Best Jobs You Can Get with a Criminal Justice Degree

There's the criminal justice students who are in it for the love of what they do, whether it be to strike justice into the hearts of criminals everywhere or in following an ages old vow to eradicate evil at all costs. On the other hand, there's students who take criminal justice out of some innate or inborn need to find all the clues, to reach for the right peak and to ensure that it remains not only secure, but just.

No matter what kind of student you may be, criminal justice degrees come with such a versatile list of offered employment options it's honestly mind blowing how many various positions there are, some of which almost seem ridiculous to those who've never even glanced at the subject. Even so, when preparing for that next step in life, the dreaded pitfall of the real world, one must take into account what ideal form of justice they intend to uphold and preserve.

Social Services

In order to produce long term results, criminal justice graduates can choose to develop their skills under the social services programs in any number of communities.

There are a diverse set of jobs when going this route, such as guidance counselors, human services assistants, family law mediators, and so much more. Social services has some of the best jobs you can get with a criminal justice degree, since you'll be working with both state and local agencies, enforcing regulations through a more prosperous community.

State/Federal Courts

Some of the best jobs you can get with a criminal justice degree are found within your local state or federal court system. There are a wide variety of job opportunities, like criminologist, defense attorney, justice, and more.

Anywhere from bailiff to judge are possible and can be acquired with a degree in criminal justice, it's all about your level of education and how committed you are to the criminal justice field. Make doubly sure you are more than qualified for the role before proceeding, of course.

Intelligence Analyst

An intelligence analyst tends to be well-versed in one particular area of criminal justice, working for the government to asses and prevent catastrophes from various points.

It's one of the best jobs you can get with a criminal justice degree for a number of reasons, but mainly because you're thwarting outside attacks while also enhancing our government's overall intelligence, reducing the possibilities of attacks in the future.

Loss Prevention Specialist

You may or may not have seen a loss prevention specialist before. Mainly employed by retail outlets, these officers watch over merchandise either wearing civilian clothing or in uniform to deter theft.

There are a variety of outlets and places for one to find employment as a loss prevention specialist. There's also much to gain in knowledge on human behavior, making it one of the best jobs you can get with a criminal justice degree.

Financial Examiners

If you're into numbers, financial markets and the legality of passing claims of potentially high monetary values, this job's perfect for you. A financial examiner works with different institutions to monitor the legality of their transactions.

While you may have to take a few courses in finance first, employment as a financial examiner is one of the best jobs you can get with a criminal justice degree. You'll not only garner a wealthy network for future employment, you'll also get an inside look at the private sector.

Forensics

Forensics makes for one of the best jobs you can get with a criminal justice degree simply because there are so many different angles to choos. You can do hands on investigative work, tend the mechanics, or study the criminal mind, it comes down to where you see yourself in criminal justice.

For instance, there are forensic psychologists, forensic science technicians, computer forensics investigators, blood splatter analysts, crime scene investigators and so much more. You may even find yourself wondering what is a forensic anthropologist?

Paralegal

As another one of the best jobs you can get with a criminal justice degree, paralegal jobs can be found practically anywhere involving legal claims, like corporations, law offices, government agencies, or even from individuals.

Otherwise known as a legal assistant, paralegals look after documents, perform legal research, file paperwork, and assist with clients. While it may not be the lawyer job of your dreams, there are a host of benefits and one can grow increasingly fluent in the criminal justice system.

Fish and Game Warden

The average annual salary is estimated at over $55,000 a year, and for those who love the outdoors, it makes for one of the best jobs you can get with a criminal justice degree.

A fish and game warden overlooks recreational and conservational areas that have protective claims over wildlife and habitats. These places can include public waterways, forest preserves, or national parks, so if you're a big fan of the great outdoors while wanting to protect and serve at all costs, the fish and game warden job is just for you.

Private Security

Working security doesn't always come with the greatest benefits, but in the private sector you'll find some of the best jobs you can get with a criminal justice degree.

Private security, which can account for the protection of practically anyone paying top dollar, is one route to go, but there's also investigative work. Here's how to become a private investigator for those who fancy themselves as more of a detective rather than a bodyguard.

Diplomatic Security Agent

Similar to private security though much more complex, a diplomatic security agent will strive to protect their diplomatic or consular posts. Their tactics and methods are highly classified, but they serve in a variety of ways, from human rights and food security, to energy and technology.

Being that it's one of the best jobs you can get with a criminal justice degree, a diplomatic security agent gets to experience the world while also channelling their lust for justice, all for the benefit of the planet rather than one nation.

FBI Agent

Lastly, we come to one of the finest posts in our government's agency pool, the FBI agent. As long as you have stayed relatively clean from substance abuse and legal infraction, with a criminal justice degree you too can serve in the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

It's one of the best jobs you can get with a criminal justice degree, because you'll be training with some of the most intelligent law enforcers in the country and be equipped with the finest tools to better orient yourself in the criminal justice system.