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 a Police Officer
A police officer is typically assigned to a geographical area such as a particular city or county. Police officer careers are therefore associated with their jurisdictions.
Police officer work can be stressful. They spend their time pursuing and apprehending people who break the law. They issue warnings and citations. However, a lot of their time is also spent with documenting their encounters. Officers should be able to report their results in writing.
To become a police officer, you will need a high school education as a minimum. Some departments require college coursework or a degree. Physical training is also beneficial. Knowledge of a foreign language is considered an asset.
After high school, you will need to continue your education with training or college coursework if you want to become a police officer with some state and federal agencies. Some departments have their own police academy training requirements.
Police Officer Salaries
The Bureau of Labor Statistics provides statistics for police officer salaries. Your police officer salary depends on the type of police officer career you pursue as follows:
- Police or sheriff patrol officer mean salary = $51,400
- Police or detective supervisor mean salary = $75,500
- Transit or railroad police mean salary = $46,700
- Detective or criminal investigator mean salary = $60,900
(Salary data retrieved 6/13/11)
To get the education you need to become a police officer, find a degree program now!