Career Options

Careers for Criminal Justice Majors

Going back to school for your criminal justice degree is the first step in preparation for the following careers.

  • Police Officer
  • Federal Agent
  • Detective
  • Victims Advocate
  • Criminalist
  • Parole/Probation Officer
  • Police Dispatcher
  • Prosecutor/Defense Attorney
  • Judge
  • Paralegal
  • Security Manager/Private Security
  • Fraud Investigator
  • Loss Prevention

Average Salary1

  • Police Officers (median income, U.S.): $56,980
  • Probation Officers and Correctional Specialists: $48,190
  • Private Detectives and Investigators: $45,740
  • Substance Abuse Counselors: $38,520
  • Paralegals: $46,990
  • Victims Advocate: $32,337

Job Titles of People with Criminal Justice Degrees

  • Police Officer Trainee
  • Deputy Sheriff Trainee
  • Public Safety Dispatcher
  • Victims Services Coordinator
  • Protection Specialist (Loss Prevention)
  • Deputy Probation Officer I
  • Forensic Analyst
  • Police Records Clerk
  • Correctional Officer
  • Investigator
  • Court Services Assistant

Note: This information is current for the 2023-24 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Please refer to the current Academic Catalog for more information.

Footnotes

  1. Salary information is provided for general reference only. APU does not guarantee the accuracy of the figures listed, and cannot predict or promise a specific salary for any graduate. For the most current salary estimates, please visit payscale.com.
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