Jobs in the criminal justice system vary in their responsibilities and training requirements. For example, a bachelor’s degree is not needed for all agencies, including police officers, though other intensive training is required.
However, that does not mean that higher-level degrees are not valued. In fact, some agencies pay more based on the level of education an officer has gone through, while others will help officers attain more education and training once on the job. Regardless of the role you are trying to achieve in the criminal justice system, a higher education program like the online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Applied Science in Criminal Justice from Youngstown State University (YSU) gives graduates advantages when working in the field.
Jobs With a Criminal Justice Degree
Graduates can apply this degree to many different roles. For example, graduates may become police officers, juvenile treatment specialists, compliance officers, police officers, correctional officers or criminal justice professionals.
A B.S. in criminal justice can be useful for those already working in these areas to improve expertise and gain new skills and new career opportunities, but it can also be helpful to those at the beginning of their criminal justice careers by exposing them to a variety of roles. As Indeed explains, “There are plenty of criminal justice roles available in different fields, such as correctional services, law enforcement, forensic science, or law. If you have a criminal justice degree or are considering pursuing one, knowing exactly what career options you have can be beneficial.” Salary information for the following jobs is current as of March 2025.
Becoming a Police Officer, Corrections Officer and More
The key is finding the job that suits your temperament and goals. For example, a correctional officer typically supervises inmates in a prison environment, but even this role varies depending on the type of facility in which they work. These professionals earn an average annual salary of $54,007, per ZipRecruiter.
On the other hand, a compliance officer “is an employee of a company that ensures the firm is in compliance with its outside regulatory and legal requirements as well as internal policies and bylaws,” according to Investopedia. This role requires much more desk time than jobs like police officer and correctional officer, though it still falls into the purview of criminal justice.
Once you have a career goal, you should find the appropriate training. Compliance officers typically hold B.A. degrees but may also earn an MBA or a law degree to qualify for higher-level roles. They usually also complete additional training like the Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional Program (CCEP). Compliance officers earn an average annual salary of $98,949, per ZipRecruiter.
Police officers, on the other hand, must go through police training, the requirements of which vary from state to state. Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), police and sheriff’s patrol officers earn a median annual wage of $72,280.
Someone who works with young people, such as a juvenile specialist, must again have a different set of skills. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) explains, “These specialists are typically trained and educated in various disciplines such as psychology, social work, or criminal justice, with a focused understanding of youth behavior and development” to perform jobs effectively. Per Indeed, a juvenile justice specialist earns an average annual salary of $57,580.
Career Outlook for Graduates of YSU’s Applied Science in Criminal Justice Program
Criminal justice is a broad field, so job opportunities are ample and continue to grow at a steady pace. This is good news for those interested in working in this field in whatever capacity suits them.
Depending on your developmental goals, a B.S. with a focus on criminal justice may be the perfect next step for pursuing your dream career. These programs, like YSU’s online B.S. in Applied Science in Criminal Justice, give a strong foundation in criminal justice topics, while diving into more specific specialties to help graduates thrive.
Learn more about YSU’s online Bachelor of Science in Applied Science in Criminal Justice program.
