AREAS
SOCIAL SERVICES
Corrections
Counseling
Juvenile Justice
Casework
Administration
Probations & Parole
Victim Advocacy
EMPLOYERS
State and federal correction facilities
County jails
Precinct station houses
Prison camps
Youth correction facilities
Medium-security correction facilities
Voluntary correction facilities
Halfway houses and pre-release programs
Reintegration programs
Alternative schools
Juvenile detention centers
Juvenile group homes
Women’s and family shelters
Domestic violence agencies
Immigration and naturalization services
Other nonprofit organizations
STRATEGIES
Seek courses or training in topics such as victimology, social problems, diversity
issues, or grieving. Supplement curriculum with courses in psychology, sociology,
or social work. Gain experience working with a juvenile population in any capacity
(i.e., sports teams, summer camp counselor, parks and recreation programs, and
community/religious youth groups). Gain related experience in employment interviewing,
social casework, substance abuse, and rehabilitation.
Learn to work well with people of diverse backgrounds. Consider learning a second
language. Maintain a blemish-free driving and criminal record. Gain firearms
and self-defense training. Earn a master’s degree in social work or counseling
for therapy positions. Obtain a masters degree in criminal justice or business
for upper-level positions in facilities management or administration.
AREAS
JUDICIARY AND LAW
Court Reporting
Legal Assistance
Legal Research
Administration
EMPLOYERS
Local, state, and federal courts
Law firms
Corporate legal departments
Public interest law organizations
STRATEGIES
Consider a double major or minor in the social sciences such as psychology,
anthropology, sociology, or political science. Attend a postsecondary vocational
or technical college that offers court reporting or paralegal certification
programs.
Obtain a law degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association
(ABA). Learn to use software packages such as CD-ROM research databases. Develop
strong research, computer, and writing skills. Maintain a high grade point average
to gain admittance to law school. Participate in mock trial groups.
AREAS
LAW ENFORCEMENT
Patrolling
Investigating
Forensics
Probation
Security
EMPLOYERS
City/County Government Organizations including: Police departments, Correction
facilities, County sheriff departments, Liquor Control Commission
State Government Organizations including: State troopers, Crime labs, Penitentiaries
Federal Government Organizations including: U.S. Customs and Border Protection,
Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Drug
Enforcement Agency (DEA), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Department of Homeland
Security, Postal Service, Federal Marshals, Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks,
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Parks Service
Crime laboratories
Colleges and universities
STRATEGIES
Obtain related training or certifications such as CPR, first aid, or EMT. Complete
a formal police academy program upon graduation. Maintain a healthy and physically
fit lifestyle. Volunteer to work in a police department or campus safety department.
Complete an internship in a crime laboratory to gain experience in the forensic
application of science. Obtain a double major in criminal justice and a hard
science (biology, chemistry, or biochemistry) if interested in a career in forensics.
Consider earning a master's degree in Forensic Science or related discipline.
Become familiar with the government application process. Learn a second language.
AREAS
BUSINESS
Private Security
Consulting
Investigating
Systems Integration
Global Intelligence
Private Investigation
Internet Security
Loss and Prevention
EMPLOYERS
Insurance companies
Banks
Private security companies
Software companies
Hotels and resorts
Health care facilities
Transportation services
Nuclear power plants
Manufacturers
Online companies
Other large corporations
STRATEGIES
Minor in business or computer science. Seek practicum/internship experiences
that include training in the hardware and software of security systems. Maintain
good physical fitness. Develop exceptional written and oral communication skills.
Seek leadership opportunities and develop strong interpersonal skills. Attend
firearm safety courses. Obtain first aid and CPR certification. Gain military
experience and training. Earn a graduate degree in business or law for upper-level
positions.
AREAS
EDUCATION
Teaching
Research
EMPLOYERS
Colleges and universities
Adult education providers
Public and private high schools
STRATEGIES
Earn a graduate degree for post-secondary teaching opportunities. Get a teaching
certificate for elementary or secondary education. Gain a dual certification
for increased opportunities. Serve as a tutor to other students.
Develop strong written and oral communication skills. Assist a professor with
research. Take additional coursework related to research and statistics.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Many criminal justice professions require candidates to possess strong oral
and written communication skills and good computer skills. The ability to speak
a second language is also desirable.
Develop good listening skills and the ability to work well with a wide range of diverse populations.
Most entry-level positions for criminal justice majors reside with law enforcement and social service organizations.
Be willing to start in an entry-level job in order to prepare for more advanced career opportunities.
Obtain experience through volunteer, practicum, or internship opportunities.
Supplement program of study with courses in business, psychology, anthropology, or sociology. Course work related to the hard sciences (biology, chemistry, or biochemistry) is preferred for career opportunities in forensics.
Depending upon one's career goals, earn a master's degree in disciplines such as criminal justice, forensic science, social work, counseling, or business to obtain positions involving therapy, higher levels of administration, forensics, or research. Earn the doctorate degree for university teaching positions.
Conduct informational interviews with professionals in fields of interest to learn more about opportunities.
Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University
of Tennessee, Knoxville. (2005) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA
/ADEA Employer