What Jobs Can You Get with Criminal Justice?
If you’re interested in a career in criminal justice, you may be wondering what kind of jobs are available. The field of criminal justice is vast and encompasses various roles, from law enforcement and corrections to counseling and advocacy. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common and rewarding jobs you can get with a criminal justice background.
Law Enforcement and Corrections
One of the most obvious career paths for those with a criminal justice background is law enforcement and corrections. Here are some examples:
- Police Officer: As a police officer, you’ll work to maintain law and order, enforce laws and regulations, and protect citizens. Median salary: $61,380/year (BLS)
- Detective: Detectives investigate crimes and gather evidence to solve cases. Median salary: $77,210/year (BLS)
- Correctional Officer: Correctional officers supervise inmates and maintain order within prisons and jails. Median salary: $46,300/year (BLS)
- Probation Officer: Probation officers work with offenders who are on probation, supervising their behavior and providing support to help them stay out of trouble. Median salary: $53,910/year (BLS)
Counseling and Advocacy
If you’re interested in helping others, you may want to consider a career in counseling and advocacy:
- Crisis Counselor: Crisis counselors work with individuals and families who are experiencing traumatic events, such as natural disasters or violent crimes. Median salary: $51,000/year (indeed.com)
- Victim Advocate: Victim advocates work with victims of crime, providing emotional support and helping them navigate the criminal justice system. Median salary: $42,000/year (indeed.com)
- Mental Health Counselor: Mental health counselors work with individuals with mental health issues, providing therapy and support. Median salary: $47,660/year (BLS)
- Substance Abuse Counselor: Substance abuse counselors work with individuals struggling with addiction, providing counseling and support to help them overcome their addiction. Median salary: $47,020/year (BLS)
Other Career Paths
While law enforcement and corrections, and counseling and advocacy are some of the most well-known career paths in criminal justice, there are many other options to consider:
- Forensic Science: Forensic scientists analyze evidence and help solve crimes. Median salary: $62,760/year (BLS)
- Criminal Justice Educator: Criminal justice educators teach courses in criminal justice at the high school, college, or university level. Median salary: $63,400/year (BLS)
- Policy Analyst: Policy analysts work with governments and organizations to develop and implement policies related to criminal justice. Median salary: $75,000/year (indeed.com)
- Researcher: Researchers in criminal justice work to understand the causes and effects of crime, as well as the effectiveness of different criminal justice interventions. Median salary: $62,000/year (indeed.com)
Table: Criminal Justice Careers
| Job Title | Median Salary | BLS Job Description |
|---|---|---|
| Police Officer | $61,380/year | Enforce laws and regulations, protect citizens |
| Detective | $77,210/year | Investigate crimes, gather evidence |
| Correctional Officer | $46,300/year | Supervise inmates, maintain order |
| Probation Officer | $53,910/year | Supervise offenders on probation |
| Crisis Counselor | $51,000/year | Work with individuals and families experiencing traumatic events |
| Victim Advocate | $42,000/year | Provide emotional support, navigate criminal justice system |
| Mental Health Counselor | $47,660/year | Provide therapy and support to individuals with mental health issues |
| Substance Abuse Counselor | $47,020/year | Provide counseling and support to individuals struggling with addiction |
| Forensic Scientist | $62,760/year | Analyze evidence, help solve crimes |
| Criminal Justice Educator | $63,400/year | Teach courses in criminal justice |
| Policy Analyst | $75,000/year | Develop and implement policies related to criminal justice |
| Researcher | $62,000/year | Study the causes and effects of crime, evaluate criminal justice interventions |
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many career paths available to those with a background in criminal justice. From law enforcement and corrections to counseling and advocacy, there’s something for everyone. Remember to consider your skills, interests, and values when exploring these options, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box and pursue a career that’s unique to you.
