Launch a Career in Homeland Security
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) includes a broad range of departments working toward the same goals: Reduce the country's vulnerability to terrorist acts and respond quickly when they happen. Homeland security agents may work in border security, drug enforcement (DEA), immigration, emergency relief (FEMA), the Secret Service or transportation (TSA).
Online Degrees for Homeland Security Agents
The Department of Homeland Security provides a wide range of career opportunities, which means just about any bachelor's degree in the criminal justice field can be helpful, especially those specializing in Homeland Security. Candidates must also be able to pass background checks and receive security clearances.
Homeland Security Training
Homeland Security agent job duties vary widely by department, but include some of the following:
- Border security and transportation
- Domestic intelligence
- Emergency preparation and response
- Immigration policy enforcement and administration
- Protection against, prevention of and recovery from terrorist attacks and natural disasters
The U.S. Department of Labor predicts Department of Homeland Security opportunities will grow over the next decade, particularly in the emergency preparedness and border and transportation security fields. If you're interested in helping to keep the country safe, a career as a Homeland Security agent could be for you.
Launch a Career in Immigration
Immigration officers, also known as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents or ICE agents, are employees of the Department of Homeland Security. They enforce customs and immigration laws; protect the country's citizens and structures from terrorism; and provide security for federal buildings and airlines.
Online Degrees for Immigration Officers
The Department of Homeland Security requires immigration officers to have bachelor's degrees; those in criminal justice, law enforcement or Homeland Security are especially helpful. Although not required, master's degree coursework can help immigration officers move up the ranks into management positions more quickly.
Immigration Officer Training
Individual immigration officer duties vary by department, but generally some of the job responsibilities include:
- Apprehend, process, detain or deport criminal or illegal aliens to their home countries
- Conduct linguistics and technology investigations
- Protect structures important to national security
- Investigate allegations concerning cybercrime, illegal drugs and terrorism
- Provide protection for federal employees
An immigration officer candidate must be a U.S. citizen under 40 years of age, have resided in the U.S. for three of the previous five years and have a valid driver's license and work experience (government preferred).
Launch a Career in Border Patrol
Border Patrol agents work for the federal government under the Department of Homeland Security by enforcing border protection and customs laws. Their main functions prevent smuggling of weapons, drugs and people into the country to keep it safe.
Online Degrees for Border Patrol Agents
Border patrol agents are generally required to have a combination of experience and education, but no specific degree is required to be considered for employment. Degrees in foreign languages, Homeland Security and criminal justice can make candidates particularly attractive during recruitment and also for promotions within the department.
Border Patrol Training
Border patrol agents carry firearms and are expected to perform well in stressful situations. Basic training is always required, as is some preparation the following areas:
- Communicating in a foreign language
- Enforcing United States customs and border protection laws
- Handling dangerous situations that may involve illegal activities
- Questioning, detaining and transporting violators
If you think you have what it takes to protect the United States from dangerous and threatening border activities, a career as a border control agent may be for you.
Launch a Career in Corrections
Correctional officers guard and process approximately 12 million inmates every year, supervising the prisoners who are incarcerated in locked institutions and assuring the security and safety of the institution itself. Coursework in criminal justice and the determination to ensure the security of these locked facilities are essential to excel in this career.
Degree Programs for Corrections Officer
Corrections officers are required to have a minimum of three year's experience in a similar role or hold a bachelor's degree to work in the Federal Bureau of Prisons. In order to better understand the psychology of criminal behavior and best manage institutional inmates, a degree program with a focus in corrections will put you one step ahead of other candidates.
Corrections Work Preparation>
A correctional officer must maintain order, supervise and guard the inmates who are incarcerated in the institution. They will often search cells for contraband, enforce discipline and monitor the activities of inmates. Working as a correctional officer requires special training in one or more of the following areas:
- Escorting prisoners and facility visitors
- Inspecting security devices
- Ensuring safety within large facilities
- Maintaining notes
Due in part to an increasing prison population, opportunities for correctional officer positions should grow over the next several years according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Is a Career as a Criminal Justice Calling?
Interested in a career that emphasizes fairness while pursuing, arresting or trying suspects? If so, a career in criminal justice could be the right one for you. From positions in the federal government to on-the-street law enforcement, there are many opportunities for people who want to protect and serve the public. Read on to see if you have what it takes.
Careers in Criminal Justice
There is a high demand for individuals with degrees in criminal justice, but keeping the peace, assisting victims with retribution and enforcing justice in the legal system comes in many forms. Explore a wide variety of criminal justice careers below.
Law Enforcement
- Analyst: Collect facts, evidence and other material related to crime and put them in order to develop a case, explain a problem or describe crime trends.
- Police: Serve the community by enforcing federal, state and local laws while preserving the peace.
- Probation: Evaluate the progress of convicted offenders' efforts at rehabilitation and monitor compliance with the terms of their sentences, reporting their findings to the court.
- Records: Help law enforcement agencies identify, capture and process suspected criminals.
- Sheriff: Uniformed law enforcement officials who works at the county level of state government.
Court
- Bailiff: Tasked with providing general security for the courthouse and its staff, maintaining appropriate courtroom decorum and taking charge of juries when the court is not in session.
- Court Clerk: Responsibilities include maintaining the records of the court, issuing licenses and assisting officers of the court in research.
- Court Reporter: Create verbatim transcripts of courtroom proceedings and other events.
- Paralegal: Work under the direction and authority of attorneys performing work of a legal nature without engaging in actions that are restricted by law solely to attorneys.
- Records: Process, file and distribute court records.
Corrections
- Corrections Officer: Supervise prisoners in various locked facilities and maintains security in these institutions.
- Prison Personnel: Manage prison, administrative and custodial staff.
- Records: Review, process and file judgments, sentences and records of inmates.
- Warden: Supervise prisoners in various locked facilities and maintains security in these institutions.
Private Sector
- Business Support and Security: Patrol assigned areas of businesses while remaining vigilant of criminal activity.
- Home Security: Patrol assigned areas of estates and individuals while remaining vigilant of criminal activity.
- Private Investigator: Hired by people to investigate private matters, such as a cheating spouse or missing person.
- Records: Process, file and distribute records for businesses and employers.
Public Safety
- Child Protective Service: Arrange and deliver personal, psychological or social services intended to protect children and families at risk.
- Community Safety: Reduce crime in the community through special training, monitoring and patrolling.
- Home Security: Patrol assigned areas of estates and individuals while remaining vigilant of criminal activity.
- Human Services Worker: Work to help improve the overall quality of life for individuals in group homes, halfway houses, community centers and various programs.
- Records: Process, file and distribute records in the area of public safety.
- Victims Advocate: Actively promote the health and welfare of victims' rights.
Federal Government
- Agent (ATF, CIA, DEA, FBI, ICE): Work in federal law enforcement to safeguard the country and gather intelligence.
- Customs Agent: Enforce immigration and customs laws, safeguard U.S. commercial aviation and protect federal facilities.
- Secret Service: Provide personal protection, guard U.S. financial systems and investigate financial crimes.
- Treasury Agent: Collect taxes from businesses according to laws and determine tax liability.
- U.S. Marshal: Serve warrants issued by Federal courts, seize and dispose of property under court orders and arrest people wanted by the law.
Other Professions:
- Animal Control Officer
- Bailiff
- Border Patrol Agent
- Corrections Officer
- Court Clerk
- Crime Scene Investigator (CSI)
- Customs Agent
- Detective
- Dispatcher
- Federal Bureau of Investigation Agent (FBI)
- Fingerprint Specialist
- Forensic Scientist
- Game Warden
- Highway Patrolman
- Homeland Security Agent
- Immigrations Officer
- Law Enforcement Officer
- Parole Officer
- Police Officer
- Prison Warden
- Private Investigator
- Probation Officer
- Secret Service Agent
- Security Guard
- Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT)
- State Trooper
- US Marshal
- Victim's Advocate
Detectives can be promoted in the same way as police officers, including to the ranks of sergeant, lieutenant, captain, deputy chief and chief. Whether you're looking to become a private investigator or crime scene investigator, starting a degree program in criminal justice can be a great first step toward advancing your career.
Earn Your Degree Online in Criminal Justice
Accelerate your career with an online degree in criminal justice. Find certificates, associate, bachelor's and master's degree programs that emphasize fairness in the apprehension, prosecution, defense and incarceration of those charged with criminal offenses.
Degrees in Criminal Justice
Most criminal justice positions require a minimum of a bachelor's degree to qualify for employment, but some entry-level positions can be obtained with a certificate or an associate degree. If you're ready to seek justice for citizens and retribution for victims, choose an online degree program in criminal justice from the list below.
Associate Degrees in Criminal Justice
- Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's Degrees in Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Organizational Security and Management
Master's Degrees in Criminal Justice
- Master of Science/Administration of Justice and Security
Police work is a highly competitive field, but for qualified individuals, it is a growing field with excellent career potential.
