Prospective law enforcement officers are often required to complete courses in criminal justice before entering a law enforcement academy, while prospective attorneys often choose to complete undergraduate criminal justice programs prior to law school. Entry-level positions in the Minnesota criminal justice industry generally require applicants to hold a bachelor degree in criminal justice in order to be considered for employment.
Examples of popular criminal justice careers include correctional treatment specialist, probation officer, sheriff’s patrol officer and police patrol officer. The Occupational Outlook Handbook 2008-2009 Edition, published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, includes statistics showing that, in 2006, 94,000 probation officers and correctional treatment specialists were employed in the U.S., making an average of $42,500 per year. This report also shows that there were 648,000 police patrol officers and sheriff’s patrol officers, making an average of $52,810 per year. Projections included in the report show that the estimated growth rate for these criminal justice careers is 11% over the next several years. Minnesota criminal justice careers are poised to experience a similar expansion.
If you would like to learn more about Minnesota criminal justice careers, or are ready to find the criminal justice program that is right for you, browse the comprehensive list of schools offering Minnesota criminal justice programs listed below.