What jobs can I get if I major in Criminal Justice and in forensic science/investigat

[flashx80]

I'm planning to major in criminal justice and minor in forensic science/investigation. Is it possible to work in the lab with those studies? Are there any career positions that I could work with criminal justice degree without having to carry a gun? I also dont want to work as a lawyer or legal field related.

I also want to know is it possible to get a job as a crime analyst, criminologist, or anything similar with criminal justice degree?

[Citicop]

Crime Analysts and Criminologists typically have advanced degrees, and there are pretty few total positions like them around.

If you want to work in a lab, typically you want to major in Biology or Chemistry. A minor in Criminal Justice would be a good addition to that...

[mcsap]

In my state ( PA ) we do NOT use civilians for ANY type of " CSI " type of position except in the State Police Crime lab. Everyone else in the field is a sworn officer.

We have a countywide forensics team on call 24/7 made up of officers from mvarious PD's who are trained in evidence collection. They are called out to a major incodent like our SERT team is.

[flashx80]

Crime Analysts and Criminologists typically have advanced degrees, and there are pretty few total positions like them around.

If you want to work in a lab, typically you want to major in Biology or Chemistry. A minor in Criminal Justice would be a good addition to that...

So criminal justice major and minor/concentrate in forensic science wont get me a job in the lab?

In my state ( PA ) we do NOT use civilians for ANY type of " CSI " type of position except in the State Police Crime lab. Everyone else in the field is a sworn officer.

We have a countywide forensics team on call 24/7 made up of officers from mvarious PD's who are trained in evidence collection. They are called out to a major incodent like our SERT team is.

What kind of civilian with criminal justice degree jobs are there without carrying a gun?

[Citicop]

No.

Most labs in my area want degrees in Biology and Chemistry.

And pardon me for saying this, but it seems like you're looking at this the wrong way. Don't say, "I'm getting this degree, what can I do with it..." Find out what you want to do, then find out what degree will help you do it.

According to "criminaljusticeonlineblog.com" Here are ten careers which don't require you to carry a gun:

teach – high school with a Bachelor’s degree (plus state certification)
teach community college and university level with a Master’s degree (a PhD is preferable)
work in private security as a consultant, loss prevention officer, or private eye (PI)
work as a researcher at a private firm, university, or a government agency
work in forensic sciences and crime scene investigation – I would recommend a degree in Criminal Justice with a Forensics concentration, or a degree specifically in Forensic Science
work as a correction officer – usually no gun is “required”, but gun training may be imposed
work as a youth counselor – this position is in high demand
work as a substance abuse counselor
work as a probation officer [Often DOES require being armed]
work in local, county, state, and federal government – or – work in academia or for yourself

[flashx80]

No.

Most labs in my area want degrees in Biology and Chemistry.

And pardon me for saying this, but it seems like you're looking at this the wrong way. Don't say, "I'm getting this degree, what can I do with it..." Find out what you want to do, then find out what degree will help you do it.

According to "criminaljusticeonlineblog.com" Here are ten careers which don't require you to carry a gun:

What is the purpose having criminal justice degree with forensic concentration? Is that only for those who work in the LE?

The list you post it says "work in forensic sciences and crime scene investigation – I would recommend adegree in Criminal Justice with a Forensics concentration, or a degree specifically in Forensic Science" thats is what I'm planning to do. I also might want to work as a researcher private firm, university, or a government agency. What kind of career do you call those and do you need to become a LE?

[Kimble]

What is the purpose having criminal justice degree with forensic concentration? Is that only for those who work in the LE?

Many times it's nothing more than seeking more profit (i.e. tution) for the college (who in some cases could care less if it gets you a job afterwards, especially if it's a private, for-profit college). I speak from experience, I used to manage a college CJ dept and our college was pushing hard to develop a "forensic science" program that had some courses in biology and chemistry, but the majority were "soft science" CJ courses that would have no appliability to the field (and I had several agencies tell me our curriculum would be worthless if an applicant tried to get a job in a lab with them). I took the agencies' statements to our deans and that's the only reason the program development was finally discontinued (the people writing the program - not me - had no background in CJ or forensic science and just copied what they saw being offered at another school).

As said above, the smart student would research what degree would help them obtain a career in the field they are interested in, vice trying to make a career field accept whatever major they're currently studying.

[Switchback]

...I also might want to work as a researcher private firm, university, or a government agency. What kind of career do you call those and do you need to become a LE?

As already mentioned, you will need a degree in a hard science like biology, chemistry, bio-chemistry, etc. FYI, these tend to be rather low-paying jobs, even with a masters. You can get in most MS positions with a BS and pertinent experience. So, the only way to make decent money is to get your PhD and I am making what some of my friends with PhDs make.

Figure out what you want to do and do what it takes to get there. All the money in the world is not worth being in a job you hate. LOL

[retdetsgt]

Frankly, a good trade school or apprenticeship program is probably more profitable than a college degree most of the time. A friend of mine's son just got accepted as an apprentice in the local electrician's union. After 5 years, he'll be making nearly 40 bucks an hour. He starts out at $15 an hour while in training.

There are a lot of people making just over minimum wage out there with college degrees. They haven't guaranteed a good job in a lot of years.

[flashx80]

Many times it's nothing more than seeking more profit (i.e. tution) for the college (who in some cases could care less if it gets you a job afterwards, especially if it's a private, for-profit college). I speak from experience, I used to manage a college CJ dept and our college was pushing hard to develop a "forensic science" program that had some courses in biology and chemistry, but the majority were "soft science" CJ courses that would have no appliability to the field (and I had several agencies tell me our curriculum would be worthless if an applicant tried to get a job in a lab with them). I took the agencies' statements to our deans and that's the only reason the program development was finally discontinued (the people writing the program - not me - had no background in CJ or forensic science and just copied what they saw being offered at another school).

As said above, the smart student would research what degree would help them obtain a career in the field they are interested in, vice trying to make a career field accept whatever major they're currently studying.

Wow! I didn't realize that. I asked my father what are the chance to get a job in the lab if I major in criminal justice and concentrate in forensic science. He said its difficult because forensic science is consist of biology, chemistry, physics etc. However I should concentrate in one area so I have the skill in that area for my job.

As already mentioned, you will need a degree in a hard science like biology, chemistry, bio-chemistry, etc. FYI, these tend to be rather low-paying jobs, even with a masters. You can get in most MS positions with a BS and pertinent experience. So, the only way to make decent money is to get your PhD and I am making what some of my friends with PhDs make.

Figure out what you want to do and do what it takes to get there. All the money in the world is not worth being in a job you hate. LOL

I'm not exactly what career I want but I want to work in criminal justice system. Looks like I'm out of luck if I dont work as a LE or a lawyer unless theres other careers in the criminal justice system without carrying a gun

Frankly, a good trade school or apprenticeship program is probably more profitable than a college degree most of the time. A friend of mine's son just got accepted as an apprentice in the local electrician's union. After 5 years, he'll be making nearly 40 bucks an hour. He starts out at $15 an hour while in training.

There are a lot of people making just over minimum wage out there with college degrees. They haven't guaranteed a good job in a lot of years.

Becoming an electrician sounds like a low career jobs if you know what I mean

[Citicop]

Becoming an electrician sounds like a low career jobs if you know what I mean

No, I'm afraid I don't know what you mean. Perhaps you could clarify that statement, because it makes you come across as an immature spoiled upper middle class kid who thinks he's 'too good' for some things.

Being an electrician takes skill, it takes training, it takes education, and it will continue to be in demand for the foreseeable future (until we figure out a new way to power our world).

Yes, it's a trade. Sure, it's "blue collar." Electricians (like cops) are largely "out in the field." They are working with their hands and helping to build/create things. They are vital to our infrastructure. They helped (and are STILL helping) to build this country. Your whole little firstworld life would come crashing down around your ears without them. I can't say the same thing for some of the careers you mentioned, like "crime analyst" and "criminologist."

I'm not an electrician. I don't want to be an electrician. I don't think I would be interested in doing that job for a variety of reasons (not the least of which is my brain isn't wired that way and I would quickly electrocute myself to death). But I sure as hell don't see my job as being "better" or "higher class" than what those guys do.

[DeltaV]

What is your problem with carrying a gun? Are you psychologically just not prepared to carry a firearm, or do you have some sort of criminal history that prohibits you from owning a gun?

[flashx80]

No, I'm afraid I don't know what you mean. Perhaps you could clarify that statement, because it makes you come across as an immature spoiled upper middle class kid who thinks he's 'too good' for some things.

Being an electrician takes skill, it takes training, it takes education, and it will continue to be in demand for the foreseeable future (until we figure out a new way to power our world).

Yes, it's a trade. Sure, it's "blue collar." Electricians (like cops) are largely "out in the field." They are working with their hands and helping to build/create things. They are vital to our infrastructure. They helped (and are STILL helping) to build this country. Your whole little firstworld life would come crashing down around your ears without them. I can't say the same thing for some of the careers you mentioned, like "crime analyst" and "criminologist."

I'm not an electrician. I don't want to be an electrician. I don't think I would be interested in doing that job for a variety of reasons (not the least of which is my brain isn't wired that way and I would quickly electrocute myself to death). But I sure as hell don't see my job as being "better" or "higher class" than what those guys do.

By no means to disrespect electricians it's just that where I come from if you work as a blue collar worker you are look down upon. All of my relatives and friends are white collar worker or pursuing those careers and I don't want to become the only person to be a blue collar worker. Yes, electricians make good amount of money it's just that I don't want to become the only person in my family and friends to be bluecollar worker. I'm not sure about you but I don't feel comfortable paying hourly wage as a career insteadof salary

[Citicop]

Guess what?

Most people here are paid hourly instead of salary. You might see salaries for police officer positions often quoted as annual, but the fact is that I am a Sergeant, and my pay is still hourly. That's how it is with most people in Law Enforcement... It's not until you become part of upper management (and give up overtime/comptime, etc) that you really become "salaried" in this field.

Notice how a lot of street cops wear blue shirts (with "blue collars?"), and how a lot of Majors, Captains, and Chiefs wear white shirts (with "white" collars?") There's a reason for that.

I have no problems working for an hourly wage instead of an annual salary, and it sounds (to me) like you are surrounded by elitist douchebags if that's something they think is really important.

[retdetsgt]

I'm not sure about you but I don't feel comfortable paying hourly wage as a career insteadof salary

Don't go anywhere near law enforcement. We don't need more elitists like you. We have to work with all strata of society and someone with your attitude would look down on many and they don't need that and you would be totally ineffective. Not to mention you would no doubt look down on the cops you would encounter.

Also many of us have more and better education that you.