What Jobs Can You Do with a Criminal Justice Degree?
Pursuing a degree in criminal justice can lead to a wide range of career opportunities in law enforcement, corrections, and the judiciary. With a criminal justice degree, you can explore various roles that require analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills. In this article, we will explore the different jobs you can do with a criminal justice degree.
Law Enforcement Careers
Contents
Criminal Investigator
As a criminal investigator, you will collect and analyze evidence to solve crimes. This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently.
- Median Salary: $62,000 – $80,000 per year
- Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related field
- Work Environment: Law enforcement agencies, government agencies, and private investigation firms
Police Officer
As a police officer, you will enforce laws, respond to emergencies, and engage with the community. This role requires strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as physical fitness.
- Median Salary: $50,000 – $70,000 per year
- Required Education: High school diploma or equivalent, with some police departments requiring a college degree
- Work Environment: Law enforcement agencies and police departments
Forensic Scientist
As a forensic scientist, you will analyze evidence, such as DNA, fingerprints, and other physical evidence, to help solve crimes. This role requires strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
- Median Salary: $60,000 – $80,000 per year
- Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in forensic science, biology, chemistry, or related field
- Work Environment: Forensic labs, law enforcement agencies, and government agencies
Corrections Careers
Correctional Officer
As a correctional officer, you will supervise and maintain order in correctional facilities, such as prisons and jails. This role requires strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as physical fitness.
- Median Salary: $40,000 – $60,000 per year
- Required Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Work Environment: Correctional facilities, such as prisons and jails
Probation Officer
As a probation officer, you will work with individuals who have been released from prison or jail to help them reintegrate into society. This role requires strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as organizational skills.
- Median Salary: $50,000 – $70,000 per year
- Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social work, or related field
- Work Environment: Probation departments, government agencies, and non-profit organizations
Judicial Careers
Paralegal
As a paralegal, you will assist attorneys with legal research, document preparation, and other legal tasks. This role requires strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
- Median Salary: $40,000 – $60,000 per year
- Required Education: Post-secondary certificate or associate’s degree in paralegal studies
- Work Environment: Law firms, government agencies, and legal departments
Court Reporter
As a court reporter, you will transcribe court proceedings, depositions, and other legal proceedings. This role requires strong typing skills and attention to detail.
- Median Salary: $50,000 – $70,000 per year
- Required Education: Post-secondary certificate or associate’s degree in court reporting
- Work Environment: Courts, law firms, and government agencies
Other Careers
Private Security Officer
As a private security officer, you will provide security services for individuals, businesses, or events. This role requires strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as physical fitness.
- Median Salary: $30,000 – $50,000 per year
- Required Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Work Environment: Private security firms, event security, and corporate security
Crime Analyst
As a crime analyst, you will analyze crime data to identify patterns and trends, and help law enforcement agencies develop effective crime prevention strategies. This role requires strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
- Median Salary: $50,000 – $70,000 per year
- Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, statistics, or related field
- Work Environment: Law enforcement agencies, government agencies, and private companies
Table: Criminal Justice Careers
| Career | Median Salary | Required Education | Work Environment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Investigator | $62,000 – $80,000 | Bachelor’s degree | Law enforcement agencies, government agencies, and private investigation firms |
| Police Officer | $50,000 – $70,000 | High school diploma or equivalent | Law enforcement agencies and police departments |
| Forensic Scientist | $60,000 – $80,000 | Bachelor’s degree | Forensic labs, law enforcement agencies, and government agencies |
| Correctional Officer | $40,000 – $60,000 | High school diploma or equivalent | Correctional facilities, such as prisons and jails |
| Probation Officer | $50,000 – $70,000 | Bachelor’s degree | Probation departments, government agencies, and non-profit organizations |
| Paralegal | $40,000 – $60,000 | Post-secondary certificate or associate’s degree | Law firms, government agencies, and legal departments |
| Court Reporter | $50,000 – $70,000 | Post-secondary certificate or associate’s degree | Courts, law firms, and government agencies |
| Private Security Officer | $30,000 – $50,000 | High school diploma or equivalent | Private security firms, event security, and corporate security |
| Crime Analyst | $50,000 – $70,000 | Bachelor’s degree | Law enforcement agencies, government agencies, and private companies |
In conclusion, a criminal justice degree can lead to a wide range of career opportunities in law enforcement, corrections, and the judiciary. With a strong education and training, you can explore roles that require analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills. Whether you are interested in law enforcement, corrections, or judicial careers, a criminal justice degree can provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in these fields.
