Are you currently a police officer or corrections officer interested in leadership roles in criminal law and the U.S. justice system? The Bachelor of Arts in Criminology & Criminal Justice – Accelerated Professional Track online program from William Paterson University can prepare you to make a more significant impact in your career. The program leverages your police academy or department of corrections training in any state for up to 30 hours of credit.
Students in the program gain expertise in the causes and consequences of criminal behavior and evidence-backed, community harm-reduction methods. The curriculum provides practical, analytical and theoretical tools that will help prepare you for leadership roles in criminal justice administration.
Hundreds of leadership career paths are available to graduates who enter the program with experience as law enforcement and correction officers. The following are five positions that represent the spectrum of job opportunities and respective annual salary information (as of November 2021):
Criminal Investigator: $93,843 average base salary
In this role, you may work for a city or county police department, the state, FBI or other federal law enforcement agency. You may be a generalist or a specialist, focusing on specific types of crimes. You will gather facts and collect evidence online and in the field, using the information you acquire to obtain warrants and participate in arrests, as well as prepare criminal complaints, investigations, indictments and prosecutions. You will often testify in court. This position is a dynamic and lucrative career option, if you are highly detail-oriented and organized and have the mental toughness to deal with criminals and crime scenes, this is a dynamic and lucrative career option.
FBI Agent: $79,050 average base salary
As an agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigations, you may investigate federal crimes, organized crime, cybercrime or terrorism. The FBI seeks agents with a broad range of backgrounds and skills to enforce more than 300 federal statutes, conduct criminal and national security investigations, uphold the U.S. constitution and protect U.S. citizens. The work is highly diverse; some agents use computer skills to track down cyberterrorists or hackers. Some use accounting skills to uncover illegal assets, and some use foreign languages to interview victims of crimes such as human trafficking. The FBI seeks well-educated and trained individuals with aptitudes related to law/legal systems, military/law enforcement, cybersecurity and education/teaching.
Fire Marshal: $64,634 average base salary
Fire marshals typically work for city or county fire departments or state-level agencies. Responsibilities include fire code enforcement and investigating the causes of fires, including arson, negligence and fire code violations. Additional duties may include enforcing occupancy limits at nightclubs and concert venues, performing inspections and making arrests for arson and related offenses.
Forensic Specialist or Scientist: average base salary $67,421
Forensic specialists collaborate with criminal detectives to answer scientific questions related to crimes. They may specialize in blood spatter, fiber, DNA or ballistics, among other disciplines. They document examination results and findings, monitor workflow to meet testing schedules, assist in investigations and often testify as experts in legal proceedings. They often uncover hard-to-find facts in important, high-profile and even cold cases.
Emergency Management Coordinator: average base salary $60,787
This role acts as a liaison, typically for state or local governments, in which the coordinator prepares policies and procedures for responding to natural disasters and emergencies. Depending on the type of event, a person in this position may communicate with the EMS agency, area clinics, fire and police departments and other agencies. A person in this role may prepare emergency plans, including coordinated responses from various agencies in preparation for emergencies. When events occur, the emergency management coordinator writes and compiles documentation to submit to multiple departments following laws and regulations. This role may also work in colleges and universities, hospitals and nonprofit organizations.
One of the advantages of this degree is the wide range of career options and potential employers. Another is the relative recession resistance, as crimes and emergencies do not slow down or accelerate depending upon economic cycles. If a dynamic career with many leadership paths and financial stability appeals to you, consider investing your time in the B.A. in Criminology & Criminal Justice program.
Learn more about William Paterson University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Criminology & Criminal Justice – Accelerated Professional Track program.
