What Kinds of Criminal Justice Career Paths Are There?


Admit it, you’re a CSI fan, and watching that show has sparked your interest in a career in criminal justice. It’s okay – a lot of people see the intrigue of the criminal justice field in entertainment and want to know more about the real career opportunities that are out there. In fact, since the show started, there has been a huge increase in the number of applicants to Criminal Justice programs. It’s called the "CSI effect."

The reality of the criminal justice field can be quite different than what you see on TV. That’s why it’s very important to get all the information you can before making a decision for your education – and your career. In fact, today, most career paths in Criminal Justice require at least an Associate degree. With the information and resources on this site, you can choose a path in criminal justice that matches your interests and abilities.

The US Department of Labor (Bureau of Labor Statistics) can help you find out the salary and employment outlook for such criminal justice careers as: Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers, Detectives and Criminal Investigators, Private Detectives and Investigators, Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists, and Forensic Science Technicians.

Use the links on the left sidebar to learn more about criminal justice careers that interest you. Or start your search for the right program by comparing the schools highlighted below.


Featured Criminal Justice Schools