The term “criminal justice” might immediately conjure up images of your favorite episode of Law & Order, which often paints a very romanticized (and not always accurate) image of working in law enforcement. Many individuals are drawn to criminal justice without a thorough understanding of the career landscape it offers.

At Goodwin, the Criminal Justice major provides a comprehensive education that equips students for a diverse array of careers within the law enforcement sector.

Outlined below are various career paths achievable upon earning a degree in criminal justice. Each role within this realm significantly contributes to upholding justice and ensuring the safety of our society.

Law enforcement officer

A law enforcement officer is someone who helps keep our communities safe. These are uniform-clad professionals such as police officers or sheriffs. Their job is largely to make sure everyone follows the rules and laws in our neighborhoods, towns, and cities.

To become a law enforcement officer, applicants must qualify for a police officer certification in the state of Connecticut. Once all basic requirements have been met, aspiring officers can then complete the required training and state curriculum to receive their certification and achieve a career in the field.

Earning a criminal justice degree can successfully prepare you for this training and help you stand out amongst other applicants.

Corrections officer

A corrections officer works in penitentiaries, ensuring safety. They supervise inmates, maintain order, and enforce rules. They also assist with rehabilitation programs and ensure the fair and lawful treatment of incarcerated individuals. The main role of a corrections officer is to keep the facility secure and ensure a safe environment for everyone inside.

Interested in pursuing a career path in criminal justice? Learn more about our associate degree program at Goodwin!

Crime scene investigator

Contrary to popular belief, CSI isn’t an entirely accurate depiction of what it’s like to work as a crime scene investigator. Crime scene investigation isn’t nearly as fast-paced and glamorous as portrayed on a television screen.

Crime scene investigators utilize their forensic science skills to assist in solving crimes. These professionals analyze and preserve evidence extracted from crime scenes. They can help determine what happened and who was involved.

Professor or researcher

A professor or researcher with a criminal justice degree studies laws, crime, and the legal system. They instruct students about these subjects and conduct research to understand crime patterns, improve the fairness of the legal system, and find ways to prevent crime. Their goal is to share knowledge and make the legal system better for everyone.

Legal careers

Lawyers provide legal advice, represent clients in court, and help with a wide array of legal matters. Whereas prosecutors work for the government and try to prove that accused individuals broke the law, defense attorneys represent accused individuals to ensure they have a fair trial by defending their innocence and protecting their rights in court.

A criminal justice degree can set you on the right path for a future career in law. You’ll gain imperative knowledge and skills that can help boost your chances of being accepted into law schools, or when applying for entry-level legal positions.

Social worker

Social workers help people with problems by listening, offering support, and connecting them to helpful resources like counseling or housing assistance. They care about making people’s lives better during difficult times.

A criminal justice degree lays a solid foundation for a career as a social worker. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of how social systems in our country work while also teaching you essential problem-solving and communication skills to put your knowledge to work. Earning a degree in criminal justice can also prepare prospective social workers for work with justice-involved youth and currently or formerly incarcerated individuals.

While the field of criminal justice may not resemble some of your favorite televisions shows such as Criminal Minds or Bones, there are countless exciting options for those interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement.

Whether you’re planning to become a crime scene investigator or a lawyer, a degree in criminal justice can give you a leg-up in the industry and provide you with the essential foundational knowledge for excelling in your chosen field, paving the way for an exciting and impactful career journey.

If you’re interested in beginning a rewarding career in law enforcement, then start by learning more about our Criminal Justice program at Goodwin!