Probation officers have the complicated job of managing numerous criminals and cases of individuals who were sentenced to probation and/or community service by a judge. Their job is a mix of social work and criminal justice, and they need to be extremely organized and patient in order to manage so many cases. On a daily basis, a probation officer will have to fill out and submit forms, question individuals on probation as well as their families and friends, make phone calls and house calls, check electronic monitoring devices, consult with attorneys and judges, investigate cases and try to rehabilitate the individuals they monitor. While probation officers do have a lot of paperwork to do, they also pay visits to therapy and rehab centers, courtrooms, law offices, the homes and businesses of those on probation and more. Probation officers may sometimes find themselves in a potentially dangerous situation, and they often have to deal with unpleasant, uncooperative people. Some probation officers handle adult cases while others handle only juvenile probation cases. They need to have an infallible understanding of the criminal justice system and legal system, as well as a lot of patience, good judgment and an understanding of their own authority.

Most probation officers are employed by state or local governments. The median salary range for probation officers in 2006 was between $33,880 and $56,280, and the highest 10% earned over $71,000. Years of experience, the type of government agency you work for and your geographic location all play a part in determining your salary. As government employees, probation officers are eligible for full benefits packages that usually feature life and health insurance, paid time off and sick leave, training and access to a retirement savings account.

Probation officers need to have at least an undergraduate degree in an area like social work or criminal justice. If you expect to break into a competitive job market, you might want to consider getting a master’s degree in one of these areas. A master’s degree will give you more training and education, and it can help propel you to a higher salary level, better cases and a more satisfying job all around.

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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