There are a lot more career options than you think.
As students learn in their CCJ 308 Careers in Criminal Justice course, criminology and criminal justice jobs range well beyond opportunities to work in law enforcement or as a corrections officer.
In fact, there’s are a wide variety of jobs—inside and outside of the criminal justice system—for those interested in the kinds of careers where you can:
- Do something meaningful every day to help crime victims
- Get involved in making communities safer
- Conduct investigations and analyze crime data
- Advocate for families of incarcerated adults and youth
- Join the search for effective solutions to the problems caused by addiction
- Take action against animal abuse and wildlife poaching
- Help people with a criminal record seeking a second-chance
- Work with at-risk kids who need support and opportunities
- Fight corporate crime and environmental injustice
- Stand up for those harmed when criminal justice system processes fail
- Develop and test out new ways of responding to ongoing crime problems
- Invest your time and energy in a rewarding job that makes a difference
Professions in the criminology and criminal justice field fall into multiple job classifications including regulation, enforcement, and investigation jobs, human and social services jobs, law and legal jobs, public policy jobs, and private business and industry jobs, such as those focusing on security, risk assessment and risk mitigation.
In addition to a bachelor’s degree, advanced degrees may be required for some types of positions. For example, you will need to go to law school if you plan on being a prosecutor or a defense attorney. You may need to get a graduate degree (master’s or doctorate degree) for certain types of research and analysis, education, and human services positions.
Get Started Exploring Careers
There are many ways to begin exploring career options.
One way is to spend a little time checking out the job category listings on the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) website.
On this site you can search by career cluster. For example, in the Human Services Career cluster you will find careers in Community and Family Services, such as Community and Social Service Specialists. In the Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security Career cluster you will find careers in:
- Law Enforcement such as Detectives and Criminal Investigators, Police Officers and Sheriff’s Deputies; Intelligence Analysts; Forensic Science Technicians; Customs & Border Control; Transit and Railroad Officers, Fish & Game Wardens; Private Detectives and Investigators; Animal Control, Record & Identification, and more
- Legal Services such as Lawyers; Judges and Magistrates; Paralegals and Legal Assistants; Arbitrators and Hearings Officers; Legal Support Workers; Court Reporters; Title Examiners; and more
- Security and Protective Services: Bailiffs; Gambling Surveillance and Investigators; Recreational Protective Service Workers; Retail Loss Prevention Officers and Supervisors; and more
Once you have a clearer idea of the kinds of jobs you are interested in, it is also helpful to do searches of job posting websites (indeed.com, monster.com, etc.). . This will allow you to have a better understanding of the job market for that career in your area, as well as the pay, experience, and education credentials required. For example, you can search for job titles or postings containing terms like:
- Probation Officer
- Community Outreach Coordinator
- Victim Advocate
- Youth Counselor
- Corporate Security
- Fraud Investigator
- Corrections Officer
- Crime Analyst
- Police Public Relations Specialist
- Mediator
Another useful career resource to explore is the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. Here you can find job descriptions, education requirements and general salary information about careers you might be interested in.
Make the Best Use of Your Time in College
While you are still a student, look for ways to build out your resume and gain experience that will give you an advantage in the job market. Key ways to do that are:
- Complete an internship. This gives you experience and builds your professional network. It also helps you decide whether a particular type of job is right for you. CCJ students are fortunate to have access to a very large number of internship opportunities in the field of criminology and criminal justice.
- Take courses that build your job skills. In picking your electives, look for classes that focus on subjects and skills that are most relevant to your career of interest. If you aren’t sure which to pick, ask your professors! Some general suggestions are to consider taking second language and technology courses. Those skills can often come in handy, as well as serving to enhance your resume. You can also consider adding a minor or certificate to your degree. These areas of specialization can help distinguish you from other job candidates, while giving a broader foundation of career-relevant knowledge and skills.
- Plan for letters of recommendation. Many employers, as well as most graduate and law schools, will require you to submit several letters of recommendation when you apply. You should be thinking about this as you interact with your internship agency supervisors and your professors. The CCJ faculty have prepared some tips for how to be successful in getting a good letter of recommendation from your professors. Be sure to check it out!
Starting Your Job Search
The CCJ department regularly receives job announcements and recruitment inquiries from a variety of different kinds of agencies and employers. These announcements are posted on CCJ Facebook page and are included in CCJ’s Department newsletter. Watch here for employers seeking PSU CCJ students and alumni.
PSU’s University Career Center also provides a variety of career services for students and alumni, including position postings, job search resources, and resume and cover letter assistance. Make sure to check out the Career Center’s job search resources, including Handshake - PSU’s job database of employment opportunities specifically for PSU students and alumni. Handshake includes jobs and internship opportunities both on and off campus.
Current PSU students and alumni can book a free in-person or video appointment with a PSU Career Coach to get help and guidance.