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Job outlook for assistant professors of criminal justice in the United States
Are assistant professor of criminal justice jobs in demand?
Assistant professor of criminal justice job and salary trends over time
Assistant professor of criminal justice jobs over time
Assistant professor of criminal justice job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 129 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 131 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 132 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 140 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 133 | 0.00% |
Average assistant professor of criminal justice salary over time
Assistant professor of criminal justice salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $62,108 | $29.86 | +1.1% |
| 2024 | $61,424 | $29.53 | +1.6% |
| 2023 | $60,485 | $29.08 | +2.5% |
| 2022 | $59,020 | $28.37 | +1.4% |
| 2021 | $58,228 | $27.99 | +1.4% |
Assistant professor of criminal justice jobs by state
Most common states for assistant professors of criminal justice
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 90 | 13% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 52 | 8% |
| 3 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 317 | 6% |
| 4 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 114 | 6% |
| 5 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 401 | 5% |
| 6 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 212 | 5% |
| 7 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 92 | 5% |
| 8 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 46 | 5% |
| 9 | Alaska | 739,795 | 36 | 5% |
| 10 | New York | 19,849,399 | 761 | 4% |
| 11 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 159 | 4% |
| 12 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 131 | 4% |
| 13 | Mississippi | 2,984,100 | 120 | 4% |
| 14 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 38 | 4% |
| 15 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 421 | 3% |
| 16 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 237 | 3% |
| 17 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 175 | 3% |
| 18 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 160 | 3% |
| 19 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 157 | 3% |
| 20 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 40 | 3% |
Most common cities for assistant professors of criminal justice
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Flagstaff | 1 | 1% | $82,772 |
| 2 | Saint Paul | 1 | 0% | $80,334 |
Assistant Professor Of Criminal Justice job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of assistant professor of criminal justice experts
The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga
Kean University
Georgia College and State University
North Carolina State University
Metropolitan State University
Sam Houston State University
University of Central Missouri
Ferrum College
Saint Peter's University
Skidmore College
Worcester State University
University of South Florida
Quinnipiac University
Curry College
Curry College
What general advice would you give to an Assistant Professor Of Criminal Justice?
Rick Mulvihill M. Sc.: People skills! All positions in the Criminal Justice field work with people, usually at the worst moment in their life. Writing skills! All positions require you to document your actions. Those documents could be the basis of a Supreme Court case.
What will help Assistant Professors Of Criminal Justice increase their earning potential?
Rick Mulvihill M. Sc.: Education! The higher your level of education, the more positions you may be eligible for and the higher the starting salary. An example from Federal law enforcement is that a candidate with a B.A. starts at GS 7 while with a M.A. they would start at GS 9.
What Assistant Professor Of Criminal Justice skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Alex Holte PhD: I would say being able to work with AI may be something that is more important in the next 3-5 years. Right now it’s a new technology and people are just now learning how to integrate it in the workplace, but I feel it is possible the future workforce of tomorrow will necessitate some form of being able to use AI technology.
What will help Assistant Professors Of Criminal Justice increase their earning potential?
Alex Holte PhD: When you are starting out at any career, it is important to negotiate your salary. Many candidates feel that they have to accept their first offer, but in reality, at many jobs, there is some room for negotiation. Be mindful however, to not request a salary that is much higher than what is being offered as they may feel like a compromise would not be possible and move on to the next candidate.
Sherah Basham Ph.D.
Assistant Professor and Criminal Justice Online CoordinatorThe University of Tennessee - Chattanooga
Criminal Justice And Corrections
What general advice would you give to an Assistant Professor Of Criminal Justice?
Sherah Basham Ph.D.: Criminal justice is a vast field; however, there are several areas that graduates can focus on as they enter the workforce: 1. Ethics - Criminal justice work can be challenging. Staying grounded in one's values and principles while maintaining a professional demeanor is crucial to making good decisions and personal peace. 2. Mentorship - Find a mentor who can provide guidance as you navigate your vocation. Keep in mind this may or may not be someone in your particular office. Mentors can be found at work or through professional networking. Associations and professional platforms provide connections to experienced colleagues who can help identify career opportunities, provide up-to-date information on the field, and offer support throughout one's career.
What Assistant Professor Of Criminal Justice skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sherah Basham Ph.D.: 1. Specialized career paths - Criminal justice salaries will vary significantly by level (federal vs local), location, and specialty. Developing specific skills such as cybercrime investigations, forensic or crime scene investigations, data analysis, or speaking a foreign language can leverage higher salaries for specialized positions. 2. Education - Master's degrees, specialized certificates, and professional training can increase earning potential. Education can assist with increasing base salaries or bonuses. It can also help with the placement and selection of specific roles. 3. Explore non-traditional roles - Consider career opportunities outside of traditional law enforcement or corrections agencies. Private security firms, corporations, research institutions, and consulting firms can offer competitive salaries in criminal justice.
What will help Assistant Professors Of Criminal Justice increase their earning potential?
Sherah Basham Ph.D.: 1. Communication Skills - regardless of the type of criminal justice job, all will require the ability to communicate effectively. Written communication is important in writing reports, case management, and correspondence. The key is learning to be clear, concise, and accurate. Verbal communication is crucial in daily interactions with the public, colleagues, and supervisors. In many positions, one may encounter a variety of people daily - talking to victims, assisting those in need, testifying in court, or sharing information with public leaders. Quality communication is related to Cultural Competency, or the ability to interact and understand people with diverse backgrounds. The ability to communicate and build trust with others regardless of their position or experiences is essential. 2. Critical Thinking - Criminal justice issues are complex; therefore, analyzing situations, ascertaining facts, identifying key details, and developing effective solutions is vital. 3. Technology and Data Literacy - Technology is rapidly evolving. Therefore, familiarity with tools, emerging resources, and tools will be beneficial. Along those lines, the ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data from various sources will be crucial for all types of criminal justice work: investigations, crime prevention, report development, and resource allocation.
What general advice would you give to an Assistant Professor Of Criminal Justice?
Mia Fiore Ph.D.: First, I would tell all students that it is VERY different from teaching k-12. Unlike K-12, you are not placed in a school with a teaching job upon graduation; teaching in higher education is one of the most competitive fields, period. The next difference is that you are expected to be an expert/ master of your field. If you're also willing to accept that you will likely have to work as an adjunct professor (for low pay) first, then go for it! Teaching in higher education is the most rewarding job, especially for people who love learning.
What Assistant Professor Of Criminal Justice skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mia Fiore Ph.D.: Awareness and familiarity with technology has become more important, and it will continue to be more important in the next 3-5 years. With everything from peer-reviewed journals available online, to AI, technology is an important part of higher education.
Matheson Sanchez Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Criminal JusticeGeorgia College and State University
Criminal Justice And Corrections
What general advice would you give to an Assistant Professor Of Criminal Justice?
Matheson Sanchez Ph.D.: Without a doubt, technological literacy is going to be increasingly important. Many believe that the criminal justice system is made up of “smart people” and “action people,” where the former sit in the agency headquarters and type away on computers, while the latter go out in the field and make contact with the community. This could not be further from the truth. Everyone working in all facets of the system are being asked and expected to have a working grasp on how to utilize technology to accomplish a mission. At the very least, those more action-oriented people need to be able to hold effective conversations with their intelligence community personnel—much of which will revolve around the use of artificial intelligence via facial recognition, data scraping software, and predictive technologies.
What Assistant Professor Of Criminal Justice skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Matheson Sanchez Ph.D.: Many aspiring criminal justice professionals enter the field believing their career will be a linear, clearly defined path. I always encourage my students to enter the field with an open mind. There will be all types of people filling all types of positions. Many of those positions will have been unknown to those students until they get their foot in the door and begin working. New criminal justice system actors will likely find themselves becoming more familiar with positions that interest them greatly. It’s important not to be afraid to take a leap, make a change, and find the niche where you best fit. The CJ system is a complex, interwoven web of different jobs. Keep your eyes open and take note when one catches your eye. Job satisfaction is key for a long, healthy, enjoyable career in the CJ system.
What will help Assistant Professors Of Criminal Justice increase their earning potential?
Matheson Sanchez Ph.D.: This is a tricky question, because many salaries in the criminal justice system are set by legislative budgetary decisions. In other words, a supervisor usually has no power to offer any incentivizing packages or increased salary. However, it's not all bad news. More than ever before, many areas in the CJ system are desperate for qualified applicants to fill their ranks. This means that salaries are going up just about everywhere. Furthermore, students should consider broadening their job search to include a nation-wide scope. It can at times be worth it to relocate for a substantially higher salary. Lastly, CJ professionals should consider an advanced degree in the field, such as the top-ranked MSCJ program at Georgia College & State University. This is one of the most effective ways to increase salary and long-term earning potential in the CJ system.
What general advice would you give to an Assistant Professor Of Criminal Justice?
Justin Whitehill Ph.D.: Perseverance pays off. Its worth it to pursue the career you want and not settle and be unhappy.
What will help Assistant Professors Of Criminal Justice increase their earning potential?
Justin Whitehill Ph.D.: I wouldn’t know, I’m a professor.
What Assistant Professor Of Criminal Justice skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Joshua Adams Ph.D., CFE: Keep in mind that salary is usually commensurate with your experience. That being said, do not expect to be wealthy in your first years in your career. You can maximize your salary potential when starting your career in your field by not being afraid to seek overtime opportunities and by having advanced training and/or education. Most local, city, and state municipalities are on fixed budgets, and most public service career opportunities at this level are very transparent of a salary range when they post job announcements. Typically, as you advance in rank, you advance into subsequent brackets of pay ranges. Some organizations provide extra incentives for bachelor’s-level or higher education, but some do not. This leaves the preferred option of maximizing salary, which is working overtime or working a part-time position somewhere else using your same skills (moonlighting) if your agency allows outside employment.
What will help Assistant Professors Of Criminal Justice increase their earning potential?
Joshua Adams Ph.D., CFE: There are two main pieces of advice that I would give to a graduate beginning their career in the field of criminal justice. First, think of everything you would like to accomplish by the time your new career is ending and develop a plan to accomplish your goals during your tenure. Oftentimes, we underestimate how fast time goes, and due to the fast-paced nature of public service, you will have 10 or more years of service before you know it. Finally, develop your network of trusted friends and advisors early. You will need to rely on these friends and advisors when you have bad days because you will be involved in the best days of citizen’s lives and the worse days of citizen’s lives, so you will need to constantly perform self-reflection so that your positivity continues to permeate throughout the community.
What general advice would you give to an Assistant Professor Of Criminal Justice?
Jonathan Varnado: Start gaining experience. In criminal justice, we often get students who are interested in becoming FBI agents, Secret Service, DEA, etc. While we do see students go straight into these agencies after graduation, sometimes they have to wait for an opening with their ideal agency. In the meantime, they could start gaining valuable experience with other agencies. It's important to understand that their dream career won't fall into their lap. They should actively be working towards meeting and exceeding the preferred qualifications for the career they desire. This also may mean obtaining an advanced degree, learning more skills, or completing an internship. In fact, I normally tell incoming freshmen that they should start looking at job postings well before graduating.
What Assistant Professor Of Criminal Justice skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jonathan Varnado: We are seeing a lot of excitement, fear, and uncertainty around the rise and integration of Artificial Intelligence in the workforce. But what will not change, and perhaps will be even more important, are critical thinking and interpersonal communication skills. In the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, we really try to go beyond just learning the curriculum. We also try to foster empathy and understanding, so that our students are well-equipped to serve the needs of a diverse society.
What will help Assistant Professors Of Criminal Justice increase their earning potential?
Jonathan Varnado: I think one thing that we tend to forget is that a police officer is rarely just 'a police officer.' They will take on community projects. They will teach classes. They may work with kids as a resource officer. The same goes for any career in criminal justice. So it is important to build other skills that make you more valuable to your agency, and the community at-large. Understanding the broad nature of your career is the first step; then it's important to evaluate your own strengths, and then see how you can apply these in your career.
What general advice would you give to an Assistant Professor Of Criminal Justice?
Jason Dobrow PhD: Simply put, technology. We are already seeing technological advances in the field ranging from Body Cameras to a lot of the great work going on with Cyber Security. That should only increase in the next 3 to 5 years. Being comfortable with technology and being willing to adapt and learn is crucial to any field in the current time, Criminal Justice being no exception. The increasing use of AI is also interesting and something that all practitioners should familiarize themselves with.
What Assistant Professor Of Criminal Justice skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jason Dobrow PhD: The general advice I would give for graduates beginning their careers in the fields of Criminal Justice is to be flexible. Similar to any field, the job market for Criminal Justice is competitive. Certainly, there are opportunities available in many areas in and related to the field but it's not typically realistic to get one's dream job right away. Being flexible allows one to gain some experience as well as gain skills that can ultimately lead to one's desired career in the field.
What will help Assistant Professors Of Criminal Justice increase their earning potential?
Jason Dobrow PhD: See the first answer. Flexibility is one of the best ways to maximize salary potential in the field. If a job is hard to fill (which many jobs in Criminal Justice are) there might be a signing bonus. Additionally at times, there is overtime pay (holidays, non-peak hours, etc.). Being flexible and taking undesired shifts or even a job that might be hard to fill could result in increased earnings. Additionally, specific skills. Technological skills are important and could help maximize future earnings. Finally, being bilingual. There are jobs that look for people who speak more than one language and at times those who possess these language skills often get paid more.
Jane Kuandre
Associate ProfessorWhat Assistant Professor Of Criminal Justice skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jane Kuandre: Some essential skills for success in academia include critical thinking, effective communication, time management, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
What general advice would you give to an Assistant Professor Of Criminal Justice?
Heather Alaniz-Salas Ph.D: Good afternoon, Alex, I trust this email finds you well. I have been informed by Dr. Boisvert about your recent inquiry regarding obtaining information on preparing for a career in criminal justice from a faculty member at SHSU. With my extensive experience teaching within the college for four years and my recent appointment as the Director of Internship and Career Services in the field of criminal justice at SHSU, I am more than willing to provide valuable insights and guidance on this matter.
What Assistant Professor Of Criminal Justice skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Heather Alaniz-Salas Ph.D: Please let me know a convenient time for you to discuss further or if you have any specific questions that I can address.
What will help Assistant Professors Of Criminal Justice increase their earning potential?
Heather Alaniz-Salas Ph.D: I trust this email finds you well. I have been informed by Dr. Boisvert about your recent inquiry regarding obtaining information on preparing for a career in criminal justice from a faculty member at SHSU. With my extensive experience teaching within the college for four years and my recent appointment as the Director of Internship and Career Services in the field of criminal justice at SHSU, I am more than willing to provide valuable insights and guidance on this matter.
Gregg Etter
Professor of Criminal Justice & CriminologyUniversity of Central Missouri
Criminal Justice And Corrections
What general advice would you give to an Assistant Professor Of Criminal Justice?
Gregg Etter: Most criminal justice jobs are civil service. (except lawyers which require law school) My best advice to new applicants is to know what you are doing. Look up the agency’s website and look at what they do and their hiring process. Contact a recruiter and get an information packet. Look at their hiring requirements. Is there a written exam? If so, purchase a study guide. Practicing the sample tests will raise your score 10-15%. Is there a physical agility test? Make sure you can meet or exceed the physical requirements. Be mobile, apply everywhere. If you put all your eggs in one basket and apply to a single agency, you may be very disappointed. Make sure your application is immaculate. Know all the names, addresses, e-mails and telephone numbers of all current and former employers, as well as all references. Criminal justice work is detail work. A sloppy application will get rejected.
What Assistant Professor Of Criminal Justice skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Gregg Etter: Civil service jobs pay rates are set by the government that you work for. Pay raises are usually based on some type of seniority. However, promotions usually come with a pay raise. Learn new skills and make yourself promotable. The more you learn often works out to the more you earn.
What will help Assistant Professors Of Criminal Justice increase their earning potential?
Gregg Etter: Skills that are valuable in this field include critical thinking, problem-solving, and puzzle-solving (You have to figure out who did it and be able to prove it.) Computer skills are becoming more and more important. Take every in-service training class on how to do technical things that is offered and your administration will let you go to. People skills have always been important and are becoming more so each day. De-escalation is much better than force. Learn these skills.
Carl Franklin JD, PhD
Chair, School of Business and TechnologyFerrum College
Criminal Justice And Corrections
What Assistant Professor Of Criminal Justice skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Carl Franklin JD, PhD: Be flexible and look for the best opportunity. It is rare that our careers take the precise path we envision early on. Most will tell you that their careers ended in a very different place. Those who are happiest, though, will have seized upon the best opportunities and adapted to the work available. Do this and you improve your chances of having a long and prosperous career.
What will help Assistant Professors Of Criminal Justice increase their earning potential?
Carl Franklin JD, PhD: Until a decade ago, language skills in most local and state law enforcement were a luxury to have, but as our population rapidly changes, these skills are becoming more mainstream and necessary. Start to build language skills in the areas that make the most sense for your geographic area. Those skills will make you a better criminal justice professional. In addition, returning to the behavioral sciences for a strong foundation in criminal justice skills is once again a requirement to become a true professional in the field. Understanding culture, social organization, psychology, criminology, and many other disciplines improves the effectiveness of criminal justice professionals at all levels. This return to the roots of the original criminal justice programs has created a full-circle balance from those times when behavioral sciences were abandoned in favor of business, STEM, and related disciplines. The simple truth is that we need to understand people more often than how a computer works.
What general advice would you give to an Assistant Professor Of Criminal Justice?
Beth Adubato: Be prepared. If you are trying to go into the police academy, start your physical training months ahead. The physical tests are demanding and you cannot turn yourself into a push-up machine overnight. Do well in school--do not think that because you are going to be a police officer, you will never have to write or speak in front of groups! You will be writing reports that will go to prosecutors; you need to write clearly. You will be testifying in front of a grand jury; take advantage of public speaking in your courses. Finally, be curious--look to the extra programs and certificates you can earn. We call these stackables and stackables make you marketable.
What will help Assistant Professors Of Criminal Justice increase their earning potential?
Beth Adubato: We are going to see some changes in the way prisons work and how they are physically designed. Again, this requires a matching of planning/design skills and knowledge of the criminal justice system. Another area of growth is cybercrime--as fast as we can solve some of the cyber crimes, criminals are finding ways to get around them. Policing is changing--focusing on more equity in the system, while maintaining order. We hear from students in police academies right now that the focus is on community prevention, so forward-thinking young people will have an advantage if they can innovate.
Aurelie Matheron
Assistant Professor of FrenchSkidmore College
Romance Languages, Literatures, And Linguistics
What Assistant Professor Of Criminal Justice skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Aurelie Matheron: Leadership: you will be in positions of leading a program/department. Learn from current chairs by observing their own skills during meetings and moments of decision. Collaboration: develop interpersonal and interprofessional relationships that will allow you to build collaborative projects (interdepartmental courses, for instance).
What will help Assistant Professors Of Criminal Justice increase their earning potential?
Aurelie Matheron: Do some research online about how much someone earns at your stage of the career. If there is a significant gap, point out (diplomatically) that, because of your extensive experience in XYZ, you would like to get a X% increase in your salary. Be reasonable: if you want a 3% increase, ask for 5% (not 10% or more). Justify your negotiation: why should they pay me more? What experience can I show them to justify my request? If you have a higher offer from another place, you can say that “I have received another generous offer and would like to know about the possibility for matching that offer.” Salary is not the only thing you can negotiate: office space, computer/laptop, sabbaticals, course release, etc. Again, be reasonable: if you think you are entitled to XYZ requests, you also have to show why.
What general advice would you give to an Assistant Professor Of Criminal Justice?
Aimée Delaney Ph.D.: The best way to increase salary and promotion potential is through higher education. Any college degree makes for a more desirable candidate. The skills acquired, in addition to knowledge, are highly sought attributes from most employers (e.g., critical thinking skills, proficient writing abilities). Many employers require some level of post-secondary education for initial hire as well as many supervisory positions. If a post-secondary degree is not necessary for a specific job, a college degree will allow a competitive edge and increase the chances for a promotion into a higher rank (and therefore increasing salary potential long term).
What Assistant Professor Of Criminal Justice skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Aimée Delaney Ph.D.: The most important skill for a career in criminal justice is interpersonal relations. Most positions within criminal justice require face to face interaction with other people. Criminal justice professionals interact with the public on a daily basis, and potential candidates for jobs need to be comfortable talking with people. This includes interactions with strangers. Learn to become comfortable interacting with anyone, in any situation. Additionally, criminal justice professionals need to have proficient writing skills. The criminal justice field requires report writing, either formal or informal. Clarity, detail-orientation, and succinctness are necessary skills to develop before gaining employment within the criminal justice field. Overall communication skills, inclusive of verbal and non-verbal, is necessary when working with the public.
What will help Assistant Professors Of Criminal Justice increase their earning potential?
Aimée Delaney Ph.D.: Early criminal justice professionals need to learn to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. Professionals in the criminal justice field face the unknown on a daily basis. It is important to learn to recognize our fears, anxieties, and discomfort so we can begin the process of leaning into these trepidations. The criminal justice field is not for the faint of heart. Fortunately, we often work with a team of other professionals. Find a mentor, particularly someone who has different characteristics. Diversify your support network, and expand your mindset.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Assistant Professors Of Criminal Justice?
Lee Braver: Well, a Ph.D. is necessary, although one can sometimes be hired within striking distance of it. The ability to teach so as to bring students to the major and get high student evaluations are often requirements at teaching schools while writing well enough to publish, often in journals with single-digit acceptance rates, is crucial to research schools. Comfort with technology is becoming more and more important.
What skills will help Assistant Professors Of Criminal Justice earn the most?
Lee Braver: Let's see-an M.B.A., the ability to pick winning lottery numbers, being repelled by the humanities so that one goes into business-those would be pretty useful for making money. No one should go into academia for the money, not just not for wealth but even for a comfortable living, which is becoming more difficult to achieve in America in general. It is nearly impossible to make a living as an adjunct professor, which is where the profession is heading. There are many good-paying jobs, but those tend to congregate at the elite schools, the ones that emphasize research the most, and these are the fewest and hardest to get. Worse-paying jobs are also hard to come by, and the competition is just getting stiffer as more Ph.D.'s get dumped into the market each year which is itself accreting all those who did not land jobs in the previous years. At many institutions, raises are minimal since jobs are so hard to come by, and there's little else that rewards a humanities Ph.D. The only way to get a substantial raise is to get a credible offer from another institution and hope that yours wants to keep you enough to overbid them; otherwise, you're stuck, especially after getting tenure, and they know it. That's why tenure is called "golden handcuffs," though I think a better name might be something like velvet handcuffs, given gold's connotation of wealth.
What skills stand out on Assistant Professor Of Criminal Justice resumes?
Lee Braver: Colleges and universities fall into different categories which value different skills and accomplishments. The most obvious division is between schools that emphasize research and those that pride themselves on their teaching. Research institutions are looking for scholars who can publish a lot in exclusive journals and presses, thereby enhancing their reputation. They are looking for evidence of research skills: publications, awards, letters of recommendation that praise the candidate's writing and thinking. Teaching schools, on the other hand, are looking for excellent teachers. In the buyer's market we now have, they can require high research ability as well, but some will actually be scared off by too much research. They will worry that the candidate will focus on their research instead of their teaching and that they will seek to leave as soon as they can. These schools are typically looking for teaching experience, high student evaluations, and letters that single out these qualities for praise, whereas research schools typically don't care a lot about these sorts of things. Thus, the qualities one type of institution values, the other can be apathetic towards or even avoid. Teaching schools far outnumber research schools, so there are far more jobs in the former than in the latter.
What soft skills should all Assistant Professors Of Criminal Justice possess?
Lee Braver: Soft skills are most important to working once one has gotten a job rather than important to getting a job since those are quite difficult to discern from applications and brief interviews. That is one of the reasons schools can be wary of hiring with tenure; a person could look great on paper but be a nightmare to work with, and you're stuck with them.
I believe that tenacity, organizational skills and time management, and the ability to work long hours are crucial to getting tenure and succeeding in academia more broadly, in some ways more important than raw intelligence (if such a notion is coherent). Failure and rejection are endemic to the job; anyone who gets discouraged easily will do so. One must persevere in the face of sometimes harsh criticism and hostile conditions (especially now that much of the country has turned against higher education and the humanities in particular), and one must be able to juggle multiple responsibilities that make considerable time demands. In this, the tenure track resembles other early-career positions, such as medical residency or working towards partnership in a law firm. The untenured often must do the scut work that no one else wants to do, made more difficult by the fact that they are frantically trying to learn on the job with little to no guidance. It is not at all unusual for early-career professors to teach 4 classes per semester, at least some of which are new and/or large, do all the grading for them, serve on multiple committees, and write for elusive publications, all at once.
Carolyn Wilkes Kaas
Associate Professor of Law, Associate Dean of Experiential Education, Co-Director of the Center on Dispute ResolutionQuinnipiac University
School of Law
What skills will help Assistant Professors Of Criminal Justice earn the most?
Carolyn Wilkes Kaas: -Competence and diligence
-The interpersonal side - caring about clients
What general advice would you give to an Assistant Professor Of Criminal Justice?
Jennifer Balboni: In the justice realm—whether we are discussing policing, corrections, or other community or alternative services—the job market is strong for new graduates in many regions. Many justice-related agencies are short-staffed and currently trying to re-staff after considerable attrition (much of which is related to COVID retirements). My advice for graduating seniors is to do their homework about agencies where they want to pursue work; they should find out as much as they can about the history and values that the place holds. While those entering the workforce should absolutely be ready and willing to learn in their new roles, they also should find an agency that shares their approach to the administration of justice. These tendencies matter in finding a good match professionally. I would also suggest to all new graduates that they need to consider they may need to take “a” job before they get “the” job. Often, criminal justice students desire to be a detective or FBI agent—but these dream jobs require several years of professional experience. Taking a job in the justice field—even if it is not the ideal job—is almost always better than taking a barista job. Even if the pay or status at the justice agency isn’t exactly what they might have hoped, if there is room for advancement, it is usually better to take the job in the field. As a new professional, it is critical to develop professional connections, establish a strong work record, and put themselves in a place where they will learn about future opportunities.
What Assistant Professor Of Criminal Justice skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jennifer Balboni: Adaptability! Our world is changing so rapidly through AI advancements that even the justice field (which is often resistant to change) will need to incorporate these shifts. Investigative skills utilizing AI or other software will become increasingly common, and those skills will be sought after by many different types of agencies. With that said, in the justice realm, there is absolutely no substitute for soft skills. Being able to communicate clearly with people generally, and build rapport is essential in this field. Similarly, being able to assess situations and use de-escalation techniques is equally critical. There is no AI that can interpret human emotions and make a personal connection that defuses a potentially volatile situation! All of these skills matter in improving personal and community safety. The justice realm is just beginning to implement trauma-informed approaches, and this is true progress for the field! Those skills are critical for any justice professional.
What will help Assistant Professors Of Criminal Justice increase their earning potential?
Jennifer Balboni: In policing in Massachusetts and in many other states, there are often educational incentives for achieving B.A or M.A levels of education. In some departments, this can be as much as 20-20% higher salary—sometimes even lasting into retirement! In policing or otherwise, new grads should look for places that value their education, and incentivize further educational achievement. In general within the justice field, new professionals should assess their particular field to determine the salary ranges for various positions. Given the current market and staff shortages, they should be prepared to advocate a strong salary, based on market indicators. When these discussions come up in the hiring process, they need to be ready to point out to their potential employer exactly what value they will add to the organization-- and why they deserve more. This may come from an experience from an internship, a commitment to hard work and excellence, or an ability to communicate in multiple languages, etc. Those new to the workforce need to be able to show potential employers that even though they may not have years of experience, they will bring certain transferable skills with them—and be ready to describe exactly what those are. Sometimes new grads are afraid to talk about what they did in college, but this is precisely where they can show they have demonstrated leadership, persistence, teamwork, or organization. The hiring process is the point where they need to be ready to advocate for themselves, demonstrate why they think they’re an excellent match, and articulate why they deserve more.
What technical skills for an Assistant Professor Of Criminal Justice stand out to employers?
Stephanie Cappadona Ph.D.: In criminal justice there is such a large range of positions, it is difficult to cover skills for each one. However, some positions do require similar skill sets. Strong analytical, writing, listening, and communication skills are necessary for any area of criminal justice. Strong ethical judgment, critical thinking skills, and the ability to make quick decisions under stress are also useful in many areas of criminal justice. A majority of employers in the field are now requiring a diversity statement with a job application. The trend now is toward hiring employees in the CJ field who are proficient at communicating with diverse groups of people.
How have salaries changed over time for Assistant Professors Of Criminal Justice?
Stephanie Cappadona Ph.D.: Changes in the CJ field have mostly been in the form of more professional education and training. With this pivot to a more professional police and correctional force, unions have become stronger and therefore the pay has also increased. In the field of forensic analysis, there has also been a rise in professionalism due to police departments seeking accreditation. Highly specialized positions such as forensics have a vast salary range depending on the department and the education and skills of the applicant. Unfortunately, there has not been this same increase for salaries in the social services-such as social workers and community witness/victim advocates in court. When the economy is not doing well, state social services are often the first cuts made, and that means community and court advocates. With the rising demand for social justice, diversity, and equity in the criminal justice system, one would expect that more social service and advocacy positions will become available. However, those are not unionized positions, but mostly state positions and the pay would not be expected to rise as much as law enforcement.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Assistant Professor Of Criminal Justice job market given the pandemic?
Stephanie Cappadona Ph.D.: The field of criminal justice has numerous job opportunities-especially those beyond what is generally considered in the field-law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Some of these are positions in social work, victim advocacy in courts and women's shelters, case specialists with non-profits for at-risk youth, private investigators, research analysts, postal inspectors, private and court investigators, and homeland security positions. Due to social changes and increasing pressure for social justice reforms in all areas of the criminal justice system, those who have been in the field for some time may be inclined to retire, rather than participate in new training (i.e. cultural sensitivity or diversity, equity, and inclusion).
The Covid-19 Pandemic has had numerous effects on the criminal justice system. Law enforcement agencies have attempted to limit in-person contact with members of the public during traffic stops and arrests. When possible, police decline to arrest, except in the case of violent felonies, opting to issue a summons for traffic stops and for juveniles to appear before a judge, instead of arresting them. It has yet to be seen if this is a policy that can be utilized on a more permanent basis.
Courts have become endlessly backlogged with cases due to the closure of the courts at the height of the Pandemic. Many of the lesser offenses have been able to be held in "Zoom Court". For nonviolent misdemeanor offenses, attending a court hearing from home has made compliance easier. Defendants often cannot take time off of work, or are burdened with finding child care to attend a court date. If court appearances could continue in this manner after the Pandemic, it could drastically reduce the courts' congested dockets moving forward. Another area that has been impacted by the Pandemic is the use of cash bail for pretrial release. Various courts have stopped requiring cash bail for individuals who are arrested for nonviolent felonies. This has helped to reduce the number of people in jail awaiting trial. Civil liberty groups such as the ACLU have advocated for pretrial release without cash bail for less serious crimes. It is well known in the criminal justice system that the bail process disproportionately affects those without the resources to post bail before their trials.
Concerning corrections, there have been vast impacts due to the Pandemic. Most notably has been the reduction of the prison inmate population. Advocacy groups have urged state parole boards to release nonviolent offenders who are nearing the end of their sentence and to offer compassionate release to elderly offenders or those with a terminal illness.
My view is that the cultural shift and rise in social justice and equity movements, combined with the effects of the Pandemic will likely result in a wave of retirements in the CJ system, most specifically in the area of law enforcement. Currently, police departments report difficulties with recruitment and retainment, and that trend will likely continue after the Pandemic. Another area that may be impacted is community supervision and advocacy. If empirical studies can determine that nonviolent offenders can be just as effectively supervised in the community without incarceration, jobs for probation officers and other types of community supervision would increase. Another area of growth is the caseworker/social worker and victim advocacy. If the economy continues to improve, money will be available to help victims and survivors of crime, such as intimate partner violence. Domestic violence drastically increased during the Pandemic, and this was an underserviced area before the shutdown, so it is likely to increase in the near future.