STRATEGIES FOR THE ASPIRING CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROFESSIONAL
By Shane Kelley, Academic Chair, Public Safety Programs.
Many children grow up wanting to be police officers, and who can blame
them? It’s an important profession where you can help the community
and offer emergency assistance to those in need.
As the chair of a criminal justice degree program, I have heard students
say many times that they want to get into policing and criminal justice
because it means they can help others. This is a high-stakes profession
that many people aspire to but few are able to achieve.
Here are a few strategies that could help as you strive to pursue or
advance a career within the criminal justice profession.* Though we will
discuss policing and corrections specifically, these strategies are valuable
tools for gaining entry into other areas of criminal justice as well.†
Know What You’re Getting Into
It is important to understand what a given job entails. For example, if you’re interested in becoming a
police officer, consider a ride-along with your local police department. If you’re considering corrections,
find out if it is possible to shadow a local corrections officer for a day. Understanding what the job
requires helps you decide whether you want to pursue it. Your career interests should help determine
which criminal justice agencies and professions you consider. It is easier to show dedication and passion
in a career that you enjoy and understand. Knowing what you’re getting into will also help curb any
anxieties that you might have about the profession you are considering.
Understand the Requirements for Your Area
Each state and local agency has different requirements for aspiring police officers and criminal justice
professionals. Some agencies require more education than others, and certain agencies may even
require previous criminal justice experience, at least for advancement. The most common way to gain
this experience is by completing your local police/corrections academy training and becoming a police
officer, corrections officer, or other entry-level criminal justice professional.
To make it into the academy, there will typically be some form of written exam, physical fitness check,
background check, and polygraph examination. Typically, you will be required to meet a set of standards
in these areas to be considered for entry into the academy. Some police agencies now require college
experience—even a college degree.
Consider Advancement and the Future
When thinking about your career in criminal justice, you should also consider your long-term prospects
for advancement. What is your ultimate career goal within this profession? If you’re looking to move
beyond the entry-level ranks, it is important to consider additional resume-building qualifications such
as a college degree. The highest ranking positions may require at least a bachelor’s degree for candidate
consideration, so keep that in mind as you plan your future. Some law enforcement agencies, such as
the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), will require at least a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a
related field to even apply. Plan for the job you want, but remember that it’s never too early to start
planning for your ultimate goals as well.
Now that you know what it takes to land your dream job as a criminal justice or corrections professional,
it’s time to get started!
Depending on your program of interest, if you have completed the Basic Corrections Officer Training
Course, you may have already earned 15 or 17 credits toward a degree―that’s a savings of 3 courses. If
you have also taken the General Instructor Training, you could earn an additional 4 credits.††
Shane Kelley is the Academic Chair at Kaplan University. The views expressed in this article are solely
those of the author and do not represent the view of Kaplan University.
© 2016 Kaplan University. All Rights Reserved.
* Kaplan University cannot guarantee employment or career advancement.
† Local, state, and federal law enforcement jobs may require additional training or education including additional stateapproved higher education beyond Kaplan University's degree. You should fully research the requirements of any such position
you intend to seek prior to enrolling in your program.
†† Exact
transfer amount may vary. All credits must be validated on official transcript(s) to be eligible for transfer.