The criminal justice field is broad, encompassing various careers and salaries. Like many careers, wages for the same role and rank can be impacted by where an individual lives, their employer, degree, and years of experience. Additionally, criminal justice employees can be eligible for early retirement, substantial pensions, and other incentives depending on the company or institution.
That said, candidates in the criminal justice field generally have competitive salaries and substantial benefits. Let鈥檚 look at the various jobs, salaries, and opportunities available to individuals with a Bachelor鈥檚 in Criminal Justice.
What is a Bachelor鈥檚 in Criminal Justice?
Beginning a career in criminal justice often starts with obtaining a Bachelor鈥檚 degree in Criminal Justice.
Criminal Justice Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Criminal Justice degrees both provide students with a thorough understanding of all aspects of the criminal justice system by studying the inner workings of the justice and law enforcement system.
Graduates gain the skills and experience necessary to understand criminal behavior and create solutions to contemporary policing issues on a domestic and international level.
Curriculum and courses vary depending on the institution, but most Bachelor鈥檚 in Criminal Justice programs include classes in:
- Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
- Criminal Law
- Courts and Social Policy
- Theories of Criminal Behavior
- Research Methodology
Check out the courses you鈥檒l take when you earn your bachelor鈥檚 in Criminal Justice at 越南直播!
Six Criminal Justice Careers and Their Salaries
As mentioned, a degree in Criminal Justice opens up a world of possibilities for candidates motivated to be leaders and change-makers. From Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents to judges and criminologists, criminal justice professionals can make a huge, positive impact on our communities and the world.
Here are six careers and their median annual salaries, reported by the , available to individuals considering a degree and career in criminal justice.
1. Police and Detectives
Police officers protect lives and property while detectives and criminal investigators gather facts and evidence of potential crimes. Both occupations are often physically demanding, stressful, and dangerous.
The for police and detectives is $66,020, and employment is expected to grow three percent by 2031. Despite this slower-than-average growth, roughly 68,500 openings will be available each year as workers transfer to different occupations or retire from the workforce.
2. Private Detectives and Investigators
Earning an annual salary of $59,380, private detectives and investigators search for information about legal, financial, and personal matters in offices and the field. Their time can be spent researching cases, conducting interviews, and performing surveillance.
Employment is expected to , with about 3,700 openings projected yearly.
3. Correctional Officers
Correctional officers guard incarcerated individuals and oversee individuals in transit between jails, courtrooms, prisons, and other correctional facilities.
And while some correctional officers secure a job with a high school diploma, most employers and federal agencies prefer or require officers to have a Bachelor鈥檚 degree in Criminal Justice.
earn a median annual salary of $47,920.
4. Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
Earning an average salary of $60,250, assist in rehabilitating individuals in custody or on probation.
Individuals with this career spend their days traveling to meet with probationers and parolees, performing home and employment checks, and attending court hearings.
Job and personal satisfaction can be quite high as candidates counsel members of their community and help them become more productive members of society.
5. Paralegals
Paralegals support lawyers through a variety of , including:
- Researching relevant laws, regulations, and legal articles.
- Drafting correspondence and legal documents.
- Helping lawyers during trials by handling exhibits, taking notes, and reviewing transcripts.
- Calling clients, witnesses, lawyers, and other vendors to schedule interviews, meetings, and depositions.
They earn a of $56,230, and employment is projected to grow fourteen percent by 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. Additionally, the highest ten percent of paralegals earn more than $88,640.
6. Forensic Science Technicians
typically need a Bachelor鈥檚 in Criminal Justice and on-the-job training.
By collecting and analyzing evidence, these technicians investigate crime scenes and work in labs to aid criminal investigations. They often work with specialists and other law enforcement personnel in laboratories, offices, or a combination.
Employment will likely grow eleven percent by 2031, and forensic science technicians $61,930 annually.
Start Your Career in Criminal Justice at 越南直播
Both our Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Criminal Justice and our online bachelor鈥檚 degree in Criminal Justice prepare students to perform a variety of roles to fulfill effective law enforcement in today鈥檚 society.
Students learn and work with expert faculty and staff to gain insight into the international dimensions of public safety and choose one of three concentration areas, including human security, comparative justice, and criminology.
There is no fee to apply, and generous financial aid is available. Plus, with our traditional and online, seven-week accelerated format option, students can choose the best format that fits their needs, lifestyle, and responsibilities.
Contact us to learn about our program and support services. Don鈥檛 wait to take the next steps toward your exciting, fulfilling, and rewarding career in criminal justice!