What Can I Do With a Criminal Justice Degree?

If you’re a student wondering what you can do with a criminal justice degree, you’ll discover that a criminal justice education can open doors to a variety of different fields. Many graduates with this degree find work in law enforcement, but there are also positions for criminal justice graduates in court systems, public safety policy creation and beyond. Even within law enforcement, there are many career paths available. It all starts with getting an undergraduate degree in criminal justice.

What Will I Learn in a Criminal Justice Degree?

Pursuing a career in criminal justice starts with studying for a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. While earning this degree, students will learn the foundations of criminal justice and criminology, like the roles of law enforcement, courts and corrections. Prospective students also learn about how social, political and economic factors affect crime and criminal behaviors, as well as how they shape criminal justice policy responses. 

Students will work with professors who’ve worked in courtrooms and police departments who bring their real-world experiences into the classroom.

Potential Careers With a Criminal Justice Degree

Anyone wondering what they can do with a criminal justice degree will find that a criminal justice degree can pave the way to a career in law enforcement, court systems, community corrections, public safety and many more positions in criminal and social justice organizations — these potential careers merely scratch the surface of what’s possible with a criminal justice degree.

1. Detective

Detectives, commonly called criminal investigators, are an arm of the police force that gathers facts and collects evidence to analyze possible crimes. These law enforcement professionals examine evidence and interview witnesses and suspects to build a case that the district attorney’s office can prosecute. While this position requires fieldwork, it also requires strong communication skills and the ability to write detailed reports. 

Detectives often start their careers as police officers, but a degree in criminal justice can set them apart from other officers and put them on track to becoming detectives. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), detectives earn a median annual salary of $91,100 as of May 2023. The BLS also projects a 4% growth in the number of detective positions available between 2023 and 2033.

2. Private Investigator

Private detectives or private investigators collect, analyze and report their findings related to the legal and personal matters of their clients. This career requires both field and office work — private investigators often have to conduct surveillance and research issues related to the case. Both individuals and companies can employ private investigators, with cases ranging from finding missing persons to catching sexual predators to locating lost assets. 

Private investigators often need a degree in criminal justice, but most states also require private detectives to be licensed. According to the BLS, the median annual salary of a private investigator is $49,540 as of May 2023. This profession is projected to grow by 5% between 2023 and 2033.

3. Forensic Science Technician

Forensic science technicians typically work for the police department in a laboratory setting. These criminal justice professionals organize, preserve, prepare, analyze and report on evidence collected during a crime scene investigation. Forensic science technicians can also work in hospitals, where their focus is more on investigating someone’s death and determining its cause. 

A technician is typically the lowest-ranking position in the forensic department, but it’s a great way to start climbing the ladder to become the lead forensic scientist. According to the BLS, forensic science technicians earn a median annual salary of $64,940 as of May 2023. The BLS also projects that the profession is growing quickly. The bureau expects it to grow by 14% between 2023 and 2033.

4. Probation Officer

Probation officers are essential fixtures in the criminal justice system. Their goal is to keep criminal offenders from committing additional crimes. They help rehabilitate criminals and set them up for a productive life in society. They also play a key role in public safety and prevent criminals from harming people. They work with the court system and law enforcement by conducting investigations on people accused of serious crimes and making recommendations to the court that help guide sentencing judges on their rulings. 

In the case of non-violent offenders who don’t pose serious risks, they meet regularly with the offender, ensure they’re following all probation restrictions and rulings and help them stay on the right track. While a criminal justice degree is necessary for this position, probation officers also typically undergo rigorous training on probation rules and regulations in their jurisdiction before being certified. According to the BLS, probation officers earn a median annual salary of $41,700 as of May 2023. This position is expected to grow by 4% between 2023 and 2033.

5. Paralegal

Paralegals, also known as legal assistants, support lawyers, law offices, courts and legal departments of organizations in their day-to-day duties. Paralegals conduct legal research, draft documents, maintain files and interview potential clients. They also perform a variety of legal, regulatory and administrative tasks. 

Legal assistants, in addition to having a criminal justice degree, also typically have a certificate in paralegal studies. They also need to hone their communication skills and their ability to use different computer programs — they also need to understand filing requirements, legal citation rules and legal libraries. The median salary for paralegals is $60,970 as of May 2023, according to the BLS. The BLS also projects this profession will grow by 1% between 2023 and 2033. 

Preparing for Your Career with a Criminal Justice Degree 

Knowing what you can do with a criminal justice degree benefits prospective professionals in the field. A criminal justice degree, like Appalachian State University’s Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, lays the groundwork for exciting, fulfilling careers that can make a difference in the lives of many. Students will learn to become tomorrow’s leaders in law enforcement, court systems and beyond. 

Learn more about starting your career with a degree in criminal justice from App State Online.

Sources:

Indeed, Careers in Criminal Justice You Can Pursue With Your Degree

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Forensic Science Technicians

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Paralegals and Legal Assistants

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Police and Detectives

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Private Detectives and Investigators

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists