Criminal justice is the system of law enforcement comprising police (including sheriff’s departments, state police, and federal agencies such as the FBI), the courts (lawyers and judges), and corrections (prisons, juvenile justice centers, and parole officers). This interconnected web of activities operates at the local, state, and federal levels and gets to work immediately following a crime.
The first career in criminal justice that comes to mind may be police officer or prison guard. However, the field spans a multitude of roles that go far beyond the realm of local law enforcement or prison corrections. Within these careers, individuals have many opportunities for advancement.
Naturally, the different parts of the criminal justice system each offer criminal justice job growth opportunities. Depending on your career interests and goals, anonline bachelor’s degree in criminal justicecan prepare you for entering or advancing in the field.
What Can You Do with a Criminal Justice Degree?
A criminal justice degree can be a steppingstone not only to a traditional career in policing but also to roles in STEM, law, or corrections, among other domains. This type of education will provide an excellent foundation in core concepts such as criminal law, police and correctional practices, and social sciences. It will also lay the groundwork for criminal justice job growth, as a bachelor’s degree may be a requirement for promotion in some fields. However, advancement may also depend on further study, higher degrees, and professional credentials.
The following roles are typical of criminal justice career paths and job growth:
Police Officer
About 30% ofpolice officershave a college degree, according to a study by the Police Foundation. That percentage increases among the higher ranks, as some law enforcement agencies require officers to have a bachelor’s degree to qualify for a promotion. Local and state jurisdictions are beginning to entertain calls for also requiring incoming police officers to have a bachelor’s degree, specifically with coursework in sociology and related areas.
Private Security Officer
Private security firms that secure and protect government institutions, corporate buildings, and schools face challenges ranging from vandalism to violent and deadly attacks, according toSecurity Magazine. Leaders in security firms recognize that a combination of training and education in critical thinking produces better outcomes and leads to job growth in the industry. Earning a criminal justice degree may be a good first step toward a leadership position in private security.
Forensic Scientist
Forensic scientists analyze crime scene evidence to help investigators solve crimes. People who are drawn to forensics take science and math courses, as well as criminal justice ones, to prepare for this profession.
Criminal Justice and Federal Government Agents
Government agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Customs and Border Protection (CPB) provide criminal justice job growth opportunities. A criminal justice degree can put ambitious graduates on a career path that requires dedication and the highest level of performance. The following are some opportunities with a federal agency:
- A role with the FBI could specialize in cybersecurity, law, linguistics, or accounting. Candidates generally have an advanced degree, as well as criminal justice background.
- The DEA investigates drug offenses and pursues drug traffickers in the U.S. and internationally.
- The ATF is an arm of the Department of Justice and focuses on criminal activity such as illegal ownership of firearms and arson.
- The CBP secures the nation’s borders to prevent terrorist activity and enforce immigration laws.
Criminal Justice Job Growth
A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice provides a broad background in law, policing, corrections, and human behavior —and it’s a first step in lifelong learning. Criminal justice job growth and increased compensation are dependent on continuing professional education. A bachelor’s degree may be a requirement for promotion in some fields, such as police work, and many jobs require additional training and certifications.
What are some of the career growth opportunities in criminal justice? In policing, most academy graduates start as police officers and then move up the ranks to corporal, sergeant, lieutenant, and higher (roles vary by agency), with increasing leadership responsibilities. Corrections officers can rise to similar titles, such as sergeant and lieutenant, and depending on degree and experience, they may also be eligible to take on an assistant warden or warden role.
Midlevel and leadership roles often require a civil service exam and having a criminal justice degree can be excellent preparation for these career hurdles.
Other interests and skills, combined with a criminal justice degree, can lead to job growth as well. An interest in technology and cybersecurity can open up job opportunities in private security, for example.
An advanced degree in criminal justice opens up more paths to career advancement, as well as higher wages. A master’s in criminal justice can make a candidate more competitive when seeking a promotion and a leadership role. At the federal law enforcement level, a master’s degree may be strongly encouraged, especially a degree such as criminal justice that includes coursework in the social sciences.
Benefits of Criminal Justice Career Advancement
Many people choose a criminal justice profession because they’re passionate about some aspect of the field — investigations, crime prevention, law, or psychology, for example. Following these passions can lead to criminal justice job growth and a rewarding career.
Criminal justice compensation varies widely by profession, depending on the size of the agency or organization, and the job outlook is generally promising.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2019 median annual salary for police officers was $65,170, but police wages are highly dependent on the size of the agency and geographic location. The BLS projects the employment of police officers to grow 5% from 2019 to 2029. For forensic science technicians, the 2019 median annual salary was $59,150, with a 14% projected increase in demand from 2019 to 2029. The 2019 median annual salary for correctional officers was $45,300; however, the BLS projects the employment of these officers to fall 7% during the same period, partly because of budget constraints and decreasing prison populations.
Education can pay off for those in the criminal justice profession in terms of greater opportunity and higher earning potential. For example, compared with police officers with only a high school diploma or GED, police officers with a bachelor’s degree earn $300 more per month from the Dallas Police Department; with master’s degrees, the difference is even greater. For those criminal justice careers that require a doctoral or professional degree, compensation is much higher. For example, the 2019 median annual salary for judges was $120,090.
Many Paths to Success
Now that you know more about criminal justice, where do you want to take your career? There are many paths to success and opportunities for job growth in criminal justice. Whether you are drawn to policing, investigation, law, or corrections — or want to take on a challenging role with a federal agency — the solid foundation provided by a criminal justice degree is the first step to discovering your place in this dynamic career field.
Want to know more? Discover howMaryville University’s online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justiceprogram can help you achieve your goals.
Recommended Reading
Resources and Tips for a Career in Criminal Justice
How Criminal Justice Professionals Will Fight Future Crimes
Sources
Britannica, “Criminal Justice”
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Careers
Bureau of Justice Statistics, The Justice System
Dallas Police Department, Salary/Benefits
Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI Jobs
The Hill, “College for Cops? Studies Show It Helps Their Behavior, Stress Levels”
Police Foundation, “How Educated Should Police Be?”
Police Foundation, “Policing Around the Nation: Education, Philosophy, and Practice”
Security Magazine, “The New Age of Safety and Security”
United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Careers in the DEA
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Correctional Officers and Bailiffs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Forensic Science Technicians
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Police and Detectives
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Careers
U.S. News & World Report, “How to Become an FBI Agent and Why”
U.S. News & World Report, “What Can You Do with a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice?”
FAQs
Criminal Justice Job Growth: Advancing Your Career | Maryville Online? ›
Working in the criminal justice system can mean job opportunities in law enforcement, the legal system, and corrections. Criminal justice professionals work in police departments, federal law enforcement agencies, prisons, and courthouses across the country. They also patrol the streets and protect public safety.
What are potential career opportunities in criminal justice? ›Working in the criminal justice system can mean job opportunities in law enforcement, the legal system, and corrections. Criminal justice professionals work in police departments, federal law enforcement agencies, prisons, and courthouses across the country. They also patrol the streets and protect public safety.
What is the projected growth for criminal justice? ›Graduating from a criminal justice program continues to provide jobs for those with a passion for helping people and keeping communities safe. Careers centered on criminal investigations and cybersecurity will see an explosive job-growth rate—as high as 33 percent by 2030.
How the criminal justice profession is changing? ›Technology has transformed how law enforcement agencies are protecting communities. From body cameras and advanced GPS tracking to drones and social media data, advancements in technology give law enforcement professionals new tools and techniques to fight crime.
What is the job growth for criminology? ›Criminology Career Outlook
If we take a look at the job outlook of sociologists, which typically includes criminologists, the employment rate is projected to grow by 4% between 2019 and 2029 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021). This is roughly the same rate as the average employment growth for all occupations.
And in the criminal justice system, a judge is the highest-earning position on the list. Judges and hearing officers oversee the legal process in the courtroom. This typically involves presiding over trials and hearings for cases.
Is criminal justice a good career path? ›Graduates with a bachelor's in criminal justice can find work within the court systems, police departments and even private security. This career path includes job security, high potential earnings and varied work opportunities.
What are the 3 biggest challenges to the criminal justice system today? ›“The three largest challenges to the criminal justice system today are the mass incarceration of black and brown people, the injustice of black males and the insensitive nature of the police force.
What are three things will challenge the criminal justice system in the next five years? ›- Racial Justice. Ending mass incarceration must include combating racial inequality and disparity.
- Sentencing Reform. It's time to take a second look at extreme sentences.
- Voting Rights. The criminal justice system shouldn't have a say in our democracy.
- Youth Justice.
Opportunity to Help Others
A career in criminal justice is a great way to give back to your community. The field is full of jobs that help others; from law enforcement to working in the court system, you're protecting people from criminal activity, helping crime victims and ensuring justice for them and society.
How has technology changed the criminal justice field? ›
Palm prints, fingerprints, facial recognition, iris recognition and other tools are used to match individuals with their criminal backgrounds. These technologies are always being updated and improved to provide officers with the most comprehensive and up-to-date information.
What are the benefits of criminal justice technology? ›With facial recognition software, law enforcement agencies can better track suspects and criminals without physically intruding in public spaces. Technology like tracking devices and cameras also help the police identify and find criminals and suspects faster than searching on foot.
What is your career path? ›A career path is a plan detailing the positions you aim to hold as you advance in your field. Your first job or college degree, for example, can mark the beginning of your career path. As you gain additional knowledge and skills, you may progress, or move vertically, into more advanced roles.
How do I start a career in criminology? ›Criminologists must earn at least a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, or a related field. With this degree, you will learn how to study and implement criminology in the field you decide to enter.
Is criminology and criminal justice the same? ›While the primary focus is different, both will study how the criminal justice system works, what is considered a crime and how to hold people accountable for their criminal behavior. Both will study theories of criminal behavior, though criminology will dig deeper into this area of study.
Is Masters in criminal justice worth it? ›Pursuing your master's degree in criminal justice can not only help you advance your career in the field; it can also improve your communication and research skills. You'll learn more about the most current theories and trends in criminal justice.
Do FBI agents make six figures? ›FBI agents are paid according to the GS pay scale and can earn anywhere between $50,000 and $65,000 per year, reports the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Their base salaries start at the GL-10 pay grade.
Do you make a lot of money in criminal justice? ›As of Jun 5, 2023, the average annual pay for the Criminal Justice Degree jobs category in California is $55,866 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $26.86 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,074/week or $4,655/month.
Is a bachelor's in criminal justice worth it? ›A criminal justice major is an excellent choice, especially if you're interested in criminal justice jobs in areas like law enforcement, prison reform and the judicial system. To help you understand what makes criminal justice a valuable major, let's take a closer look at this fascinating area of study.
Is a degree in criminal justice hard? ›Is a Criminal Justice Major Hard? Like any accredited college program, earning a criminal justice degree requires rigor and persistence. Criminal justice coursework covers a broad set of topics in order to prepare students for a multi-faceted career. Criminal justice majors also typically require field training.
Why are people passionate about criminal justice? ›
They desire to help those in need, protect the greater good, and serve the people above all else. Within criminal justice, you can work with victims of crime, assist in solving crimes, or help prevent crime in your community. There is a vast variety of career options available in the field.
What are the three C's of the criminal justice system? ›THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM CONSISTS OF THE POLICE, THE COURTS, AND CORRECTIONS.
Why is the criminal justice system broken? ›The country's long history of racism, the war on drugs, and harsh mandatory sentences have all contributed to the dysfunction of today's criminal justice system.
What are the top five 5 issues currently facing the criminal justice system? ›- Human Trafficking. ...
- Drug Crime. ...
- Cybercrime. ...
- Homeland Security. ...
- Mental Illness.
Four major goals are usually attributed to the sentencing process: retribution, rehabilitation, deterrence, and incapacitation. Retribution refers to just deserts: people who break the law deserve to be punished.
What are the three goals of criminal justice? ›The Three Components of the Criminal Justice System & Where You Fit In. The United States' criminal justice system is designed to enforce laws, ensure public safety, and deliver justice to those who have committed crimes.
What are some criminal justice strategies? ›Policing strategies include hot spots, broken windows, stop question and frisk (SQF), and procedural justice. The broken window policy assumes that reducing low-level neighborhood crime and disorder can prevent a series of serious crimes.
Does the FBI want criminal justice majors? ›Criminal justice is one of the most popular degree options for FBI agents. Focusing on the societal response to crime, this major teaches students how the law enforcement system operates.
Is criminology or criminal justice better? ›Those who graduate with a degree in criminal justice may be more likely to defend their neighborhoods and seek to curb criminal activity, while those who study criminology perhaps are more interested in getting to know the perpetrators and understanding their motivations.
Who is the most powerful player in the criminal justice system and why? ›1Prosecutors are the most powerful officials in the American criminal justice system. They control the direction and outcome of all criminal cases, particularly through their charging and plea-bargaining decisions.
How does high technology provide new criminal opportunities? ›
Unfortunately, technology has also allowed for individuals to carry out the act of committing crimes right from their homes under anonymity. This is known as cybercrime and can be defined as any online criminal act while using a computer or other electronic devices to cause harm to others.
How does the Internet influence crime? ›The use of software may be utilized to copy usernames and passwords to access private or protected information. This permits these individuals to peruse systems, websites, databases and other areas of a company or area of the internet. Once information has been stolen and copied, it may be used to commit many crimes.
What is the future of technology in law enforcement? ›A police agency of the future may have automated dispatchers answering 9-1-1 calls, autonomous police cars, artificial intelligence (AI) robots on patrol, biometric monitoring for officer health and safety, and smartphone applications to interact with smart city technology software systems to process and file data ...
What is the most important goal of the criminal justice system? ›The purpose of the criminal justice system is to protect society, punish offenders and rehabilitate criminals. It does this by following a process where the offender is arrested and tried for what they did wrong. If found guilty, they are punished with jail time or other punishments such as fines or community service.
What should be the most important goal of the criminal justice system? ›To enforce the law and defend the interests of the United States according to the law, to ensure public safety against threats foreign and domestic, to provide federal leadership in preventing and controlling crime, to seek just punishment for those guilty of unlawful behavior, and to ensure fair and impartial ...
What are the five main goals or purposes of the criminal justice system? ›Modern goals of the criminal justice system include preventing crime, protecting the public, supporting victims of crimes, holding perpetrators responsible for crimes committed, and helping offenders return to society as law-abiding citizens.
How technology has changed law enforcement? ›Artificial Intelligence
Law enforcement agencies often use databases filled with information about individuals, including background and criminal history. With artificial intelligence, law enforcement agencies can make strategic connections using these databases to improve investigations.
In other words, it keeps our citizens safe. Without the criminal justice system, and all those who work within it, there might be havoc, violence, theft, and danger all around.
What are the four 4 kinds of career path? ›There are four types of career paths—knowledge-based, skill-based, entrepreneur-based, and freelance. Every kind of career path caters to a specific set of qualifications that help you perform your job.
What are the 6 career paths? ›- Arts & Communication.
- Business Management & Technology.
- Industrial & Engineering Technology.
- Health Services.
- Human Services.
- Natural Resources Agriculture.
What is career growth path? ›
A career path is a list of steps to take in your professional life for progressing into different or more advanced roles at work. It's a series of jobs and experiences that help employees reach their ultimate career objectives and future goals.
What job in criminology makes the most money? ›- #1 – Judge and Hearing Officers. Median Annual Salary: $128,710. ...
- #2 – Attorney or Lawyer. ...
- #3 – FBI Specialist. ...
- #4 – FBI Agent. ...
- #5 – Criminologist. ...
- #6 – Financial Examiner. ...
- #7 – Intelligence Analyst. ...
- #8 – Forensic Psychologist.
A bachelor's degree in criminology can be completed in four years, with an additional two years typical for completing a master's degree. It can take another three to six years to earn a doctorate for those interested in applied research or teaching at the college level.
How can I make the most money with a criminology degree? ›- Forensic Psychologists. ...
- Police Identification and Records Officers (Crime Scene Evidence Technician) ...
- Criminologists and Sociologists. ...
- Immigrations and Customs Inspectors. ...
- Forensic Accountants and Financial Examiners. ...
- College Professor.
In terms of long-term goals, a BA in criminal justice may benefit students interested in pursuing careers in law enforcement administration, criminology or corrections. A BS in criminal justice may benefit students interested in pursuing careers in fraud investigation, forensic science or paralegal work.
What degree does the FBI look for? ›All FBI agents must hold a bachelor's degree at minimum, and many possess a master's degree or higher. FBI agents often earn degrees in fields such as criminal justice or political science, though the Bureau does not maintain any specific academic major requirements for applicants.
Which is better for FBI criminal justice or criminology? ›A criminal justice degree is ideal for a role in the FBI as a violent crime analyst, a profiler, or in a related area of criminal investigation within the FBI. It is also a good choice for individuals who want to work as field agents.
Why are you seeking a career in criminal justice? ›Opportunity to Help Others
A career in criminal justice is a great way to give back to your community. The field is full of jobs that help others; from law enforcement to working in the court system, you're protecting people from criminal activity, helping crime victims and ensuring justice for them and society.
A.k.a. “criminal opportunity” or “opportunity theory” It takes a person to commit a crime. But it also takes an opportunity for crime – a situation in which it is easier, preferable, less potentially costly, etc. to commit a crime.
Is criminal justice a hard career? ›Is a Criminal Justice Major Hard? Like any accredited college program, earning a criminal justice degree requires rigor and persistence. Criminal justice coursework covers a broad set of topics in order to prepare students for a multi-faceted career. Criminal justice majors also typically require field training.
What is a career criminal in criminology? ›
A career offender is someone who commits a crime of violence or a controlled substance offense after two prior felony convictions for those crimes.
Why I chose criminal justice as my major essay? ›I chose to specialize in Criminal Justice due to my interests in not only studying how society thinks, but how criminals react and develop within society. Studying Criminal Justice allowed me to think holistically, enabling me to use day to day concepts to create and understand the construct of big picture ideas.
Why did you decide to pursue this career? ›'I see the role as a way of developing my career in a forward-thinking/well-established company/industry as…' 'I feel I will succeed in the role because I have experience in/softs skills that demonstrate/ I've taken this course…' 'I believe my skills are well-suited to this job because…”
What are the advantages of criminal justice system? ›In other words, it keeps our citizens safe. Without the criminal justice system, and all those who work within it, there might be havoc, violence, theft, and danger all around.
Is criminal justice the easiest major? ›Although typically considered to be one of the easiest college majors, criminal justice majors often have their sights set on difficult career paths in police work or corrections. However, there are many additional (and lucrative) career paths available in law, forensic psychology, and information analysis.
Do you need to be good at math for criminal justice? ›Math: The level of math for Criminal Justice is at least 1 year of algebra, with strong emphasis on basic math skills such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division as well as understanding the principals of triangulation, ratios, and speed distance calculations.
What is the difference between criminology and criminal justice? ›At a high-level, the main difference between criminal justice and criminology is their approach. Criminal justice focuses on how professionals, and the greater society, should handle crime. Criminology, on the other hand, focuses on the criminals themselves, and specifically why they commit crimes.
Is a criminologist a real job? ›Criminologist. As the name suggests, this is one of the most popular careers for criminology majors. Criminologists collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data surrounding crime, ultimately providing insights and solutions to prevent crime in a community.