Career Discovery: Public Safety and Law Enforcement
Yesterday as I was driving through the suburban town where I live, I saw two police cruisers idling with their rooftop lights flashing.
Only a few weeks ago, I would have thought something terrible had happened. But today, the knowledge that my town’s law officers were looking out for my safety made me feel calm and reassured.
It also made me feel thankful for the people who have decided to pursue careers protecting the public. I wonder if the current coronavirus crisis has made other people feel newly appreciative toward people who have chosen careers in law enforcement and public safety. And also, I wonder whether our current national crisis is influencing more young people to consider careers in those fields. Maybe it should.
Can You Study Law Enforcement in College?
Law Enforcement is one of the most popular majors in American higher education. According to US News, some of the best four-year colleges that offer a major in the field are Boston University, Drexel, Northeastern, Penn State, St. John’s, the University of San Diego, and CUNY’s John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City. It is also possible to earn a two-year associate degree in the field at hundreds of two-year and community colleges across the country. There are online courses too.
And don’t forget, it is also possible to earn a bachelors, master’s or doctorate in forensic psychology.
What Careers Can You Prepare For?
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, these are law enforcement careers to consider . . .
- Police officers and detectives
- Police, Fire and Ambulance Dispatchers
- Correctional Officers
- Private Detectives and Investigators
- Forensic Science Technicians
- Probation Officers
- TSA Workers
Cybersecurity Is Another Field to Consider
If you have students who are interested in both computer science and public safety, now could be a good time to consider studying cybersecurity in college.
Over the last decade, more and more companies have been hiring trained professionals to safeguard their data and systems, to protect their customers’ data, and to take other steps to prevent cybercrime.
Many colleges and universities now offer courses and majors in the field.
In Summary . . .
We all want to feel safe and protected. And we want our neighbors, relatives, and friends to feel the same way. The current situation in our country is extremely troubling. But if it raises awareness of important careers that keep us all safe, something good will have come from it.
To Learn More about College and Career Options
We invite you to explore career options by participating in our career and college research studies. Students who complete the free career test for high school students will receive information on college and career opportunities matched to their interests.
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