Always wanted to know how they do that plea bargain stuff on Law and Order? Ever wondered what can I do with a criminal justice degree that will help me understand the interesting–if strange–dynamics between a prosecutor and defender.

Then this fascinating role simulation from Harvard will be just what you want. This legal criminal plea simulation lets you get inside the whole process of real justice–not just the fancy stuff in textbooks. A great way to see which criminal justice jobs might appeal to you after you finish up school

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One question I’ve gotten from young graduates looking for criminal justice jobs–right after the perennial what can I do with a criminal justice degree–is how do I get a job with the FBI?

One common misconception is that you have to have previous law enforcement degree. This is not true.

Experience in law enforcement can’t hurt–and because it’s so competitive to get a job with the bureau they can be picky–but it is not required.

What is required is a degree, and that you are a citizen. (In addition to no history of drugs or a criminal record.) Also at least 3 years of job experience, post degree, and off-the-charts intangibles like being motivated and a self-starter.

If you wanna be a “special agent” then having experience as a cop is probably a really good idea. But there are 5 different FBI programs:

• Accounting
• Computer science/information technology
• Law
• Language
• Diversified

This leaves open a ton of areas to focus on that may not require you to be a CHP for 3 years.

Takeaway: Don’t just think you have to carry a gun like Booth on “Bones” to work for the FBI. There are ton of exciting careers in the FBI that don’t involve field work–and will satisfactorily answer the question, what can I do with a criminal justice degree?

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So you’ve graduated from college with a criminal justice degree. Or perhaps you’re thinking about going back to school to get a criminal justice degree. And you’re probably wondering to yourself “What can I do with a criminal justice degree?”

Well, as it turns out, you can actually do quite a bit. Criminal justice degrees afford students the chance to study the legal and corrections systems from a variety of perspectives and possible career destinations.

Here are 3 jobs that a criminal justice major would be qualified for, and will hopefully help them answer the age-old question…” What Can I Do with a Criminal Justice Degree?”

What Can I Do with a Criminal Justice Degree Tip No.1: Law Enforcement

This is probably the most popular career landing spot for criminal justice majors. And the reason is clear: criminal justice majors study the patterns of criminal behavior–and the measures taken to control that behavior–and there may be no more practical hands-on application of these methods than in the frontlines of law enforcement.

But what does working in law enforcement actually mean? Well, obviously, it includes working in state, town, county and city police departments. (This includes state troopers, CHP, police officers.)

But it can also include federal departments, such as the FBI, DEA, ATF and even as a special agent of the CIA.

Obviously having a criminal justice degree doesn’t guarantee you’ll land one of these jobs. (There are certain physical capabilities which come into play, as well.) But there’s no question that a criminal justice degree will give you leg up on the heavy competition, especially in these uncertain economic times.

What Can I Do with a Criminal Justice Degree Tip No.2: Probation Officer

Another possible area for criminal justice majors to look at is in probations. Probation officers deal with offenders in a much different arena, helping offenders and re-offenders of the justice system become functioning members of society after serving time in some form of correctional facility.

One of the biggest draws of a career as a probation officer is the ability to actually change and impact lives. (You are often dealing with people at their most vulnerable and desperate)

If are interested in how the criminal justice system works, have great communication skills, and really like to listen to people then you would make a great candidate for a career in probations.

What Can I Do with a Criminal Justice Degree Tip No.3: Institutional Counselor

Similar to the area of probations, but not nearly as competitive is the role of institutional counselor. Never heard of the position?

It’s basically a social services counselor–not unlike a social worker–but in an adult or juvenile correctional setting.

Like the probation officer position, it does require great communication skills and the ability to listen effectively. It can also require advanced schooling, such as an advanced degree in social services.

But one common path to getting an institutional counselor position is to catch on as a social or human services assistant. (Some correctional facilities will sponsor you as you get more schooling.)

Either way it can be rewarding work–if demanding–and can be a great way to put good use to that criminal justice degree you worked so hard for.

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