Criminal justice is a rewarding, highly-specialized and highly-respected field, for both men and women alike. If you are looking for an exciting and impactful profession – whether you are just out of high school or shifting career paths – you may be considering a criminal justice career.
As an aspiring criminal justice student, you likely have a lot of questions. What are the benefits involved with a criminal justice career? What can you expect? And, perhaps most on your mind, why study criminal justice at all? As a leading criminal justice school in Connecticut, Goodwin University outlines the top reasons why our students choose to pursue a criminal justice major.
- You get to help people in need, and keep others out of harm’s way.
At the heart of the criminal justice field lies a goal: to keep individuals, communities, and populations safe. Every day, criminal justice professionals work towards this, protecting their communities, investigating crime, and enforcing laws and policies to ensure everyone’s safety is prioritized.
If you desire to make an impact in the lives of others, then the criminal justice field may just be for you. Many individuals choose to study criminal justice because they want to make a difference. They desire to help those in need, protect the greater good, and serve the people above all else. Within criminal justice, you can work with victims of crime, assist in solving crimes, or help prevent crime in your community.
- There is a vast variety of career options available in the field.
Whether you are looking to get involved with law enforcement, cybercrime, detective work, or even probation and parole, the job options within the criminal justice system are endless. That is why so many people choose to work in this thriving field. The criminal justice field allows individuals to find their strengths and passions, and fulfill careers that align with those exactly.
Criminal justice careers can involve protecting and securing others, advocating for victims of crime, counseling and rehabilitating criminals, or even investigating on-the-scene evidence. But this is just the beginning. With the right education and experience, you can work in settings such as:
- Community Health Centers
- Corrections
- Customs and Border Protection
- Drug Enforcement Agency
- Federal Bureau of Prisons
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- Law Enforcement
- Social Services
- Private and Personal Security Agencies
- Transportation Security Administration
- Judiciary and Law
- Teaching and Research
- Criminal justice careers go beyond your 9 to 5, where every day is excitingly unique.
Many people turn towards the criminal justice field because it is exciting. For many professionals – such as police officers and private investigators – no two days are the same. If you are looking for a career beyond the typical desk job, where there is no falling into routine, then criminal justice is a great option for you. Being a part of the criminal justice field can mean amazing experiences, as well. As you build credence in the profession, you will have the opportunity to travel, meet very impactful people (such as governors), and take part in many important local or federal events.
Criminal justice school offers many exciting experiences, as well, which is another great reason to study criminal justice. In a reputable criminal justice program, you will be given the opportunity to pursue internships in a variety of active career settings, working under real-life professionals in the field. Criminal justice courses, such as the ones at Goodwin University, are also taught by industry leaders and active or retired members of the force – giving you expert, inside knowledge that you cannot gain from any textbook.
- There will always be a need for criminal justice majors.
Public security and safety are always a necessity, so there will always be an unwavering need for officers and detectives to step up. If you are looking for a great level of job security and stability – combined with constant opportunities for career advancement, and substantial benefits – criminal justice is a great career choice. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of detectives, investigators, police officers, transit police, and game wardens are all expected to rise in the coming years.
Many people will choose criminal justice for its growth and advancement opportunities. As you put years into the field, you can expect to earn higher job titles and greater salaries along the way. Many criminal justice careers also offer early retirement at a higher rate of accrual, meaning you will be able to retire younger and earn more along the way. Insurance packages are also a bonus of many criminal justice careers.
So, why study criminal justice? From job security to job opportunities, a rewarding daily job to an exciting day-to-day, these are just some of the many reasons why we love the field. If you are interested in learning more about studying criminal justice at Goodwin University in Connecticut, please do not hesitate to contact us. Call Goodwin University at 800-899-3282 or visit us online to learn more.
Goodwin University is a nonprofit institution of higher education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Goodwin University was founded in 1999, with the goal of serving a diverse student population with career-focused degree programs that lead to strong employment outcomes.