Society today faces a previously unimaginable number of threats and crimes both locally and globally. Alongside this increase in threats, we understand victimization, analysis, detection, and prevention at higher levels than ever before.
How has humanity made it possible to solve crimes and care for victims with increasing accuracy? Through a rapidly evolving criminal justice system dedicated to keeping pace with science while protecting our communities. But with this evolving landscape comes a need for curious and educated job applicants in the criminal justice field.
If you’re currently in a criminal justice or criminal justice-adjacent career such as security, policing law, or the court system, you could advance your career to a leadership level by earning a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice. In addition, a Master’s in Criminal Justice can improve your communication and research skills, as you learn more about the most current theories and trends in the growing field of criminal justice.
Let’s define what a Master’s in Criminal Justice is and explore a few of the career paths available after earning this degree.
What is a Master’s in Criminal Justice?
The University of Bridgeport’s (UB) Master of Arts in Criminal Justice and Human Security degree program is designed to help students gain expertise in the worldwide political, cultural, and socioeconomic conditions that contribute to crime and its attenuation.
The Criminal Justice Master’s program at UB helps students gain insight into the cultural, ethnic, religious, and ideological differences often found at the root of criminal acts, violence, and terror. Furthermore, some of the in-depth topics covered are:
- Domestic, international, and comparative criminal law
- Transnational crime
- Cybercrime
- Cyberterrorism
- Human security
Those with an interest in processing current justice policies have many jobs available to them, such as police, security, or correctional officers. These positions typically require applicants to have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
Whereas others, with an interest in professional-level justice positions, such as police and detective supervisors, forensic psychologists, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents, and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents, require a level of education and experience that can only be found through a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice.
Career Paths Available After Completing a Master’s in Criminal Justice
A Master’s in Criminal Justice allows students to advance or enter a variety of jobs including ones in law enforcement, corrections, courtroom positions and security.
1. Police Supervisor and Detective Supervisor
Officers and detectives need managers to lead department efforts. As a police or detective supervisor, you’ll create work schedules, evaluate performance, decide on department training efforts, and provide support and guidance to their direct reports. Candidates must have a detailed understanding of the daily tasks conducted by these direct reports.
2. Forensic Psychologist
Forensic psychologists study criminals and criminal behavior. In this career, you may be called on to assist with a variety of issues, including:
- Lawsuits
- Testimony
- Custody conflicts
- Crime prevention
- Research to understand criminals and their motivations
In this career, you may also assess if a person is competent to stand trial, work with a child witness, or even administer some types of therapy to victims of crime.
3. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Agent
This area of law enforcement operates under the United States Department of Justice and focuses specifically on illegal drugs and drug trafficking.
DEA agents’ jobs and daily tasks can vary widely. Some agents are required to travel all over the world in this high-risk position, especially if undercover work is necessary. Agents may also need to testify in court, handle arrests, contribute to anti-drug efforts and education, and write reports based on their observations and tracking of drug activity.
4. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Agent
FBI agents investigate crime at a national level including focus areas of drug trafficking, terrorism, white-collar crime, extortion, organized crime, and foreign counterintelligence. The work often involves interviewing suspects and witnesses and collecting evidence.
FBI agents must adhere to high departmental standards and follow specific procedures in order to preserve the integrity of evidence and intelligence. A deep understanding of laws, rights, and processes, obtained in Master’s of Criminal Justice degree programs, along with an abiding commitment to national security is required of this career.
In addition to these fast-growing career fields, graduates of the Master’s in Criminal Justice program can also pursue jobs as a:
- Intelligence analyst
- Policy analyst
- Cybersecurity investigator
- Emergency management director
- Criminal profiler
- Criminologist
- Victim advocate
- Federal Marshall
- Fraud investigator
- Correctional caseworker
There are many opportunities to serve the local and global community within the justice system. By earning a Master’s in Criminal Justice, you open yourself up to a wide variety of career paths, jobs, and opportunities.
Upon graduation at UB from our Master’s in Criminal Justice degree program, we ensure students are ready to work professionally in all criminal justice fields, such as international security, defense, intelligence, and transnational crime prevention around the world.
Additionally, UB offers a 50 percent tuition discount for enrolled students currently employed as law enforcement personnel (police officers, corrections officers, members of the armed forces, and veterans) with permanent residence in Connecticut, New York, or New Jersey.
The growth and reorganization of the justice system nationwide are opening a wide variety of career options. There is truly no better time to earn a Master’s in Criminal Justice degree. Apply now and start your future today!