Many careers within the criminal justice field require no more than a Bachelor’s degree. This includes occupations like police officer, criminal investigator, forensic science technician, and loss prevention specialist. However, if you would like to further your career and expand your knowledge, you’ll be happy to know that there are many benefits to investing in a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice, no matter which career you choose.
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Career Advancement
Can you see yourself in an upper management or leadership position? Then you should definitely consider getting a Master’s in Criminal Justice. The additional knowledge and expertise gained through your studies can really help boost your resume and give you the leg up when it comes to promotional opportunities.
Many professionals are not qualified to be leaders in the field without a Master’s in Criminal Justice. Many employers consider education just as important as experience.
More Career Opportunities
Although many jobs within the field don’t require a master’s degree, there are many that actually do. Some of these careers include criminologist, forensic psychologist, U.S. marshal, and public policy advisor. If you have an interest in any of these areas, you should plan on investing your time and money in an advanced degree.
Increased Salary
An elevated job title often comes with an increase in salary. Consider pursuing an advanced degree in criminal justice for the compensation benefits. According to Payscale, police and probation officers holding a bachelor’s degree earn a starting salary between $28,000 and $31,000, while criminologists and forensic psychologists holding Master’s degrees earn upwards of $40,000.
Due to the fact that criminal justice jobs are within the public sector, the money you spend on furthering your education could be reimbursed by the local government. This is one of the many perks of working in the criminal justice field.
Supplementary Income
Earning a Master’s degree may not get you promoted immediately, but it will provide you more opportunities to work and earn money. You could take a part-time job as an adjunct college professor or even devote some of your spare time to advising lawmakers on criminal justice issues.
There are many opportunities for supplemental work in this field. Just spend some time researching jobs in your area, and you’re sure to find part-time criminal justice positions in high-demand.
Beating the Competition
If your goal is promotion, you can beat out the competition by getting a Master’s degree. It can also really help you stand out if you’re looking to work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Having the degree on your resume looks great, but most professionals see a Master’s as more than education. Many programs require internships or real-life scenarios, where students will have responsibilities of the actual job.
Gaining More Knowledge
Educational institutions like the University of Cincinnati offer nationally recognized Masters in Criminal Justice programs which provide students valuable knowledge on law, corrections, and juvenile justice that they would otherwise not be exposed to on the job, or even in a Bachelor’s degree program.
Pursuing a master’s degree in criminal justice may not be for everyone, and should only been considered after you’ve done some career planning. But if you’re looking to advance in the field, earn some additional income, and edge out the competition, a Master’s in Criminal Justice may be just what you’re looking for.
