Criminal Justice: Finding Clues to Career Success
Are you obsessed with every minute detail? Can you picture yourself in a real-life "Law & Order" crime scene or "CSI" lab? Have you considered a new career by studying criminal justice online?
In addition to traditional jobs in local, state and federal law enforcement, an online criminal justice degree prepares you for many careers including:
- crime scene investigator
- forensic science technician
- polygraph examiner
- private detectives
- court reporters
- paralegals
You can take advantage of the opportunities to get an online degree in criminal justice. Many accredited colleges and universities offer online criminal justice degree programs that allow you to study at your own pace.
Crime Scene Investigator
A crime scene investigator works mostly in the field and is called to the scene of a crime to first evaluate the situation and then proceed to:- gather, secure and package evidence
- write detailed reports including observations and analyses
- photograph the scene
Forensic Science Technician
A forensic science technician investigates crimes and may be called to testify in court. The work of a forensic science technician includes:
- collecting and analyzing physical evidence
- performing DNA analysis or other tests on substances found at the scene
- documenting findings and laboratory techniques used
Private Detectives and Investigators
Training in subjects such as criminal justice and police science is helpful to aspiring private detectives and investigators.
Criminal Justice Career Outlook
Getting an online degree in criminal justice can be the first step to a rewarding new career. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor:
- jobs for forensic science technicians are expected to increase much faster than average
- employment of private detectives and investigators is expected to grow faster than the national average
- employment for paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow much faster than average
Start a new career in criminal justice now!

