As previously noted, depending on the specific career, simply having the degree will not guarantee obtaining your ideal job. It can, however, improve your chances of career advancement - though you may still need to start initially at the bottom. A master's degree will likely take you 3 to 4 full time semesters and many programs allow students to enroll on a part-time basis. Going on for a Ph.D. is a major commitment, usually requiring a total of 3 to 4 years of full time study. Doctorates in CJ usually go into teaching or research, while those in psychology and social work can teach, have private practices or work at top positions in state agencies.
Law school is another area of interest for many of our students.
Law school involves 3 years of full time coursework and students usually cannot work during the first two years of study due to the heavy course requirements. Contrary to popular belief among CJ students, most people who go to law school do not work in the field of criminal law after graduation. Most undergraduates who go on to graduate from law school practice in areas such as public interest law, copyright, civil rights, corporate law, etc., that may be of interest to you. Law students often identify an area of specialty while at law school and not before. Top law schools tend to be very competitive and expensive, though it may be worth it.