Top Jobs with a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice

This is a list of the Top Jobs with a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Follow along if you are interested in this degree.

When you obtain a master’s degree in criminal justice, you will ask a common question: what can I do with a masters in criminal justice? The answer depends on your interests and your goals. There are a wide variety of specializations in criminal justice, and knowing the direction you want to take will make your search more clear. You have many options for your criminal justice career, so you will want to look into each option to verify your goals.

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Criminal Investigator

When it comes to masters in criminal justice jobs, the obvious job that may come to mind is working with law enforcement as a criminal investigator. A criminal investigator, or a detective, works with a police force to clarify the details of a crime and find the perpetrator. You may work with a local, state or federal law enforcement agency. The income for a criminal investigator ranges from roughly $44,000 to $138,000 per year. The average income is around $82,000 per year.

Criminologist or Criminal Profiler

When you obtain an online masters degree in criminology, you may consider a career as a criminal profiler or a criminologist. Entry level criminology jobs may focus on gaining experience under the guidance of other professionals in law enforcement. You may also work as a detective or an officer in a federal agency. Criminology degree jobs salary depends on your experience and position in a company. The average criminology jobs salary is around $78,000 per year. You can expect the exact amount to increase or change over time as you gain experience and change your location.

Forensic Examiner

When you evaluate jobs for masters in criminal justice, you may consider a role in forensic science. A forensic examiner, or a forensic science technician, plays a critical role in the investigation. You look at the evidence and clarify details to help detectives identify the person involved in the crime. You may examine fingerprints, DNA evidence, or other details at a crime scene to determine what happened and who was involved. The average salary for a forensic examiner is around $58,000 per year. Exact income may vary based on your location and your level of experience.

Police or Corrections Supervisor

A masters degree in criminal justice may offer an opportunity to work as a supervisor in your local police force. You may also work in corrections as a supervisor. Police supervisors and corrections supervisors work with police officers and corrections officers to ensure that the office runs smoothly and work is completed in an efficient manner. You may also take on more leadership roles as you gain experience working with the police force. The average salary for a corrections supervisor is roughly $63,000 per year, though exact income may vary based on your position and your level of experience. Your location may also impact your yearly income.

Security Management

Criminal justice management jobs may also help you focus on your long-term goals. When you are looking for criminal justice jobs with a master’s degree, a management position may assist with your goals. Working in security management gives you an opportunity to work in multiple positions and fields. You may work with police officers or private security firms, so you have many options for your long-term plans. Criminal justice management salary details depend on the company you work with and your role within the company or agency. You may have different options based on the situation, so you will want to look into specific details before you start your career. The average salary for a security manager or a position in security management is around $65,000 per year. You can expect your salary to change based on your experience.

When you obtain a master’s degree in criminal justice, you have many options for your career. You can work in law enforcement or you can take on a position in a private security company. You will want to evaluate your options and compare the responsibilities of your career before you decide on your career goals.