Have You Considered An Entry Level Job In Criminal Justice?

According to one source, the U.S. Department oftheir fields.  Some jobs include corrections officer,
Labor predicted that by 2010 there may be over asecurity officer, and social worker.
29% increase in demand for criminal justice andCriminal Justice Bachelor's Program - It offers a
security professionals such as FBI Agents, policeBachelor's of Science Degree in Criminal Justice that
officers, and private detectives.  Even though thegives graduates a specialized overview of the criminal
economy is recovering slowly, criminal justice isjustice system and prepares them for jobs at the
providing entry level job opportunities.  For example,entry level or in middle management in different
in law enforcement, there is a need for moreenvironments in their fields.  Some jobs include fraud
workers because of the emphasis on homelandinvestigator, loss prevention manager, and detective.
security.  Along with having the right skills, obtainingCriminal Justice Master's Program - It offers a
a degree in criminal justice is essential to beMaster's of Science Degree in Criminal Justice that
competitive with other job candidates and to begives graduates a specialized overview of the criminal
considered by employers.justice system and prepares them for jobs in
A career in criminal justice allows you to get involvedmanagement in different environments of their
in holding any accused individuals responsible for theirfields.  Here, you can expand your skills by receiving
actions that endanger the lives of other people. knowledge for your potential job and gain expertise
One web site describes criminal justice as "the seriesin certain specialized areas of criminal justice.  Some
of steps involved in proving any criminal activity likejobs include forensics scientist, crime prevention
gathering evidences, arresting the accused,specialist, and criminal investigator.
conducting trials, making defense, pronouncingHere is a list of the major skills required of college
judgement after the crime is proved, and carryinggraduates looking for entry level jobs in criminal
out punishment."  If you decide to study this field,justice:
you can learn more about the American Criminal- Written and verbal skills
Justice System.  There is a wide range of entry- Understanding societies' reaction to crimes
level jobs in criminal justice to choose from, including- Considerations of gender and race
those at the federal, state, and local levels.- Quantitative skills
What areas can you get into with a criminal justice- High degree of physical fitness and the ability to
degree?  The ones I found are: social services,work under pressure
judiciary and law, law enforcement, business, and- Ability to work independently as well as being part
education.  Under these areas, you can pursueof a team
various types of employment, where you could find- Understand and respect values and workings of the
entry level jobs in criminal justice; in addition, eachlegal system
area of the field has multiple employers.  For- Ethics and moral values
example, if you like social services, you could work in- Strong background in humanities, social science, and
counseling or may be in corrections; two employers innatural science
social services are youth correction facilities and 
domestic violence agencies.  Each area of criminalOther skills to note include having good computer
justice has strategies designed to carry out askills and being able to speak in another language
successful path to a career in the field.  In social(bilingual).
services, it might be helpful to get further instructionCriminal justice graduates may be employed in places
in handling social problems or grieving, as well as tolike:
have experience working with young people.- Federal, state, and local government agencies
There are a variety of entry level jobs in criminal- Security companies
justice to choose from; they include, but are not- Businesses and retail stores
limited to the following:- Colleges and universities
- Bailiff 
- Body GuardFinally, you may be wondering how much money you
- Detectivecan make with an entry level salary in criminal
- Discrimination Investigatorjustice.  Well, that depends on which area you work
- Military Officerin, the location of the job, and which level you work
- Corrections Officerfor.  Oh yeah, your level of education and
- FBI Agentexperience are big factors too.  For example,
- Social Workerconsider law enforcement.  As of 2008, here are the
- Teacherentry level salaries for law enforcement:
- Youth Advocate- Federal jobs - About $39,500
 - State jobs - $34,000 (may vary)
Some of the jobs in criminal justice that require more- County jobs - About $29,500
education or experience are:- City jobs - Between $31,000-$41,000
- Attorney 
- FBI AgentToday, one group in law enforcement, police
- Criminal Investigatorofficers, can make from about $30,000 as new
- Substance Abuse Counselorrecruits to over $90,000 as supervisors or high level
- Police Detectivepolice officers, depending on the departments and
 the localities they work in.
Candidates for jobs in criminal justice who haveGiven all of the attention to national security these
degrees will likely be more favorable withdays, I would assume there could never be enough
employers.  In the current economy, employersgood people to protect and serve our country.  If
want to hire workers who best understand theiryou are interested in learning about the American
needs, especially in today's world of technology.  ACriminal Justice System, you may want to consider
degree in criminal justice can also benefit a candidatelooking at entry level jobs in criminal justice.  With
in the future who is interested in careermay job opportunities available, having the right
advancement.  College students who major ineducation and skills could jump start you towards a
criminal justice have three degree programs availablesuccessful career.  In addition to gaining personal
to them:satisfaction by keeping people safe, you may even
Criminal Justice Associate's Program - It offers anbe able to improve the legal system of the United
Associate in Science Degree in Criminal Justice thatStates.
allows graduates to work in different environments in