Are you passionate about the environment and eager to make a difference in your community? Can you envision yourself enforcing the laws that govern how we use natural resources? Criminal justice is an important field of study that prepares students for careers in law enforcement, legal services, and beyond.
Unity can help you take the next step in your career with the Online B.S. in Environmental Emergency Management and Law Enforcement. For professionals already working in law enforcement, Unity offers the 100% Online Master’s in Conservation Law Enforcement that gives you a proven pathway to career advancement in environmental law enforcement.
A background in criminal justice prepares you with skills in project planning, leadership, investigation, witness interviewing, and more. Advanced study at the graduate level gives you insights into management, human resources, public policy, and research methods.
The leadership qualities you’ll develop studying Unity’s conservation law curriculum prepares you to tackle challenges in law enforcement agencies, the business world, or the non-profit sector. Here are three exciting career paths for criminal justice students.
Law Enforcement Officer
Naturally, Unity’s high-quality Criminal Justice program prepares you with a deep understanding of law enforcement practices, but you’re not limited to working within the context of environmental law enforcement. You’ll be prepared to join the ranks of sheriff’s and municipal police departments, fish and game agencies, and private investigation firms. As a career, police and detective roles should grow as fast as the national average and lead to wages 30 percent higher than median U.S. incomes.
Core courses in Crime Scene and Forensic Techniques (ENC 301) and Homeland Security and Emergency Management (ENCJ 303) give students the fundamental knowledge of law enforcement that can lead to careers as forensic science technicians, crime scene investigators, or fraud investigators.
For working law enforcement professionals, the opportunity for career advancement means increased responsibility, greater pay, and a chance to lead a dedicated team. With Unity’s Online Master’s in Conservation Law Enforcement, you’ll get the training you need to take your career to the next level with a curriculum based on the best practices of top agencies. You’ll focus on professional skills, law enforcement management, and complete a capstone that applies your coursework to a real-world issue.
Environmental Law
Unity graduates have gone on to a number of important careers that make a positive impact on the environment, and one route is through the field of environmental law. Environmental law protects the environment and establishes the rules for how people can use natural resources. The Environmental Protection Agency and other government agencies at the state and local level employ investigators to build cases against those breaking environmental laws. In the corporate world, businesses need employees with expertise in environmental law to help them stay in compliance with rules and regulations.
A background in Environmental Criminal Justice gives you the right education to enter the legal profession as a paralegal or legal aid. With an accredited bachelor’s degree from Unity, you’ll have the opportunity to continue your education and complete your law degree.
Executive Management
It’s not unusual for people with a law enforcement background to make the jump into the “civilian” word of business management—check out Unity Magazine’s “From Con Law to a corner office” to read about Matthew Shejen’s experience. It’s easy to understand why. These are professionals who know the law, are loaded with leadership skills, know how to work as a team, and are dedicated to a mission.
The world of law enforcement is supported by a network of businesses that provide tactical equipment, communications and surveillance systems, and specialized services. Real-world law enforcement experience combined with a bachelor’s or graduate degree in criminal justice makes you an ideal candidate for a variety of corporate positions.
