Are you excited about career opportunities in law enforcement? Explore five different types of police officers, and learn what it takes to become an officer.
Career Opportunities for Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice GraduatesCareer Opportunities for Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice GraduatesCareer Opportunities for Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Graduates
TURN YOUR PASSION FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE INTO A CAREER.TURN YOUR PASSION FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE INTO A CAREER.TURN YOUR PASSION FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE INTO A CAREER.
You firmly believe in the justice system and the tenets of the law. You have a strong desire to get involved in serving your community and its citizens. With Maryville University, you can turn your passion into an education that qualifies you for several criminal justice careers.
Earning a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice helps to prepare individuals with the skills and knowledge they’ll need to serve their community at the highest level. Following are some of the top careers with a criminal justice degree requirement.
Understanding your criminal justice career path options
As a criminal justice graduate, you will have the opportunity to serve your community in either the public or private sector. A criminal justice degree is the bridge to numerous criminal justice careers in a variety of work environments. Learn more about how a criminal justice degree program can help you achieve your goals.
Police officer
Police officers are the face of law enforcement. In this role, you will use your advanced training and skills to protect and serve your community, stop crime, and help victims in need. Learn more about the five different types of police officers.
You can choose from a variety of work environments, including:
- Federal law enforcement agencies
- State law enforcement agencies
- County law enforcement agencies
- Local law enforcement agencies
Median salary: $66,020*
Discover how to become a police officer.
Probation officer
Probation officers provide critical support to individuals who are on probation. In this role, you will help probationers comply with the rules of their probation and help them prepare for a successful future.
You can choose from a variety of work environments, including:
- State government agencies
- County government agencies
- Local government agencies
Median salary: $60,250*
Learn how to become a probation officer.
Criminal investigator
Criminal investigators work closely with law enforcement to solve crimes and locate suspects. In this role, you will study crime scenes, collect evidence, and interview witnesses.
You can choose from a variety of work environments, including:
- State or local law enforcement agencies
- Federal government agencies
- Private sector investigative agencies
Median salary: $83,640*
Discover how to become a criminal investigator.
Corrections officer
Out of all the criminal justice careers, that of corrections officers entails the most responsibility over criminal offenders. In this role, you will maintain order and security in your correctional facility.
You can choose from a variety of work environments, including:
- Federal prisons
- Juvenile detention centers
- Rehabilitation centers
Median salary: $47,920*
Learn how to become a corrections officer.
CBP officer
The work of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers is essential to maintaining the country’s border security. In this role, you will protect America’s borders from human trafficking, drug trafficking, illegal entry of individuals, and other threats.
You can choose from a variety of work environments, including:
- Mexican border
- Canadian border
- Coastal waterways
Median salary: $71,000**
Discover how to become a CBP officer.
Fish and game warden
Fish and game wardens are protectors of the great outdoors. In this role, you will specialize in the enforcement of boating, fishing, and hunting laws for a federal or state agency.
You can choose from a variety of work environments, including:
- Forests
- Lakes
- Coastal regions
Median salary: $60,730*
Learn how to become a fish and game warden.
DEA special agent
Criminal justice careers with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) are devoted to stopping drug-related crimes. As a DEA special agent, you will help investigate and dismantle the operations of drug traffickers.
You can choose from a variety of work environments, including:
- Various field assignments
- Undercover operations
- Foreign regions
Median salary: $66,020*
Learn more about becoming a DEA special agent.
Air marshal
Air marshals ensure that airplane passengers fly safely and securely. In this role, you will covertly monitor flights for potential threats and protect passengers and flight crews from danger.
You can choose from a variety of work environments, including:
- U.S. air carriers
- Airports
- Transportation Security Administration offices
Median salary: $70,000**
Explore how to become an air marshal.
Paralegal
Attorneys rely on paralegals to assist them in preparing legal documents, conducting research, and organizing files. In this role, you will serve in the heart of the criminal justice system.
You can choose from a variety of work environments, including:
- State or federal agencies
- Private sector law firms
- Corporate legal departments
Median salary: $56,230*
Learn more about the paralegal career path.
Homicide detective
Homicide detectives use their advanced skills and training to investigate homicide deaths. In this role, you will investigate crime scenes, collect forensic evidence, and interview suspects.
You can choose from a variety of work environments, including:
- State law enforcement agencies
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Local law enforcement agencies
Median salary: $83,640*
Learn more: How to Become a Homicide Detective
There’s never been a better time to start your career in criminal justice
- Upon completion of a criminal justice program, graduates are qualified to pursue any of several criminal justice careers in a variety of work environments.
- Careers with a criminal justice degree requirement are available at the state, local, and federal level, which makes a criminal justice degree one of the best degrees to earn for those interested in serving in the public sector.
- Criminal justice careers provide individuals with the opportunity to directly serve their community and reduce criminal activity.
Online criminal justice degree career specialization opportunities
Criminal justice career options for online graduates include roles on both the law enforcement side and the criminal justice side. Maryville University’s online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can help you develop the necessary skills and education to make a difference in your community with individuals who share your passion for serving and protecting the public.
The program’s curriculum covers the most relevant areas of criminal justice, including:
- Criminal Law and Procedure
- Civil Liberties/Rights
- Criminological Theory
- Corrections in Society
- Multicultural Policing
The program includes police academy and non-police academy tracks, so that students can customize their education to their specific needs. The non-police academy track includes internship opportunities. The criminal justice program also includes a social science research sequence to help students develop research methodology and statistical analysis skills.
*Information based on 2021 data compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.**Information based on 2022 data compiled by Payscale.
What to read next
Maryville Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice — Program Overview
Probation vs. Parole Officer: What Makes Them Different?
Women in Law Enforcement: History, Accomplishments, and Demand
Sources
Payscale, Average Border Patrol Agent Salary
Payscale, Average Sky Marshal or Air Marshal Salary
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Correctional Officers and Bailiffs
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Paralegals and Legal Assistants
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Police and Detectives
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
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