Masters Vs. Bachelors in Criminal Justice. Which should I go for?

Question

I already know for fact I am getting my masters in Criminal Justice. However I am wondering what other jobs would be open to me if I got my Masters degree as well in the field of Criminal justice.

I know that I do not want to get into corrections. I really would like to do some undercover work. (Due to me being a female, my height, and the fact that I look like im 12 when I am 20) Also possibly some detective work.

Honestly, I am open to just about anything (except like I said, I would prefer to stay away from corrections) So would having a Masters degree open more doors for me?

Answer 1

The advanced degree will almost certainly be of more value in the long run.

Answer 2

WARNING:   Jobs in the field of Law are drying up FAST!!!   This is not a good field to invest in right now.  Reasons:   very bad economy, too many people (mistakenly) now think (thanks to the WWWeb) that they can do their own legal work,  there are TOO MANY law schools in this country (USA) churning out WAY TOO MANY graduates  (and this includes legal support staff).

Answer 3

If you are American, I would go for a Masters in Criminal Justice.  A law degree will not prepare you for undercover work in the least; in fact, it won't likely teach you that much about Criminal law at all.  Remember, you'd have to spend most of your time doing other 'basic' courses like real estate, property law, tax law, business associations/corporate law, contracts, constitutional law, etcetera.  

However, it doesn't matter what your degree is in - you could have it in basketweaving - as long as you've got a decent average and score well on the LSAT, you're in.  

A masters, however, is cheaper (a law degree in the US can cost into the hundreds of thousands of dollars); you can likely finish it in 1 year; it will focus on the work you hope to do; and you can likely find a masters program that will help you network.  

Lawyers are a dime a dozen in the USA.  If you're not passionate about being a lawyer, stick with the criminal justice program.  

Answer 4

Yes, but you should consider going straight from your bachelor's degree into law school.  You could go to work anywhere with a law degree, and you don't have to waste time on the master's to do that.  Not that it would be a waste of time if you didn't go to law school.

With the master's, you are much more likely to be able to get into management.  My father was a Federal probation and parole officer with decades of experience, and was only passed up for the position of Chief for his district because he didn't have a master's.

Answer 5

No matter what you decide to do, any department you join will require you to put a minimum amount of time on the road earning your dues.  Being a Detective or an undercover officer on most departments is a promotion.  Having degrees are wonderful, but the most important thing for a good police officer to have is common sense, to be able to fly by the seat of your pants, to make fast decisions without second guessing yourself.  Book learning does not a good police officer make!