An online criminal justice degree is the first step toward a stimulating and challenging career in law enforcement, retail loss prevention and corrections. Many of jobs in these fields require only undergraduate degrees or certificates to start. Once you get started on a career path, continuing education can help you move to the next level in your career. Consider these jobs to get your foot in the door with a Criminal Justice undergraduate degree:

Patrol Specialist

Entry level jobs in law enforcement include Patrol Specialist, a title that can apply to new members of city police officer or state patrol forces. Degree requirements vary from department to department, but undergraduate degrees and certificates are the general requirements for these entry level patrol jobs. New jobs in city police or state patrol often require additional training at a police academy or an on-the-job training period where newcomers are partnered with experienced officers. An online degree in Security Management or Criminal Justice makes an applicant better equipped to compete with applicants trying for a spot at a police academy or patrol specialist interview board.

Crime Scene Technician

A crime scene technician helps investigators control a crime scene, gather evidence and collect it for transport and further examination. A technician’s responsibilities include properly handing, labeling and storing evidence according to chain-of-custody procedures that can be used in court.

Crime scene technicians digitally document the scene of the crime. Technicians often work on standby and are on call whenever they may be needed. Depending on the agency, crime scene technician work can lead to specialized duties as a latent print technician or a crime scene photographer. Prerequisites include an undergraduate degree or certificate, combined with an on-the-job training period after hiring. Some online colleges offer a crime scene technician degree or certificate program which can be used to supplement a Criminal Justice degree. By advancing your education online, you can continue to work each day without worrying about attending classes on a campus.

Forensic Scientist

The job of a forensic scientist is to analyze evidence gathered from a crime scene to help solve the crime. Forensic scientists often start with a degree in criminal justice, but also take coursework in biology, chemistry, genetics, medical technology and related disciplines. The job includes analysis of blood, fingerprints, firearms, skeletal remains and bodily fluids. A forensic scientist writes reports on the results, draws conclusions and testifies in court. Their findings are often crucial in proving a person's innocence or guilt. Students entering the forensic science field should consider online Chemistry, Forensic Science or a dual major with Criminal Justice.

Other Opportunities

When many people think of working in the prison system, the stereotypical prison guard immediately springs to mind, but corrections also includes opportunities in prison planning and administration, teaching and other areas. If you have additional experience in areas such as teaching or counseling, you may find corrections an option in both the public and private sectors.

If you have an online or traditional Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, you may be qualified to work as a leader in military law enforcement. The Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps each have their own police forces, and the Department of Defense has a justice system with a large number of opportunities in enforcement, legal affairs and corrections. Some military bases offer contract employment or Civil Service positions, while other jobs require you to enlist in the armed forces. With a degree, you have the option of entering the service as an officer; you will be put in charge of enlisted troops in your field of expertise or given comparable management duties.

In addition to careers in law enforcement, there are many entry-level jobs for undergraduates in the private sector:

Loss Prevention

An online or traditional criminal justice degree makes you a competitive candidate for retail loss prevention positions. Many of these jobs require only the right mindset, a willingness to learn and an aptitude for dealing with stressful situations. Some begin law enforcement careers in loss prevention as they work towards completing degrees or waiting for police department screening exams or job vacancies. Major retail chains operate loss prevention programs, and some people develop entire careers in the field starting out as loss prevention agents, working their way up into local and regional management jobs. Online criminal justice degrees, security management, or computer security degrees or certificates are often sought after by employers in this industry.

Private Security

Most people think of private security in terms of night watchman duties or bank security guards, but this career path also includes work with contract firms responsible for security at military installations, restricted areas in research laboratories and transporting documents, data or materials as an armed courier. An undergraduate criminal justice degree can also help you land bodyguard work and surveillance after the right on-the-job training or certification programs.

The job market in your area may offer more opportunities. In states such as Texas, Chicago and California, public and private careers are also available in customs and border protection, state park departments and airport security. If you are still working on an undergraduate criminal justice degree, consider building your resume through an internship program at a state or federal internship program. This is an excellent way to prepare for your first job with your new degree.