There are a wide range of reasons why people choose to enter into a career in the field of criminal justice. Perhaps their main reason is that they would like to give back to the community and make a difference in the lives of others, while some people are looking for an exciting career where they can enjoy a wide variety of experiences and no two days ever being the same. Others are drawn to the many career progression opportunities in the criminal justice industry, while the great pay and benefits that most criminal justice professionals earn is another key factor.

A degree in criminal justice will prepare you to enter into a field that offers a high level of job security, career advancement opportunities while being exciting and intellectually challenging at the same time. You’ll be able to reap the rewards of helping others as part of your role and collect a wide range of benefits packages that your friends will envy.        And if you are looking for a position with a variety of opportunities available to you, it’s a great choice.

#1. Job Stability:

Today, sadly not that many people benefit from strong job stability in their roles, but the criminal justice system tends to be an exception. Whether you are working for a police department, federal law enforcement, prisons, probation, or legal services, crime never takes a day off, so your services will always be needed and you’ll always have a job. And, as a public servant your career will not be as vulnerable to the ups and downs of the public sector.

#2. The Chance to Help Others:

While you may not consider criminal justice to be a helping profession, that is in fact exactly what it is. Working in the criminal justice profession means that you will be helping members of the community by protecting them from criminal activity, and helping people who might have once turned to a life of crime get back onto the straight and narrow and improve their lives without the need to get involved with criminal activity. Plus, you will have access to a wide range of opportunities when it comes to helping others and giving back to your community, whether it is working to rehabilitate convicted criminals and helping them to become more productive members of society, supervising the progress of those on probation, or becoming an advocate for victims.

#3. Intellectual Stimulation:

If you think that you don’t have to be all that smart or educated to enjoy a stable career in criminal justice, then you couldn’t be further from the truth. Whether working as a law enforcement officer or in another branch of the industry, it’s essential that you are able to think on your feet and make smart decisions in order to keep up with the challenges that are thrown your way. As a criminal justice professional, you will need to possess strong problem-solving skills to stay on top in your career and get results. In most cases, you will need an associate’s degree – this online associates degree in criminal justice is a great choice. And, for those who want to advance beyond an entry-level position, a bachelor’s or master’s degree may be required.

#4. Excellent Health and Retirement Benefits:

Criminal justice professionals, law enforcement officers, and others working in this field tend to enjoy the kind of health and retirement benefits that most young people today can only dream about. Working as a public servant in the criminal justice sector, you will benefit from some of the very best health insurance packages available to workers today, particularly if your role involves working for the federal government. Training and tuition assistance, paid holidays, life insurance, sick leave, and student loan repayment programs are just some further benefits that you may be able to take advantage of.

#5. Excellent Progression Opportunities:

Another great reason to consider a career in the field of criminal justice is the excellent career progression and opportunities that it provides. Working in criminal justice is barely ever a career where you are going to be doing the same job for years; those with a hunger to progress and a desire to improve their prospects are met with several career advancement prospects to choose from. Whether you see yourself leading a team, managing a department, or even climbing all the way to the top, there are rewards available for those who want them – and can work hard for them – in the field of criminal justice.

#6. Wide Range of Roles:

When you think of a career in criminal justice, you probably think about working in law enforcement or as a federal agent, but these are just two of the many different career options available to you in this field. When you step into the world of criminal justice, you will find a surprisingly large range of career options to choose from. In addition to working as a federal agent or a law enforcement officer, there are private-sector jobs to consider, such as a private investigator or security professional. Those who enjoy writing could find a fulfilling career as a court room reporter who writes everything that is said during a trial, or you could find work in the science side of things, for example, working as a crime scene investigator, forensic scientist or even a coroner.

#7. Learn New Skills:

Last but not least, a career in criminal justice is the perfect choice for anybody who loves to spend their lives learning and acquiring new skills. From the moment you begin studying for a criminal justice program, you’ll be learning new skills both physically and mentally, and improving yourself every day. And on the job, this learning never stops – every day you will be presented with a new challenge, crimes and mysteries to solve that will help you fine-tune your skills and become better at what you do.

If you’re looking for a career with great benefits, progression, a variety of roles to choose from and the chance to improve yourself, criminal justice is a great field for you.