The criminal justice major is designed for students who are planning a career in criminal justice areas, such as law and judicially-related fields, law enforcement and administration, probation and parole, criminology, adult and juvenile corrections, or urban planning and affairs.

There are a wide variety of careers in criminal justice at the local, state, and national levels. Students who major in criminal justice can pursue many career paths. Graduates have gone on to work as police officers, probation officers, sheriff’s deputies, pre-trial case workers, and lawyers.

Criminal Justice Job Salary and Career Outlook

Students pursuing careers in criminal justice often participate in the Mock Trial team. Employment for law enforcement varies by profession, location, and government funding. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, opportunities for police and detectives are expected to grow 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as average for all occupations. However, as the desire for public safety rises, the more jobs it creates for law enforcement. Also, even if the crime rate falls, demand for law enforcement to maintain public safety remains steady. 

Nationally, criminal justice majors with bachelor’s degrees reported starting salaries of $34,800 in 2012. Starting salaries for police patrol officers is $50,100.

Jobs for Criminal Justice Majors

  • Police Officer
  • Attorney
  • Case Manager
  • Corrections Officer
  • Court services Officer
  • Customs Agent
  • Deputy Sheriff
  • Fish and Game Warden
  • Immigration and Naturalization
  • Inmate Employment Specialist
  • Lawyer
  • Parole Officer
  • Pre-trial Services Officer
  • Private Investigator
  • Probation Officer
  • Security Officer
  • Substance Abuse Counselor
  • U.S. Marshal
  • Victim Services Specialist

What can you do with a major in criminal justice?

Carthage criminal justice graduates have found positions with the following organizations:

  • Police Officer — City of Chicago Police Department
  • Police Officer — City of Kenosha Police Department
  • Police Officer — City of South Milwaukee Police Department
  • Police Officer — Johnsburg Police Department
  • Dispatcher — Winthrop Harbor Police Department
  • Recruiter — Aerotek
  • Probation Officer — State of Wisconsin
  • Deputy Sheriff — Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department
  • Deputy Sheriff — McHenry County Sheriff’s Office
  • Special Agent — ATF

Hear from Carthage criminal justice alumni

Visit The Aspire Center for more information on careers after carthage