Read About Criminal Justice Degrees and Careers
Learn about the best criminal justice programs, including convenient online degree options.
Top Jobs in Law Enforcement
Criminal justice degrees give you opportunity for a career as a security guard or private investigator. Security guards keep a watchful eye to prevent theft and protect people from aggression. Private detectives work for individuals who would rather not go to the police. They do investigative work on cases ranging from corporate fraud to spousal infidelity and employee theft, among others.
It's up to you to decide which field is right for you before choosing a degree so you can focus on getting the skills you need to succeed in the field of law enforcement.
Job Outlook
If you are looking into criminal justice degrees, it’s important to know that job opportunities in most local police departments will be favorable for qualified applicants, but there will be more competition for law enforcement jobs at the state and federal level. If you work as a criminologist, job opportunities will depend on your arena, but competition for the top jobs can be intense.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2012-13 Occupational Outlook Handbook, jobs for private detectives will increase by 21 percent through 2020, which is faster than average. However, there will still be strong competition for these jobs. Keep in mind that, regardless of the career path you choose, you’ll stand out in the crowd if you have earned higher level criminal justice degrees.
Law Enforcement Salaries
Here is what you can expect to earn in various careers within criminal justice:
| Criminal Justice Career | Median Annual Income* |
|---|---|
| Police officers | $53,540 |
| FBI agents | $68,820 |
| Private detectives and investigators | $42,870 |
| Security guards | $24,380 |
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data published March 27, 2012; Police and Detectives; Private Detectives and Investigators; Security Guards and Gaming Surveillance Officers.
*The salary information listed is based on a national average, unless noted. Actual salaries may vary greatly based on specialization within the field, location, years of experience and a variety of other factors.
Getting Started
- Jobs Overview
- Top Criminal Justice Careers
- Best Jobs in Criminal Justice
- Careers by Personality
- Careers to Fight Drug Abuse
- How to Find a Law Enforcement Job
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- Salaries
Education and Training
Law Enforcement Careers
- Police Training and Careers
- Federal Law Enforcement
- Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Investigation and Security
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