Benefits of a Master's in Criminal Justice or Legal Studies

A master's degree in criminal justice or legal studies is a great choice for students that want to begin or further their careers within the fields of law enforcement or legal study. With a master's in criminal justice you can perform a number of jobs within the fields of forensic science, criminal profiling, public safety, and more. Likewise, a master's in legal studies can help you reach great heights in careers such as legal administration, paralegal work, criminal investigation, and other professions having to do with the law. It should be noted that a degree in legal studies does not qualify you to practice law, only to work with it. That said, there are a vast array of professions that deal with knowledge and application of state and federal law. A master's degree in criminal justice or legal studies is an excellent choice for increasing your earning potential and qualifying for a wider array of high-level positions within the fields of criminal justice or law.

Career Options with a Master's in Criminal Justice

A master's degree in criminal justice can help you pursue a number of high-level careers within law enforcement, public safety, or security. People with master's degrees in criminal justice often go on to work as high-ranking police officers, criminal investigators, directors of security, corrections officers, criminal psychologists, and forensic specialists. A master's in criminal justice is an excellent choice if you have already begun a career in law enforcement and would like the opportunity to rise higher within your field. A master's degree also helps you earn more in the same positions than you would with just a bachelor's.

Career Options with a Master's in Legal Studies

A number of excellent career opportunities are available to people with master's degrees in legal studies. The law has a role in a wide variety of work extending beyond the courtroom. With a master's degree in legal studies you can work as a:

• Paralegal Manager
• Human Resources Director
• Conflict Resolution Specialist
• Legal Advocate
• Investigator
• Newspaper Reporter

These are just some of the career options open to people with a master's in legal studies. Subjects that you will gain a thorough understanding of while studying the law include the US legal system, cyber law, human rights law, legal theory, and legal ethics. With a degree in either criminal justice or legal studies you can expect to make between $30,000 and over $100,000 per year.