Advice for starting your career in criminal justice

Criminal justice has always been recognised as being one of the more challenging and respectable professional career paths to pursue. Solicitor, detective and barrister are among the options available to students who successfully complete a course in criminal justice and gain a degree in the subject. The popularity of various television shows and documentaries featuring the field of criminal justice have only added to the attraction of careers in this sector. However, as with any profession, a thorough grounding in the subject, along with a strong determination to succeed, are also required.

Different criminal justice jobs

The range of jobs that are available as a result of pursuing an education in criminal justice is, perhaps, more varied than might be imagined. High profile positions involving law enforcement are among the more obvious possibilities, including positions as a court clerk or a paralegal. However, there are many specialisms that can also come from the study of criminal justice. They include various aspects of forensics, roles in crime solving with organisations such as the police force and security or investigative work undertaken by private companies.

Criminal justice programmes

To help students prepare for this diversity of opportunity, programmes in criminal justice typically cover a broad spectrum of topics and options. They include the various stages involved in preparing for and carrying out criminal investigations; taking a look at them from a variety of angles. For example, topics may include aspects of the crime scene, elements of court procedures and sentencing and discussing the various types of prison or correctional institutions available. Other aspects of the subject that are covered in some depth are related to historical case precedence, social and gender influences and legal theory. Special topics are typically also included; for example, organised crime, the justice system as it applies to juveniles and contemporary issues relating to surveillance and civil liberties.

Different study options available

There are a number of different ways in which to locate and enrol on a course that will ultimately lead to the student attaining a career in criminal justice. Traditional courses in bricks and mortar colleges and universities are one possibility. Another, which is becoming ever more popular, is online learning. Many choose to take this route because it offers more flexibility in terms of the pace of learning and fact that a high proportion of the study is home based. Online courses may also offer the possibility of gaining work experience and taking career opportunities as they become available, because online study is not tied to a physical location. One of the potential choices when searching for online courses is the range of Bryant & Stratton criminal justice programs. Educational courses such as these are designed to provide the necessary knowledge, skills and qualifications required by students who wish to embark on a career in criminal justice. In addition, they offer high levels of individual support and assistance to students, enabling them to explore the various specialities available to them once they have completed their academic studies and are ready to take the next step in their chosen area of expertise.