Criminal Justice Career Map

Awareness

First Year

• Complete foundational courses such as CJ 105 (Introduction to Criminal Justice).
• Develop critical analytical, writing, and communication skills through general education coursework.
• Understand the three core sectors of the criminal justice system: law enforcement, courts, and corrections.

Middle Years

• Complete core curriculum requirements including CJ 210 (Policing and Society), CJ 215 (Correctional Policies and Procedures), and CJ 223 (Intro to Forensic Science).
• Learn about research methods in social sciences by completing CJ 310 (Research Methods-W).
• Gain knowledge of court systems and criminal law through CJ 330 (Judicial Process) and CJ 332 (Criminal Law).

Last Year

• Enroll in CJ 325 (From Classroom to Careers: Pathways to Criminal Justice Professions) to bridge academic knowledge with career planning.
• Take upper-level electives in specialized topics such as Constitutional Law (CJ 331) or Public and Private Security (CJ 321).
• Complete all remaining degree and residency credit requirements for graduation.

Exploration

First Year

• Join student organizations on campus through Involve South.
• Connect with academic advisors and faculty in the Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice.
• Explore complementary minor programs such as Political Science, Sociology, or Psychology.

Middle Years

• Participate in career workshops and employer presentations hosted during CJ 325.
• Attend department events and guest speaker panels featuring professionals from federal, state, and local law enforcement.
• Explore study abroad opportunities or relevant student associations.

Last Year

• Engage with guest speakers and recruiters from victim services, courts, corrections, and private security agencies.
• Explore graduate programs in Public Administration (MPA with Criminal Justice concentration) or law school requirements.
• Network with professionals at criminal justice career panels and recruitment events.

Preparation

First Year

• Log into Accelerate South to create and complete a student professional profile.
• Meet with USA Career Development to map out early academic and career goals.
• Maintain strong academic standing (minimum "C" grade in required major courses).

Middle Years

• Draft professional job application materials, including a resume and cover letter, during career-focused coursework.
• Participate in mock interviews and career planning exercises.
• Attend campus career fairs and networking events to build connections in the field.

Last Year

• Finalize job application materials with USA Career Development.
• Apply for entry-level positions across local, state, and federal agencies or private security sectors.
• Request letters of recommendation from faculty and professional contacts for employment or graduate school applications.