Career outlook

What can I do with a degree in criminal justice?

Students earning a degree in criminal justice will receive a foundation in critical thinking, research, writing and analytical skills. Career options in criminal justice are virtually limitless and many CJ majors earn careers in law enforcement, the courts, corrections or a variety of non-profit organizations that serve the criminal justice system. Additionally, many continue on to graduate school earning a master's, doctoral or Juris Doctor.

• Learn more about becoming a:
  • Police officer
  • Correctional officer
  • Forensic science technician
  • Security information analyst
• Find officer job postings from local criminal justice agencies and agencies around the country
• Find job postings for correctional officers
• Job postings for federal government positions can be found on USAJobs or GovtJobs

Transferable skills

A criminal justice degree offers skills in:

• Critical thinking and basic analytical ability
• Interpersonal and cross-cultural awareness
• Analysis of evidence-based practices
• Event and program coordination
• Public speaking skills

Careers insights by degree

• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
• Master of Science in Criminal Justice

Graduate study

This degree also provides a solid foundation for graduate study in:

• Master of Science in Criminal Justice
• Ph.D. in criminal justice, criminology, sociology and other social sciences
• Juris Doctor

Notable people with a criminal justice degree

• Andrew Lutaakome Kayiira (leader of the Uganda Freedom Movement (UFM))
• Freda Adler (president of the American Criminological Society and consultant to the UN on issues of crime)
• Alice Stebbins Wells (first female police officer in the LA police force)
• Pauley Perrette (American actress who played in NCIS, published writer, singer and civil rights advocate)
• William Fitchner (American actor known for playing Sheriff Tom Underlay on Invasion)