Criminal justice degree programs in Utah can prepare you for law enforcement careers throughout the nation. Local, state, and federal agencies are on the prowl for qualified candidates.

By Gabby Hyman
RWM Columnist
August 22, 2006

In our dangerous post-911 world, local, state and federal law enforcement agencies are on the lookout -- for qualified graduates of criminal justice programs. There's a rising demand for candidates to staff jobs in homeland security, border protection, computer security, and the detection of white collar fraud. Throughout the state of Utah, colleges with criminal justice departments are ramping up degree programs to meet this critical need.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), applicants with college degrees or certificates in criminal justice will move to the front of the hiring line. Approximately 80 percent of America's working police and detectives in 2004 were employed by local agencies, with 12 percent at work with state agencies and six percent with the federal government.

New criminal justice fields are created all the time as the country faces greater security risks from within and without our borders. However, criminal justice grads from Utah will be needed to serve in our traditional law enforcement agencies as well.

Training for the Diversity of Criminal Justice Careers
Utah schools currently offer a range of criminal justice degree programs that will qualify you to apply for many entry-level posts. Advanced criminal justice training for working professionals can prepare you for advancement.

If you're looking to enter a criminal justice career in law enforcement, the breadth of opportunities should amaze you. In Utah alone, you can serve in police, sheriffs, state highway, and corrections agencies. Each municipality in Utah hires officers, detectives, and forensics officers.

In the federal government, graduates of Utah criminal justice degree programs can apply for positions with The Department of Homeland Security, The Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the U.S. Secret Service.

Federal Law Enforcement Agencies Hiring
In addition, the U.S. Secret Service hires agents to protect officials and dignitaries, and the U.S. government is expected to hire additional Federal Air Marshals to help protect the skies. Most federal and state-level hiring will go to grads with at least a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Some federal agencies require post-graduate training.

Your degree in criminal justice has so many applications in today's world. And Utah schools help pave your way into this rewarding profession.

Sources
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

About the Author
Gabby Hyman has created online strategies and written content for Fortune 500 companies including eToys, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems, Microsoft Encarta, Avaya, and Nissan UK.