by Jane Grimshaw

Created on: January 19, 2009   Last Updated: February 02, 2009

Are you about to embark on further studies but are unsure which career path to follow? Perhaps, on the other hand, you're just tired of your present job and feel like you need a change of direction in your life. Well, whichever it is, taking up a career in criminal justice could be just what your'e looking for. Taking a Criminal Justice degree could offer you a wealth of opportunities, from working as a police officer to becoming a forensic scientist, probation officer or a criminologist - to name but a few. With crime on the increase, this type of work is now increasing in demand, and the good news is that jobs within this category don't pay too badly either!

Undertaking studies in criminal justice will help to provide you with a detailed knowledge and understanding of the criminal justice system and crime in general, as well as providing you with a sound knowledge of crime prevention and control. There are various flexible learning programmes available these days that allow you to work at a level to suit your individual needs, and these include a Master of Science degree, postgraduate certificate, and postgraduate diploma. As well as being able to study at a university or college, you can also opt to study online by selecting one of the many accredited online colleges that are available.

To help with your career choice it is important to understand how careers in criminal justice are divided up. They are generally divided into four main categories and these are:

Police Officers and Detectives - this area involves anything from patrolling the streets to working in courtrooms. It may also involve giving talks to schools, colleges, etc., as well as writing a variety of meticulously written reports. Plain clothes detectives are required to conduct a more detailed approach to solving crimes, and this can be both dangerous and exciting.

Probation Officers - this area also includes correctional treatment specialists and juvenile officers, but ultimately people in this category supervise those who have been sentenced to probation, either before or after a prison term. These jobs mainly involve meeting regularly with offenders to ensure that they are meeting the obligations of their sentencing. It also involves a large amount of meticulous report writing, as well as the need to visit houses or centres that can be located in dangerous neighbourhoods.

Correctional Officers and Security Guards - many people working in these two categories work either in state or federal prisons, or in security positions guarding industrial sites, private properties, etc., and are not generally required to have a degree; however, one is often required if people choose to advance in their careers.

Before embarking on any course, do check out the course outline carefully to make sure that it is suitable. Suggested websites for further information:

http://www.academicinfo.net/crimjust.htm

http://www.u scollegesearch.org/criminal-justice-colleges.html

htt p://www.ucas.ac.uk/students/coursesearch/coursesearc h2009/

Learn more about this author, Jane Grimshaw.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.