Careers: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

Careers: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
03.15.2025
120
05.12.2025
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Money Icon Career Outlook

A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can open the door to many different career opportunities. Graduates of our online program will be prepared for positions in law enforcement, loss prevention, corrections and supervision, safety and security in both the public and private sectors.

Private companies often seek professionals to keep property secure and people safe or to conduct private investigations. In the public sector, graduates find employment at the local level in police and sheriff’s departments. At the state level, graduates can find themselves working in roles in state police and prison systems, and at the national level with the federal prison system, FBI, Department of Homeland Security and many other agencies.

Graduates are also qualified to work in roles such as park rangers, fish and game wardens, or air marshals. Because of the significant challenges inherent in many law enforcement careers, jobs in criminal justice are typically well-compensated. For example, police officers and detectives average around $65,000 annually (with opportunities to earn pay boosts for working overtime and for earning academic degrees) and federal law enforcement officials and other criminal justice professionals can often earn well over $100,000.

By earning your bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Cincinnati, you will position yourself to pursue a broad spectrum of criminal justice careers that connect with your own individual interests and passions:

  • FBI Agent
  • Crime Lab Analyst
  • Park Ranger
  • U.S. Marshall
  • Public and Private Security
  • Correctional Officer
  • Courthouse Administrator
  • Loss Prevention Investigator
  • Cybersecurity Analyst
  • Victim Advocate
  • College Professor
  • Police Detective
  • Narcotics Officer
  • Financial intelligence investigators
  • Asset Protection Manager
  • Youth Support Specialist
  • Forensic Psychologist
  • And many more

By the numbers

“The field of criminal justice is expected to grow by 3% from 2021 to 2031. The BLS anticipates an ongoing need for police, security officers and public servants."
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Salary expectations for roles related to criminal justice can vary widely. For police officers, the median yearly salary is $66,020, with the top percentile earning more than $105,540."
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Student Testimonial
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“Every course was applicable in my current role as a Probation and Parole Officer. I was able to incorporate some of the evidence-based practices in my everyday work and apply my own experience to my course work.”

Ryan L.
Probation and Parole Officer