What Jobs Can I Get with a Criminal Justice Degree?
A criminal justice degree can lead to a wide range of exciting and rewarding career opportunities in fields such as law enforcement, corrections, law, and social services. Whether you’re interested in enforcing the law, working in the courtroom, or helping those affected by crime, a criminal justice degree can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.
Law Enforcement Jobs
One of the most obvious career paths for individuals with a criminal justice degree is law enforcement. Law enforcement agencies, such as police departments and sheriff’s offices, employ criminal justice graduates in a variety of roles, including:
- Police Officer: Law enforcement officers are responsible for enforcing laws and maintaining order in their communities. This is often the most coveted job for criminal justice majors.
- Detective: Detectives investigate crimes and gather evidence to solve cases.
- Intelligence Analyst: Intelligence analysts analyze data and intelligence to identify patterns and trends related to criminal activity.
- Crime Scene Investigator: Crime scene investigators collect and analyze evidence from crime scenes.
Corrections Jobs
Another area where criminal justice graduates can find work is in corrections. Correctional facilities, such as prisons and jails, employ professionals in a variety of roles, including:
- Correctional Officer: Correctional officers supervise and monitor inmates in correctional facilities.
- Probation Officer: Probation officers work with offenders who are on probation to ensure they comply with the terms of their sentence.
- Parole Officer: Parole officers work with offenders who are on parole to ensure they comply with the terms of their parole.
Law Jobs
For those interested in the legal side of criminal justice, a criminal justice degree can provide a strong foundation for a career in law. This can include:
- Prosecutor: Prosecutors work for the government to prosecute individuals who have committed crimes.
- Defense Attorney: Defense attorneys represent individuals who have been charged with crimes.
- Judge: Judges preside over criminal trials and hearings.
Social Services Jobs
Criminal justice graduates can also find work in social services, where they can help individuals and families affected by crime. This can include:
- Counselor: Counselors work with individuals and families to address the impact of crime on their lives.
- Victim Advocate: Victim advocates provide support and resources to victims of crime.
- Case Manager: Case managers work with individuals and families to provide support and resources to help them overcome challenges related to crime.
Other Career Paths
A criminal justice degree can also provide a strong foundation for careers in other fields, including:
- FBI Agent: FBI agents work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation to investigate federal crimes.
- NCIS Agent: NCIS agents work for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service to investigate crimes related to the military.
- Customs Agent: Customs agents work for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to enforce laws related to international trade and border control.
- Private Investigator: Private investigators work for private companies or individuals to investigate crimes and gather evidence.
Table: Top 10 Jobs with a Criminal Justice Degree
| Job Title | Median Salary | Job Description |
|---|---|---|
| Police Officer | $61,380 | Enforce laws and maintain order in their communities |
| Correctional Officer | $44,600 | Supervise and monitor inmates in correctional facilities |
| Detective | $75,750 | Investigate crimes and gather evidence |
| Intelligence Analyst | $68,800 | Analyze data and intelligence to identify patterns and trends related to criminal activity |
| Crime Scene Investigator | $62,410 | Collect and analyze evidence from crime scenes |
| Prosecutor | $114,970 | Work for the government to prosecute individuals who have committed crimes |
| Defense Attorney | $124,300 | Represent individuals who have been charged with crimes |
| Judge | $124,300 | Preside over criminal trials and hearings |
| Counselor | $46,050 | Work with individuals and families to address the impact of crime on their lives |
| Victim Advocate | $42,610 | Provide support and resources to victims of crime |
Conclusion
A criminal justice degree can provide a wide range of career opportunities in fields such as law enforcement, corrections, law, and social services. Whether you’re interested in enforcing the law, working in the courtroom, or helping those affected by crime, a criminal justice degree can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed. By considering the top 10 jobs with a criminal justice degree, you can gain a better understanding of the career paths available to you and make an informed decision about your future career.
