Popular Criminal Justice Careers in the US

Be it homeland security or else maintaining law and order within and beyond the boundaries of the country criminal justice careers today are in demand in the current job market as there is a constant need for federal agents, law enforcing personnel’s, correction officers, paralegals and legal attorneys to help make the US a better place to live in.

For all the individuals who are planning to adopt a criminal justice career or those who are currently pursuing higher education in this field and want information on the popular careers in this area of study, provided to you here are a list of careers which you should consider.

Under this category include state troopers, police and sheriffs. The main job of these individuals is to make sure that all state laws are being obeyed and followed in their jurisdiction and to exercise their authority whenever needed.

Besides this the duty of these officers varies according to the type of organization they belong to.

Educational Requirements

The education required to land in a police officer’s job is not very advanced an associate degree in criminal justice would be enough to get you through. To the least you need to be a high school graduate in order to qualify.

Besides this there are certain metropolitan departments which would require you to have a 4 years degree in hand before entering this career.

Median Income

The median income of a patrol/police officer is about $51,410

Criminal investigators and detectives have gained considerable publicity from various movies and sitcoms and today have become one of the hottest criminal justice careers in town.

Their task is to investigate and solve different crime cases through the collection of information and evidence. Besides this they also conduct interrogations, observe suspects and take part in different case related raids carried out.

Educational Requirements

In order to qualify to become a detective you need to be a police officer first. Often officer are granted promotions to detective posts but still you need to have some kind of experience and to a minimum a bachelor’s degree in hand.

Usually agencies pay part of the tuition fees for officers who want to advance towards a certain criminal justice degree.

Median Income

According to the Department of Labor the average income of detectives in 2008 was about $60,910.

Becoming an FBI Agent is a very attractive career but requires dedication and commitment as it involves carrying out various national security tasks.

Such agents work on cases which are in subject to have violated the federal statutes of the US.

Educational Requirements

You need to have a minimum 4 years bachelor’s degree in criminal justice attained from a regionally or nationally accredited institution in order to qualify to step into this career. Once through further training is then offered at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

Median Income

All newly appointed FBI agents are offered salaries as G-10 which is about $43,441and includes availability and locality pays.

Correctional officers who are also known as probation and community officers are usually professionals who supervise people who are convicts but have been placed on probation or parole.

Their job is to provide therapy to the convicted in order for them to lead a better life; they also work in jails and prisons developing parole and release plans for inmates.

Educational Requirements

Bachelor degrees in criminal justice, psychology or social work are the ideal programs through which you can qualify for this profession. Besides this candidates need to pass certain written, oral and psychological tests.

Median Income

The US Department ofLaborstates that in 2008 the standard income of a correctional officer was about $45,910.

Defense Attorneys are the advocates who represent the accused therefore they are people who have profound knowledge of the law and also possess excellent communication, analyzing and speaking skills.

Their job is to utilize their skills and apply logical thinking in order to handle different legal cases hence making this one of the best criminal justice careers for those interested in legal and court professions.

Educational Requirements

In order to become a defense attorney you need a bachelor’s degree in hand after which you have to go through 3 years of law school which is then followed by the state bar exam. Hence you require about seven years of study in order to become a defense attorney.

Median Income

The median income of a defense attorney cannot be stated because it depends on the type of organizations he/ she joins or else they open their own practice.