The criminal justice field is broad, encompassing various careers and salaries. Like many careers, wages for the same role and rank can be impacted by where an individual lives, their employer, degree, and years of experience. Additionally, criminal justice employees can be eligible for early retirement, substantial pensions, and other incentives depending on the company or institution.

That said, candidates in the criminal justice field generally have competitive salaries and substantial benefits. Let’s look at the various jobs, salaries, and opportunities available to individuals with a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice.

What is a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice?

Beginning a career in criminal justice often starts with obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.

Criminal Justice Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Criminal Justice degrees both provide students with a thorough understanding of all aspects of the criminal justice system by studying the inner workings of the justice and law enforcement system.

Graduates gain the skills and experience necessary to understand criminal behavior and create solutions to contemporary policing issues on a domestic and international level.

Curriculum and courses vary depending on the institution, but most Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice programs include classes in:

• Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
• Criminal Law
• Courts and Social Policy
• Theories of Criminal Behavior
• Research Methodology

 

Check out the courses you’ll take when you earn your bachelor’s in Criminal Justice at University of Bridgeport!

 

Six Criminal Justice Careers and Their Salaries

As mentioned, a degree in Criminal Justice opens up a world of possibilities for candidates motivated to be leaders and change-makers. From Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents to judges and criminologists, criminal justice professionals can make a huge, positive impact on our communities and the world.

Here are six careers and their median annual salaries, reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, available to individuals considering a degree and career in criminal justice.

1. Police and Detectives

Police officers protect lives and property while detectives and criminal investigators gather facts and evidence of potential crimes. Both occupations are often physically demanding, stressful, and dangerous.

The median annual salary for police and detectives is $66,020, and employment is expected to grow three percent by 2031. Despite this slower-than-average growth, roughly 68,500 openings will be available each year as workers transfer to different occupations or retire from the workforce.

2. Private Detectives and Investigators

Earning an annual salary of $59,380, private detectives and investigators search for information about legal, financial, and personal matters in offices and the field. Their time can be spent researching cases, conducting interviews, and performing surveillance.

Employment is expected to grow six percent by 2031, with about 3,700 openings projected yearly.

3. Correctional Officers

Correctional officers guard incarcerated individuals and oversee individuals in transit between jails, courtrooms, prisons, and other correctional facilities.

And while some correctional officers secure a job with a high school diploma, most employers and federal agencies prefer or require officers to have a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.

Correctional officers earn a median annual salary of $47,920.

4. Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists

Earning an average salary of $60,250, probation officers and correctional treatment specialists assist in rehabilitating individuals in custody or on probation.

Individuals with this career spend their days traveling to meet with probationers and parolees, performing home and employment checks, and attending court hearings.

Job and personal satisfaction can be quite high as candidates counsel members of their community and help them become more productive members of society.

5. Paralegals

Paralegals support lawyers through a variety of duties and tasks, including:

• Researching relevant laws, regulations, and legal articles.
• Drafting correspondence and legal documents.
• Helping lawyers during trials by handling exhibits, taking notes, and reviewing transcripts.
• Calling clients, witnesses, lawyers, and other vendors to schedule interviews, meetings, and depositions.

They earn a median annual salary of $56,230, and employment is projected to grow fourteen percent by 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. Additionally, the highest ten percent of paralegals earn more than $88,640.

6. Forensic Science Technicians

Forensic science technicians typically need a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and on-the-job training.

By collecting and analyzing evidence, these technicians investigate crime scenes and work in labs to aid criminal investigations. They often work with specialists and other law enforcement personnel in laboratories, offices, or a combination.

Employment will likely grow eleven percent by 2031, and forensic science technicians earn $61,930 annually.

Start Your Career in Criminal Justice at University of Bridgeport

Both our Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Criminal Justice and our online bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice prepare students to perform a variety of roles to fulfill effective law enforcement in today’s society.

Students learn and work with expert faculty and staff to gain insight into the international dimensions of public safety and choose one of three concentration areas, including human security, comparative justice, and criminology.

There is no fee to apply, and generous financial aid is available. Plus, with our traditional and online, seven-week accelerated format option, students can choose the best format that fits their needs, lifestyle, and responsibilities.

Contact us to learn about our program and support services. Don’t wait to take the next steps toward your exciting, fulfilling, and rewarding career in criminal justice!