Criminal Justice Careers: Opportunities and Qualifications
If you are interested in a career in criminal justice, consider this: the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts jobs in criminal justice and protective services will grow as fast as or faster than the average for all occupations in the next few years.*
Employers include a wide range of public and private agencies, including the U.S. Border Patrol, social service agencies, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Federal Bureau of Prisons, private investigative services, private security corporations and protective services, state and local corrections facilities, state and national parks, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Customs.
Job outlooks for specific career paths
Private detectives and investigators: Jobs opportunities are projected to grow much faster than average. The median annual wage for salaried private detectives and investigators is $41,760.*
Security guards and gaming surveillance officers: Job opportunities should be favorable, with a 14% increase in employment for security guards and a 12% increase for gaming surveillance officers. The median annual salary for security guards is $23,460, for gaming surveillance officers and gaming investigators median annual wages are $28,850.*
Correctional officers: Job opportunities in this career field are expected to be favorable in the coming years. The median annual salary for correctional officers and jailers is $38,380.*
Probation Officers and correctional treatment specialists: Job opportunities are expected to be excellent. The median annual salary for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists is $45,910.*
Qualifications and training
A candidate with a bachelor's degree and experience in the criminal justice field will have the widest range of choices. However, some employers will hire a candidate with an associate degree or high school diploma. All employers in the criminal justice field require background checks, and eliminate applicants with criminal records.
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) requires an applicant for a special agent position to have a bachelor's degree from an accreditated college or university, three years of professional experience, and meet age and physical requirements.**
On the other end of the spectrum, a private security company may only require high school diploma and possible a driver's license.
Criminal justice degree programs
Globe University/Minnesota School of Business offers, online and at campuses throughout the Midwest, 2-year and 4-year degrees in criminal justice:
Some states require training in addition to our criminal justice degree programs for employment as a peace officer (deputy sheriff, police officer or state patrol officer).
More information on criminal justice careers and training
If you would like more information, or to schedule a private career-planning meeting with a representative of our college, please call 1-877-655-7676 or send us a request for more information.
*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition 
**U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Careers, Becoming a Special Agent http://fbijobs.gov/111.asp