Agents who work for the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) have responsibilities that range from deportation to managing international visitors to the United States to managing immigration files to working as part of a border patrol team. The INS trains agents to work at borders, ports and airports to evaluate passports and other documents that allow international citizens into the country, as well as manage investigations for illegal immigrants, expired visas and more. These agents are equipped to enforce U.S. laws restricting entry into the country by unauthorized people and to monitor the attempted entry of criminals, terrorists and anyone else who could pose a threat to the country. Within this range of responsibility, INS agents also look for illegal drugs, weapons and other materials that are being smuggled into the country. INS agents may work in busy international airports, in port cities, and along the miles of the U.S. border between Canada and Mexico. Working conditions vary, as INS agents may have to be on their feet all day, stationed at checkpoints along the border, or in an office filing a report or getting briefed on new procedures, policies and threats.

The salary range is broad for INS agents and varies depending on education and experience level and geographic location. Federal compensation is usually set up on a very specific system, allowing a lot of room for promotion and salary growth, depending on factors like availability pay and experience. Federal benefits packages are awarded to INS employees and include a health benefits program, dental and vision program, retirement system, group life insurance, long-term care insurance, paid leave, student loan repayment and even a transit subsidy, if you qualify.

INS agents need to have a solid understanding of the specific, real-life practices and systems that make up their everyday job, as well as an understanding of the greater issues that make up the criminal justice system, homeland security and border patrol. Many of these fields are extremely competitive, and in order to qualify for the best positions, prior job experience and a higher degree could be very beneficial. A Master’s degree in a field like criminal justice could help you earn promotions, a higher salary and more responsibility.

Top 10 Criminal Justice Colleges

Search our rankings of the 10 top criminal justice colleges in the US below and request free information packets directly from the top criminal justice degree programs for your needs.

 
1.
University of Phoenix - Master's Degree. University of Phoenix provides highly rated resources that fosters independent learning and enables the student for success. University of Phoenix graduates have shown a history of success by having long careers in the field of Criminal Justice.
 
2.
Everest University Online - Master's Degree. With a career-oriented focus, a student graduating with a M.S. in Criminal Justice from Everest University Online will have the skills necessary to pursue numerous careers upon graduation.
 
3.
Walden University - Master's Degree. At Walden University, the Master's Degree in Criminal Justice degree plan can be completed completely online and at the convenience of the student. Walden University is the premiere online college for students interested in pursuing a degree in the legal and justice field.
 
4.
Colorado Technical University - Master's Degree. The university's Master of Science in Management with a concentration in Criminal Justice is designed to prepare individuals for roles in the emerging administrative and leadership sectors in the criminal justice system. Students are offered flexible courses online, allowing them to pursue this prestigious degree while maintaining other priorities in their lives as well.
 
5.
Kaplan University - Master's Degree. The wide variety of courses and flexible time schedules make Kaplan University a top rated Masters in Criminal Justice school with the following options: Master’s of Science (M.S.) in Criminal Justice, M.S. in Criminal Justice/Corrections, M.S. in Criminal Justice/Law, M.S. in Criminal Justice/Global Issues in Criminal Justice.
 
6.
Capella University - Master's Degree. Capella University Online’s top ranked job placement statistics make it a top choice by any student who wants a future in criminal justice. A Masters of Science in Public Safety - Criminal Justice, is offered.
 
7.
Saint Joesph's University - Master's Degree. Saint Joesph's University Master's in Criminal Justice program is at the forefront of education in providing a dynamic curriculum to every student. Saint Joesph's makes it easy to obtain a Criminal Justice degree online affordably and from the comfort of home.
 
8.
Virginia College - Master's Degree - At Virginia College, students are equipped with proper skills and training before graduation in order to succeed in their career of choice. Their Master's in Criminal Justice degree will prepare students for mid to upper-level management positions in the legal field.
 
9.
University of Cincinnati - Master's Degree - This highly regarded criminal justice department prepares the student with a well respected faculty, a quick degree plan, and the choice to move on to get a Doctorate. Options include M.S. Degree in Criminal Justice, M.S. Degree in Criminal Justice (1 Year Program).
 
10.
Bowling Green State University - Master's Degree. Bowling Green State University’s Criminal Justice school provides students with excellent academic training and experience. The department offers both a Masters of Science (MS) degree in Criminal Justice, and a Bachelors of Science (BS) degree in Criminal Justice.
 
11.
South University - Master's Degree. The South University Masters in Criminal Justice department allows you the option of specializing in Homeland Security. The school offers two masters options: Masters of Science( M.S.) in Criminal Justice, M.S. in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security.
 

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