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.
- See guides to becoming a:
- 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
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)