Whether you are a current student or just starting to explore Law and Justice as a possible major, you are probably thinking about life after school. Since the Law and Justice program is designed to prepare its students for real world work, most students go straight from graduation to employment.

The following sites are some of the best resources on the Internet for job listings and information on careers in the law and justice field.

For general career information, like how much a police officer makes or how many jobs there will be for lawyers in the next 5 years, the very best resource on the internet is the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Everything from statistics to information on hundreds of different careers is available. The most current career information can usually be found in the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

When it comes time to search for your new career, Central Washington University's Career Services department provides a number of very useful links to employment resources. The best place to start is the Wildcat Career Network, which provides listings for a wide-array of job openings, information on upcoming workshops and events, and resources for career research and professional development. Also, it's always worth checking the links on the Job & Internship Links page for information on networking, job searching, and finding internships during your time at CWU.

Another great option that is offered to current LAJ students is the Field Experience Program. Students are able to get hands-on work experience in the field while also earning credits that count towards their LAJ Major requirements.

Suggested Courses for Career Paths

The classes you take during your time in the law and justice program may vary depending on the career path you intend to follow after graduation. This is a list of some common law and justice careers and some suggestions for classes that might be of particular use or interest. Please keep in mind that these are only guidelines; some courses may not be available at your location or during your time in the program.

This list is also available as a downloadable document (37KB .doc).

Court Administration | Juvenile Justice | Law Enforcement | Paralegal/Legal Assistant | Probation Officer/Correctional Officer | Social Service/Non-Profit Agency | Wildlife Agent | Forensics

Grad School: Law School | Other Fields

Court Administration (court clerk, bailiff)

(Listed classes are suggestions, not requirements.)

Juvenile Justice (counselor, case worker)

(Listed classes are suggestions, not requirements.)

Law Enforcement

(Listed classes are suggestions, not requirements.)

Paralegal/Legal Assistant

(Listed classes are suggestions, not requirements.)

Probation Officer/Correctional Officer

(Listed classes are suggestions, not requirements.)

Social Service/Non-Profit Agency

(Listed classes are suggestions, not requirements.)

Wildlife Agent

(Listed classes are suggestions, not requirements.)

Biology minor (offered only in Ellensburg)

Biology Course Electives in minor: Biology Courses other than 101 require corresponding chemistry as co- or prerequisite.

(Listed classes are suggestions, not requirements.)

Forensics

Science Major is recommended (biology, chemistry ect.) which is only offered in Ellensburg coupled with a LAJ Major/Minor.

Graduate School

Law School

Law schools look at the rigor of the courses you take, not just the grades. Writing- and reading-intensive courses are important, as is logic and analysis. They also look for community service or service in an area of law that you are interested in.

(Listed classes are suggestions, not requirements.)

Criminal Justice, Counseling, Organizational Development, Public Administration

Your course selection will depend on the type of graduate program you are targeting. Please see your advisor for more information.

(Listed classes are suggestions, not requirements.)

<