Your desire to enter a criminal justice career will make many demands upon your time and even on your physical strength. Career options within crinimal justice often demand law backgrounds and the ability to be physically fit as well. Although some careers, such as a police officer, may ask only for a high school diploma or a GED depending upon the location of the job, these jobs will never pay as much money as a criminology job that demands a college education.Many careers, such as the CIA agent, ATF agent, DEA agent, criminalist or U.S. Marshal demand the minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Your chances of success in these careers will be enhanced if you pursue a four-year degree in law, criminology, forensic sciences, social work and other courses that lead to a criminal justice career. Sometimes the best way to learn what you need to study is to learn more about the job you wish to pursue.

If you want to pursue a career as a criminologist, then you’ll need to obtain a master’s degree in criminology. This is a requirement. When you need to obtain a master’s degree for any criminal justice job, the job you choose will dictate the courses you need to take. Some jobs may lean more toward social work, while others may lean toward a focus on forensic sciences or psychology.

The most flexible job in criminal justice might be the FBI agent. To pursue a career with the FBI, you must obtain a bachelor’s or master’s degree, but your focus can range from accounting to foreign languages. However, you also will need to obtain at least three years of experience in a law-related field.

The bachelor’s and master’s degrees are essential, as many jobs prefer applicants who have some experience in law, foreign languages, and sciences. Additionally, training after a college education is essential, especially for special agent jobs with the FBI or CIA. In this case, you will travel to either Quantico, Virginia or Glynco, Georgia to train for these careers once accepted.

Finally, a military stint may be helpful for many jobs, as your experience as a soldier will provide you with skills needed in many criminal justice jobs.

No matter which criminal justice job you choose, each one demands a well-rounded education. Additionally, many jobs demand physical and mental fitness and emotional stamina. These jobs are not taken lightly, and they are sometimes stressful. But, a career in criminal justice also can be highly rewarding.