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Job outlook for associate professors of criminal justice in the United States
Are associate professor of criminal justice jobs in demand?
Associate professor of criminal justice job and salary trends over time
Associate professor of criminal justice jobs over time
Associate professor of criminal justice job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 55 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 56 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 57 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 60 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 57 | 0.00% |
Average associate professor of criminal justice salary over time
Associate professor of criminal justice salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $54,780 | $26.34 | +1.1% |
| 2025 | $54,177 | $26.05 | +1.6% |
| 2024 | $53,350 | $25.65 | +2.5% |
| 2023 | $52,057 | $25.03 | +1.4% |
| 2022 | $51,359 | $24.69 | +1.4% |
Associate professor of criminal justice jobs by state
Most common states for associate professors of criminal justice
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 97 | 14% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 61 | 10% |
| 3 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 319 | 6% |
| 4 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 235 | 6% |
| 5 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 107 | 6% |
| 6 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 50 | 6% |
| 7 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 444 | 5% |
| 8 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 149 | 5% |
| 9 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 95 | 5% |
| 10 | Alaska | 739,795 | 34 | 5% |
| 11 | New York | 19,849,399 | 867 | 4% |
| 12 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 513 | 4% |
| 13 | Kentucky | 4,454,189 | 178 | 4% |
| 14 | Mississippi | 2,984,100 | 121 | 4% |
| 15 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 41 | 4% |
| 16 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 264 | 3% |
| 17 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 181 | 3% |
| 18 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 165 | 3% |
| 19 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 43 | 3% |
| 20 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 28 | 3% |
Most common cities for associate professors of criminal justice
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | La Crosse | 1 | 2% | $54,702 |
Associate Professor Of Criminal Justice job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of associate professor of criminal justice experts
The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga
Georgia College and State University
Metropolitan State University
Sam Houston State University
University of Central Missouri
Ferrum College
Saint Peter's University
Worcester State University
Quinnipiac University
Curry College
Curry College
Grambling State University
Winona State University
Murray State University
Mercyhurst University
Campbellsville University
California State University, Sacramento
What general advice would you give to an Associate 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 Associate Professor Of Criminal Justice skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Rick Mulvihill M. Sc.: Start early! Unlike many professions, most positions in the Criminal Justice field are with government agencies and the hiring process can take months and even years.
What will help Associate 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.
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 Associate 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 Associate 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 Associate 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.
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 Associate 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 Associate 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 Associate 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 Associate Professor Of Criminal Justice?
Joshua Adams Ph.D., CFE: One skill that has always been important in the field of criminology and criminal justice is the ability to work through conflict. In the next 3-5 years, I see possessing the ability to work through conflict or disagreements to find a resolution with your co-workers vital. A second skill that I believe will be more important and prevalent in the field in the next 3-5 years is the ability to leverage the use of artificial intelligence (AI) without totally relying on it to do your job for you. I think that we will see many new innovative criminal justice technologies employing AI in the future, and it will be crucial that any practitioners in the field and protectors of society feel comfortable leveraging this technology.
What Associate 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 Associate 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 Associate 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 Associate 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 Associate 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 Associate 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 Associate 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.
What general advice would you give to an Associate 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 Associate 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 Associate 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 Associate 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 Associate 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 general advice would you give to an Associate Professor Of Criminal Justice?
Carl Franklin JD, PhD: The best way to maximize salary potential is through higher education and training. One then uses these new skills to move into steadily improving tracks of supervision and management.
What Associate 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 Associate 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 Associate 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 Associate Professor Of Criminal Justice skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Beth Adubato: Make sure your path includes options--for example, if you want to continue your education but you financially need to enter the workforce, pick a place that reimburses for master's classes. Some of our students go into law enforcement and if there is a choice, we suggest picking a municipality that pays for their classes. If a student wants to go to law school and they have not been accepted by this point in the spring semester, we usually encourage them to work, save money, and take an LSAT prep course. We also guide them to diversify their educational backgrounds. We encourage them to take their criminal justice bachelor's degree and maybe do a master's degree in public administration, for example. This makes you far more marketable to an employer. Some students want to work as counselors in the criminal justice system, so we encourage them to go for an MSW. Locally, we have some universities that have a CJ master's/MSW and likewise, the CJ/MPA. Personally, I have a master's in public affairs and politics, along with my CJ graduate degrees. I felt that it gave me a bigger overview of the CJ system.
What will help Associate 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.
What general advice would you give to an Associate 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 Associate 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 Associate 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.
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 Associate Professors Of Criminal Justice earn the most?
Carolyn Wilkes Kaas: -Competence and diligence
-The interpersonal side - caring about clients
What skills stand out on Associate Professor Of Criminal Justice resumes?
Carolyn Wilkes Kaas: -Practical experience in criminal cases
-Trial practice skills
-Negotiation skills
-Interviewing and counseling skills
What soft skills should all Associate Professors Of Criminal Justice possess?
Carolyn Wilkes Kaas: -Legal Counseling
-Empathy
-Listening
-Respect
-Ability to discuss bad news with clients
-Compassion
What hard/technical skills are most important for Associate Professors Of Criminal Justice?
Carolyn Wilkes Kaas: -Negotiation
-Knowledge of Evidence
-Knowledge of Crim procedure
-Creativity and Persuasion-oral and visual
-Fact-finding
-Analysis
-Research and legal writing
-Trial skills - direct and cross-examination
-Oral argument
What general advice would you give to an Associate 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 Associate 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 Associate 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.
How have salaries changed over time for Associate 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 Associate 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.
What technical skills for an Associate 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.
Tazinski Lee Ph.D.
Professor, and Interim Chair of the Department of Criminal JusticeGrambling State University
Criminal Justice Department
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Associate Professors Of Criminal Justice?
Tazinski Lee Ph.D.: The pandemic has posed many challenges for the graduates of 2021, just as it did for those of 2020. For graduates, this impact has been, or will be felt in terms of the loss of friends and relatives to the virus; the cancelled college extra-curricular activities; and the continuous adjustments to our new virtual society. Fortunately for the criminal justice graduate, the field appears to be running steadily. Our Office of Career Services and departmental faculty, along with criminal justice agencies, continue to make students aware of new opportunities for virtual/in-person internships and employment opportunities.
Our majors are comprised of traditional and nontraditional students. The traditional graduate was "born" familiar with technology (e.g., smartphones, computers, Zoom, and Webex); therefore, he/she is better prepared to navigate through this pandemic. However, the nontraditional graduate will have to make various adjustments in familiarizing himself/herself with new methods of operation because direct contact with agencies may be missing for quite some time.
What type of skills will young Associate Professors Of Criminal Justice need?
Tazinski Lee Ph.D.: To be able to compete in the job market, criminal justice graduates will continue to need effective communication and writing skills. These skills are essential for criminal investigations and various other crime scene reporting. Graduates should also exhibit keen cognitive and analytical abilities. These skills are crucial to any career in the criminal justice system.
What experience really stands out on Associate Professor Of Criminal Justice resumes?
Tazinski Lee Ph.D.: The primary attribute which agencies most often inform that stands out on a student's resume is whether they have participated in an internship program. This component provides employees with a clear picture of the student's ability to effectively perform in a work environment. Moreover, if a student has held leadership positions in a campus organization, the potential employer is able to determine that the student possesses leadership skills. A student's membership in an organization, can also signal to a prospective employer that the student has the ability to work cooperatively with others.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Associate Professors Of Criminal Justice?
James Parlow: In these times I advise students to obtain training in these areas: dealing with mental health related issues, use of force decisions and law, bias and stereotype awareness, interview techniques, and other social interaction/awareness-based courses.
What will help Associate Professors Of Criminal Justice increase their earning potential?
James Parlow: Maturity, education, and training. Ethicality in the work they do and in off-duty activities. Engaging in their communities and working within the department to improve the department and its relationship with the community.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Associate Professors Of Criminal Justice?
James Parlow: I would hope not. We have a resilient group of candidates here at WSU. However, with that in mind, I would say the pandemic is having an impact on individuals in a lot of ways. Besides the impact on families with some getting sick, having classes delivered with spacing, facemasks, sanitization, etc., creates a difficult teaching and interaction environment for future officers to practice and learn techniques and skills. Some of the practical aspects that I use in my courses cannot be adapted to meet Covid-safety requirements (ex: a crime scene practical). Policework is about human interaction, working with individuals, reading faces and body language, your own body language and language, all of which is difficult in these times. If it has a lasting impact will depend on the individual's desire for additional learning and an agencies approach to mentoring new officers.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Associate Professor Of Criminal Justice job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Paul Lucko: The pandemic has exposed the modern world's vulnerability to infectious diseases and will increase demand for physical and mental healthcare professionals. Employment opportunities for public health educators, contact tracers, and other allied health science workers will grow in significance. Angst, stress, confusion, disruptions and uncertainty from an invisible predator have, not surprisingly, highlighted the need for more trained social workers, counselors, and other human service professionals. While the pandemic has exponentially increased virtually conducted meetings, interpersonal skills remain extremely important. Those entering the job market will be valued for their technology expertise as well as their social skills. Not only must professionals navigate rapidly changing technologies, they must also be able to communicate effectively and smoothly via those technologies. During the post-pandemic era employers will continue to appreciate individuals who are able to interact harmoniously with others.
What technical skills for an Associate Professor Of Criminal Justice stand out to employers?
Dr. Paul Lucko: Employers continue to value oral and written communication abilities. Most of today's college graduates display technological proficiency. Arguably, a smaller number manifest critical social skills that reflect competencies in the realm of interpersonal relations and teamwork. An employee who has cultivated "people smarts" is invaluable, especially in helping professions such as education, social work, counseling, and criminal justice, where such abilities are critical.
One of the best predictors of a prospective employee's future success is previous experience. Past performance is more important than college grades in many fields. Since most job market entrants lack significant employment experience, it is important that they at least display the ability to learn quickly. One of the best ways to demonstrate adaptability and comfort with the "real world" is to serve as a student intern. Internships are particularly important during the current pandemic era where such opportunities are fewer than before. If unable to serve an internship, a resume that contains evidence of volunteer endeavors, and/or part-time jobs will make potential recruits more attractive to employers who desire candidates able to cope with trying situations resulting from human conflict.
Practical experience, including military training, where individuals have displayed teamwork and cooperation are also very important. A successful work record serves as an attractive applicant attribute. For first responders, physical fitness, a healthy lifestyle, and a history of positive social interactions are vital qualities. Human service professionals will need both technical and interpersonal skills.
Dr. Maria Garase Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Criminology & Criminal JusticeMercyhurst University
Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Associate Professors Of Criminal Justice?
Dr. Maria Garase Ph.D.: It is hard to predict all of the ways that the coronavirus will have an impact on graduates; however, it is a good bet that graduates will need to be flexible, adaptable, and tech savvy in their job searches and in their new positions. Although many jobs search processes begin online, there is usually a face to face interview component. Many job interviews are now done virtually through web conferencing. Graduates will need to prepare for a virtual interview process, which may not give a complete picture of the candidate and/or of the agency that they would otherwise get from an in-person interview.
Travel restrictions may impact graduates' opportunities to cast a wider net for certain positions and relocation options. Additionally, some academy classes as well as civil service exams have been postponed or adapted due to the coronavirus, and, thus, could delay entry into the workforce. Because many positions in the criminal justice system require direct contact with people, graduates entering the workforce will have to learn new ways of interfacing with individuals. Court hearings, probation and parole contacts, victim services appointments are being done virtually or in remote settings.
Graduates will need to learn new mitigation protocols, software programs, and effective communication strategies to stay connected to their clients, consumers, and the public. Training protocols are likely to be different for new hires. For example, given the mask mandates in some states, security concerns may arise in some agencies as it becomes more difficult to identify individuals and also more difficult to read nonverbals and behavioral cues. Additionally, graduates may take their health status into consideration before applying to higher risk facilities with congregate settings (e.g., prisons, jails, detention facilities).
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Associate Professors Of Criminal Justice?
Dr. Maria Garase Ph.D.: For current students who are interested in local or municipal policing, some universities partner with police academies where students can complete the academy as part of their program of study. For example, in Pennsylvania, there are some programs where students can graduate with an associate or bachelor's degree in criminal justice and also with their Act 120 certification as a sworn police officer. Depending on the specific field of criminal justice that a student plans to go into they should chose a concentration (e.g., intelligence studies, crime mapping, criminology, cybersecurity, victimology) or a minor (e.g., sociology, psychology, social work, data analytics) that offers more in-depth courses that will expand their knowledge and skills in a given area. Students can also pursue certificates in crime analysis, conflict resolution, and crisis intervention strategies that can expand their job prospects. Internships are also highly recommended for students. Supervised internships that have agreed upon learning outcomes are an excellent way for students to gain valuable skills needed in the profession and also to network with supervisors and colleagues.
What will help Associate Professors Of Criminal Justice increase their earning potential?
Dr. Maria Garase Ph.D.: Students can increase their earning potential by doing very well in their criminal justice major and/or the academic program of study. For example, students who earn a 3.5 or above grade point average and belong to an honor or professional society (e.g., Alpha Phi Sigma) which is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies meet at least one of the criteria for starting at a GS 7 instead of a GS 5 for federal government positions. Students who complete a master's degree may qualify for GS 9 for federal government positions. Criminal Justice students who have specialized knowledge in certain areas or earned minicredentials may also increase their earning potential. This can include complementing their major with minors or certificates in Homeland Security,Cybersecurity, Cyber Risk Management, and/or Data Analytics.
Dr. Emily Hayden
Assistant Professor of Criminal JusticeCampbellsville University
Department of Criminal Justice
What technical skills for an Associate Professor Of Criminal Justice stand out to employers?
Dr. Emily Hayden: The ability to write in a coherent manner. A simple well-formulated email can leave an impression on a coworker or supervisor. Understanding Word, Excel, and other business programs is necessary. Understanding the difference between texting with a friend verses a coworker is essential. I believe right now, during the global pandemic, computer and technology skills will be very valuable. A lot of employers are expecting individuals to meet through Zoom and Microsoft teams calls. Technology allows people to work from home and still accomplish their job tasks. With new technology skills also brings new types of communication skills. Being able to communicate effectively while using online tools will be very valuable to employers.
What's a day at work look like for an Associate Professor Of Criminal Justice?
Dr. Emily Hayden: Any position out of college can be a learning experience and builds on your resume. One may accept a position as a waitress and learn patience, communication skills and problem-solving skills. A job is what you make of it. Starter jobs are just that, starter jobs. They are meant to build experience and a work record. A new police officer will start at a lower pay as they are trained and gain experience. While a job in corrections can teach individuals to communicate and develop problem-solving skills.
Ernest Uwazie
Professor and chairCalifornia State University, Sacramento
Division of Criminal Justice
What's a good job out of college for Associate Professors Of Criminal Justice?
Ernest Uwazie: Depending on the area of the criminal justice system, there will be probably some type of a hybrid of work performance: face to face and virtual. The COVID-19 will probably not change the nature or type of work, but how it's performed, and perhaps with more crimes or social problems in certain vulnerable groups.
What technical skills for an Associate Professor Of Criminal Justice stand out to employers?
Ernest Uwazie: Information technological skills as well as problem solving and social/racial justice knowledge.