Career Profiles: Criminal Justice

CSULB Department of Criminal Justice

Criminal justice, the study of social control, may be divided into corrections, criminology, law enforcement, and security administration. Each city, suburban area, and national port-of-entry requires protective and related services to check crime, minimize loss of life and property, and enforce regulations that protect the health and safety of its citizens.

Careers in criminal justice require varied combinations of education and experience. Persons working in protective services occupations are often called to respond to high-pressure emergency situations that require sophisticated human relations techniques coupled with quick and decisive action.

Work in the related areas of regulations enforcement is heavily centered on field investigation and the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data related to health, foods and drugs, agriculture, transportation, and business and industrial regulation compliance. Personal qualifications such as honesty and an understanding of human nature are important. In addition to educational requirements, most workers in protective service areas must undergo formal training programs and get on-the-job training experience before they are fully qualified.