A criminal justice degree can lead you to a multitude of careers with a focus on public safety, law enforcement, and security in the federal, state, county, local, and private sectors, ranging from court clerks and police officers to private investigators and judges.
Can I earn my criminal justice degree online?
An online criminal justice enables you to get your degree from the comfort of your own home. There are many institutions that offer this degree, giving you the opportunity to complete the degree at your own pace.
What levels of a criminal justice degree are available?
Criminal justice degrees are available at every degree level, from certificate to doctoral degrees.
Most degrees require at least a high school diploma or GED to begin and continue to increase in requirements with each level of degree.
Your education and work experience can impact the level of criminal justice degree for which you qualify. Learn more about degree levels.
How much do criminal justice professionals make?
Depending on the line of work, a criminal justice degree can help you earn a salary anywhere from $40,000 – $120,000 per year. The national average is $50,000.
Job Opportunities with a Criminal Justice Degree
Criminal justice degrees offer a wide range of career opportunities, many of which are in high demand and expected growth rates over the next 5-10 years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a consistent and growing need for individuals willing to focus on law enforcement, public safety, national and international security.
Below are some career opportunities for those with a criminal justice degree, as well as the average annual income and the level of degree required or preferred, ranging from associate to doctoral.
| Occupation | National Average Annual Income | Degree Preferred (P) or Required (R) |
|---|---|---|
| Court Clerk | $39,760 | Associate (P) |
| TSA Agent | $40,960 | Associate (P) |
| Sociologist | $79,650 | Master’s (R) |
| Judge | $115,520 | Doctoral (R) |
| Private Investigator | $50,700 | Associate (P) |
| Lawyer | $119,250 | Doctoral (R) |
| Police Officer | $62,960 | Associate (P) |
| Forensic Science Tech | $57,850 | Bachelor’s (R) |
| Court Reporter | $55,120 | Certificate (P) |
| Professor of Criminal Justice | $68,980 | Doctoral (R) |
| Probation Officer | $51,410 | Bachelor’s (R) |
| Sheriff | $64,490 | Associate (P) |
| Compliance Officer | $71,540 | Bachelor’s (R) |
Source: https://www.bls.gov/
There are a variety of jobs to choose from for someone with a criminal justice degree. Visit our Criminal Justice Careers page to learn more.
