Criminal justice careers require different levels of education.
Criminal justice involves investigations, evidence collection, arrests, court proceedings and post-conviction issues. Careers in criminal justice require various levels of education, from a high school diploma to a graduate degree.
Police Officer
Most police officer positions require some college classes. A bachelor's degree is a requirement for federal police officer positions. Many community colleges offer two-year courses of study designed to fulfill the educational requirements for a state police officer position.
FBI Agent
FBI agents must have a bachelor's degree and three years of work experience or a graduate degree and two years of work experience. Agents must also meet additional criteria--such as fluency in a foreign language or a college major in electrical engineering, computer science or accounting--prior to undergoing 18 months of academy training.
Paralegal
Paralegal positions require an associate degree in paralegal studies or a bachelor's degree in another field plus completion of a paralegal certification program. Some lawyers will train paralegals that only have a high school diploma.
Lawyer
Lawyers attend school for at least seven years: undergraduate for four and law school for three. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 46 states and jurisdictions now mandate that lawyers participate in continuing legal education after graduation.
Corrections Officer
Federal corrections officers require a bachelor's degree. Many state corrections officer jobs require only a high school diploma or a GED, followed by academy and on-the-job training.
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