What Can You Do With a Criminal Justice Degree?
Are you ready to find a school that's aligned with your interests?
If you enjoy helping others and want to make a difference in your local communities, a degree in criminal justice may be the right fit for you. The criminal justice field can offer dozens of rewarding job opportunities in areas like crime prevention, victim advocacy, corrections and rehabilitation, and investigative work.
There are plenty of opportunities for growth or employment in this field as well. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in criminal justice are growing faster than average, and are expected to grow by about 5% from 2019 to 2029.
The potential careers and opportunities for graduates with criminal justice degrees will largely depend on the degree specialization they chose and the type of degree they pursued. For example, if you specialized in forensics, you may find a job as a forensic scientist after graduation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), forensic science technicians earn a median salary of $59,150 per year, with a 14% projected job growth rate from 2018-2028.
Ready to learn more about what you can do with a criminal justice degree? This guide covers some of the top criminal justice careers, including potential salaries, projected job growth, and common duties.
What Are The Best Jobs For Criminal Justice Majors in 2021? Here Are Our Top 10:
| Job | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Lawyer | $122,960 |
| Homeland Security | $77,000 |
| Homicide Detective | $74,380 |
| Forensic Accountant | $71,560 |
| Forensic Psychologist | $69,510 |
| Criminal Investigator | $67,170 |
| DEA Agent | $66,450 |
| Secret Service Agent | $65,000 |
| FBI Agent | $64,060 |
| Forensic Science Technician | $59,150 |
Featured Online Criminal Justice Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
What Jobs Can You Get With a Criminal Justice Degree?
One of the most appealing aspects of working in criminal justice is the diversity of career options available. Criminal justice examines concepts in areas including criminology, psychology, and sociology. This interdisciplinary nature leads to careers in a variety of settings.
Graduates may pursue employment with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and law firms. They may also work privately and independently. Take a look at a few popular careers below.
Bounty Hunter
Bounty hunters work independently to apprehend criminals and fugitives. These professionals typically pursue individuals who skipped bail or avoided required court hearings. Most bounty hunters find work through bail bond agencies, but some work with local law enforcement agencies.
Those interested in becoming bounty hunters must demonstrate a combination of education, experience, and skill. Many bounty hunters begin their careers in law enforcement, gaining the experience and skills necessary to pursue and apprehend criminals. Bounty hunters don't need a specific level of education, though many earn degrees related to criminal justice to begin their careers.
Successful bounty hunters must exhibit research and investigatory skills, understand how to negotiate with individuals, and know how to protect themselves from potentially dangerous criminals. According to BLS projections, private detectives and investigators -- including bounty hunters -- can expect above-average job growth from 2018-2028.
Education: None required, bachelor's in criminal justice recommended
Average Annual Salary: $51,200*
(*Based on available data)
Conservation Officer
Sometimes known as fish and game wardens, conservation officers work to protect natural resources, including wildlife, at the local, state, and federal levels. Many conservation officers begin their careers as s, then transition into conservation officers.
Conservation officers work to ensure that fishermen and hunters comply with state and federal laws. Responsibilities include checking licenses, inspecting equipment, analyzing the methods of catching game, and determining whether methods and equipment comply with regulations. Some officers also educate the general public, monitor campgrounds and parks, and work with other law enforcement professionals to prosecute criminals.
The BLS reports that fish and game wardens earn a median wage of $57,500 per year, though some of the top earners make over $109,620. The profession is projected to grow 5% between 2018-2028.
Education: Associate degree required, bachelor's in criminal justice recommended
Average Annual Salary: $41,280*
(*Based on available data)
Corrections Officer
Corrections officers, including bailiffs and jailers, work for local, state, and federal governments to oversee arrested individuals and those serving jail time. Corrections officers must hold a high school diploma and complete a training academy. Some work environments, such as federal prisons, require bachelor's degrees related to criminal justice or counseling, plus multiple years of work experience.
Because they work closely with criminals, corrections officers should possess strong decision-making and interpersonal skills. Corrections officers should also demonstrate restraint and self-discipline. While BLS projections show a decline in job growth, facilities with retiring corrections officers always need new employees.
Education: High school diploma required, bachelor's in criminal justice recommended
Average Annual Salary: $39,890
Crime Lab Analyst
Crime lab analysts analyze crime scenes, collect samples for analysis, and process samples to determine information. Their findings help police and investigators determine witnesses, make arrests, and testify against criminals in court.
Crime lab analysts use toxicology, DNA analysis, blood analysis, fingerprinting, and other forensic methods to gather information. They need at least a bachelor's degree, but some employers, including those at the federal level, prefer candidates with graduate degrees related to forensics.
Successful crime lab analysts should demonstrate strong analytical and creative skills to determine which evidence to collect and analyze. The BLS does not show any job growth projections for crime lab analysts, but agencies always require skilled analysts to assist with law enforcement.
Education: Bachelor's degree related to forensic science or criminal justice required, master's in forensic science recommended
Average Annual Salary: $56,000*
(*Based on available data)
Crime Scene Investigator
Crime scene investigators (CSIs) analyze crime scenes, collect important evidence, and use their skills and experience to track and apprehend criminals. Many CSIs work on teams within their agencies, though CSIs may also work independently.
CSIs typically need a bachelor's degree in forensic science or a related field, including biology, chemistry, or criminal justice. They must also complete comprehensive training programs, learning techniques for documenting evidence, professing fingerprints, analyzing blood spatter, and working at death scenes. After getting hired, CSIs receive on-the-job training to complete their education.
The BLS groups these professionals with forensic science technicians, who earn a median annual salary of $59,150, though the top earners make more than $97,350. Projections show a 14% job growth rate for all forensic science technicians between 2018-2028.
Education: Bachelor's in forensic science required
Average Annual Salary: $49,660
Criminal Investigator
Criminal investigators work to solve crimes, sometimes spending weeks or months on the same case. These professionals work closely with other law enforcement professionals to collect and analyze evidence, interview witnesses, and make arrests. These roles require lots of interpersonal interactions, so criminal investigators must demonstrate excellent communication skills and empathy. Other required skills include leadership and decision-making.
Criminal investigators may spend their days responding to emergencies, analyzing crime scenes, collecting evidence, determining people of interest, obtaining various warrants, interviewing witnesses, making arrests, or testifying in court. To handle these tasks, criminal investigators must combine experience and education. Most criminal investigators hold experience as s.
BLS projections show an average job growth rate for criminal investigators between 2018-2028.
Education: High school diploma required, bachelor's in criminal justice or criminology recommended
Average Annual Salary: $67,170
DEA Agent
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents work for the federal government to control and prevent the import and sale of illicit drugs. This rewarding career pays agents an average annual salary of $66,450 plus government benefits. Candidates must hold college degrees.
After earning a degree, DEA recruits complete 4-6 months of training, learning the gun handling, investigatory, interpersonal, and decision-making skills required for the position. Agents complete the training and then select career specializations. Specializations significantly impact day-to-day tasks, work environments, job growth potential, and potential salaries.
The opportunity to work in unique environments, use different skills daily, and protect U.S. citizens attracts prospective DEA agents. However, this rewarding career sees low job turnover rates, meaning securing a position requires experience and education.
Education: Bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field required
Average Annual Salary: $66,450*
(*Based on available data)
FBI Agent
FBI agents work for the U.S. government to protect people from domestic threats. Tasks performed by FBI agents depend on background and specialization. For example, some professionals work as accountants, while others surveil suspects. However, most FBI agents gather evidence, secure warrants, and make arrests.
FBI agents often work well over 40 hours per week, though they receive solid salaries and generous government benefits. FBI agents need a bachelor's degree and professional experience, though a master's degree may reduce experience requirements. They must also complete a 20-week training in Quantico, Virginia.
Education: Bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field required
Average Annual Salary: $64,060*
(*Based on available data)
Forensic Accountant
Forensic accountants work in law enforcement, but their day-to-day tasks resemble those of other accountants and auditors. They use accounting skills to detect criminal activity, often leading to prosecution. Daily tasks include gathering financial data; compiling evidence; and checking for compliance with local, state, and federal laws.
To succeed as forensic accountants, individuals must demonstrate strong analytical, problem-solving, and data-gathering skills. Like other types of accountants, forensic accountants must complete at least a bachelor's degree, though some high-level government agencies prefer candidates with master's degrees in forensic accounting or related fields.
The BLS reports that accountants earn a median annual wage of $71,550. Salary potential varies by agency, location, and experience. Those with master's degrees in accounting usually earn the highest wages.
Education: Bachelor's degree in accounting required, master's degree recommended
Average Annual Salary: $71,560
Forensic Psychologist
Like other types of psychologists, forensic psychologists examine individuals to determine thought processes and motivations. These professionals use their skills to conduct interviews with witnesses and criminals to help solve crimes and rehabilitate convicted criminals.
Many forensic psychologists assist in criminal investigations. They often testify in court to offer recommendations, including determining whether convicted criminals should move to mental health facilities. Some forensic psychologists focus on specific crimes or criminals, such as child abuse cases.
All licensed psychologists must earn at least a doctoral degree and complete 1,000 hours of supervised experience. The path to this career is long, but forensic psychologists earn high wages, and BLS projections show above-average job growth for psychologists through 2018-2028.
Education: Doctoral degree in psychology required
Average Annual Salary: $69,510
Forensic Science Technician
Forensic science technicians work at crime scenes to ensure the safe, effective collection of evidence. Later, forensic science technicians work with other law enforcement professionals to connect pieces of evidence to persons of interest. They may run chemical tests, analyze DNA from blood or fluids, and determine ballistics based on weapons found. Forensic science technicians work at every government level, and some find positions outside of law enforcement in hospitals or coroners' offices.
Many forensic science technicians complete bachelor's degrees, though sufficient experience can cover education requirements. Most government agencies and laboratories provide on-the-job training. According to the BLS, forensic science technicians earn a median salary of $59,150, with those working at the state level earning a median of $60,830 per year.
Education: Associate degree in required, bachelor's in forensic science recommended
Median Annual Salary: $59,150
Homeland Security Professional
A broad field encompassing a variety of careers, homeland security professionals work to protect the U.S. and its citizens. Homeland security professionals may work with the FBI, the Secret Service, the CIA, the TSA, and Border Patrol, among other agencies. Day-to-day tasks vary by agency, but all homeland security professionals need strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Homeland security careers require a combination of education and experience. Many criminal justice and homeland security programs mandate internships to ensure that graduates earn some experience before applying for homeland security jobs. Students' internships may impact potential career paths.
Various factors influence potential pay, though PayScale reports an average salary of $77,000 for homeland security professionals. Factors impacting pay include location, education, experience, government level, government agency, and specialization.
Education: Bachelor's in criminal justice, homeland security, or a related field
Average Annual Salary: $77,000
Homicide Detective
An essential part of most law enforcement agencies, homicide detectives investigate deaths caused by criminal activity. Daily tasks include analyzing crime scenes for evidence, finding and interviewing witnesses, and arresting suspects. Because homicides occur at all times of the day, homicide detectives often work odd hours, sometimes working well beyond 40 hours per week.
To become homicide detectives, candidates must hold associate or bachelor's degrees in criminal justice and experience as a police officer. Homicide detectives must possess investigation, problem-solving, and interviewing skills.
Education: High school diploma required, bachelor's in criminal justice recommended
Average Annual Salary: $74,380
K9 Officer
K9 police officers receive specialized training to work closely with police dogs. Along with their police dogs, K9 officers patrol, search for missing persons, track down illicit drugs, and find explosive devices.
To become K9 officers, individuals must first become police officers. After working as police officers for several years, prospective K9 officers either sign up for independent K9 training or apply for K9 positions. After earning positions and completing training, K9 officers then work to form connections with their police dog partners, taking the dogs home and caring for them.
K9 officers earn highly variable salaries depending on experience, location, specialization, and level of government. Those working for federal agencies earn the highest wages.
Education: High school diploma required, bachelor's in criminal justice recommended
Average Annual Salary: $54,000*
(*Based on available data)
Lawyer
Lawyers advise citizens, companies, organizations, and governments on legal matters. After gaining experience, some lawyers choose to become politicians or judges. Lawyers' tasks depend on their specialties. Areas of specialization include business law, criminal law, constitutional law, family law, and human rights. Successful lawyers should demonstrate excellent research, organization, and communication skills.
Prospective lawyers must first earn bachelor's degrees related to law or criminal justice before attending and completing law school. After graduating from law school, prospective lawyers must pass the multistate professional responsibility exam and the bar exam to earn licensure.
Education: Master's or doctoral degree in law
Annual Median Salary: $122,960
Paralegal
Also known as legal assistants, paralegals work in law firms to support attorneys and lawyers. Daily tasks include helping attorneys prepare for trials, arranging meetings with clients, and assisting in case research. Paralegals assist in most law-related tasks, though they cannot defend clients in court.
Paralegals typically need an associate degree from a community college, though some employers might accept paralegals with certificates and sufficient experience. Some employers prefer new paralegals to hold bachelor's degrees, and paralegals with bachelor's degrees earn the highest wages.
According to the BLS, paralegals and legal assistants earn a median wage of $51,740 per year, with the top 10% of earners making over $82,500 annually.
Education: Associate in paralegal studies required, bachelor's in legal studies recommended
Annual Median Salary: $51,740
Park Ranger
As employees of state and national parks, park rangers work to protect and manage parks, historical areas, and recreational sites. These professionals promote conservation methods to protect natural resources, including wildlife. They also educate visitors to maintain park quality. Most park rangers work at large national parks found across the country.
Park rangers often work in remote areas and experience limited interaction with others. Rangers must maintain physical fitness, communicate rules and regulations to visitors, and understand the geography of their work area.
To become park rangers, individuals must be U.S. citizens with an education in environmental studies, ecology, or a similar field. Most park rangers receive on-the-job training, though some complete internships while earning their degrees.
Education: Bachelor's in environmental studies or a similar field required
Average Annual Salary: $39,450
Parole Officer
Parole officers supervise offenders who have been released from prison and put on parole. Parole officers work to ensure their parolees do not violate their terms of parole. Parole officers visit parolees to check in and connect them with career, education, and rehabilitation opportunities.
Parole officers need at least a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field. Federal parole officers often must hold master's degrees. According to the BLS, local parole officers earn the highest median wages, at $57,920.
Education: Bachelor's in criminal justice or a similar field required
Average Annual Salary: $42,570
Police Officer
Police officers work in law enforcement, helping to keep communities safe. They may respond to emergency calls, conduct traffic stops, patrol neighborhoods, keep records of incidents, and testify in court against suspects and criminals.
Police officers must complete a high school diploma and training. Officers who earn bachelor's degrees in criminal justice may make higher salaries and receive job promotions. Successful police officers possess strong decision-making and interpersonal skills. Police officers must understand when to demonstrate restraint in tense situations to protect all parties involved.
Education: High school diploma required, bachelor's in criminal justice optional
Average Annual Salary: $52,050
Private Investigator
Also known as private detectives, private investigators are self-employed individuals who work cases for clients and organizations. Many cases involve following suspects, gathering evidence and information, surveilling, and interviewing people. Private investigators may take on criminal and non-criminal cases, depending on the client. To succeed, private investigators need critical thinking and problem-solving skills, along with creativity, computer skills, and self-motivation.
Private investigators need a license to practice. Licensure requirements vary by state, but all private investigators should consider earning bachelor's degrees and gaining law enforcement experience. Potential clients often prefer private investigators with relevant backgrounds. Salaries vary widely depending on experience, though PayScale reports an average annual salary of $56,490.
Education: High school diploma required, bachelor's in criminal justice recommended
Average Annual Salary: $56,490
Probation Officer
Similar to parole officers, probation officers work to rehabilitate and support offenders who were recently released from jail. Daily tasks include checking in on individuals in custody, on probation, or on parole; conducting interviews with those on probation; and issuing drug tests. Probation officers also interact with the friends and family of those on probation to ensure released offenders benefit from strong support systems.
Empathy, communication, and social perceptiveness help probation officers succeed on a daily basis. These professionals must also demonstrate strong decision-making skills. While PayScale reports the average annual salary as $43,400, the BLS reports that the top 10% of probation officers and correctional treatment specialists earn more than $94,860 per year.
Education: Bachelor's in criminal justice required
Average Annual Salary: $43,400
Secret Service Agent
The Secret Service plays an integral role in law enforcement by protecting important political figures and systems. Secret Service agents often protect specific individuals, though others address counterfeiting, money laundering, and other financial crimes.
Members of the Secret Service must meet strict requirements. They must first complete bachelor's degrees, though the best candidates hold master's degrees or higher. Next, individuals must gain experience in criminal justice, usually by working with other federal agencies. Finally, applicants must meet physical health requirements, including fitness and eyesight requirements. Once accepted, Secret Service agents undergo months of specialized training.
Education: Bachelor's degree in criminal justice required, master's in criminal justice preferred
Average Annual Salary: $65,000*
(*Based on available data)
State Trooper
State-level law enforcement professionals, state troopers primarily focus on traffic and motor vehicle laws, regulations, and safety. Sometimes known as highway patrol or state patrol, state troopers patrol highways, ticket individuals who break state and federal traffic laws, respond to crime scenes, file reports, and testify in court. State troopers also promote public safety through education and law enforcement.
Many state troopers hold associate degrees, though some of the highest-paid professionals earn bachelor's degrees. After completing their degrees, candidates can receive positions and complete training. After completing a state trooper training academy and securing positions, some professionals advance their careers and become senior troopers, captains, or sergeants.
Education: High school diploma required, associate degree preferred
Average Annual Salary: $54,490
Substance Abuse Counselor
Substance abuse counselors help individuals struggling with or recovering from alcohol or drug addiction. In many cases, their clients have committed crimes and must complete counseling by law. Substance abuse counselors work in various settings, including rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and private practices.
Along with earning bachelor's degrees related to counseling or psychology, individuals must earn state licensure and obtain industry certification. In part because of the ongoing opioid epidemic, the demand for substance abuse counselors continues to rise, with the BLS projecting an 68,500 new positions from 2018-2028.
Education: Bachelor's degree in counseling, psychology, or criminal justice required
Average Annual Salary: $39,410
Victim Advocate
Victim advocates assist victims of crimes by providing emotional support and offering actionable ways to help them return to normal life. Because some victims experience deep trauma, victim advocates must demonstrate excellent communication, counseling, and problem-solving skills.
Victim advocates often work with criminal justice professionals to help victims receive justice. The day-to-day work of a victim advocate includes counseling, support, and assisting with legal services.
Victim advocates need some experience, usually completed through training, internships, or field work. They do not need a specific degree, but a degree in the field may help these professionals advance their careers. This position does not require licensure or certification. The BLS projects above-average job growth for social and human service assistants, including victim advocates, from 2018-2028.
Education: High school diploma required, associate or bachelor's degree preferred
Average Annual Salary: $35,510
Have Questions About a Criminal Justice Degree? We Have Answers.
What can I do with a degree in criminal justice?
A criminal justice degree prepares you to pursue a wide range of entry-level positions in fields like law enforcement, investigation, public safety, corrections, and social services. Each of these fields involves extensive work with the general public. Criminal justice professionals work to ensure the protection of citizens, property security, and justice enactment.
Can you make good money with a degree in criminal justice?
Many criminal justice jobs offer generous salaries that are commensurate with education, experience, and/or job risk level. Compensation packages vary by location and employer, but many entry-level opportunities in criminal justice offer annual pay that exceeds than $50,000. Salary ranges typically increase with additional experience.
Is criminal justice a good career?
Criminal justice jobs often come with job-specific dangers thanks to your role being on the front line of crime response and law enforcement. This field isn’t for everyone, but for the right person, the work you do in criminal justice can be extremely rewarding. Criminal justice professionals can make a marked difference in their communities, promoting public safety, rehabilitating offenders, and aiding victims of crime.
What are some entry-level criminal justice jobs?
The most popular entry-level criminal justice job is in policing. The typical minimum requirements for getting a job as a police officer include a high school diploma, some college or a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, and academy training. Other entry-level careers in criminal justice include victim advocate, correctional officer, parole officer, private detective, or fish and game warden.
I have a bachelor's degree in criminal justice… now what?
If you’re looking for a way to start your career, you may want to seek out internships or entry-level opportunities in your area. A few great places to look for criminal justice jobs include your local police department, the county sheriff’s office, the corrections system, nonprofits, or federal agencies like the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Department of Homeland Security.
Where Can You Earn a Criminal Justice Degree?
You can earn a criminal justice degree online or in-person at most colleges or universities. Criminal justice degrees are offered at the associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral levels. While associate’s degree programs only take about two years to complete, these types of degree programs are typically offered at community colleges. On the other hand, bachelor’s degree programs are offered at both public and private four-year colleges and universities. Graduate degrees in criminal justice are offered at several public and private colleges and universities as well.
Can You Earn a Degree in Criminal Justice Online?
Yes, you can earn a degree in criminal justice online. In fact, many schools offer the option to earn a criminal justice degree online, whether your goal is to get an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in this field. Online degrees can be a great choice for students who thrive in an online format or for those work or life schedules won’t allow for in-person learning. Want to learn more about your online school options? Check out the top 15 online criminal degree programs.
Featured Online Law Enforcement Programs
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Comparing Popular Criminal Justice Jobs
Careers in criminal justice generally fall into three main branches: law enforcement, courts, and corrections/rehabilitation. Each of these branches features similarities and differences regarding job duties, salary expectations, required education/experience, and work conditions.
With so many options available, aspiring criminal justice professionals often find it difficult to decide which path to pursue. Use the tables below to compare key details across nine common criminal justice jobs.
Comparing Police Officers, K9 Officers, and State Troopers
| Police Officers | K9 Officers | State Troopers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key Job Duties | Respond to emergency and nonemergency calls, patrol assigned areas, conduct traffic stops and issue citations, make arrests, write detailed reports, testify in court as needed | Respond to emergency and nonemergency calls, issue citations and make arrests, patrol assigned areas, train and handle K9 dogs, write detailed reports, testify in court as needed | Patrol assigned areas, enforce public safety on roadways, respond to vehicle accident scenes, conduct accident investigations, make arrests, write detailed reports, testify in court as needed |
| Required Education | Varies. At least a high school diploma and academy training. Many officers hold an associate or bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field. | Varies. At least a high school diploma and academy training. Many officers hold an associate or bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field. | Varies. Common requirements include a two- or four-year criminal justice degree. College requirements may be waived based on work experience. |
| Required Work Experience | Entry-level | 1-2 years of policing experience | 2+ years of policing experience |
| Where They Work | Throughout the local community, in a patrol car, occasional office-based work | Throughout the local community, in a patrol car, occasional office-based work | On highways and interstates, in a patrol car, occasional office-based work |
| Salary | $52,910 | $54,000 | $54,830 |
| Job Outlook | +5% | +5% | +5% |
Comparing Homicide Detectives, FBI Agents, and Crime Scene Investigators
| Homicide Detectives | FBI Agents | Crime Scene Investigators | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key Job Duties | Gather facts and collect evidence for criminal cases, conduct interviews, participate in arrests, prepare court papers like subpoenas and summons | Work with local law enforcement, gather facts and collect evidence, perform surveillance, conduct interviews, participate in arrests, assist prosecutors in building a case | Secure and examine crime scenes, collect and document evidence, conduct interviews, supervise and monitor forensic investigators, assist prosecutors in building a case |
| Required Education | Varies. At least a high school diploma and academy training. Many detectives hold an associate or bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field. | At least a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or other relevant field such as accounting, law, or computer science. Extensive training required. | Varies. At least a high school diploma and academy training. Many CSIs hold an associate or bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field. |
| Required Work Experience | Several years policing experience | 3+ years relevant experience | Several years policing experience |
| Where They Work | In the field at crime scenes and other relevant locations; reports and other paperwork done in local, state, or federal offices | In the field to conduct investigations and interviews, at an assigned field office in the U.S., in the courtroom as needed | In the field at crime scenes and other relevant locations; reports and other paperwork done in local, state, or federal offices |
| Salary | $74,380 | $66,170 | $46,810 |
| Job Outlook | +5% | +5% | +5% |
Comparing Substance Abuse Counselors, Parole Officers, and Victim Advocates
| Substance Abuse Counselors | Parole Officers | Victim Advocates | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key Job Duties | Support and advise individuals suffering from drug addiction, evaluate clients, develop treatment goals and plans, work closely with clients and their families, refer clients to other resources as needed | Work with individuals released from prison to help them re-enter society, monitor parolees, provide information and access to resources like job training, conduct scheduled visits with parolees and their families | Support and assist victims of crimes, help victims develop exit plans, serve as case managers, run support groups, provide counseling services, write reports |
| Required Education | Varies. Many employers require a bachelor's in criminal justice, counseling, or psychology. | Most parole officers need an associate or bachelor's in criminal justice or another relevant field such as sociology or psychology. Training required. | Some employers require a bachelor's or master's in a relevant field plus on-the-job training. |
| Required Work Experience | Certification required for private practice, but no prior experience needed for entry-level positions | No prior experience needed for entry-level positions | Some employers may prefer or require relevant experience or prior fieldwork. |
| Where They Work | Varies. Counselors may work in mental health centers, prisons, probation/parole agencies, halfway houses, and residential treatment centers. | In the office and out in the field, traveling to visit parolees at home and work | In offices of a nonprofit or government entity, in the field as needed to assist victims, accompanying victims to court |
| Salary | $46,240 | $54,290 | $35,480 |
| Job Outlook | +22% | +3% | +13% |
Explore Other Criminal Justice Careers
Motivated criminal justice majors may select from dozens of other career options. Opportunities abound for graduates with secondary interests in areas like healthcare, conservation, youth services, forensic science, and anthropology.
Each career guide linked below covers common job duties, education requirements, and salary information.
- Air Marshal
- Arson and Fire Investigator
- Bailiff
- Blood Spatter Analyst
- Border Patrol Agent
- CIA Analyst
- CIA Officer
- Computer Forensics Investigator
- Corrections Treatment Specialist
- Court Clerk
- Customs and Border Protection Officer
- Deputy Sheriff
- Fire and Police Dispatch
- Fish and Game Warden
- Forensic Anthropologist
- Forensic Ballistics Expert
- Forensic Nurse
- Fraud Investigator
- ICE Agent
- Information Security Officer
- Juvenile Probation Officer
- Narcotics Officer
- Parking Enforcement Officer
- Security Guard
- Sheriff
- TSA Screener
- U.S. Marshal
- U.S. Park Police
- U.S. Postal Inspector
- Youth Correctional Counselor
How To Get a Job in Criminal Justice
Below, we explore a few universally applicable steps to securing a criminal justice career. The following sections cover the process of completing a criminal justice degree, gaining experience, and engaging in the job hunt.
It's important to note that your experience may not mirror these steps exactly. With so many different types of criminal justice jobs available, the requirements to enter the field vary.
Get a Criminal Justice Degree
Education requirements vary across the criminal justice field. Applicants may pursue some entry-level opportunities with just a high school diploma, provided they successfully complete training. Other areas of criminal justice maintain more extensive requirements for entry-level applicants, such as a certificate, associate, or bachelor's.
Education often impacts a criminal justice professional's salary and promotions. Years of experience also play a significant role, but individuals with college degrees typically earn higher incomes and enjoy increased opportunities for advancement.
Criminal Justice Certificates
Criminal justice certificates provide a quicker, more affordable alternative to degrees. Offered by both two- and four-year colleges, certificates typically comprise 4-5 core courses (12-15 credits). They typically take just a few months to complete, making them ideal for students seeking a less expensive, quick path to an entry-level criminal justice career.
Certificate holders may find work as jailers, corrections officers, or bailiffs. The relatively small commitment that certificates require make them a great option for working adults looking to explore new opportunities.
Some schools allow certificate graduates to "stack" credentials, meaning they can apply their certificate credits toward a future degree.
Learn More About Criminal Justice CertificatesCriminal Justice Associate Degrees
An associate degree in criminal justice requires approximately 60-68 credits of coursework. Full-time students can graduate in two years, although many programs also allow for part-time or self-paced attendance. Undergraduate associate programs serve students of all ages who seek a more thorough education than a certificate.
Associate programs require core courses focused on criminal justice concepts and general education courses focused on subjects like mathematics, English, and history. Students can often select a concentration to narrow their studies toward a specific career path, such as law enforcement, corrections, or forensics.
Graduates may find work as police officers, legal assistants, or corrections officers.
Learn More About Criminal Justice Associate DegreesCriminal Justice Bachelor's Degrees
One of the most popular criminal justice degree options, a bachelor's requires approximately 120 credits of coursework and takes four years of full-time study to complete. In a bachelor's program, students take a combination of general education courses, core criminal justice courses, and elective courses.
In some programs, students may select a concentration based on their career goals, such as forensic investigation, law and justice, or homeland security. Graduates can pursue careers as police officers, forensic science technicians, and probation officers.
This undergraduate degree increases career options for recent high school graduates and working adults alike.
Learn More About Criminal Justice Bachelor's DegreesCriminal Justice Master's Degrees
With a master's degree, graduates can advance to leadership positions such as emergency management director, law enforcement instructor, or supervisor in corrections or policing. Mid-career professionals typically benefit the most from pursuing a master's degree, as career advancement in the criminal justice field often requires advanced education and extensive field experience.
Master's programs comprise approximately 60 credits of coursework, including core courses and open electives designed to meet each individual's interests and professional goals. Most master's degrees in criminal justice require an interdisciplinary, field-based capstone. Students typically graduate in 2-3 years.
Learn More About Criminal Justice Master's DegreesCriminal Justice Doctoral Degrees
To earn a doctorate in criminal justice, students typically complete anywhere from 40-90 credits. Completion times vary, with graduation possible in as few as three years or as many as six years. Doctoral degree programs often attract mid-career professionals with experience in leadership positions.
These versatile degrees provide students with the advanced skills needed to analyze criminal justice policies, practices, and concerns, like use of force and wrongful convictions. Doctoral programs typically require comprehensive examinations and dissertations. Graduates can pursue careers at the highest levels of criminal justice administration or in academic education and research.
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Gaining Experience
Many entry-level criminal justice jobs do not require candidates to demonstrate prior experience to apply. For beginning careers in policing and corrections, job candidates go through rigorous physical and course-based training programs to learn what they need to know. New police hires typically spend several months partnered with an experienced officer for additional on-the-job training.
Though employers may not explicitly require prior experience, motivated students aiming for a competitive resume can boost their qualifications by seeking out relevant opportunities in the years leading up to their criminal justice job hunt.
Many police departments welcome qualified civilian volunteers to increase departmental efficiency and improve public services. Similarly, local, state, and federal criminal justice agencies may offer a variety of internships for college students. Prospective criminal justice professionals benefit from any volunteer, internship, or employment experience that involves transferable skills like communication, independent decision-making, and conflict resolution.
The Criminal Justice Job Hunt
During and after college, criminal justice majors can pursue several different avenues in their job hunt. Students can take advantage of job fairs at school and in the local community, as well as internship opportunities, which may lead to employment after graduation. Criminal justice students and professionals can also join professional organizations, which often provide connections to job opportunities.
The following job boards provide extensive resources for job seekers:
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Indeed
The world's largest job website, Indeed attracts more than 250 million monthly users. Users can search for criminal justice jobs by keyword, company, job title, and location, and filter results by salary estimate, experience level, and date posted.
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LinkedIn
In the jobs section of the site, LinkedIn recommends listings based on user profiles. Professionals can also independently search for their next criminal justice career, access a resume builder, and view interview preparation resources.
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GoLawEnforcement
The largest job board exclusively for law enforcement careers, GoLawEnforcement sees 4,000-6,000 visitors each day. Users can search open jobs by state, with results including local, state, and federal agencies.
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USAJOBS
Criminal justice professionals can use the federal government's official jobs site to apply for positions like criminal investigator, correctional officer, detective, and drug abuse treatment specialist. Optional search filters include salary, department/agency, location, and security clearance.
What Career Growth Opportunities are Available in Criminal Justice?
Like most fields, criminal justice professionals typically achieve career growth through years of experience and additional education or certification. Examples of upward mobility in criminal justice include promotions from police officer to detective, police chief to college professor, and probation officer to supervisor.
Three high-level criminal justice jobs to consider include:
[icon_content icon="thumbprint-mag-glass"]Police Chief
Police chiefs hold the highest rank in a police department. These professionals oversee departmental training, hiring, and policy creation; manage the department budget; and address the public and media as needed. They earn a median salary of $72,677. This career requires a college degree and at least five years of experience. [/icon_content] [icon_content icon="scales"]Lawyer
Lawyers advise and represent clients in courts and other legal matters. In the criminal justice field, lawyers may work as prosecutors or defense attorneys. They earn a median salary of $122,960. This career requires a Juris Doctor degree and successful completion of the state bar exam. [/icon_content] [icon_content icon="apple-books"]Criminal Justice Professor
Criminal justice professors teach college-level courses on corrections, law enforcement administration, and other criminal justice concepts. Most professors also engage in advanced research. They earn a median salary of $79,540. This career requires several years of field experience and at least a master's degree. [/icon_content]Best States for Careers in Criminal Justice
Alongside factors like education, experience, and job title, one's location can greatly impact salary and potential for upward mobility.
Larger population densities tend to correlate with higher crime rates, so major cities and high-population states tend to offer both the largest number of job openings and the highest wages. However, cost of living is an important factor as well. While California-based detectives take home larger paychecks than detectives in Utah, detectives in Utah enjoy lower costs of living.
In addition to income considerations, location also determines what types of criminal justice careers become available. Someone looking to work as a fish and game warden, for example, may find more opportunities in nonmetropolitan areas like Western Wyoming or the Texas Hill Country.
The following map and accompanying tables outline the highest-paying states for three popular criminal justice positions: police officer, private investigator, and substance abuse counselor.
Annual Mean Wage by State for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers, 2019
| TOP-PAYING STATES | ANNUAL MEAN WAGE | EMPLOYMENT |
|---|---|---|
| California | $107,440 | 74,310 |
| Texas | $$65,640 | 57,830 |
| New York | $$80,210 | 55,590 |
| Florida | $$62,680 | 38,580 |
| Illinois | $78,450 | 29,190 |
Annual Mean Wage by State for Private Detectives and Investigators, 2019
| TOP-PAYING STATES | ANNUAL MEAN WAGE | EMPLOYMENT |
|---|---|---|
| California | $$70,350 | 3,340 |
| Virginia | $$52,790 | 2,510 |
| Texas | $$67,420 | 2,220 |
| Pennsylvania | $$49,200 | 1,940 |
| Illinois | $65,670 | 1,760 |
Annual Mean Wage by State for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, 2020
| TOP-PAYING STATES | ANNUAL MEAN WAGE | EMPLOYMENT |
|---|---|---|
| California | $$56,860 | 34,430 |
| Pennsylvania | $$48,450 | 19,220 |
| New York | $$57,210 | $16,340 |
| Florida | $$45,960 | 15,370 |
| Massachusetts | $$50,590 | 14,670 |
Annual Mean Wages by State
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Where Can You Earn a Criminal Justice Degree?
You can earn a criminal justice degree online or in-person at most colleges or universities. Criminal justice degrees are offered at the associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral levels. While associate’s degree programs only take about two years to complete, these types of degree programs are typically offered at community colleges. On the other hand, bachelor’s degree programs are offered at both public and private four-year colleges and universities. Graduate degrees in criminal justice are offered at several public and private colleges and universities as well.
Can You Earn a Degree in Criminal Justice Online?
Yes, you can earn a degree in criminal justice online. In fact, many schools offer the option to earn a criminal justice degree online, whether your goal is to get an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in this field. Online degrees can be a great choice for students who thrive in an online format or for those work or life schedules won’t allow for in-person learning. Want to learn more about your online school options? Check out the top 15 online criminal degree programs.
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