Types of careers with a master's degree in criminal justice?
I’m working on my undergrad degree: a BA in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. I know that I won’t be making the big bucks right out of college, so after I get some experience under my belt, I am considering going to graduate school.
My question is this: If I were to get an MA in Criminology and Criminal Justice, what would my career options be?
Also, I know psychology graduate degrees are EXTREMELY competitive. Are criminal justice graduate degrees just as difficult to attain?
My final question is how long would it take to get this MA? The website for my school says the program is 30 hours. I know that if it was undergrad I could do it in 2 full time and 1 part time semester, but does graduate school work the same way? Can you take 12 credit hours per semester, in general?
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There are a lot of court assistant type jobs you could get with that undergrad combo. I forget the actual titles but I learned about them while in college (minor in criminology). They have people who help the judges make assessments of defendants, help them organize their cases, stuff like that. They don’t make a ton of money but if you’re interested in that field they’re a great starting point.
I’m looking at getting a masters in Criminal Justice to make myself a more appealing option for a forensics position. I was a Chemistry Major and work as an Analytical Chemist now though… so its a bit different from what you’d be getting into.
@tedd You mean a law clerk aka paralegal aka legal assistant aka legal support worker?
Haha. Yes, I’ve looked into that. I’m actually considering going into an accelerated 2 month paralegal certification program (or the 6 month progam if I chicken out) after I graduate. Paralegals make a decent amount of money, especially when they work for large law corporations. It’s another option I have though. :)
Types of careers: A master’s degree “can help further your career in criminal justice, corrections, or as officer of the court”. You could work as a “family service specialists, caseworkers, police officers, juveniles specialists, marshals, sheriffs, federal government agents, as well as probation and parole officers.”
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@marinelife Seems like the same stuff you can do with a Bachelor’s degree. A bit more more money though, I’m assuming.
Maybe a criminal mastermind !!
Get your MA in Criminal Justice and then apply for a Police Chief job any major city.
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