The criminal justice system consists of three branches: law enforcement, the courts and corrections. Each branch offers numerous career options, ranging from entry-level jobs to senior-level management positions that require extensive experience. One benefit of studying criminal justice is that it allows individuals to specialize in an area that suits their specific interests.  

Many criminal justice career paths require at least a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field. A master’s degree in criminal justice is ideal for individuals who want to expand their knowledge of the field, specialize in a particular area and access opportunities for advancement. For those considering a career in criminal justice, the skills and knowledge gained through formal education can be applied to a broad range of roles. 

What Does a Criminal Justice Degree Program Entail?

Criminal justice can be studied at either the undergraduate or the graduate level. Criminal justice degree program graduates pursue careers in law enforcement, corrections, police science, law, criminology and criminal psychology. The main differences between a bachelor’s program and a master’s program are in the coursework and areas of concentration.  

Criminal justice bachelor’s degree programs provide an introduction to the foundations of the field with courses covering criminal behavior, corrections, criminal courts, law enforcement techniques and criminal justice policies. These programs prepare individuals for entry-level roles or serve as a steppingstone to graduate school.  

Criminal justice master’s degree programs build on the fundamental knowledge gained in an undergraduate degree program. Students are typically offered more flexibility in their elective studies, which can be applied to a career in supervision or in a specialty area, such as criminal profiling.  

Career Paths: What Can You Do with a Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree?

A wide range of jobs are open to people with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. The following job descriptions include the projected employment growth from 2023 to 2033 and the 2023 median annual salary for each job as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). 

Police Officer

Police officers perform a variety of duties such as enforcing laws, responding to emergencies and patrolling communities. Graduation from a training academy and on-the-job training are typically required, and some police departments require college coursework. Federal agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) usually require officers to have a bachelor’s degree.  

Job Growth: 4 percent (police and sheriff’s patrol officers) 

Median Salary: $72,280 (police and sheriff’s patrol officers) 

Criminal Investigator

Criminal investigators work with other law enforcement professionals to solve criminal cases at the local, state and federal levels. They interview witnesses, gather evidence, present evidence in court and arrest criminal suspects. 

Job Growth: 2 percent (detectives and criminal investigators) 

Median Salary: $91,100 (detectives and criminal investigators) 

Probation Officer

Probation officers supervise and assist individuals who have been convicted of crimes and have been placed on probation rather than serving jail time. Officers help ensure that the individuals abide by their probation terms and don’t commit further infractions.  

Job Growth: 4 percent (probation officers and correctional treatment specialists) 

Median Salary: $61,800 (probation officers and correctional treatment specialists) 

Career Paths: What Can You Do with a Criminal Justice Master’s Degree?

A master’s degree in criminal justice can lead to a range of job opportunities, including for senior and specialized roles. These positions also require several years of related experience. The following job descriptions include the projected employment outlook and median salary data for each job from the BLS.  

Emergency Management Director

Emergency management directors create, oversee and disseminate response strategies for emergencies such as natural disasters and terrorist attacks. Emergency management directors also train staff and volunteers, coordinate plans and resources with government officials and analyze resources.  

Job Growth: 4 percent 

Median Salary: $83,960 

Police Chief

Police chiefs are highly experienced law enforcement professionals who oversee and plan a police department’s activities and functions. Police personnel look to the leadership of police chiefs to guide their decisions, set and enforce policies, and supervise officers.  

Job Growth: 4 percent (first-line supervisors of police and detectives) 

Median Salary: $101,750 (first-line supervisors of police and detectives) 

Probation Officer Supervisor

Probation officer supervisors prepare, review and assess a probation department’s operations. They ensure that probation department staff properly screen, investigate and review incoming case reports for juvenile and adult offenders. They also train staff, complete various reports, maintain daily records and coordinate department activities.  

Job Outlook: 4 percent (probation officers and correctional treatment specialists) 

Median Salary: $70,530 (first-line supervisors of correctional officers)  

Explore Criminal Justice Career Paths for Undergraduate and Graduate Students

Whether you’re beginning your education or ready to pursue a graduate degree, there are a number of criminal justice career paths you can consider. Earning a criminal justice degree can lead to opportunities to specialize in your career, increase your earning potential and pursue a broad range of job options.  

SEMO Online offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice program. Undergraduate students complete coursework focused on areas such as justice administration, juvenile justice and criminal law. They also have the opportunity to pursue the Academic/University or Law Enforcement track.  

Graduate students can customize their capstone projects by creating a portfolio and taking a leadership course, writing a thesis or completing an internship. These students take courses covering fields such as crime theories, social inequality and statistical analysis.  

Find out how SEMO Online can prepare you for a rewarding criminal justice career.