This book provides a thorough and directed focus on successfully identifying, obtaining, and succeeding in a career in criminal justice or criminology. With empirically based, research-focused information on how students can prepare for and ultimately join the criminal justice or criminology workforce, it covers the positions available in criminal justice and criminology, how to get a job in the field, and what can be expected upon obtaining employment. The book contextualizes career opportunities within criminal justice and criminology, providing information about the nature of the work and how various positions fit within the criminal justice system as a whole.
Part 1 provides an overview of the book, an examination of the history of careers, and coverage of job opportunities and the nature of working in criminal justice and criminology. Part 2 addresses preparation for entering the field, including coverage of internships and overall professional development. Part 3 of the book addresses careers in the primary components of the criminal justice system, juvenile justice, and other areas. An epilogue addresses promotion issues, and a series of helpful appendices provide practical tools for working toward a career in criminal justice or criminology.
This book is suitable for any reader considering employment in criminal justice or criminology, and ideal for instructors who supervise and guide students as they gain practical experience and move toward careers.
Part 1: The Criminal Justice and Criminology Workforce
1 An Overview of Careers in Criminal Justice and Criminology
2 A History of Criminal Justice Focused on Employment and Academic Study
3 Opportunities and Trends in Criminal Justice and Criminology Employment
4 Working in Criminal Justice and Criminology
Part 2: Preparing and Selling Yourself
5 A Self-Assessment to Prepare for a Career in Criminal Justice or Criminology
6 Your Criminal Justice and Criminology Education
7 Preparing for Employment in Criminal Justice and Criminology
8 Internships in Criminal Justice and Criminology
Part 3: Working Toward Justice
9 Careers in Law Enforcement
10 Working in the Courts
11 Careers in Corrections
12 Working in the Juvenile Justice System
13 Other Employment Opportunities in Criminal Justice and Criminology
14 Epilogue
Appendix A Sample Cover Letter, Resumes, and Follow-up Letter
Appendix B State Labor Offices
Appendix C Federal Criminal Justice and Criminology Employment Resources
Appendix D Careers in Criminal Justice and Criminology
Appendix E Salaries for Select Criminal Justice and Criminology Positions
Appendix F Curriculum Vitae Shell
Index
Biography
Ronald G. Burns is Full Professor of Criminal Justice in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Texas Christian University. He earned his degrees from the University of South Carolina and Florida State University, and has published more than 70 scholarly articles. Burns has also authored, coauthored, or edited 10 books, including Criminal Justice: The System in Perspective and Multiculturalism, Crime, and Criminal Justice (3rd edition). His teaching and research interests primarily pertain to law enforcement, white-collar crime, and criminal case processing.
This book is a much needed addition to the available texts on courses related to careers in criminal justice. Not only does it provide a thorough and empirical overview of the trends regarding careers in criminal justice, a noteworthy omission in many curricula, this book also offers valuable, practical, and empirically-based advice on how best to consider a career within criminal justice. Another important feature of this book is that it provides important insight into the nature of the internship experience for students. In short, the book is comprehensive, timely, practical, and makes a valuable contribution to the field.
Robert McNamara, Ph.D., The Citadel
Ronald G. Burns has written the career guide our criminal justice students need, and I wish it was available when I was an undergraduate student. Careers In Criminal Justice and Criminology provides an organized, well-researched, and engaging look at possible careers, and includes insight from those who have held some of the most interesting and highly sought-after positions in the field.
Charles Crawford, Ph.D., Western Michigan University
