Do you enjoy helping people and have a strong desire to make your community a better place to live? If so, a career in criminal justice might be a good fit for you. As the country continues to increase national security, the demand for criminal justice professionals will continue to rise.

Because criminal justice is such a broad field, you have many career possibilities. An online degree from Virginia College will help you succeed in a variety of criminal justice positions. Below are some of the fastest growing careers in criminal justice.

Discover the Career Possibilities

• Police Officer – Not everyone has what it takes to become a police officer. It's a career that requires a commitment to serving your community. As a police officer you will have many opportunities to affect the lives of others. People will depend on you to protect their lives and property. The daily activities of police differ depending on their specialty. Police work can be very dangerous but also very rewarding.

• Private Security Officer – Private security is a fast growing career area with various opportunities for employment. Opportunities range from entry-level officer positions to investigators and managers of security at major corporations. Security officers are seen as the first line of defense and work tirelessly for the protection of others. Security officers generally work in conjunction with police officers.

• Juvenile Delinquency Case Manager – A case manager with the juvenile system is tasked with assisting troubled teens. Case management services often include monitoring and supervising youth, and developing and implementing treatment plans. If you enjoy working with youth and want to help troubled teens turn their lives around this might be a good career option for you.

• Probation Officer - A probation officer works with offenders and their families in courts, the community and prisons. They monitor the offender through personal contact, the goal is to ensure they are staying out of trouble and following the rules of their probation. Salaries depend on experience and the geographic area in which you work. A career as a probation officer is rewarding, you will be helping people lead more productive lives