Whilst job opportunities for graduates with master’s degrees are broad, many of these are in the public sector. One in this area is to become a teacher (or professor) at a community college or law enforcement training establishment. The job entails running introductory or supplementary courses in criminology and involves the marking and grading of work as well as teaching.
Another area open to students with a master’s degree in criminology is the legal profession. This can be as a lawyer or a paralegal. The former involves a further three years of law school and the passing of a public examination. This can be a lucrative career, particularly in the United States, and studying at law school is a popular choice for students.
Law enforcement in the United States covers a wide area of duties, and a student with a master’s degree in criminology would be eligible to apply to federal agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the US Department of Homeland Security. If you have this degree, you may also consider state law enforcement agencies. Your chances of acceptance will be enhanced by your educational achievements. Another related occupation that you may consider is being a private detective. You should be aware that experience in related work such as the police or military is often preferred. As a new graduate, you may begin work at a relatively lower grade.
This occupation often involves research and consulting. It can also include working in areas of social deprivation such as housing shelters or youth hostels. Another area of work for criminologists is as advisors to the police and other law enforcement agencies. This would normally include assisting in profiling criminals, sometimes based in the evidence from a crime scene.