There was a time when enrolling in a criminal justice degree program was almost exclusively for an individual seeking entry into police academies. In South Florida, this trend lasted from the 1980s until the end of the 20th century, when law enforcement agencies were inundated with applications, possibly prompted by a surge of films and television series depicting the lives and experiences of police officers.

Times have changed, and many criminal justice students are pursuing careers outside of the police force. Case in point, Florida National University graduates with a Bachelor of Science Criminal Justice degree (whether online or on-campus) are being offered multiple job offers, including federal positions, corrections, and counseling.

Since law enforcement is a common and practical pathway into a career in law enforcement, we will discuss this career and its related fields.

1. Police Officer Careers with a Criminal Justice Degree

Employment for police officers and detectives is projected to grow 4% from 2023 to 2033, in line with the average growth rate across all occupations. As of May 2024, the median annual salary for this field was $77,270 (BLS).  Police officers are on the front line of the US criminal justice system, working not just to apprehend criminals but to prevent crime through community outreach and visible presence efforts.

Times have changed in South Florida, and now regional police academies often experience recruiting droughts that prompt them to consider candidates who may not have completed a degree in criminal justice. Therefore, is it worthwhile to pursue a degree?

The reality of law enforcement is that police departments still favor individuals who study criminal justice because it identifies candidates who will possess basic fundamental criminal justice terminologies, such as reasonable doubt, probable cause, and other factors relevant to the adversarial legal system of the United States.

Although an applicant may be accepted into a police officer academy without a degree, an associate’s degree in criminal justice can strengthen their application in a desirable county. It will simply offer you more options.

Here’s another reality about criminal justice degrees: not everyone who completes them will secure a position in a law enforcement academy or a government job, ranging from county to federal levels.

So, if you do not get into an academy or something happens down the line, your bachelor’s degree will support you. Let us say you get injured or become ill during the academy. If you are deemed unfit to continue, your degree can help determine your chances of returning to officer’s boot camp or even secure a desk job. Overall, this is a demanding and fast-paced career offering numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth.

2. Probation Officer Careers for Criminal Justice Graduates

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2024, probation officers earned a median annual salary of $64,520. The occupation is expected to grow by 4% from 2023 to 2033, which is about as fast as the average growth rate for all jobs. Probation officers monitor parolees released from the corrections system to ensure they abide by the terms of their probation, while also assisting them with adjusting to life after release through specialized treatment techniques. A probation officer is typically assigned a caseload of parolees, with whom they interact at the parolees’ homes, places of work, and at the office. This allows probation officers to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Those interested in the criminal justice system or social work may find a career as a probation officer to be very rewarding.

3. Career Opportunities in Private Security

Personal and commercial security is a big business in Miami and across South Florida, extending beyond the uniformed security guards you see posted at various establishments, such as banks, auto dealerships, and shopping centers. Private security specialists are often military veterans, former police officers, and graduates in criminal justice who receive paid, specialized training for lucrative positions, such as executive protection providers, gaming security coordinators, surveillance system managers, safety supervisors, and others. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for security guards and gambling surveillance officers will grow 2% from 2023 to 2033, which is slower than the average growth rate for all occupations. In May 2024, the median annual salary for security guards was $38,370 

4. Fraud Investigator Criminal Justice Careers

An unfortunate fact about South Florida is that it is a region known for its prevalence of Medicare fraud. Four individuals in Florida were recently found guilty of defrauding Medicare of $54.3 million through a scheme involving kickbacks and unnecessary prescriptions, showing how healthcare fraud continues to pose significant threats to the system. Smaller healthcare fraud claims are frequently investigated by special investigators hired by private insurance companies. As a fraud investigator, you can work in your field, whether it is:

  • Government contracting
  • Finance
  • Retail
  • Gaming

Fraud investigators typically hold a degree and possess specialized experience, making them well-versed in their area. A criminal justice degree can enhance your qualifications and understanding of the law and criminal activity in a fraud investigation role.

If you are undecided between a law/paralegal and criminal justice program offered by FNU, contact our career advisers to learn more about the courses, since some of them overlap. Or read up on Paralegal Studies as the First Step Towards Your Law Career.

5. Forensic Investigator Career Paths

This position can be found in both the public and private sectors; depending on your field of specialty, you may even wear a badge and uniform, but you will be assigned to cases instead of patrol routes.

Forensics is a science in criminal justice, primarily used by prosecutors, and is purely investigative. You may start with crime scenes if you work for a police department, but the higher salaries are earned by those who specialize in information technology and white-collar crime.

Forensic investigators are in high demand; in fact, many are recruited from the police force before they leave for more lucrative careers in private security. In this career, adherence to the legal procedure as determined by the state bar is more important than being a skilled detective.

The “science” part of preparatory courses for this field can include:

  • Natural sciences
  • Computer science
  • Accounting
  • Psychology

Explore a chart detailing the highest-paying jobs in the criminal justice field and how to advance your career with a degree.

6. Computer Forensics Investigator

An emerging career parallel to that of a Forensic Investigator is the role of a Computer Forensics Investigator or specialist, which combines the specialties of forensic science, computer science, and criminal investigation. Computer forensics investigators reconstruct data and activities on electronic media rather than on crime scenes because, as technology advances, crimes are being committed more frequently using computers and electronic devices. Criminals may try to destroy electronic evidence by deleting it, hiding it, or even physically destroying it, which is where computer forensics investigators come in. These highly trained individuals utilize advanced data extraction techniques to piece together information that criminals had hoped would be lost, and may be called upon in court to present their findings.

7. U.S. Postal Inspector Careers

Email never managed to kill the U.S. Postal Service, an institution that is highly ingrained in the fabric of both American life and crime. Postal inspectors are tasked with investigating not only suspicious packages but also the often byzantine world of the USPS, where highly sophisticated crimes often develop internally. You will need a bachelor’s degree, preferably in criminal justice, to apply for a spot at the Postal Inspection Service Career Development academy in Maryland.

8. Careers as FBI, CIA, or DEA Agents

FBI Agent

FBI agents have a multitude of responsibilities; however, many FBI agents specialize in one area of law enforcement after graduating from new agent training. The new agent training is extremely rigorous, encompassing academics, case exercises, firearms training, and operational training. After training, FBI agents may work against terrorism, cybercrime, civil rights violations, public corruption, organized crime, violent crime, or major thefts, following each step from investigation to sentencing of a criminal.

To become an FBI agent, applicants must hold a four-year degree from an accredited institution.

CIA Agent

Special agents for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) assist the federal government in investigating law violations worldwide. CIA agents put their lives at risk in service to their department and community, but are more often called upon to do so covertly. This risk contributes to the high salary of CIA special agents ($74,872 and $136,770).

Many agents are based in Washington, DC, where CIA headquarters is located, but they may be based in satellite offices or abroad. CIA agents regularly collaborate with other law enforcement agencies, bringing a unique blend of skills acquired through CIA training to the table.

Those interested in becoming a CIA agent are encouraged to obtain a bachelor’s degree in a field related to law, forensics, language, or criminal justice, and acquire at least five years of experience in investigation.

DEA Agent

Drug Enforcement Administration agents work for the US Justice Department to enforce the drug laws of the United States. In law enforcement fields, DEA Special Agents are typically hired at the GS-7 or GS-9 pay grade, earning around $49,746 to $55,483 upon starting. With approximately four years of experience and a promotion to GS-13, salaries can rise to around $92,592 or more annually (CriminalJustice.com).

DEA agents investigate, track, arrest, and dismantle drug traffickers and their organizations through overt and covert operations. To excel in the competitive application process, the DEA recommends that applicants hold a bachelor’s degree with a focus in criminal justice, police science, or foreign languages; however, other bachelor’s degrees can also be beneficial for applicants.

Successful applicants receive 18 weeks of Basic Agent Training at the DEA Training Academy and may also be eligible for additional ongoing training opportunities. DEA agents must also be in excellent physical condition.

Veterans Enrolling at FNU

At FNU, it is very common to find students who are military veterans enrolling in the criminal justice program. These individuals are seeking a fast-track career into the job market, which includes: Florida Highway Patrol, corrections, or police academies. These students are taking advantage of their GI Bill or active-duty benefits to make their dreams come true. FNU offers tuition incentives for military veterans, active military personnel, and their families, as well as government employees (county, state, and federal).

If this is your case, send an email to our Online Student Admissions and speak with our admissions counselors to see if a criminal justice degree is the right program for your future.

FNU Accreditation

FNU is a fully accredited degree-granting institution that offers the flexibility of online education along with a full campus experience at our Hialeah and southwest Miami locations.

Criminal justice is one of our degree programs that can be fully completed online for the benefit of students who are also working adults.

FNU also offers scholarships, financial aid, and a vibrant athletics program. Contact us today to learn more!