If you’re wondering what you can do with a criminal justice degree, you might think the answer is solely police work.
Criminal justice careers actually span federal agencies, court systems, corrections, social services, private security and corporate compliance. Understanding the range of jobs available with criminal justice degrees can help you find a path that fits your interests. The median salary figures below reflect professionals at all stages of their careers, and earnings often grow with experience, education and advancement. Consider this your guide to uncovering options after obtaining a criminal justice degree.
Law Enforcement Careers
Common law enforcement careers available to criminal justice degree graduates include:
- Police officer: Patrol neighborhoods and enforce local laws. This route typically requires police academy training in lieu of traditional college.
- State trooper: Enforce highway laws, assist with major incidents and support public safety across assigned regions. State trooper positions often require specialized training for a specific location.
The median U.S. salary of police and sheriff’s patrol officers was reportedly $76,210 in 2025.
Federal Agency Opportunities
Working toward a degree can increase your chances of landing these criminal justice jobs:
- FBI special agent: Investigate federal crimes, including terrorism. Special agents need a four-year degree and several years of work experience. Criminal investigators earned a median salary of $93,790 in 2025.
- Border Patrol agent: Monitor U.S. borders and inspect individuals and goods entering the country. A bachelor’s degree is often preferred for applicants in this field. Border Patrol agents can expect a median salary of about $76,210.
Legal System Roles
Common legal system opportunities include:
- Paralegal: Research law and draft legal documents. The median salary for this role in 2024 was $61,010.
- Victim advocate: Support crime victims through legal processes, connect them with resources and help them understand next steps. Victim advocates frequently hold a bachelor’s degree and utilize interpersonal skills. In 2025, social work assistants earn a median salary of $45,930.
Corrections and Rehabilitation
Work in the corrections and rehabilitation sector with the right criminal justice education.
- Corrections officer: Supervise inmates and maintain security. The median salary for this role was $57,950 in 2024. Bachelor’s degree holders have the potential to earn higher pay more quickly.
- Probation officer: Monitor community sentences and coordinate rehabilitation. Probation officers can expect a salary of around $64,520. A criminal justice degree is usually required.
- Parole officer: Work with released inmates who are focusing on reentry, helping them follow parole requirements and connect with community resources. Correctional Treatment Specialists earned a median salary of $66,270 in 2025. A four-year degree is generally required.
Social Services Positions
Criminal justice jobs relating to social and community services earned a median salary of $80,390 in 2025. Examples of positions in this area include:
- Juvenile counselor: Work with at-risk youth in community, residential or court-connected programs, providing guidance and support.
- Community outreach coordinator: Develop crime prevention programs, build community partnerships and support public education efforts. These coordinator positions may require a degree and program experience.
Private Security and Compliance
A recent criminal justice graduate may secure these private security and compliance titles:
- Corporate security analyst: Assess threats, review security risks and develop safety protocols that help organizations protect people, property and information. This field has a bright outlook and an impressive median salary of $106,660 in 2025.
- Compliance officer: Help organizations comply with privacy and ethics regulations. Professionals earn a median salary of $78,420. Positions typically require a degree and regulatory knowledge.
The University of Olivet’s Criminal Justice Program
The University of Olivet’s faculty brings real experience. Our instructors have worked as police officers, investigators and corrections administrators, and our curriculum emphasizes social justice and ethical decision-making. We’re proud to offer a Criminal Justice Degree Program with personalized attention for students and hands-on learning through internships.
Learn More About Our Criminal Justice Program Today
The University of Olivet can help you decide if criminal justice is a good major for you after learning more about your background and goals. Entry-level criminal justice positions exist across sectors, but landing them requires dedication to your education.
Ready to see where a criminal justice path could take you? Request more information about The University of Olivet’s Criminal Justice program, or apply online when you’re ready.