Criminal Justice—Career Opportunities

If you are interested in a rewarding and challenging career serving society through work in the courts, law enforcement or corrections, Moraine Valley Community College’s criminal justice program will prepare you for success! Our more security-focused society has fueled increased demand for qualified personnel. The best opportunities are for people who have graduated from a highly regarded criminal justice program, like the one offered at Moraine Valley. A two-year associate's degree will prepare you for careers in the following types of entry-level positions including: Bailiff, Border Patrol, Community Service Officer, Court Clerk, Court Deputy, Deputy Sheriff, Dispatcher, Law Enforcement Officers, Police Officers, Private Security Officers and Investigators, Transportation Security Screeners

Employment Outlook—Employment of police is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through 2010. Because of relatively attractive salaries and benefits, the number of qualified candidates exceeds the number of openings in federal law enforcement agencies and most state and local police departments. This results in increased hiring standards and selectivity by employers. Competition is expected to remain keen for the higher-paying jobs with state and federal agencies and police departments. Applicants with college credit in criminal justice, police science, military police experience or both should have the best opportunities. Annual salaries are as follows: Chicago police officers $43,104, increases to $55,728 after one year (City of Chicago, 03/07, ( www.cityofchicago.org/police); local correctional officers $41,695 and court deputy sheriffs $40,156 (Cook County Sheriff, 03/07, (www.cookcountysheriff.org); state correctional officers $35,868, increases to $38,712 after three months as a trainee and youth supervisor officers $32,568, increases to $34,956 after six months (Illinois Department of Corrections, 03/07, www.idoc.state.il.us); state police evidence technician I $2,448-$3,407 per month (www.isp.state.il.us/forensics); transportation security officer $23,600-$35,400 plus locality pay (Transportation Security Administration, 03/07, (www.tsa.gov).

Annual salaries, application requirements, testing procedures and other information can be accessed through the Job Placement Center located in T904. Students can make an appointment with a placement specialist by calling (708) 974-5737. Additional information at www.morainevalley.edu/jpc.