Think about the material you encountered in the course this week, and describe one aspect of the classroom resources (Assignments, Discussions, or assigned readings) that surprised you. Make sure to d

STRATEGIES

What can I do with this major?

AREAS EMPLOYERS

CRIMINAL JUSTICE

SOCIAL SERVICES Corrections CounselingJuvenile JusticeCaseworkAdministrationProbations & ParoleVictim Advocacy State and federal correction facilitiesCounty jailsPrecinct station housesPrison campsYouth correction facilitiesMedium-security correction facilitiesVoluntary correction facilitiesHalfway houses and pre-release programsReintegration programsAlternative schoolsJuvenile detention centersJuvenile group homesWomen’s and family sheltersDomestic violence agenciesImmigration and naturalization servicesOther nonprofit organizationsSeek courses or training in topics such as

victimology, social problems, diversity issues, orgrieving.

Supplement curriculum with courses in psychology, sociology, or social work.

Gain experience working with a juvenile population in any capacity (i.e., sports teams, summer campcounselor, parks and recreation programs, andcommunity/religious youth groups).

Gain related experience in employment interviewing, social casework, substance abuse, andrehabilitation.

Learn to work well with people of diverse backgrounds.Consider learning a second language.Maintain a blemish-free driving and criminal record.Gain firearms and self-defense training.Earn a master’s degree in social work or counseling for therapy positions.

Obtain a masters degree in criminal justice or business for upper-level positions in facilities

management or administration. JUDICIARY AND LAW Court Reporting Legal AssistanceLegal ResearchAdministration Local, state, and federal courtsLaw firmsCorporate legal departmentsPublic interest law organizations

Consider a double major or minor in the social

sciences such as psychology, anthropology,sociology, or political science.

Attend a postsecondary vocational or technical college that offers court reporting or paralegal certificationprograms.

Obtain a law degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).

Learn to use software packages such as CD-ROM research databases.

Develop strong research, computer, and writing skills.Maintain a high grade point average to gain admittance to law school.

Participate in mock trial groups. STRATEGIES

EMPLOYERS

AREAS

(Criminal Justice, Page 2) LAW ENFORCEMENT PatrollingInvestigatingForensicsProbationSecurity City/County Government Organizations including:

Police departmentsCorrection facilitiesCounty sheriff departmentsLiquor Control Commission

State Government Organizations including: State troopersCrime labsPenitentiaries

Federal Government Organizations including: U.S. Customs and Border ProtectionFederal Bureau of Investigations (FBI)Internal Revenue Service (IRS)Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)Department of Homeland SecurityPostal ServiceFederal MarshalsWildlife, Fisheries, and ParksUnited States Department of Agriculture (USDA)National Parks Service

Crime laboratoriesColleges and universities Obtain related training or certifications such as CPR,

first aid, or EMT.

Complete a formal police academy program upon graduation.

Maintain a healthy and physically fit lifestyle.Volunteer to work in a police department or campus safety department.

Complete an internship in a crime laboratory to gain experience in the forensic application of science.

Obtain a double major in criminal justice and a hard science (biology, chemistry, or biochemistry) ifinterested in a career in forensics.

Consider earning a master's degree in Forensic Science or related discipline.

Become familiar with the government application process.

Learn a second language. BUSINESS Private Security ConsultingInvestigatingSystems IntegrationGlobal IntelligencePrivate InvestigationInternet SecurityLoss and Prevention Insurance companiesBanksPrivate security companiesSoftware companiesHotels and resortsHealth care facilitiesTransportation servicesNuclear power plantsManufacturersOnline companiesOther large corporations Minor in business or computer science.Seek practicum/internship experiences that include

training in the hardware and software of securitysystems.

Maintain good physical fitness.Develop exceptional written and oral communication skills.

Seek leadership opportunities and develop strong interpersonal skills.

Attend firearm safety courses. Obtain first aid and CPR certification.

Gain military experience and training.Earn a graduate degree in business or law for upper- level positions. STRATEGIES

(Criminal Justice, Page 3)

AREAS EMPLOYERS

Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. (2004) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA /ADEA Employer

GENERAL INFORMATION EDUCATION Teaching Research Colleges and universitiesAdult education providersPublic and private high schools Earn a graduate degree for post-secondary teaching

opportunities.

Get a teaching certificate for elementary or secondary education. Gain a dual certification forincreased opportunities

Serve as a tutor to other students.Develop strong written and oral communication skills.Assist a professor with research.Take additional coursework related to research and statistics.

Many criminal justice professions require candidates to possess strong oral and written communication skills and good computer skills. The ability to speaka second language is also desirable.

Develop good listening skills and the ability to work well with a wide range of diverse populations.

Most entry-level positions for criminal justice majors reside with law enforcement and social service organizations.

Be willing to start in an entry-level job in order to prepare for more advanced career opportunities.

Obtain experience through volunteer, practicum, or internship opportunities.

Supplement program of study with courses in business, psychology, anthropology, or sociology. Course work related to the hard sciences (biology,chemistry, or biochemistry) is preferred for career opportunities in forensics.

Depending upon one's career goals, earn a master's degree in disciplines such as criminal justice, forensic science, social work, counseling, or business toobtain positions involving therapy, higher levels of administration, forensics, or research. Earn the doctorate degree for university teaching positions.

Conduct informational interviews with professionals in fields of interest to learn more about opportunities.