Careers in Criminal Justice: Finding Your Path

Posted on December 12th, 2024 in Blog, Social Sciences

Careers in Criminal Justice: Finding Your Path

Criminal justice encompasses a wide range of careers in law enforcement, the court system, and corrections. Each branch plays a vital role in protecting and improving the well-being of communities.

Because of the field’s broad scope, earning a degree in criminal justice can lead to various professional opportunities. Individuals with a passion for justice and a desire to contribute to public safety can explore numerous careers in criminal justice, each focusing on a specific area of the interconnected justice system. A bachelor’s degree program can provide the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue these specialized roles.

Benefits of a Criminal Justice Degree

Earning a criminal justice degree equips students with a comprehensive understanding of the U.S. legal system, essential for a wide range of careers in the field. Many programs also explore the underlying factors that may drive individuals to commit crimes, such as mental health challenges, trauma, and substance abuse. Courses cover subjects including criminology, which examines criminal behaviors, and sociology, which examines social behaviors, as well as practical skills such as conflict resolution and crime prevention strategies.

Criminal justice programs also typically educate students about the dynamics of race and ethnicity within the justice system, including guidance on how to approach their work with empathy and cultural awareness. Bachelor’s degree programs often have a strong research focus, which is beneficial for students who are looking to advance their education with a graduate degree in criminology, law, or sociology.

For many criminal justice careers, having a degree is either required or highly preferred. This educational background provides a nuanced perspective on legal processes and the complexities of criminal behavior, giving graduates the knowledge needed to contribute effectively to the justice system and advocate for improvements.

Careers for Criminal Justice Graduates

Those who earn a degree in criminal justice may choose to pursue numerous career paths across law enforcement, the court system, and corrections. Here are some examples of typical roles for those who work in this diverse field, along with required skills, median salaries, and projected job outlooks for each position.

Police Officer

Police officers work in various local, state, and federal government agencies to uphold and enforce laws. They typically operate within a designated jurisdiction, handling tasks such as investigating suspicious activities, responding to reports, issuing citations, and arresting individuals suspected of crimes.

While some police departments and federal agencies require only a high school diploma and on-the-job training for the role, others prefer or require a bachelor’s degree, making a criminal justice education a good option for those entering the field.

Key skills for aspiring police officers include the following:

Communication
Empathy
Conflict resolution
Critical thinking
Knowledge of law enforcement procedures
Community awareness

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), individuals in the policing field, including police officers, detectives, agents, and game wardens, earned a median annual salary of $74,910 as of May 2023. The BLS projects a 4% job growth rate in the field between 2023 and 2033, matching the average growth rate for all occupations. However, local and state budgets often determine demand for police officers, which can vary significantly by location.

Paralegal

Paralegals assist lawyers by organizing case files, researching laws and past court rulings, and drafting documents for upcoming cases. They may focus on specific areas of law, such as intellectual property or bankruptcy, depending on the specializations of the attorneys or firms they work with.

While some employers require only an associate degree for those entering the role, others prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree. Certifications such as the certified paralegal (CP) credential from NALA – The Paralegal Association can further enhance a candidate’s qualifications.

Key skills for aspiring paralegals include the following:

Communication
Attention to detail
Organization
Understanding of the legal system
Research

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for paralegals and legal assistants was $60,970 as of May 2023. The bureau projects a 1% job growth rate for individuals in this field from 2023 to 2033.

Probation Officer

Probation officers work to rehabilitate individuals convicted of crimes who are not considered a threat to public safety and have been placed on probation instead of being incarcerated. They frequently meet with probationers to help them make positive changes and prevent further offenses. Probation officers may specialize in certain areas, such as substance abuse, domestic violence, or juvenile cases.

Most probation officer positions require a bachelor’s degree and government training. Depending on the position, candidates may need to complete up to one year of supervised trainee work before becoming fully qualified.

Key skills for probation officers include the following:

Communication
Interpersonal relations
Empathy
Decision-making
Organization
Knowledge of community resources

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for probation officers was $61,800 as of May 2023. The bureau projects a 4% job growth rate for the profession between 2023 and 2033. This growth will vary regionally depending on state and local government budgets, but the need for probation officers is expected to remain steady as the focus on rehabilitation over incarceration continues to gain support.

Human Service Professional

Human service professionals connect clients with benefits and services from various programs. In the criminal justice field, they may help former inmates find jobs and housing, or they may support individuals convicted of drug offenses by arranging access to rehabilitation centers for addiction recovery.

While educational requirements can vary, a bachelor’s or master’s degree is often needed for advancement in this career.

Key skills for human service professionals include the following:

Empathy
Organization
Interpersonal relations
Effective communication
Familiarity with community program resources

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for human service assistants was $41,410 as of May 2023. The bureau projects an 8% job growth rate for the role from 2023 to 2033, a rate that’s above average for all occupations. The BLS attributes this increase to a growing emphasis on rehabilitation over incarceration, especially for substance-related offenses.

Forensic Specialist

Forensic specialists collaborate with law enforcement at crime scenes or in laboratories to analyze evidence that may be used in court proceedings. They draft reports of their findings, which are typically shared with others involved in the case. They may also need to testify in court to explain their analyses.

Forensic specialist positions typically require a bachelor’s degree, and some employers prefer candidates with additional credentials, such as the crime scene certification from the International Association for Identification (IAI).

Key skills for aspiring forensic specialists include the following:

Data analysis
Communication
Attention to detail
Organization

According to the BLS, forensic science technicians, including forensic specialists, earned a median annual salary of $64,940 as of May 2023. The bureau projects a 14% job growth rate for the profession from 2023 to 2033, significantly outpacing the average growth of 4% for all occupations. Advancements in science and technology that have made forensic evidence more crucial in legal cases are driving growth.

Pursue Your Criminal Justice Career Goals

Criminal justice careers include a diverse range of professions dedicated to upholding the law, protecting public safety, and offering pathways to rehabilitation for those convicted of crimes. These roles require a deep understanding of what drives criminal behavior and how the U.S. legal system functions — and earning a criminal justice degree can help build that foundational knowledge. Warner Pacific University Online’s Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice program is designed to equip students with the knowledge needed for success in the field.

With a focus on culturally responsive practices, the program’s curriculum is grounded in both the historical and the theoretical aspects of the criminal justice system, including courses on criminology, restorative justice, and data analysis. As an online program, it allows working adults to advance their understanding of the U.S. legal system while maintaining their current careers.

Additionally, students who are also interested in social work may consider pursuing Warner Pacific University’s dual degree program, an in-person program that combines the BS in Criminal Justice with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree on WPU’s campus in Portland, Oregon.

Take the next step toward your criminal justice career with WPU.

Sources:
HeinOnline, “Criminal Justice & Criminology”
Indeed, The Differences Between a BA and a BS in Criminal Justice
International Association for Identification, Crime Scene Certification
NALA – The Paralegal Association, Certification
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, Paralegals and Legal Assistants
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Police and Detectives
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Social and Human Service Assistants

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