Jobs in the criminal justice field with an associates degree

What Are Different Types of Jobs that Require an Associate Degree In Criminal Justice?

Different jobs that require an associate degree in criminal justice include working as a police officer, probation officer, corrections officer, or one of many jobs in forensic science, such as being a lab technician, a crime scene investigator, or medical examiners assistant. Your specific duties and responsibilities depend on the type of work you do. If you are a police officer, for example, you file paperwork, investigate crimes, testify in court, and uphold the constitution. A corrections officer, meanwhile, enforces security measures needed at a prison. Forensic scientists typically investigate crime scenes and analyze samples to find clues.

What Are the Qualifications to Get a Job That Requires an Associate Degree In Criminal Justice?

Other than an associate degree in criminal justice, the qualifications to get a job in legal studies or criminology include good technical skills and previous experience in law enforcement or criminal justice. While you can enter the police academy without having an associate degree, to advance in a law enforcement agency you need to complete an associate degree at some point. Many forensic scientists need to have lab experience and meticulous observational skills. No matter the position, you need to have excellent interpersonal and written communication skills.

Criminal justice is the study of criminal laws and constitutional protections afforded by the judicial system. An associate degree in criminal justice, forensic science or legal studies can prepare a student to pursue a four-year degree or for an entry-level position in law enforcement or the legal field.

Two-year degree programs in criminal justice at schools like Century College include courses in corrections, criminology, juvenile justice and the criminal courts. There are jobs in criminal justice without being a cop, such as paralegal and forensic technician jobs. Criminal justice careers are a good fit for those interested in researching the law and studying legal matters.

Paralegal and Legal Assistant

Criminal justice jobs with an associate degree include paralegals and legal assistants. These professionals assist lawyers in conducting legal research, preparing documents and organizing information for court appearances. Some paralegals specialize in an area such as criminal or corporate law, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Paralegals usually have an associate degree in paralegal studies, but certificate programs are available for those with a degree in another field. In addition to a degree in paralegal studies, individuals can apply for certification in the field to enhance employment opportunities.

Fingerprint Examiner

Fingerprint analysts work on crime scenes to collect prints from various surfaces. The examiner runs the prints from a crime scene through law enforcement databases that compare them to the images stored of individuals with fingerprints on file. The job requires accuracy and stellar credentials.

Some employers in states like California will hire otherwise qualified entry-level fingerprint examiners who do not possess a four-year degree. For example, the City of San Diego minimally requires an associate degree in forensic technology with college instruction in basic and advanced fingerprinting techniques.

Forensic Science Technician

Forensic science technicians or crime scene investigators collect evidence, take photographs and perform tests in a laboratory to aid law enforcement. The work performed by crime scene investigators helps law enforcement to reconstruct crime scenes and identify suspects.

According to the BLS, many labs require a bachelor’s degree to work as a crime scene investigator, but smaller agencies may hire technicians with an associate degree education in forensic science technology or law enforcement.

For example, the state police laboratory under the Michigan Civil Service Commission requires an associate degree in forensic science, biology, chemistry, microbiology or applied science and experience to work as a forensic science technician. Forensic technicians may specialize in an area of crime scene investigation such as ballistics or photography.

Salary and Job Growth Trend

In 2019, paralegals and legal assistants earned an annual median salary of ​$51,740​ per year, according to the BLS. During the same period, forensic technicians, including fingerprint examiners, earned a median annual salary of ​$59,150​.

The BLS predicts an employment increase of 14 percent for forensic science technicians in the decade between 2019 and 2029 and an 10 percent increase for paralegals. Both occupations will grow much faster than the 4 percent projected growth rate of all jobs in the U.S.

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