A career in criminal justice attracts people who value fairness, community, and integrity. It’s a field built for those who want to make a difference—whether through law enforcement, investigations, corrections, or legal support.
Earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can help start that journey. This degree provides a comprehensive understanding of crime, law, and the systems that govern the administration of justice. More importantly, it prepares you for a variety of career paths where your work has a real impact on others.
What a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Opens Up
Studying Criminal Justice lays a foundation for securing entry-level positions in the criminal justice field and gaining a competitive advantage, especially when pursuing government or federal law enforcement occupations. While some roles may accept an associate’s degree, a four-year degree is quickly becoming a standard hiring requirement.
In fact, 2023 research data from Data USA reported that the bachelor’s degree is the most common degree awarded to students studying Criminal Justice & Corrections.
A bachelor’s degree positions graduates for respected roles and career advancement, whether in law enforcement, corrections, investigations, or rehabilitation services.
The Career Value of a Bachelor’s Degree: Job Outlook and Salary
A Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice equips students with foundational knowledge to pursue a variety of careers in crime-related occupations within the legal system.
Criminal justice jobs generally fall into two broad routes: fieldwork (such as law enforcement and corrections) and analysis/social services (including probation, criminology, and forensic roles). These positions are primarily found within government agencies at the local, state, and federal levels, as well as in private security and investigative firms.
When considering a career shift or initial entry into the field, reviewing the job growth and salary potential is highly valuable. A bachelor’s degree presents greater earning potential than other educational levels.
Entry-Level Criminal Justice Positions At a Glance
Here is a comparison of common criminal justice roles and their recent projections:
| Job Title |
Typical Median Salary |
Growth |
Why It Fits This Degree |
| Police Officer / Patrol Officer |
~$64,600/year |
Modest growth; a bachelor’s helps with hiring and promotion |
Courses in criminal investigation and public policy apply |
| Correctional Officer |
~$47,900/year |
Some decline in specific roles; entry-level openings remain |
Strong background in corrections and rehabilitation theory |
| Probation / Parole Officer |
~$67,900/year |
Varies by jurisdiction; juvenile and adult caseloads |
Focus on supervision, counseling, and rehabilitation |
| Forensic Science Technician |
~$61,800/year |
Positive growth tied to evidence demand |
Investigative foundation; additional science can help |
| Victim Advocate / Youth Counselor |
~$60,100/year |
Rising demand in social and rehabilitative services |
Understand
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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Top-Paying Crime Occupations with a Bachelor’s (and Beyond)
A bachelor’s in criminal justice can also position you for more advanced roles, especially with experience or a master’s degree.
Examples include:
- Judges and hearing officers — high six-figure medians (law degree required).
- Attorneys — high six-figure medians (law degree required).
- Detectives / Criminal Investigators — higher median pay with significant field experience.
These paths often require additional credentials, but a bachelor’s degree is a strong first step.
Let’s take a more in-depth look at these careers to better understand what they are and the opportunities available.
Careers in Law Enforcement and Field Investigation
A criminal justice degree provides the legal and procedural knowledge necessary for careers on the front lines of public safety.
Police Officer and Detective
Most professionals who seek to become a police detective begin their careers as patrol officers. After gaining experience, often coupled with passing a written examination and rigorous training, they can be promoted to detective or criminal investigator.
While many local police departments accept candidates with an associate’s degree, holding a degree in Criminal Justice provides a competitive edge, often leading to higher starting salaries and quicker opportunities for promotion.
Federal Agent and Investigator
A bachelor’s degree is typically the minimum educational requirement for federal law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, DEA, and U.S. Marshals Service. These roles involve complex, high-stakes investigations, often focused on organized crime, terrorism, or cyber threats.
Crime Analyst
A bachelor’s degree, often paired with statistics courses, can prepare you for a role as a Crime Analyst. These professionals utilize data, crime statistics, geographic information, and historical patterns to identify emerging trends and support law enforcement officials in strategic resource allocation and targeted prevention efforts.
Careers in Corrections and Rehabilitation
The corrections field focuses on the supervision and rehabilitation of individuals convicted of crimes. This requires strong interpersonal skills and a deep understanding of criminal behavior.
Federal Corrections Officer
A hands-on occupation, Federal Corrections Officers work directly with inmates in federal prisons, which are part of the corrections and rehabilitation component of the justice system. Their duties include maintaining security, conducting cell searches, restraining inmates, and providing overall supervision to prevent assaults, disturbances, and escapes.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons requires a bachelor’s degree for entry-level hiring, a higher standard than many local or state facilities.
Probation and Parole Officer
As another aspect of the penal system, probation officers supervise individuals who have been convicted but have received probation rather than incarceration. Parole officers monitor individuals who have been released from prison.
These officers are responsible for developing and implementing rehabilitation plans for adult or juvenile offenders, which may involve home and work visits, counseling referrals, drug testing, and electronic monitoring.
Careers in Forensic Science and Criminology
For students interested in the scientific and sociological side of justice, a bachelor’s degree provides a gateway to analytical anti-crime occupations.
Forensic Science Technician
Forensic science technicians, also known as Crime Scene Investigators, collect and analyze physical evidence from crime scenes. This role requires precision, attention to detail, and a blend of scientific and investigative knowledge.
Criminologist
While the advanced title of Criminologist often requires a master’s or Ph.D. because the role involves complex research into the causes of crime, a bachelor’s degree is appropriate for entry-level analyst positions in law enforcement or government research teams. These roles include applying sociological, psychological, and statistical models to understand the motivations behind crime and prevent future incidents.
Next Steps to Launching Your Career in Criminal Justice
Florida National University’s Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice provides the academic foundation to excel in fieldwork, analytical roles, or advocacy.
Our program helps graduates find opportunities within the industry and get started quickly.
To learn more about the courses and credit requirements, visit our Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program page, or schedule an appointment with an academic advisor.
