Guide to Criminal Justice Jobs and Degree Requirements
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Private and government agencies must work together for the criminal justice system to operate effectively and ethically. Though corrections departments, courts, and the police each have their own responsibilities, their duties overlap, requiring criminal justice professionals to collaborate across agencies and across fields to manage criminals and the accused. Legal professionals, for instance, require the expertise of mental health professionals for court evaluations and court testimony.
Court reporters, attorneys, paralegals, law enforcement, and mental health professionals all play a role in the intricate network of the criminal justice system. Educational levels, oaths of office, and salary expectations differ for each role.
What criminal justice jobs can you pursue with your degree? Our guide discusses typical professions based on educational requirements, including criminal justice jobs that do not require a degree.
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Where Do Criminal Justice Professionals Work?
The U.S. criminal justice system includes professionals in sectors like academia, the courts, federal agencies, healthcare, police departments, sheriff’s offices, and correctional facilities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about 2.6 million people work in the field of “justice, public order, and safety activities.” This number does not account for individuals straddling two industries, such as forensic psychologists.
Each criminal justice field features professionals from diverse backgrounds. For instance, in the federal courts you can find:
- Attorneys
- Bailiffs
- Court reporters
- Forensic scientists
- Interpreters
- Judges
- Law librarians
- Paralegals
- Mental health professionals
- Information technology professionals
Sworn vs. Nonsworn Jobs
Careers in law enforcement can be sworn or nonsworn. Law enforcement officers — such as police officers, bailiffs, probation officers, and FBI special agents — take oaths to support the Constitution of the United States. As sworn officers, they typically carry badges and firearms and have the power to make arrests, though their specific duties and privileges vary by state.
Nonsworn law enforcement personnel, such as 911 dispatchers, crime analysts, and forensic specialists, do not have the above powers.
Did you know?
According to the Prison Policy Initiative, about 1.9 million people are jailed in federal, state, local, and immigration detention sites as of 2024. It costs $182 billion to operate these systems each year.
Criminal Justice Jobs by Degree Requirement
The criminal justice system offers career opportunities for workers across various levels of educational attainment. Below, we categorize criminal justice jobs by degree level. Note that our categorizations follow general employment trends — individual employers may require or prefer different degrees than our guide suggests.
*Indicates limited salary data
Degree Not Required
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer
The U.S. employs about 684,000 patrol officers as of 2022, according to the BLS. Patrol officers respond to emergencies and monitor the streets to maintain safety. These workers also take witness statements and arrest suspected criminals. With experience, these officers can join specialized teams, such as detective units.
Bailiff
Most bailiffs work in local or state government. They escort jurors, judges, and prisoners into court and maintain order in the courtroom. Outside the court, they ensure juries remain protected from public influence.
Public Safety Telecommunicator
Public safety telecommunicators, such as 911 dispatchers, take emergency and nonemergency calls and relay information to first responders. In some states, these professionals need only a high school diploma, though other jurisdictions may require additional training.
Court Reporter
Court reporters transcribe court and other legal proceedings, including depositions. Using stenography machines and stenomasks, court reporters captured verbal and nonverbal communication during trials. This documentation serves as official court transcripts. Most court reporters are self-employed or work for business support services.
Court Clerk
The courts and legal agencies rely on court clerks to handle administrative responsibilities. Court clerks collect fees and fines, prepare court records and documents, and manage email correspondence. Other responsibilities may include drafting reports, such as decisions on motions or performing legal research.
Private Investigator
Private investigators conduct surveillance in the field, interviewing people to gather information for various cases. This knowledge can aid in resolving allegations of infidelity or workplace theft. Most states require private investigators to hold a license. Employers may hire high school graduates or prefer candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field.
Associate Degree
Paralegal
To pursue a paralegal career, you generally need at least an associate degree. According to the BLS, 74% of paralegals work in legal services. Paralegals assist attorneys in preparing cases for trial and hearings. They research laws and regulations, handle legal correspondence, and communicate with clients. Other duties vary by employer — for instance, immigration paralegals assist in deportation cases or visa requests.
Forensic Nurse
- Average Salary (2023):$61,040*
- Job Outlook (2022-32): N/A
Forensic nurses perform medical forensic exams in cases of suspected sexual assault or neglect. Forensic nurses start as registered nurses (RN). Sitting for the NCLEX-RN exam, which leads to RN licensure, requires at least an associate degree in nursing. Employers may prefer RNs with a bachelor of science in nursing.
Bachelor’s Degree
FBI Agent
- Average Salary (2024):$70,940
- Job Outlook (2022-32): N/A
FBI agents enforce federal laws. On duty, they carry a firearm and investigate suspected federal crimes. Working for the FBI requires a background check, drug test, and polygraph. The job mandates either a bachelor’s degree with two years of experience or a master’s degree with one year of experience. The FBI operates 56 field offices.
Probation Officer
Probation officers supervise probationers. Some work in juvenile probation or the family court division. Responsibilities include formulating discharge plans, making referrals, and conducting drug tests. At a minimum, probation officers need a bachelor’s degree and a valid driver’s license. Training programs for probation officers may require additional certification exams.
Fish and Game Warden
The country employs about 6,900 fish and game wardens as of 2022, the BLS reports. Fish and game wardens educate the public about local wildlife, respond to hunting violations, and assess wildfire risks. These professionals also monitor wildlife and make recommendations to protect endangered animal populations. Generally, fish and game wardens need at least a bachelor’s degree.
Forensic Science Technician
With a bachelor’s degree in forensic science or a related field, you can pursue a career as a forensic science technician, though an associate degree may suffice for some positions. At crime scenes, forensic science technicians document and collect evidence for the crime labs. In laboratories, forensic science technicians examine biological and physical evidence.
Forensic Accountant
- Average Salary (2024):$77,400
- Job Outlook (2022-32): N/A
Forensic accountants examine financial crimes such as money laundering and fraud. Unlike auditors, financial accountants perform data analysis and forensic research to trace suspicious money activity. They prepare reports for criminal investigations. These roles typically require at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting. In addition, forensic accountants may also earn a professional credential from the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.
Master’s Degree
Criminologist
- Average Salary (2024):$55,480*
- Job Outlook (2022-32): N/A
Criminologists are sociologists. They analyze crime patterns to understand larger trends and make suggestions to reduce these behaviors. The job also requires evaluating convicted criminals and suspects to help law enforcement and federal agents. Criminologists need at least a bachelor’s degree, though employers may prefer applicants with master’s degrees.
Forensic Anthropologist
- Average Salary (2024):$70,000*
- Job Outlook (2022-32): N/A
Forensic anthropologists identify human remains using skeletal analysis techniques. Forensic anthropologists can provide scientific evidence to explain how and when a person died as well as determine their age and sex. Archaeological training enables these professionals to excavate sites. They work for state departments and federal agencies like the FBI.
Forensic Social Worker
- Average Salary (2024):$47,350*
- Job Outlook (2022-32): N/A
Aspiring forensic social workers need a master of social work degree and passing scores on the Association of Social Work Boards exam to pursue this career. These professionals’ duties include assessing jail and prison populations to provide legal recommendations and education. In court, forensic social workers provide expert testimony.
Doctoral Degree
Lawyer
Lawyers work in the courts to defend clients’ legal rights. Most states require attorneys to hold a juris doctor (JD) degree and pass the state bar exam. Some states offer alternative pathways for lawyers. For instance, aspiring attorneys in California can study for four years under a judge or attorney to qualify for the bar exam.
Forensic Psychologist
- Average Salary (2024):$79,680
- Job Outlook (2022-32): N/A
Forensic psychologists hold doctoral degrees and state licenses. They collaborate with legal professionals to provide expert testimony in court. Their day-to-day tasks include conducting court-ordered evaluations of people in the legal system. These findings determine if a person can stand trial.
Criminal Justice College Professor
College professors who teach criminal justice typically need a Ph.D. in criminal justice or a related field to qualify for a tenured position. With a master’s in criminal justice, aspiring college educators can secure adjunct lecturer positions. About 16,500 professors teach criminal justice and law enforcement as of 2022, according to the BLS. They create lessons, grade student assignments, serve on academic committees, and conduct research.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Justice Degree Jobs
Criminal justice attracts people who are passionate about justice and enforcing laws. The field offers an array of careers. Criminal justice jobs include law enforcement workers who patrol the streets and victim advocates who help people in crisis navigate the legal system. Though these jobs can be rewarding, they can also pose emotional challenges because of the difficulties inherent to the field.
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