Find a Job You Really Want In
When thinking about jobs in the field of criminal justice, many people immediately think of police officers, and while that is an important job in this field it’s just one of many. Everyone from judges to financial examiners falls under the criminal justice category, making this a highly desirable field to enter.
Getting a master’s degree in criminal justice can open many doors for you and can jumpstart a career in a growing and fascinating field.
This is a broad area of study and not only teaches students about criminal justice and law enforcement, but they’ll also learn valuable real-world skills that can help with research, analysis, and communication.
Key Takeaways:
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A master’s in criminal justice provides a broad education in the justice system in the United States and can be applied to many different career tracts.
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A lot of people who are in criminal justice work for the government, whether state, federal, or local.
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There is a great need in public and private sectors for people with a background in criminal justice.
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A master’s in criminal justice can be the end of educational pursuits for some or just a stepping stone on the way to an advanced career for others.
10 Best-Paying Jobs for People with a Master’s in Criminal Justice
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Average Annual Salary: $123,000
A judge presides over trials, disputes, and other legal matters. In addition to maintaining an air of civility and order to the proceedings, a judge determines if the evidence is allowable; if there is a jury, they give them instructions, and they may determine the outcome of a case if there isn’t a jury, and they also sentence convicted defendants.
In many places and situations, judges are elected to their positions. This isn’t just for Supreme Court Justices, but it also applies to local county judges and others too.
Some states opt to do it by merit selection, and some states have federal judges selected by gubernatorial appointment. But if you make it to the level of judge, you’ll have a lucrative career with a lot of power.
Requirements to Become a Judge
Interestingly, not all states require that judges be lawyers, but 28 of them do. So, the first step toward becoming a judge if you live in one of those 28 states is to earn a law degree. No matter what state you live in, you’ll need to discover how your state appoints judges. If it’s by election, then entering politics will help you get started.
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Average Annual Salary: $109,000
Attorneys or lawyers perform a wide variety of jobs, although we most often think of an attorney as someone in a courtroom who is defending someone accused of a crime. Of course, at the other table is an attorney who is representing the other party and trying to prove that person is guilty.
Whether it’s a civil or a criminal case, these are two common ways we see lawyers at work, but that’s not the only place where they’re needed.
It may be surprising, but most attorneys never go to court; instead, they focus on legal transactions. They write documents, negotiate agreements, and investigate the legality of certain matters. Many work in an advisory capacity for companies to ensure that they’re working within the law.
Requirements to Become an Attorney
Getting an education in criminal justice is a good first step toward becoming an attorney but it won’t be the last step in education for most lawyers. Each state has different requirements for attorneys but passing a Multistate Bar Examination is a common goal for many so they can be admitted to the local bar.
In addition to passing the exam, the state’s board of examiners will look into the individual’s competence, character, and ability to fulfill their obligations. Attorneys have a lot of responsibility, and they’re expected to represent the profession in an ethical and professional manner.
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FBI Special Agent
Average Annual Salary: N/A
Much like attorneys, television and the movies have greatly informed the way we think of FBI Special Agents. Agents working for the FBI are employed by the federal government, and their job is to protect the country. How they protect the country varies as there are many different specialized fields within the bureau.
Some FBI special agents work out in the field, but there are many others who support their work in labs, working in public affairs, serving as supervisors, managers, computer experts, and more.
Requirements to Become an FBI Special Agent
A master’s in criminal justice is a start to becoming an FBI special agent and will give you a much-needed background in law and the criminal justice system in the United States.
There are also many other requirements, including being a U.S. citizen, at least 23 years old, and you have to apply before you’re 36, there are physical requirements and a Top Secret Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) Clearance.
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Average Annual Salary: $49,000
Criminologist can be all about studying the scene of a crime or the evidence of a crime. When working on a crime scene, their task is to carefully preserve the scene so they can analyze data on site and then collect it and perform further tests.
Other jobs in criminology can be more analytical, statistical, and advisory. You can review criminal behavior in an urban environment and work with politicians to find ways to eliminate or reduce crime.
Requirements to Become a Criminologist
Having a background in criminal justice is useful, but there may also be a lot of lab sciences involved in this field and an ability to review data and interpret the results.
There are two paths to follow in this field, one dealing with physical evidence and the other managing theoretical and psychological analysis. Each will require a different specialization after the criminal justice masters.
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Financial Examiner
Average Annual Salary: N/A
Financial examiners exist in a variety of fields. A financial examiner in the criminal justice field will work with companies to ensure that they’re in compliance with the laws that govern the handling of money.
They could also be on the other side of things and work in law enforcement when companies are not in compliance, and legal action is being brought against them. They can discover evidence for the prosecution.
No matter which side of the coin a criminal justice financial examiner is on, they’ll need to have a lot of skills when it comes to balance sheets, evaluating risk, and assessing financial management tactics.
Requirements to Become a Financial Examiner
A degree in criminal justice with a focus on finance is a start for this field and will help inform you about the laws related to finance in the United States, but it’s not all you’ll need.
This profession requires a lot of accounting experience, knowledge, and certifications or licenses. Expect to earn an Accredited Financial Examiner or Certified Financial Examiner designation, possibly both.
Many other people in this field are also Certified Public Accountants. The more certifications you have, the better your professional outlook will be.
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Average Annual Salary: $83,000
The field of forensic psychology dives into the psychology behind the legal system. Professionals in this field will review public policy, criminal behavior, demographics, mental health or illness, court systems, and the correctional system.
In addition to reviewing the entire legal field and understanding legal situations, some forensic psychologists look into the psychology behind individuals. They might be called in to assess people accused of crimes, or they might specialize in helping victims. There are a lot of options within this field, and it’s growing.
Requirements to Become a Forensic Psychologist
Working in this field will require a lot of investigation, research, data analysis, consulting, and the ability to put the pieces together for recommendations and presentations.
This means that a master’s in criminal justice is a start, but a degree in psychology is also necessary. The American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) offers certification, which isn’t required but can help you get a job.
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Average Annual Salary: $48,000
Private detectives and investigators are hired by individuals or companies for a variety of duties involving surveillance, research, and legal matters.
In this job, you can expect to do some surveillance, but most of your work will probably involve background checks, interviewing people, looking into someone’s finances, and gathering public records.
Some private detectives are hired by individuals or families to help find people, investigate other people, check for theft or fraud, and look for cheating spouses.
More often, private detectives help companies that are doing simple background checks on employees, looking for theft and fraud within the company. Insurance companies use PIs to make sure someone isn’t lying about a claim, and they frequently are called upon to serve legal documents.
Requirements to Become a Private Investigator
Private investigators need to know a lot about the law because they’re often hired to serve a similar role to that of law enforcement. This is where a masters in criminal justice comes in handy.
Since so much of today’s work relies upon computers, which makes having a thorough understanding of computers is essential. Some investigators specialize in finances and benefit from an education in accounting and auditing.
States have different requirements for private detectives or investigators, so you’ll need to pursue the requirements in your state and federally if you wish to work on a national basis. Beyond that, a lot of your training and knowledge will come from on-the-job experiences.
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Average Annual Salary: $46,000
A sheriff is responsible for enforcing state and county laws and ordinances, maintaining the peace, managing police officers and other employees beneath them, overseeing the local jail, and serving both the criminal and the civil process. If it sounds like a lot, it is.
The job of sheriff is packed with responsibility, and a deep and thorough understanding of the law is essential to doing the job well. In many places, the sheriff is an elected position, which means that politics can play a large role in your professional career.
Requirements to Become a Sheriff
The requirements to becoming a sheriff are minimal in some places and extensive in others. This is because it’s an elected position, and the jurisdiction you work in can be a very small town or a huge urban area. Expect to have some education in criminal justice or police studies.
Having a master’s in criminal justice will not only prove your dedication to the field but also your expertise in legal matters.
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Cybersecurity Investigator
Average Annual Salary: N/A
Computers have become a great tool in just about every profession and other aspects of life as well. It has also become a ripe opportunity for crime and fraud. And there comes the cybersecurity investigator to save the day.
This is a fairly new field that’s growing exponentially and offers a wide variety of options for your future. Most cybercrime investigators are diving into computers to find hacks, breaches, or even weaknesses in the system before an attack occurs. Other specialists in this field are recovering damaged and lost files and gathering electronic evidence.
Requirements to Become a Cybersecurity Investigator
The first step is a background education in criminal justice, so a master’s is a great start. Obviously, studying computer sciences is also going to be a big benefit as you’ll need to know just about everything there is to know about computers and digital technology.
This is a field where there are available certifications, but most places do not have requirements. These can help advance your career but getting experience in the real world will also be a great benefit. Expect to be constantly learning because this field is definitely not static.
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Average Annual Salary: $77,000
An intelligence analyst evaluates data to try to discover security threats and stop them before they’re in action. They may work for the government and seek terrorist threats and national security.
Intelligence analysts also work for companies to develop new ways to protect a company and their secure computer data from threats and to fight off current threats. As computers become more important in every aspect of life, this job will only grow in prevalence and opportunities.
Requirements to Become an Intelligence Analyst
A masters in criminal justice and a strong emphasis on computer sciences are essential for this job. Next up, experience on the job working for the government or a company that has a large computer department is important.
Expect to work on communication, research, decision-making, intuition, and flexibility to succeed.
5 Entry-Level Jobs for People with a Master’s in Criminal Justice
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Average Annual Salary: $31,000
Security guards are usually hired by private companies or even individuals to protect property and people from potential crimes. Many times, just having security guards on the property can be all the determent that’s necessary; but this isn’t always the case.
Security guard can be an entry-level job, and if you like it, you can move up in the company, switch to a new one with a higher demand on your skills, or even start your own company. You can also take that knowledge and branch into many other areas of criminal justice.
Requirements to Become a Security Guard
To be a security guard, you often don’t need more than a high school degree. You’ll need to be an adult, submit to a drug test and criminal background check and prove you are who you claim to be. You might also need to have some specific training.
Having a master’s in criminal justice will easily make you a desirable candidate and these two things paired together can kick off a future in law enforcement or the criminal justice process.
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Transportation Security Officer (TSA)
Average Annual Salary: $36,000
Transportation security officers are most frequently seen by the public working for the Transportation Security Administration or the TSA at airports, but there are more people in this field throughout different transportation sectors.
No matter where transportation security officers work, their job is to provide security and protection for travelers. Sometimes they work at high-profile events, guard VIPS, and do work that is not only connected to transportation but always centers around security and safety.
Requirements to become a Transportation Security Officer
If you want to start your career in criminal justice after a masters in this area, getting into a job working as a transportation security officer can be a great start; it can also become a great career.
If you’re working for the TSA, there’s an extensive training program that’s involved, and you’ll have to pass all of the tests at the TSA Academy to start this career.
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Average Annual Salary: $46,000
Probation and parole officers are a key part of the criminal justice system in any community. They’re responsible for helping offenders avoid prison or reenter society after prison.
They supervise their clients and offer them information on programs that can help them make choices that will improve their lives and keep them out of the legal system in the future.
Daily, a probation and parole officer will conduct interviews, do home visits, conduct drug testing and counseling, write reports and maintain files, and appear in court to discuss their client’s behavior after release.
Requirements to Become a Probation/Parole Officer
Many communities are in desperate need of people to fill this role, which is why it can be an entry-level position. Having a master’s in criminal justice will help you prove your knowledge of the law. Excellent communication skills are also necessary.
Most communities have training programs specific to their local, state, and federal laws to help new hires succeed.
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Average Annual Salary: $38,000
Many communities are in constant need of victim advocates, making this an in-demand career with lots of potential for growth. Victims’ advocates are there to represent the victim and to help them navigate the criminal justice system.
To do this, you need extensive knowledge of the criminal justice system and to be confident in explaining what the next steps are in every situation.
Victims not only need you to stand up for them to make sure they’re represented, but they also need to feel as though they’re heard and understood. While you’re supporting and representing the victim, you’ll also be educating them on what’s happening and what to expect.
Requirements to Become a Victim’s Advocate
Victim’s advocates have a wide range of duties, and it all begins with a thorough understanding of the legal system, which can be proven with a master’s in criminal justice.
In addition, learning how to help people cope with crime and trauma is an essential part of this job. Getting on-the-job experience in working with individuals in difficult situations can greatly improve your odds of success.
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Average Annual Salary: $52,000
All people are familiar with what a police officer is and what their job duties are. They’re responsible for enforcing the law and protecting the public.
Sometimes they’re tasked with preventing crime by appearing in high-risk situations, and in other situations, they show up after a crime has been committed to assessing the situation.
There’s a great need for good police officers around this country, so there are always job openings.
Requirements to Become a Police Officer
To become a police officer, each community or state will have a training program they require you to complete. Having a master’s in criminal justice isn’t necessary, but it helps establish proficiency in the law and what our justice system is all about.
Some communities and higher-level positions in police officers will require advanced degrees.
What to Know About a Master’s in Criminal Justice
A master’s in criminal justice is often a stepping stone, giving the individual a broad understanding of the legal system in the United States. After this degree is achieved, then many people specialize.
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Many people who pursue a master’s in criminal justice are interested in leadership positions or command-related jobs. Expect to pursue some management training to move up in this field.
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Another common group of individuals getting a master’s in criminal justice is looking to do academic research in politics or criminology. In these situations, the master is just one step before they earn their Ph.D.
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The Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates a 5% increase between 2016 and 2026 in protective services jobs. This is not the only career path for criminal justice students, but it is a common one.
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A master’s in criminal justice is considered a good option because your odds of getting a job are extremely good, and there are a lot of possibilities for people looking to make a high income.
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With a degree in criminal justice, many people end up working for the government on some level, but a significant percentage of people also move into the private sector, working for corporations. A handful of industrious people work for themselves and have their own businesses.
Master’s in Criminal Justice Jobs FAQ
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What can you do with a master’s degree in criminal justice?
There are a wide variety of jobs available for people with a master’s in criminal justice. From police officers to judges, from criminologists to travel security – all of these jobs are open to people with an expressed interest and experience in criminal justice.
This degree can lead to a lifetime career dealing with everything from people to technology; it all depends on your interests.
For some, this master’s is just a step toward an advanced degree in law or science. This opens even more doors and more specialized opportunities for students for future endeavors.
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What skills do you need for criminal justice jobs?
Criminal justice jobs can benefit from a wide variety of personalities with different skills. You’ll find that all criminal justice jobs require extensive knowledge of the law and a willingness to keep up with changes in the law.
If you move into the technology end of this field, then computer sciences and other tech skills are critical. If you’re interested in using your legal knowledge to help others, then psychology, communication, and empathy can be a big part of your job.
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Do employees with a master’s in criminal justice get paid more?
People with a master’s in criminal justice tend to make more than people without a master’s in their field but can make less than people in other occupations.
Many people who go into criminal justice end up working for the government, which often pays less than the private sector. People with a master’s can make more than people without one doing a similar job, but public sector jobs pay less on average, meaning they might earn less.
A degree in criminal justice can lead to a wide variety of jobs, and the pay range is also incredibly varied.
Author
Kristin Kizer is an award-winning writer, television and documentary producer, and content specialist who has worked on a wide variety of written, broadcast, and electronic publications. A former writer/producer for The Discovery Channel, she is now a freelance writer and delighted to be sharing her talents and time with the wonderful Zippia audience.
