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i'm currently a cj major and my concentration is law enforcement because i want to be a detective, if the academy doesnt work out, i thought about probation officer but its a underpaid job. would i have to go back to school for corrections or i can still use this degree?
Yes, it depends. I've seen that some social work type jobs in criminal justice will specifically say that law enforcement, administration of justice, and police science degrees are not acceptable. It's because these don't focus as much on the behavioral sciences. Acceptable degrees I've seen listed: criminal justice, psychology, sociology, social work, counseling, human services, behavioral science, and closely related degrees. I've gotten interviews for parole and probation with my social science degree which was a combination of criminal justice, psychology, and sociology. If it were a social science degree that focused on political science, economics, and/or history, I probably wouldn't have gotten those interviews.
A concentration in corrections is usually acceptable, but it's not required. If you only have a concentration in law enforcement, then you'll probably be okay since your degree is in CJ.
No, you will not have to get another degree to be a PO. I'm not sure what you mean by the academy "not working out." In quite a few probabtion agencies POs are academy graduates, carry firearms, make arrests, etc.
It depends on the state. Some states will accept associate's degrees while others will require bachelor's degrees. In Texas, parole and probation officers are mostly social workers (not licensed social workers; it's just the kind of work they do). They go through training, but it's not the police academy, and they aren't required to be licensed peace officers. They can carry guns if they pass a firearms proficiency test (they couldn't not too long ago), but it's up to the agency whether or not they want their probation officers to carry guns. The parole officers for the state do carry guns.
i'm currently a cj major and my concentration is law enforcement because i want to be a detective, if the academy doesnt work out, i thought about probation officer but its a underpaid job. would i have to go back to school for corrections or i can still use this degree?
You are over thinking this. You have a CJ degree. The concentration is meaningless and neither provides an advantage for either career path.
You are over thinking this. You have a CJ degree. The concentration is meaningless and neither provides an advantage for either career path.
Rep. That was nice and concise. LOL. However, it is important to at least have a closely related degree for parole/probation in some states.
Quote:
Bachelor's degree conferred by an institution of higher education accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Major course work in Criminal Justice, Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or Sociology preferred.
EDUCATION ~ SKILLS ~ EXPERIENCE: Required - Bachelor’s degree in a behavioral science (i.e. criminology, law, social work, psychology, or sociology) from an accredited college, or university recognized by the Texas Higher Education Board. One year of experience in a social service agency. One-year graduate study in criminology, law, social work, psychology or sociology may be substituted for the one-year social service agency experience requirement.
No, you will not have to get another degree to be a PO. I'm not sure what you mean by the academy "not working out." In quite a few probabtion agencies POs are academy graduates, carry firearms, make arrests, etc.
what i mean by not working out is if i dont meet the physical requirements and psychological.
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