Criminal Justice Degree Provides Many Career Paths In L.A.
California remains one of the highest-paying states for criminal justice professors. Within metro Los Angeles, top post-secondary instructors are bringing home yearly paychecks in excess of $121,000, according to current employment data. Although the classroom presents an ideal setting for scholars that have earned a doctorate, it is not the only career path for those with other academic degrees in criminal justice.
"Criminal justice graduates pursue careers in a variety of areas, including probation, police and sheriff's departments, social services, education, public safety, loss prevention, real estate, insurance, law, and in various roles within the county and military branches," said Cindy Lewis, Director of Career Services at California Lutheran University (CLU).
How is CLU preparing students?
"Criminal justice majors are required to complete an internship before graduating, giving them hands-on experience and an opportunity to see what their future careers would be like."
How is the need for educated criminal justice professionals progressing?
"Hiring has picked up tremendously since 2012. It always helps to have candidates with a degree who have a well-rounded knowledge base in multidisciplinary areas."
How does a college degree improve a criminal justice professional's efficiency?
"To be effective, you need to not only possess relationship building skills, but also have the ability to gain consensus with diverse groups, solve problems effectively, and serve as an ethical leader. A college degree allows for these skills to be developed and offers additional resources that can help you succeed."
What must one do to help fortify a sustainable vocation?
"To have a long career in the criminal justice field, talk to other colleagues in the field to learn how they approach their jobs. It is also important to learn from past mistakes, remain self-reflective and keep yourself challenged."
What is your message to criminal justice graduates?
"Once you break into the field, look around to see what other professionals are doing so that you can find the job that you strive to be in. Be proactive with your career and stay in touch with a career counselor at your university to learn about new opportunities, workshops and career fairs."
Sharon Raiford Bush is an award-winning journalist who covers topics of social interest in greater Los Angeles. Some news articles she has authored have been archived by the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Sharon also contributes to Examiner.com.