Criminal Justice Career Outlook

Most careers in criminal justice are expected to have a favorable job outlook, especially for graduates of criminal justice degree programs. Those who complete advanced degrees will have even better job options, and will be more competitive for the most prestigious and highest-paying careers. When selecting which career field to go into, students should consider where they will be most likely to find suitable employment, and where they will be most interested in working.

Career outlook for criminal justice degree holders

There are several career fields related to criminal justice that are expected to provide excellent job opportunities in the coming decade. Some of these fields include:

• The Armed Forces
The armed forces provide jobs for persons with nearly any set of skills, including criminal justice. Law professionals may work in the JAG corps, so long as they can demonstrate a special understanding of military law. Also, many individuals employed by the department of homeland security are members of the armed forces, and there are also career opportunities with the department of defense that favor applicants with degrees in criminal justice or a related field. Homeland security positions may be competitive, but those who specialize in terrorist activity during their studies will be in a good position to secure these careers.

• Paralegals
More and more legal responsibilities in the criminal justice system are falling on paralegals, which are legal professionals who complete a variety of tasks in law offices assisting attorneys. Many individuals are hired for paralegal positions after completing only an associate’s degree in criminal justice, and employees may be eligible for financial assistance in pursuing a law degree. The demand for qualified individuals in this career is expected to grow much faster than the average.

• Probation Officers
Because of the psychological and time commitments required of probation officers, it is often difficult for local governments to attract qualified individuals. Those with a strong interest in criminal rehabilitation should seriously consider parole and probation careers, as job opportunities are expected to be excellent, especially for those with criminal justice backgrounds.
Other careers in criminal justice

There are some careers commonly associated with criminal justice that are expected to offer favorable job opportunities. Those with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal justice will find that they are especially competitive for these positions, which may include:

• Police Officer
Many graduates of criminal justice degree programs are interested in careers as police officers. These rewarding and respectable public service careers are on the front-line of the domestic criminal justice system, and they are expected to grow at a fast rate consistent with the national average. Qualified applicants should not have any difficulty finding employment.

• Corrections Officer
The corrections officer field is expected to grow about as fast as the average, yielding favorable job opportunities. Many corrections officers have no formal education, so having completed a degree in criminal justice is likely to stand out significantly on a resume.

• Social Worker
Social workers are liaisons between individuals and the state, checking up on people and keeping track of their file. In the next few years, social worker positions in prisons and detention facilities are expected to have favorable job opportunities. The most experienced will be likely to set themselves apart from other applicants, and earning a degree in criminal justice can help students gain some practice in rehabilitation counseling.

• Security Guards
Those who have an associate’s degree in criminal justice and are interested in pursuing employment in the police forces, but have not yet reached the appropriate age, should strongly consider finding employment in security. Many schools and buildings employ individuals to help keep their employees, students, and visitors safe, to these jobs are in high demand. Necessary knowledge can include weapons, crisis response, and detainment training.