before you can even do the job. So buckle up, because you're in for a bunch of push-ups and a lot of running, if you go the traditional route of law enforcement.
Common Career Fields
Business Intelligence Analyst. Businesses like to check up on how they're doing by conducting what's known as business intelligence. A business intelligence analyst usually looks at a bunch of data, mashes it all up, and spits out the current trends and predictions of the business. This job involves a lot of research, and hefty load of analysis, both of which criminal justice students do in spades. They're so used to checking out crime data and stats that they can use the same skills, just without the criminal activity.
CIA or FBI Agent. One of the most challenging jobs out there is definitely working as a federal agent. You've got to be physically and mentally fit, be able to analyze all kinds of situations, and think on your feet. Also, don't forget the golden rule: You have to know how to keep secrets. Don't be mistaken, though. Working for the CIA or FBI isn't all butt-kicking and gun-wielding like in the movies, but you do get to keep your country safe. Talk about patriotism.
Coroner. Fun fact: The word "coroner" used to refer to the safeguards of the crown of England (corona means "crown" in Latin). We're not sure how a coroner came to be known as a person who investigates suspicious deaths, but we can venture a Game of Thrones-type guess…
If you've watched enough crime shows on TV, you know that a coroner is only consulted if there's something suspicious that happens around a death. Perhaps that's why criminology majors fit in so well in this profession. They're already comfortable with crime reports and data, so toss in a fondness for medicine, and a coroner is born.
Counselor. Everyone needs a shoulder to cry on from time to time. For people in jail or a mental hospital, that person is usually a counselor. Often, the court requires inmates to go through counseling sessions to deal with, for example, their anger issues or crime-related trauma. Criminal justice majors know how to deal with behavioral and psychological issues with the proper TLC. Plus, they're more familiar with crime than other majors, too.
Forensic Scientist. (MA or PhD usually required.) These people make law enforcement look good. While cops are more of the muscle of the crime-catching operation, forensic scientists are the brains. A lot of what police officers and law enforcement officials do is based on what the forensic scientist says. For example, they can tell if a fingerprint or DNA sample belongs to a suspect, which could prompt an arrest if it's incriminating. Forensic scientists usually conduct research that will be used in evidence in court, so they have to be super accurate. Throw in a biology degree and you're good to go.
Law Enforcement. Whether it's as a police officer, sheriff, or patrol officer, those who work in law enforcement help keep the rest of us safe by, well, enforcing the law. While a degree isn't required to become a law enforcement official, it certainly helps and could mean a bigger salary. It takes a cautious, detail-oriented person to react according to official procedures, which is especially useful to avoid angry mobs and whatnot. Like doctors, police officers deal with the well-being of the general public, so they're often scrutinized and expected to be perfect. This is probably why RoboCop is a thing.
Social Worker. What this demanding career lacks in salary, it makes up for in rewards. Social workers are expected to help people when they've hit rock bottom. Their job includes seeing the dark side of humanity, from child and domestic abuse to drug addiction. Criminology/criminal justice majors are all too familiar with this troubling aspect of society, so they would naturally make good social workers. If you consider yourself altruistic, social work might be a good fit.
Current unemployment of the major
5% criminal justice, 3% criminologyPercentage of majors who get a higher degree after college
20% criminal justice, 22% criminologyStats obtained from this source.