Solving crimes and prosecuting criminals can seem like an exciting career path, but there is much more to the criminal justice system than these roles alone. Many professionals work in leadership, in the courts, and in the community to help keep people safe. For some, training beyond a bachelor’s degree is helpful to launching their careers.
A master’s degree in criminal justice and relevant career experience can be the keys to several exciting career paths. From working as a supervisor in a jail to teaching within the criminal justice realm, earning your advanced degree can give you an advantage and a career advancement opportunity. If you have a passion for criminology but a degree in something else, a master’s degree program may give you the chance to add criminal justice training to your resume, although keep in mind that for many of these roles experience is a must. Here is a closer look at some of the career paths that are open to you when you have a criminal justice master’s degree.
IS A CRIMINAL JUSTICE DEGREE WORTH IT?
The decision to pursue a criminal justice degree is significant, and its worth depends on your goals and interests. A degree in criminal justice can open doors to various career paths within law enforcement, corrections, legal fields, and more. It equips you with valuable insights into the criminal justice system and societal dynamics. However, weighing factors such as job availability, salary potential, and personal passion for the field is essential. With the correct alignment of aspirations and opportunities, a criminal justice degree can certainly be worth the investment, offering a chance to contribute to justice and public safety while building a fulfilling career.
WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MASTER’S IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE?
Earning a master’s in criminal justice opens the door to a wide array of rewarding opportunities within the criminal justice career landscape. This advanced degree equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in leadership roles and criminal justice specialties. From law enforcement and corrections to legal advocacy and policy analysis, even the FBI, the possibilities are diverse. You can pursue roles as a criminal investigator, intelligence analyst, probation/parole/corrections officer, or even move into academia or research. With a master’s in criminal justice, you gain a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of the justice system, enabling you to make meaningful contributions to the field and advance into influential leadership positions. Here is a closer look at eight specific careers that an advanced criminal justice degree can make possible.
1. Director of Court Services
The director of court services plans and implements court programs and services in a county. This person must possess a thorough understanding of the criminal justice system, be able to manage records and keep cases flowing, and offer help with public relations. It is a job that requires good organizational skills and the ability to work with people in the daily court routine. However, this professional does not work directly with criminals or in the jail or police precinct, but rather supervises the actions within the court system.
The Director of Court Services typically works for the county court system, but the federal government also employs these professionals. The salary range for a Director Of Court Services is usually between $62,512 and $133,041 per year, with the average at $113,693. This is a high-paying field, and every court system in the country needs to have one of these professionals.
2. Postsecondary Teacher
If you are passionate about criminal justice and want to pass along that passion to the next generation, then working as a postsecondary teacher could help you do just that. Most colleges and universities require their professors to have a master’s degree and some experience in their career field before they can teach, and thus a criminal justice master’s degree opens that door. With the right graduate degree, you can take a role in training the next generation of police officers and detectives, so they can start their own careers in criminal justice.
In this role, you will teach students about the criminal justice system and how an understanding of criminal behavior helps them solve crimes. The BLS estimates the median annual salary for a post-secondary teacher to be $84,380 a year. This varies tremendously from one school to the next, and teachers with more seniority, industry experience, and secondary education earn more.
3. Fraud Investigators
Fraud investigators are a specialized type of detective who digs into cases of fraud. These detectives work with criminal justice departments to determine whether an organization or an individual is guilty of fraud. Fraud is defined as deception with the goal of realizing a financial benefit. On-the-job training and a master’s degree could give a student the right foundation to do this type of in-depth research, analyzing and researching records to find cases of fraud.
According to PayScale.com, the average salary for a fraud investigator is $68,888 a year.
4. Security Management
Security managers oversee a team of security guards within a facility. This is a more hands-on career rather than an administrative one so experience is key, but it is still a position of leadership. The security manager will be the person who connects the security professionals to the other departments within the business or organization to ensure that all people and assets are properly protected. These professionals must understand law enforcement and security matters to head their teams effectively.
According to data from Salary.com, this is a high-paying position. The median salary for security managers is $110,183.
5. Forensic Examiner
Forensic examiners are detectives who work with criminal justice professionals to seize evidence and analyze it to help solve crimes. They may work in crime scenes to collect evidence, or they may work in a lab analyzing the evidence. These professionals need good analytical skills and an understanding of science to excel in their work. An undergraduate degree in science and a master’s degree in criminal justice paired with career experience set a good foundation for this career field.
Forensic examiners are in high demand. The BLS estimates a 13% job growth in this field from 2022 to 2032. The average salary in 2023 was $64,940.
6. Criminologist
Sociologists are experts in human behavior. They understand psychology and relationships and use that understanding to analyze the actions and reactions of people. A criminologist is a type of sociologist who specifically studies the behavior of criminals. These professionals have a thorough understanding of human psychology, as well as the criminal justice world. They will spend time interviewing suspects and witnesses, taking surveys, and analyzing the data they collect to draw conclusions about crimes and the motivations behind them.
The BLS does not list salary ranges for criminologists, but sociologists have a median annual pay of $101,770. This field is expected to grow at an average rate of 5% between 2022 and 2032.
7. Police and Detective Supervisor
Police and detectives are leaders in the community, but within the precinct, those law enforcement professionals need supervision as well. As a police and detective supervisor manages the team within a law enforcement office, they perform both administrative and leadership roles. They may work with court personnel and lawyers when a criminal is taken to court. These professionals may be called the police chief, lieutenant, sergeant, or captain, depending on where they work.
The BLS estimates the median annual wage for police and detective supervisors to be $101,750. The pay ranges significantly from just over $60,090 to over $160,710, depending on location and years of experience.
8. Correctional Officer Supervisor
Keeping a jail running smoothly requires organization and leadership. A correctional officer supervisor works with correctional officers and jailers in a leadership capacity. These professionals directly supervise the actions of those in charge of prisons and jails. They work to keep the facility in order and encourage proper discipline for inmates and staff alike. These professionals are often the first to respond to emergencies within the jail, such as escape attempts, and are also the ones in charge of directing the work of other correctional officers. When inmates have problems, the correctional officer is the one who will work to resolve those problems.
According to the BLS, the median annual pay for first-line supervisors of correctional officers is $70,530. The majority of these professionals work for the state government.
9. Law Enforcement Officer
A Law Enforcement Officer, commonly known as a police officer, plays a crucial role in maintaining public safety and enforcing laws. They patrol assigned areas, respond to emergencies, and investigate crimes. The average salary for a law enforcement officer in the United States is approximately $54,469 per year. Officers often work in shifts covering all hours, and their duties can be physically and emotionally demanding.
10. Victim Advocate
Victim Advocates provide essential support to victims of crime. They offer guidance through the legal process, emotional support, and help in securing resources. The median annual salary for a victim advocate is around $71,138. Advocates work closely with law enforcement and legal teams to ensure victims’ rights are upheld.
11. Probation Officer
Probation Officers supervise individuals who have been placed on probation, ensuring they adhere to the terms set by the court. They play a key role in the rehabilitation process by developing treatment plans and connecting probationers with community services. The median salary for a probation officer is $61,800 annually, with job responsibilities including regular check-ins and documentation of progress.
12. Private Detectives and Investigators
Private Detectives and Investigators are the sleuths of the criminal justice world. They conduct thorough investigations into a wide range of issues, including financial, legal, and personal matters. Their work often involves surveillance, interviewing witnesses, and sifting through records to uncover the truth. These professionals are adept at piecing together information from various sources to solve puzzles and provide clients with the answers they need. The BLS reports the median pay for private detectives and investigators as $49,540 per year.
13. Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research and analyze policies to evaluate their effectiveness. They play a significant role in shaping policies that impact the criminal justice system. The median total salary for a policy analyst is $103,000 per year, with responsibilities including consulting stakeholders and proposing policy improvements.
14. Cybercrime Investigator
Cybercrime Investigators tackle crimes in the digital realm, such as hacking, identity theft, and online fraud. They use their technical expertise to gather evidence and assist in prosecuting cybercriminals. The average salary for a cybercrime investigator can vary widely based on experience and location, but it is a rapidly growing field due to the increase in cyber threats. The average salary is $50,614 per year.
15. Customs Officer
Customs Officers enforce regulations related to the import and export of goods, ensuring compliance with national laws. They inspect cargo, collect duties, and prevent smuggling. The average annual salary for a customs officer is $62,695.
What Skills Will I Gain from a Master’s in Criminal Justice Program?
A Master’s in Criminal Justice Program equips students with a comprehensive skill set that includes advanced research capabilities, analytical thinking, effective communication, technical proficiency, and a keen attention to detail. These skills are essential for leadership roles within the criminal justice field and are highly valued by employers.
GET STARTED ON A MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAM IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE TODAY
If one of these career paths seems like a good fit for your skills and interests, the right degree paired with experience could catapult you to success. Studying criminology and detective work in a master’s degree program can give you the training you need for a leadership role in the field. JWU College of Professional Studies makes it convenient to earn this degree in a straightforward, online environment that provides flexibility without sacrificing the quality of your education.
Get started by earning your Master of Science – Criminal Justice degree online from JWU. For more information, complete the Request Info form, call 855-JWU-1881, or email [email protected].