What Can You Do with a Criminal Justice Degree?

When people think of a criminal justice degree, they think of one thing: a police officer. But this is a small point of view.

There are many career paths in criminal justice to take. Such as in federal agencies, forensics labs, courtrooms, victim services, corrections, policy offices, and even private-sector security. The field is wide. It is flexible. It’s a well-paying career in a variety of specialties.

The truth is, good-paying jobs with a criminal justice degree exist at every level, from certificate holders all the way to PhDs. The salary you can expect and the location of your job will depend on your degree level, specialization, and your state or region.

This guide has everything you need to know. We categorize careers by education, highlight some unique and lucrative positions, and provide you with a direct path to criminal justice positions near you.

Jobs for Recent Graduates in Criminal Justice

If you’re a recent graduate and are unsure where to begin your career in criminal justice, there are a number of good choices for you right now. There are criminal justice jobs for recent graduates that don’t necessarily require years of experience. Numerous agencies recruit straight out of college. Here are five common starting points:

Corrections Officer

One of the easiest entry-level positions. Most state prisons employ graduates with a high school diploma or associate’s degree, but a bachelor’s degree can help you get noticed and advance more quickly in a corrections management career.

The job demands real judgment, for example, in the case of Officer Richard Radtkin of Mentor, Ohio, who discovered a suicidal inmate hanging from his cell door during a routine check and saved his life. He received a formal life-saving award from the city.

Probation Assistant

You assist senior probation officers in handling caseloads, monitoring compliance, and referring clients to services. This is a great foot-in-the-door option for anyone interested in rehabilitation and human services work.

This role helps new graduates understand how probation and rehabilitation work. It is a useful starting point for people interested in human services, corrections, or community support careers.

Court Clerk

Court clerks schedule cases, make filings, and prepare legal documents. Graduates are hired directly by many state court systems. It is organized, durable and develops good legal skills.

They may also help in answering questions from the public, assisting judges and attorneys, and making sure case information is entered correctly. This role builds strong organization, communication, and legal administrative skills.

Victim Advocacy Assistant

Assist a senior victim advocate in supporting victims of crime in the U.S. justice system. This position is ideal for those who are interested in criminal justice human services careers.

Real live victim advocacy case: Emily Milke, a Sexual Assault Medical/Legal Advocate from Iowa, was honored at the 2024 DOJ National Crime Victims’ Service Awards for her work in sex trafficking cases, child pornography cases and death investigations, and her efforts to ensure services for victims. This is the way her career began.

Crime Analyst Aide

Police departments and sheriff’s offices employ analyst aides to assist in data collection and crime mapping. This is one of the best jobs for criminal justice students who are tech-savvy and enjoy working with data.

The Fairfax County Police Department demonstrates this role by reading police reports, analyzing phone records, mapping crime patterns, and sharing information with other jurisdictions to assist detectives in making connections that they wouldn’t have made on their own.

Careers by Education Level

Your degree level determines which career path is good for you. Here is a clear breakdown of what you can expect at each stage.

Jobs You Can Apply to With a Criminal Justice Certificate

A criminal justice certificate is not a degree. Typically requires 6 months to 1 year to complete. It is not a substitute for licensure, but it is a helpful resource, particularly for those who are already employed in a related profession and wish to enhance their qualifications.

Typical certificate-based positions include:

Loss Prevention Specialist: Performs duties in a retail or corporate setting to prevent theft and fraud. One of the most convenient private sector access points.
Security Supervisor: Manages a group of security guards in an organization, such as a business, hospital or event.
Dispatch Assistant: Assists with 911 or agency dispatch. There are certain requirements for dispatchers in some states.
Corrections Support Roles: Administrative and case management support in correctional facilities.

Please note: a certificate does not qualify you as a licensed probation officer or police officer. Those jobs demand further training, which is required by the state, and more education. Certificates are most useful as a complement to on-the-job experience or to learn more about a career before pursuing a full degree.

What Types of Jobs Can You Get With an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice?

An associate’s degree will take approximately two years and will provide more opportunities than a certificate. It can help you get into the police academy in some states (but not all), and the requirements vary by location.

Associate’s degree holders are likely to work in the following roles:

Police Officer (in some states): An associate’s degree is accepted in some departments, especially in smaller ones. But many departments now want or require a 4-year degree. Police and sheriff’s patrol officers typically earn between $47,510 and $115,120 per year, with a national median salary of $76,210.
Corrections Officer: An associate’s degree is generally accepted in state and local corrections. Correctional officers and jailers generally earn between $42,760 and $93,220 per year, with a median salary of $58,940.
Private Investigator Assistant: Assists licensed PIs in surveillance, research, and documentation of cases. Private detectives and investigators earn about $36,740 to $97,630 per year, with a median salary of $60,220.
Court Services Staff: Court staff who manage records, schedule court hearings, and provide public services in courts. Workers in the related court, municipal, and license clerk category generally earn between $36,300 and $73,820 per year, with a median salary of $48,700.

Please note: Each state has its own requirements for police academy training. Some states require you to go to the academy first, before you get hired.

For instance, in Florida, candidates can attend a basic academy training program prior to employment and then take the state certification exam. Applicants typically must be sponsored by an approved law-enforcement agency in Massachusetts to attend a police academy. Agency-sponsored and self-sponsored candidates are eligible to enter a POST-certified academy in California. But it is not always a guarantee of employment after completing academy training.

Education, age, testing, and sponsorship requirements differ from state to state, so applicants should verify their state’s official POST board or police training commission website prior to applying.

Do some research on the requirements for your particular state before applying.

Career Options for a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice

This is the most versatile level. Criminal justice careers include federal agencies, criminal justice management, human services management, and forensic careers, among others, that can be pursued with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

The most important bachelor degree careers in this area are:

Criminal Justice Practitioner: A general term that refers to anyone who is directly involved in the criminal justice system, such as an officer, case manager, court specialist, or rehabilitation coordinator. The lowest qualification is a bachelor’s degree.

Crime Scene Investigator (CSI): CSIs photograph the scene, collect physical evidence and maintain the chain of custody to ensure that evidence is admissible in court. A bachelor’s degree in forensic science, criminal justice or chemistry is typically required.

As of May 2024, the median annual wage in this field is $67,440, and the top 10% earn more than $110,710, and employment in the field is projected to grow 13% until 2034, according to the BLS.

Federal Agency Analyst (Entry-Level): Entry-level analysts at the FBI, DEA, ATF, and DHS are all criminal justice graduates. These positions help with investigations by conducting research, analyzing data, and documenting cases. Open federal positions are posted on USAJobs.gov and will require a background check, drug testing, and may require a polygraph exam.

Victim Services Coordinator: They manage victim services programs within agencies, nonprofits, and government agencies. The usual qualification is a bachelor’s degree. According to PayScale, the average salary for this position is $54,000 to $55,000 per year.

Probation Officer: Probation officers are not prison officers, but they are responsible for keeping an eye on people on probation. The day-to-day tasks include client meetings, ensuring adherence to court requirements, coordinating with social service agencies and court reporting. Typically, a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social work, or psychology is required.

As of May 2024, the median annual wage for this occupation is $64,520, according to the BLS.

What Jobs Are Available for a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice Holder?

The Master’s program moves you from practitioner to leader. It’s the choice for people who want to take on program management, policy influence, or special federal law enforcement agency careers.

Common careers for a Master’s Degree:

Criminal Justice Administrator: The Criminal Justice Administrator involves the operation of a corrections facility, a victim services division or a crime prevention program. These salaries are generally between $73,966–$94,000, depending on the level of government.

Policy Analyst: Analyzes crime trends and suggests legal or social changes with government agencies or think tanks. Typically, a master’s degree in criminal justice or public policy is necessary. Policy analysts in this field can earn about $139,380 per year, while experienced professionals may earn more than $191,880.

Psychological Profiler: This is one with a big myth attached to it. TV shows give the impression that profiling is a job that you can walk into. In fact, the FBI’s psychological profiler is officially known as a Supervisory Special Agent in the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU).

Typically, according to retired FBI profiler Mary Ellen O’Toole, profilers in the BAU have 7 to 15 years of investigative experience before they get hired. Experienced FBI supervisory special agents can earn an estimated $107,000 to $164,000 in total pay per year, with median annual pay of around $132,000.

Although not essential, it is beneficial to have a degree in criminology or psychology. There are no FBI “profiler” positions. It’s a specialization that’s acquired within the agency.

PhD in Criminal Justice Opportunities

A doctoral degree in criminal justice is the highest academic achievement to have. It is especially for those who want to make a difference in the field itself, through research or teaching.

Here are some common PhD jobs you can get into:

University Professor: Teaches students at the college level. The salaries are very different, depending on the institution and, more importantly, the state.

According to the BLS, the median annual wage for PhD jobs is $69,030, the 75th percentile is $102,110, and the 90th percentile is $134,580.

Criminal Justice Researcher: These researchers investigate the causes, patterns, and societal impacts of crime rather than investigating crime itself. They take data from police records, courts, and demographic surveys to make crime prevention policies. They are usually employed by universities and government agencies.

The salary for this job is around $101,690 per year, while experienced researchers may earn more than $168,590.

Policy Advisor: Provides guidance to government officials or legislative bodies regarding criminal justice reform, sentencing policy, and public safety policy. Policy advisors can earn around $139,380 per year, with salaries reaching above $191,880 in senior positions.

Think Tank Expert: A think tank expert is a constant source of PhD researchers for the Department of Justice (DOJ) to review programs and to compile reports on crime and justice issues. The DOJ awards research grants via the Bureau of Justice Statistics and the National Institute of Justice.

Think tank researchers earn an average salary of around $113,102 per year, with most salaries ranging from approximately $67,000 to $154,000, depending on experience, location, and organization.

Unique Criminal Justice Jobs With Good Pay

Many people with a criminal justice degree may find working as police officers quite boring, but that’s not the case. There are plenty of alternative job roles with high pay that you can pursue. Like these:

Forensic Psychologist

The purpose of forensic psychology is to systematically assess any psychological information that may be relevant to diagnose an individual or explain the cause of the crime that has been committed through multiple one-on-one sessions.

Psychologists who specialize in forensic psychology specialize not only in gathering and presenting information, but also in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating patients with mental illness.

Forensic psychologists earn around $87,877 a year.

Forensic Science Technician

A criminal justice degree with a forensic science career path might be the ideal for someone with a passion for science! Forensic scientists work in laboratories, responding to active crime scenes or assisting at crime scenes.

Aside from that, the duties of forensic science technicians extend beyond conducting crime scene investigations and collecting evidence and information to analyzing evidence, images, and other relevant factors.

Afterwards, they conduct comprehensive theoretical and technical analyses to discover solutions and results. If you are interested in using science to discover the truth and have the necessary skills, this career option might be a good choice for you.

You can earn around $66,440 per year while working as a forensic science technician.

Intelligence Analyst

The intelligence analysts serve as silent watchmen, piecing together potential threats behind the scenes. The majority of their time is spent gathering information from a vast ocean of sources, from classified reports to social media to tapped communications. To identify and resolve potential criminal activity or threats, it is necessary to analyze the data, identify pertinent details, and connect the dots.

They are masters of analysis. Having gathered the information, they become critical thinkers who dissect the data, identify patterns, and assess the credibility of sources. A clear, concise report conveys these insights to policymakers and law enforcement agencies for informed decision-making.

Intelligence analysts can easily earn around $96,977 a year from their job.

U.S. Postal Inspector

A U.S. Postal Inspector is a federal law enforcement officer. This job is not as well known as some others, but it can be a strong career choice.

Postal inspectors investigate crimes linked to the mail system. These can include mail fraud, identity theft, drug trafficking through the mail, and postal robberies.

The United States Postal Inspection Service says postal inspectors are paid under a federal law enforcement pay scale. Their salary depends on experience and location. Many postal inspectors can earn around $68,000 per year.

Highest Paying Jobs With a Criminal Justice Degree

Here is a summary of the top-earning roles in the field.

Job Title	Required Degree	Median Annual Salary	Employer Type
First-Line Supervisor of Police/Detectives	Bachelor’s	$105,980	State/Local Gov
Nurse Practitioner (Forensic)	MSN + RN License	$132,050	Hospital/Private
Political Scientist / Policy Analyst	Master’s/PhD	$139,380	Gov/Think Tank
FBI Special Agent / Police & Detectives	Bachelor’s (minimum)	$77,270	Federal/State
Registered Nurse (Forensic)	BSN + RN License	$93,600	Hospital/Nonprofit
US Postal Inspector	Bachelor’s	$79,000–$100,000+	Federal
Probation Officer	Bachelor’s	$64,520	State/Local Gov
Forensic Science Technician	Bachelor’s	$67,000	Gov/Federal/Lab
Criminal Justice Professor	PhD	$83,980	University

How to Start Your Criminal Justice Career

There is no complicated process to begin a career in criminal justice, but it does take planning. Here’s a realistic step-by-step overview.

Choose Your Specialization

The criminal justice system is wide. There are a variety of education pathways and certifications required for different roles such as forensics, law enforcement, victim services, policy, and corrections. Make a decision early to customize coursework.

Check State and Federal Regulations

The job requirements for police officers vary from state to state. Here are the requirements of five states to give you an idea about what to expect:

California: High school diploma or GED required. Candidates can be enrolled in an academy by their employer, or they can be self-sponsored.
Florida: Florida requires a high school diploma or GED. They need to undergo training and pass the state certification exam.
Massachusetts: A high school diploma is a must in Massachusetts. Before academy training, candidates are required to be employed or sponsored by an approved agency, normally.
New York: High school diploma or GED required. In New York officers typically attend training upon appointment, or there is a pre-employment training option.
Oregon: High school diploma or equivalent required. Candidates must first be hired by a public safety agency before attending the state academy.

It is always advisable to check the most up to date rules and regulations with the state’s POST board or official agency hiring page before applying.

Gain Experience in Internships

Internships are a common component of many criminal justice programs and there’s a reason for that. An internship at a DA’s office, law enforcement, victim services nonprofit, or crime lab will make you a much better candidate upon graduation.

Obtain Certifications

American Board of Criminalistics certification can be pursued by forensic technicians. To become a forensic nurse, one must be certified by IAFN as a SANE-A or SANE-P. Officers of the law, such as corrections management and probation, attend state training academies. Find out what certifications are required for the job you are interested in.

Pass background Checks and Written Tests

Background checks are required for most government jobs and federal jobs. This includes clean financial records, no felony record, and in many cases, no recent drug use. Some agencies require written tests, psychological tests and physical fitness tests.

Fill out the official application forms; most you can find at federal jobs portals: USAJobs.gov. State and county jobs are usually listed on official government employment portals, such as CalCareers, MassCareers, StateJobsNY, Washington State Careers, and Oregon Job Opportunities. See the following examples.

Conclusion

A criminal justice degree gives you many career options besides law enforcement ones. You can work in a forensics lab, a federal agency, a courtroom, a victim services office, or a policy research center. There are countless fields you can get into, and the demand is equally high as well.

However, it is important that you plan ahead. Pick the exact field you want to get into and find more information about it, such as what certifications you need, which school offers the best degree programs, where you can get an internship and so on. Use your time in school to intern, volunteer, or shadow professionals already doing the work you want to do.

Do not rely on myths. Criminal justice is a broad field, and salaries are competitive, too. Plan smart, start early, and apply through the right channels.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which government jobs can you get with a criminal justice degree?

A degree in criminal justice can lead to some of the top jobs within the federal law enforcement agencies. The most popular agencies to work for criminal justice graduates are:

FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation): Special agents, analysts, intelligence. Must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, background check, and pass the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA.
Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Special agents and diversion investigators. Focusing on drug-related crimes.
ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives): Investigates illegal weapons trafficking, arson, and explosives.
DHS (Department of Homeland Security): Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Border Patrol, and cybersecurity experts.
USPIS (United States Postal Inspection Service): Federal agents who investigate mail-related crimes.

All federal agency positions are listed on USAJobs.gov. Most have U.S. citizenship requirements, clean background requirements, and physical or testing requirements.

Is it possible to find a good job with an online criminal justice degree?

Yes, but accreditation is the key. Employers and government agencies prefer degrees from regionally accredited institutions. A regionally accredited online program (from HLC, SACSCOC, or WASC) is equivalent to a traditional program from the same school.

Check accreditation on the U.S. Department of Education’s database before enrolling in any online criminal justice program. If you are thinking of going on to graduate school or federal employment, avoid schools that are only “nationally accredited” because some agencies do not accept these degrees on par.

Besides being a cop, what can you do with a criminal justice degree?

Well, a lot. The field is much wider than law enforcement. Here are some of the directions:

Human services and advocacy: include a variety of criminal justice-related human services jobs, including victim advocates, case managers, rehabilitation specialists, and social service coordinators. These positions are not about law enforcement, but about helping people who are impacted by crime.

Forensics and science: Crime scene investigators, forensic technicians, forensic nurses, and digital forensics analysts careers are exploding, adding a technical perspective to the justice system.

Policy and research: Policy analysts, criminologists, and government researchers help to develop policies and programs that influence the administration of justice.

Private sector: Criminal justice graduates are needed in a variety of emerging fields such as loss prevention, corporate security, cybersecurity consulting, and fraud investigation.

The skills acquired in a criminal justice degree are transferable, such as critical thinking, evidence analysis, report writing, and knowledge of law and human behavior. Those skills are valuable in a variety of industries.

Is it possible to become a lawyer after obtaining a criminal justice degree?

Not directly, but a criminal justice bachelor’s degree is a great stepping stone to law school. There is no undergraduate major requirement for law school. They are interested in a high GPA, high LSAT scores, and analytical skills.

Criminal justice is a popular pre-law major because of the natural fit between the courses in criminal justice and those in law school. Once you receive your Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA-accredited law school, you may be able to apply for admission to your state’s bar and become an attorney.

The route to a career as a criminal defense attorney, prosecutor, or public defender is: bachelor’s degree, LSAT, law school (3 years), bar exam, state licensure.

Can you work in the private section with a criminal justice degree?

Yes. Criminal justice skills can be applied in the private sector too such as private investigator, forensic accountant, and intelligence analyst, to combat financial crimes, corporate fraud, and organized crime. Criminal justice graduates are also hired regularly in the field of corporate security, loss prevention, and compliance.

When to start a career search in criminal justice following graduation?

Most entry-level positions require an application immediately after graduation. There is no waiting period for corrections officer, court clerk, and victim advocate positions. Academy training for police roles can take between 3 and 6 months. Federal agency jobs are slower – background investigations can take 6 to 12 months after you apply.

Are career changers better off with a criminal justice degree?

It works well. The degree develops problem-solving, ethical decision-making, and research abilities that are desired by employers in a variety of fields. This is a good career for military veterans. The skills of discipline, attention to detail and working under pressure are directly applicable to law enforcement, corrections, and federal agency positions.

What Can You Do with a Criminal Justice Degree? Careers, Salaries, and Paths Explained