Some possible jobs within this career area are:
Depending on your career path, you might need to complete one or more degrees in criminal justice. Typical degree programs include:
- Associate’s Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
- PhD
- Job-Specific Certificate
Criminal Justice-related careers involve all areas of daily life, from security guards at our workplace to police officers and the secret service that protect our elected officials. Most careers related to criminal justice are state or locally funded, which means the salary comes from tax dollars. If you live in a growing area, growth potential is bigger. If your area is not growing, there might be more competition for these civil-service positions.
Depending on your personal goals, you could complete your coursework in criminal justice in as little as a year (for a certification) or as long as four years (for a Bachelor’s Degree). You also might decide to return to school to get a Master’s Degree, or you might need to get re-certified later in your career.
How to Become an Immigration Officer
An immigration officer career can only be pursued by U.S. citizens. After becoming an immigration officer, you can expect to investigate immigration benefit fraud, ensure immigration law is followed, detect national border breaches and pursue illegal border-crossers, and prepare written reports.
Immigration officers, also known as immigration agents, typically work for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). In addition to acting as border agents to ensure immigration and cross-border travel follows correct legal procedures, they serve to safety and national security issues as they relate to immigration.
To enjoy a career as an immigration officer, you will need a bachelor's degree or the equivalent of work experience. Sometimes a combination of post-secondary education and experience is acceptable.
Immigration officers receive additional extensive training by the USCIS. This training may include the study of a foreign language. Fluency in a foreign language is a definite asset for an immigration agent.
Immigration Officer Salaries
According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, immigration officer salaries fall into ranges that depend on a variety of factors including years on the job and promotions. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is a typical employer of immigration officers and salaries fall into ranges as follows:
- Bottom 10 percent earn less than $25,000
- Average immigration officer salary is $46,000
- Top 10 percent earn more than $76,000
(Salary data retrieved 6/13/11)
To get the education you need to become an immigration officer, find a degree program now!