There are numerous job roles students can go into with a master’s in criminal justice. Here, we have included three of the most common tracks. A master’s in criminal justice salary can help those in entry-level jobs increase their pay and qualify for roles of greater responsibility. With a postgraduate degree, many graduates go on to become postsecondary teachers, probation and parole officers or correctional counselors. All of these careers require a master’s degree or equivalent.
Masters in Criminal Justice Jobs Salary
The benefits of getting a master’s degree in criminal justice include an expanded education that prepares graduates for these and other leadership, teaching or mentoring roles. For example, the master in criminal justice jobs salary for a postsecondary teacher is $80,000 and probation or parole officers make $56,000. Meanwhile, correctional counselors take home $48,000 per year.
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The job growth for postsecondary teachers in criminal justice is 9% while probation and parole officers, and correctional counselors will also see a demand of 4% and 12%, respectively. This is due to the growing popularity of this major and the increasing demand for supervision for those entering parole or probationary periods.
With a master’s degree in criminal justice, graduates gain a firm foundation in the legal system, criminology, juvenile justice, and law enforcement. These professionals bring needed skills to the field of rehabilitation and incarceration. Some graduates go on to teach in junior colleges or become researchers.
What to Expect From a Career in Criminal Justice
The master’s in criminal justice salary for police and parole administrators is modest. Often, people who go into this field have a passion for helping those behind bars go on to lead productive lives. Some advanced positions require a doctorate but there are many jobs for those with a master’s degree who want to become counselors and mentors to rehabilitated clients.
As postsecondary teachers, criminal justice graduates learn to become strong communicators who facilitate class discussion. Law enforcement and criminal justice teachers must know the law and be able to explain it with theoretical and conceptual descriptions that students understand. It’s important to stay up to date on the latest trends in policing and criminology in order to prepare students for the current workforce.
Correctional counselors help those on probation and parole hold accountable for their actions. They can also provide referrals to counseling services and advice on various aspects of reintegrating into society via a job and building new interests.
Correctional counselors work in jails and prisons and report to parole agencies. they provide psychological testing for inmates and write case reports to discuss the conduct and history of each offender. The parole board uses this information to determine whether a candidate up for release should receive early parole. Additionally, correctional counselors set up training and education programs that help prisoners reintegrate into society. This may include substance abuse counseling and anger management. Often, they help their clients get their first jobs after jail or prison.
Benefits of Getting a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice
A higher criminal justice master’s salary is probably the main benefit of getting a master’s degree. However, students can also pursue leadership opportunities and special knowledge needed for specific jobs.
With a master’s degree in criminal justice, graduates qualify for leadership rules that may take years to obtain otherwise. This could include becoming an FBI special agent, supervisor, or counselor in a specific specialty such as incarceration or public education.
While a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice provides you with a great general education, many students decide to pursue their master’s degree so that they can meet their career goals. For example, candidates with a master’s degree to work as a correctional treatment specialist and having a master’s degree can also help those who want to transition out of their current roles for one of higher responsibility.
Getting a master’s degree can help those who want to work in field-related jobs obtain their goals. Getting a master’s degree gives them an edge over candidates with just a bachelor’s degree or fewer years of job experience. Getting an entry-level position with a master’s in criminal justice can help career changers break into the competitive field of criminal justice.
Additionally, having a master’s degree on a resume always helps graduates float to the top of the resume pile and obtain interviews.
Criminal justice is not the most lucrative salary available. However, those who want to work in policing, corrections, or criminal justice can improve their salary outlook with a master’s degree.
Related:
Top 10 Campus Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs
Top 10 Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs
Top 10 Master’s Level Criminal Justice Jobs
The Ultimate Career Guide for Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Majors
