Top 20 Careers in Criminal Justice: Explore Your Options

Author: University of North Dakota
July 15, 2024

Our society relies on skilled individuals in various areas of justice to ensure our society keeps functioning and that lawbreakers are held accountable.

Various professionals with careers in criminal justice help maintain order, safety, and justice. Keep reading to discover the roles these professionals play and how you can become one of these everyday heroes.

20 Jobs with a Criminal Justice Degree You Can Pursue

There are many criminal justice careers that contribute to law enforcement and public safety. Below, we explore 20 jobs you can pursue through a criminal justice degree.

Intelligence/Crime/Data Analyst

These analysts collect, analyze, and interpret information to support national security and law enforcement efforts. They work with various data sources to identify threats and provide actionable intelligence

Most agencies hiring such analysts require a four-year college degree in a field closely related to their needed expertise, such as a criminal justice degree, which typically includes coursework in research methods and statistics, providing essential skills for analyzing and interpreting data. Although no specific certifications or advanced degrees are required to become an intelligence/crime/data analyst, some hiring managers may prefer candidates to have them.

Median salary: $82,454 per year

Court Administrator

Court administrators manage the non-judicial functions of the court system, ensuring efficient operation and administration. Their duties include overseeing budgets, case flow management, court staff, and maintaining records.

A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, public administration, or business administration is often required, along with legal, judicial, or government administration experience. They play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the judicial system.

Median salary: $82,029 per year

Drug Enforcement Administration Agent

DEA agents are responsible for enforcing laws related to controlled substances and for investigating drug trafficking and distribution networks. To do so, they conduct surveillance, gather evidence, and, when needed, make arrests.

All new DEA recruits must complete an 18-week basic training course at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia, which trains them in marksmanship, non-lethal weapons, decision-making, defensive tactics, martial arts, and other key skills. Recruits must have a bachelor's degree or specific law enforcement experience to be eligible for this academy.

Median salary: $76,795 per year

Deputy Sheriff

Deputy sheriffs are in charge of enforcing laws at the county level, protecting property and citizens, and maintaining public order. They patrol areas, respond to emergencies, serve warrants, and provide court security.

The minimum educational requirement for joining this profession is a high school diploma. However, a higher education degree in criminal justice or another relevant field can significantly help during the selection process. In addition, candidates must pass the physical fitness test and the written examination and undergo a complete background investigation. 

Median salary: $70,960 per year

State Trooper

State troopers are sworn law enforcement officers with jurisdiction statewide. They generally enforce traffic laws on highways, investigate accidents, and assist local law enforcement agencies. They are also often involved in public safety initiatives and emergency response.

Candidates for this profession need a high school diploma or GED. However, in numerous states, there is an increasing demand for candidates to hold an associate's degree, bachelor's degree, or even higher qualifications in relevant fields.

Median salary: $69,999 per year

FBI Agent

Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation deal with federal crimes, including terrorism, cybercrime, organized crime, and public corruption. They gather evidence, conduct surveillance, and make arrests.

There are no additional licensure or certification requirements for being an FBI agent. So, all the requirements come down to securing a spot at the FBI Academy, which requires holding a bachelor's degree and a minimum of two years of full-time professional work experience or an advanced degree with at least one year of full-time professional work experience. The application process is extensive and includes interviews, written tests, polygraph tests, background checks, and drug tests. Once accepted, all agents undergo a rigorous training process to be prepared for their future roles.

Median salary: $68,989 per year

Secret Service Agent

Secret service agents protect national leaders, including the president and vice president, and secure the nation's financial infrastructure. They conduct investigations into financial crimes, such as counterfeiting and fraud, and develop security plans for high-profile events.

To become a secret service agent, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with superior academic achievement (S.A.A.). Rigorous training and a comprehensive background check are also required.

Median salary: $65,642 per year

Police Officer

Police officers perform more or less similar duties as deputy sheriffs. Their day-to-day tasks include responding to emergencies, patrolling communities, investigating crimes, and arresting suspects.

Typically, candidates need a high school diploma or GED, though some departments require some college coursework or a degree. Police academy training is essential, covering law enforcement techniques, firearms training, and emergency response.

Median salary: $62,148 per year

Victim Advocate

As the name implies, victim advocates support victims of crime, providing emotional support, information, and assistance with navigating the legal system. They help victims access resources and ensure their rights are protected.

Most professionals in this role have a bachelor's or master's degree in criminal justice, psychology, or social work. Moreover, they need practical training, as victim advocates must be skilled in active listening, teamwork, and problem-solving to work with their clients. 

Median salary: $60,627 per year

Paralegal

Paralegals assist lawyers by conducting legal research, drafting documents, and organizing case files. They work in various legal settings, including law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies.

A degree in legal studies, criminal justice, or a related field is typically necessary. Certification from a paralegal program is optional but highly beneficial. These professionals must have strong research and organizational skills and a thorough understanding of legal procedures to support attorneys effectively.

Median salary: $59,731 per year

Crime Scene Investigator

Crime scene investigators, as the name suggests, collect and analyze physical evidence from crime scenes. Their day-to-day tasks include documenting findings, preparing reports, and sometimes testifying in court about their analyses.

Candidates interested in becoming CSIs must typically possess a bachelor's degree in an area of science, such as forensic science, biology, chemistry, or some other relevant field like criminal justice. They receive most of their job training after securing a position.

Median salary: $59,636 per year

Intervention/Prevention Specialist

Intervention/prevention specialists are professionals responsible for developing and managing programs aimed at enhancing social-emotional learning and improving behavior. They also facilitate community and staff development activities and lead efforts to design and maintain innovative practices that support achievement. 

Typically, these specialists have degrees in criminal justice, psychology, education, social work, or a related field. Their role often involves collaborating with law enforcement, community organizations, and social services to create safer communities.

Median salary: $58,468 per year

Customs Inspector

Customs inspectors work at ports of entry where they are in charge of inspecting goods and individuals entering the country to enforce customs laws and prevent illegal activities such as smuggling.

To be eligible for training at a federal law enforcement training center, one typically needs to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. However, some positions may prefer or require additional education, such as a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, homeland security, law enforcement, or international relations. Previous work experience in law enforcement, customs, or related fields can also be highly beneficial.

Median salary: $56,905 per year

Parole Officer

Parole officers deal with individuals who have been released from prison on parole. They are in charge of monitoring these individuals for compliance with parole conditions, and they must support the reintegration process.

Most parole agencies require applicants to obtain a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, psychology, social work, correction, sociology, counseling, or business administration. 

Average salary: $56,720 per year

Probation Officer

These officers must supervise offenders placed on probation instead of serving time in prison. Their role includes ensuring compliance with probation terms and assisting with rehabilitation efforts.

Similar to parole officers, probation officers also need a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or another relevant field and must undergo screening and testing processes.

Median salary: $56,720 per year

Private Investigator

Private investigators are criminal justice professionals who conduct investigations to gather information about legal, financial, and personal matters. They offer various services, including verifying backgrounds, finding missing persons, and investigating crimes.

Experience is sometimes preferred over formal education, but many private investigators have criminal justice degrees. Licensing requirements vary by state and may include exams and background checks.

Median salary: $55,726 per year

Correctional Officer

Correctional officers oversee individuals awaiting trial or those sentenced to jail or prison. They are crucial to maintaining security and order within correctional facilities.

Some positions require a high school diploma or GED, while others may require some college education or relevant work experience. Training at a correctional academy includes courses in self-defense, inmate rights, and facility security.

Median salary: $54,007 per year

Investigative Reporter

These reporters research and report on complex issues, often uncovering corruption, crime, or other significant stories requiring in-depth analysis and investigation.

A bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field is typically required, but these reporters also benefit significantly from fields like criminal justice, political science, international relations, and more. Experience in investigative reporting and knowledge of legal and ethical standards are essential when reporting.

Median salary: $48,090 per year

Fingerprint Technician

Fingerprint technicians identify individuals by analyzing and comparing fingerprint samples. They also assist in criminal investigations through their work with law enforcement agencies.

To pursue this role, candidates must obtain a criminal justice degree, do internship work, gain relevant experience in the field, and become certified as fingerprint technicians from the International Association for Identification.

Median salary: $45,161 per year

Youth Correctional Counselor

Lastly, youth correctional counselors operate within a range of federal, state, county, and local juvenile detention centers, offering counseling and rehabilitation services to juvenile offenders. Their aim is to support such individuals' development and prevent recidivism.

Many facilities require candidates to have undergraduate degrees in a related field, such as law enforcement or criminal justice, psychology, or social work. Then, facilities will also provide additional, specialized training for newly hired officers.

Median salary: $41,520 per year

How Can You Tell if a Career in Criminal Justice is the Right Fit for You?

If you have a passion for justice, enjoy seeking truths, and possess strong communication skills, a career in criminal justice could be the perfect fit for you. Reflect on your values, interests, and strengths to see if they align with the roles within the criminal justice field. Additionally, consider your ability to handle challenging and sometimes distressing situations, as many roles in this field involve confronting and dealing with serious and sometimes gruesome aspects of crime. Understanding these demands can help you determine if this is the right career path for you.

Conclusion

All these professionals help ensure laws are enforced and justice is served. Pursuing a career in criminal justice allows you to make a significant impact on society, and UND's B.S. in Criminal Justice Studies and Master's in Criminal Justice Studies programs provide the education and training necessary for these positions. So, become a hero in your community and make a difference!

Is criminal justice a good major?

Yes, criminal justice is a versatile and rewarding major that opens up diverse career opportunities in law enforcement, corrections, and legal fields.