With recent advancements in technology, the growing threat of terrorism, and more advanced criminal methodology, the necessity for advocates of justice is clear. The criminal justice field is evolving in its attempts to maintain with and counter these threats, and for that reason, a wide-range of career possibilities, many beyond the ordinary, are emerging. For most, a diploma in criminal justice supplies the graduate a chance to become an asset to his or her community and an chance to make the sort of tangible difference society relies after for a feeling of safety and well-being.

Although it is a common assumption that a degree in the criminal justice field leads to a profession in police, this is merely the end of the iceberg. Several in-demand jobs exist that a degree in criminal justice affords (imagine doing work for the Department of Homeland Security, or as an FBI or DEA agent).

And though a bachelor’s degree may be sufficient to find the proverbial foot in the entranceway – offering usage of an entry-level position – a more advanced and specialized post-graduate degree, like a master’s degree in criminal justice (MCJ), often paves the best way to fulfilling careers that offer chance for growth and advancement, as well as providing the integral and cutting-edge tools necessary to those who hope 1 day to use on leading lines of justice.

WHAT ARE THE MOST FREQUENT MSCJ CONCENTRATIONS?

Students pursuing a master of science in criminal justice (MSCJ) degree could decide on a hyper-specialized concentration focus such as corrections, criminal behavior, cybercrime, forensic psychology, forensic science, homeland security, intelligence or police, amidst others. Oftentimes these emphases or concentrations manifest themselves as a couple of 3 to 4 focused courses in the selected subject area, to be studied along with three to four core criminal justice courses and one or two additional elective courses of the student’s choosing. So, while the master’s degree in criminal justice is a social science degree, the student could pursue a specialized group of more technical, legal or analytical courses, depending on his or her selected concentration. To get more information about MSCJ program

WHAT ROLES AND JOBS REQUIRE AN MCJ OR MSCJ DEGREE?

For people who have ever wondered how one becomes a DEA Agent, what must be done to work in the CIA or FBI, or envisioned themselves working within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), a master’s degree in criminal justice might be considered a logical step. Once earned, a diploma in this field offers the graduate the opportunity at an exciting and promising career, widely predicated on the individual’s own interest and focus. A sampling of possible careers is included below.

• Criminologist
• Criminal profiler
• DEA agent
• Criminal justice instructor
• U.S. Marshal

Once obtained, a master’s degree in this field could pave just how for a number of these careers, though the degree of education required can vary greatly based on position. Most full-time university professors, for instance, pursue additional schooling to earn a doctoral degree instead of a master’s degree.

FEATURED CRIMINAL JUSTICE CAREERS FOR MCJ/MSCJ-PREPARED GRADUATES

While the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS 2017) projects average growth for many law enforcement related occupations over another many years, it projects faster growth within certain specialized fields that prefer or require MCJ/MSCJ-prepared candidates.

DEA Agent

DEA agents enforce drug laws, investigate drug-related crimes, and actively combat the manufacture and distribution of illegal narcotics. Based on the DEA, the starting salary for as agent is dependant on the federal law enforcement officer base pay, and also a area payment (based on where in fact the agent works) and a twenty five percent POLICE Available Pay (LEAP) addition. Becuase of the factors, starting pay may differ greatly, however, many estimates give typically around $49,000 per year with the to make more than $90,000 over time of service. A master’s degree in criminal justice often accelerates this technique. Although an advanced degree in neuro-scientific criminal justice may provide access to, and offer the chance for growth within a number of positions, for others this degree is indispensable.

Criminal Justice Professor

Often overlooked are careers in the academic arena. Jobs in academia, a host where experts in a certain field choose to instruct those who have recently chosen it, are providing promising growth. Commonly, postsecondary instructors are responsible for research, lectures, instruction, and the administering and grading of exams in a school setting. On average, they earn over $72,000 per year, and based on the BLS projected growth for college-level criminal justice professors is much higher (15 percent from 2016 to 2026) than average (BLS 2017). While many professor positions need a doctoral-level degree, there are instructor and adjunct positions which may be open to those holding a master’s. This sort of work can be quite rewarding, sharing knowledge with students and inciting more interest in neuro-scientific criminal justice.

Case Manager

Based on the Federal Bureau of Prisons, case managers or correctional treatment specialists “perform correctional casework within an institutional setting; develop, evaluate, and analyze program needs and other data about inmates; evaluate progress of individual offenders in the institution; coordinate and integrate inmate training programs; develop social histories; evaluate negative and positive aspects in each case situation, and develop release plans.” Although a bachelor’s degree often meets entry-level requirements, a master’s degree is essential for GS-09 pay level consideration in a federal job.

Criminal/Intelligence Analyst

Criminal and intelligence analysts work generally for government agencies as well as contractors that work with the government to asses criminal and security threats. While a bachelor’s degree may at first qualify a job candidate for an entry-level position at the FBI, a prospect holding a master’s degree in criminal justice may be eligible for a higher grade or pay scale. According to Payscale.com, yearly average wages are estimated at $66,773, though Senior Intelligence Analysts may earn up to $88,000 per year. Government agencies like the FBI, DEA, or CIA all utilize the services of analysts.

Criminologist

Criminologists try to understand crime, its causes, and its own effects. A lot of what criminologists do is research-based. This research often influences strategies in hopes of understanding, reducing, and eventually avoiding crime. Criminologists are often employed by the federal government, police agencies, or universites and colleges. Criminology is a relatively new and specialized occupation, therefore the field of sociology supplies the most accurate and up-to-date indicator of the growth possibilities, which based on the BLS are expected to be just 1 percent from 2016 to 2026 (BLS 2017). Still, as criminal investigator and forensic science roles grow, there may very well be more positions designed for criminologists as well.