If you’ve ever wondered how much education you should get for a job in criminal justice, the answer definitely varies depending on the job. In general, more education and specialization leads to safer jobs with less exposure to criminals.

With a higher degree, you can focus on certain aspects of police work that really interest you and get some high-paying, in-demand criminal justice jobs in the process. If you’ve already started your career in criminal justice, you can still study to advance into a job that works better for you.

Criminal Justice Jobs with a High School Diploma (or Equivalent)

While a bachelor’s degree makes you a more desirable candidate for any career in law enforcement, there are some criminal justice careers you can get with just a high school diploma. These are typically the most common jobs with the largest amount of grunt work involved. Some examples include police officer, corrections officer, and police dispatcher.

With enough experience, police officers can advance to detective or apply their experience to a job as a uniformed secret service officer. An associate degree makes you an even better candidate for these positions.

Criminal Justice Jobs with a Bachelor’s Degree

Obtaining a bachelor’s degree in any subject is a great way to start a career in criminal justice. Several careers in this field require specific knowledge of science and other subjects that can only be obtained with a bachelor’s degree or higher. Examples of these jobs include forensic science (requires education in chemistry and biology as well as criminal justice), criminology (sociology/psychology and criminal justice), and computer forensics (computer science and criminal justice).

Criminal Justice Jobs with a Master’s Degree

A master’s degree in criminal justice allows you to focus on one aspect of the job such as rehabilitation or criminology. Working for certain agencies like the FBI and CIA often requires a master’s degree.

Getting a master’s degree for an entry-level position in law enforcement is not recommended because most law enforcement agencies will see you as overqualified. Get your job first, then study to gain your master’s degree while you work with an online program like those offered by the University of Cincinnati. That way you can keep your job while you educate yourself and increase you opportunity for advancement.

Criminal Justice Jobs with a Doctorate

A Ph.D. in criminal justice is the badge of the most advanced and knowledgeable members of the field. People who hold this degree usually become professors and researchers. Alternatively, holding a doctorate makes you eligible for work as a forensic psychologist. Being so advanced in your chosen field makes you a good candidate for consulting work with law enforcement agencies and other parts of the justice system.

If you’re a cop looking to get off the beat or a student just starting your career in criminal justice, getting a better education could be exactly what you need to take your career to the next level.
Source: Education News