[rebecca9595]

I am currently going to high school, but I will be graduating next year. I considered majoring in Sociology or Psychology, I spoke to a college counselor, and they told be both of those majors are highly impacted; and difficult concepts to grasp. I looked online at career advice website that said I could also major in Criminology or Social Work, but some websites have said that majoring in criminology can limit me; the website also said I will learn most of the things on the job.

[Wondergirl]

My niece is majoring in law enforcement. You would be able to do a lot with an eventual master's in psych or social work, and either would serve you well as a probation officer.

[teacherjenn4]

My son has a degree in Criminology. The job options are endless. Criminal justice is another major to consider for law enforcement.

[Fr_Chuck]

To be honest, almost any degree will work,

Probation officer has got a lot of applicants, many police officers wish to go over to it and many, many correctional officers see it as a route to promotions.

But the social work, criminal justice, and criminology, are considered the better degree choices. You should consider getting a Masters Degree.

The higher degree will help you complete against those that have served in military or have law enforcement experience.

*** added

I will also note, there are private probaation officers that work for companies that often oversee probation for smaller cities There will be city probation officers, ( some part time) and county and state probation officers.
Also, state parole officers.

There are also Federal officers that do the Federal courts.

I will add, that normally probation officers do not carry weapons, Parole officers do carry weapons

While, I am sure, some want to help, in general as a probation officer, you are doing paper work and tracking activities of the person, and collecting money. You are not a social worker, and there is almost no "helping" the person, beyond giving them a list of resourses, that they can contact.

In one sense, your main job, is trying to catch them, doing something wrong, (normally drinking or drugs)