Jobs within the criminal justice system can be found in law enforcement, the legal system or corrections. A criminal justice degree can help you prepare for a wide range of career opportunities in law enforcement agencies, courthouses and corrections facilities at local, state and federal levels. Depending on your strengths, background, or interests, criminal justice careers can also involve crime investigation, psychology, forensics, IT or finance.
The University of Phoenix’s Criminal Justice programs are educational degree programs. For those interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement, corrections or as a peace officer with any particular local, state, federal, tribal or international agency, there are numerous additional qualifications (and often disqualifications), depending on the position. Before enrolling in a Criminal Justice program, potential students are highly encouraged to check with the relevant agency for a complete list of position requirements. The University makes no representations regarding whether any particular University program will qualify a graduate for any such position.
While there are many options, here is an overview of some of the most common jobs that individuals with criminal justice degrees may pursue.
Detective Sergeant
A detective sergeant works in law enforcement alongside other police officers putting the criminal justice system to work. This role can involve a wide variety of functions including work at crime scenes and investigating felonies. Detective sergeants may also work to catch the perpetrators across violent, non-violent, drug-related, IT, financial, family, traffic and corporate crime.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “The median annual wage for police and detectives was $67,290 in May 2020.”
Police Sergeant
A key difference between police sergeants and detective sergeants is the possession of police training. Police sergeants undergo extensive police training in addition to their existing degrees or certificates. A criminal justice degree can help a police sergeant learn to supervise and coordinate law enforcement personnel such as police officers and detectives. Police sergeants can also work up the ranks toward becoming a major or even a police commissioner.
Loss Prevention Manager
Criminal justice degrees don’t limit graduates to careers in law enforcement. Loss prevention managers can find work in retail establishments, and they may even be involved in policy making, hiring, monitoring and investigations.
Criminology
Criminology combines sociology and criminal justice in an attempt to understand the causes and consequences of different crimes.
Obtain a Criminal Justice Degree at University of Phoenix
A criminal justice degree can help you embark on a career toward moving up the ranks of law enforcement or working as a corrections officer. The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration degree program from University of Phoenix can help by teaching you about:
- Criminal law
- Budgeting and financial planning
- Handling interagency communications
- Cultural diversity
- Grant writing
With University of Phoenix, students can earn a degree online and enroll in courses whenever they have the flexibility to do so. The University provides all students with lifetime access to Career Services for Life so that students always have the help they need to enhance their careers. The University’s relentless focus on student convenience via flexible scheduling makes sure students never fall behind either at work or in their studies.
Please note that the University’s criminal justice programs are educational degree programs, and many additional qualifications may be required to pursue a career in law enforcement, corrections or as a police officer with a given state, tribal, federal or international agency. A criminal justice degree program can prepare students for the journey, but students should thoroughly research job requirements for specific roles of interest before applying to a program.
About University of Phoenix
Founded in 1976, University of Phoenix aims to provide working adults with the skills and training they need to succeed in an ever-evolving workplace. Developed by faculty who are practitioners in their fields, the curriculum integrates academic theory and lifelong learning with professional practice and is designed to support the needs of adult learners. The University’s convenient class scheduling options make going back to school a real option for working adults. Learn more about how University of Phoenix can help you pursue your personal or professional goals by visiting https://www.phoenix.edu/.
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