Mastering Justice: High-Demand Careers for Criminal Justice Graduates
Friday, February 21, 2025 | 8:00 AM
Criminal justice is more than just enforcing laws—it's about preventing crime, analyzing threats, and shaping policies that keep communities safe. From cybercrime and fraud to national security risks, today's challenges require professionals with specialized skills to adapt and respond.
With increasing public concerns about safety and law and order, along with emerging security threats such as cybercrime and significant advancements in law enforcement, forensics, and security technology, the demand for skilled criminal justice professionals is greater than ever. A professional workforce with high education is essential to ensuring public safety, upholding justice, and effectively addressing modern challenges in crime prevention and investigation. According to College Factual, criminal justice and corrections careers are expected to grow 7.6% from 2016-2026, and an MS in Criminal Justice can open the door to a career that goes far beyond traditional law enforcement.
Here are just a few of the many criminal justice roles, along with the courses that can help you succeed in them:
Carreers within the Criminal Justice System
The program offers comprehensive coursework covering nearly all components of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, correctional agencies, and prosecution. Students gain a deep understanding of the legal and procedural aspects of criminal justice, as well as the practical skills needed to navigate various roles within the criminal justice field. Upon completing the program, graduates will be well-qualified to pursue career opportunities in a wide range of agencies at both the state and federal levels. These may include positions in law enforcement, FBI, border patrol, probation and parole, corrections, and victim advocacy. The program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute effectively to the justice system and public safety..
According to Indeed, special agents in the FBI average a base salary of $107,673 per year, depending on experience, education, and location.
Intelligence Analyst
With national security being a hot topic in today's political climate, Intelligence analysts have continued to become vital in gathering and interpret crime-related data to prevent threats. They work for government agencies, law enforcement, or private security firms. Their job involves tracking criminal activities, assessing national security risks, and supporting crime prevention strategies.
From analyzing data from surveillance to assisting in decision-making for crime prevention, intelligence analysts tend to be individuals who enjoy problem-solving, critical thinking, and working behind the scenes to protect national security and public safety.
A course like Criminal Justice Research Methods gives future analysts the skills to analyze crime patterns, use data-driven tools, and support decision-making in security and law enforcement.
According to Indeed, intelligence analysts' average base salary is $59,911 annually in the U.S. Their job market is set to increase by 1.5% between 2022 and 2032.
Legal Consultant
Do you enjoy analyzing laws, solving legal challenges, and guiding organizations through complex regulations? If so, a career as a legal consultant might be a great fit. A legal consultant is a go-to expert for legal advice, helping individuals, businesses, and government agencies navigate complex laws and regulations without stepping into a courtroom. You'll often find them working at law firms, government offices, nonprofits, and private corporations, offering guidance from policy development to risk management.
Their deep understanding of legal standards makes them invaluable in keeping organizations on the right track and avoiding potential legal pitfalls.
The program includes various courses related to legal studies such as Criminal Procedure and Constitutional Law course that provides the foundation for understanding court systems, constitutional rights, and case procedures—essential for legal consultants advising clients on compliance and risk management.
According to Indeed, legal consultants make $96,613 annually in the U.S. The number of legal consultants is set to grow by 10% from 2018 to 2028.
Homeland Security Specialist
A homeland security specialist helps keep the country safe from threats like terrorism, cyberattacks, natural disasters, and other security risks. They work in places like government agencies, private security companies, and emergency response teams.
Whether they're assessing risks, working with law enforcement, or handling crises, they play a big role in national security and disaster response.
According to ZipRecruiter, homeland security specialists have an average annual salary of $64,551 with room to grow depending on experience and expertise. They are projected to grow 33% over the next 8 years.
Academic Criminologist
The program will provide students with opportunities to pursue an academic criminologist career in the future. A criminologist is a professional who studies crime, criminal behavior, and the social, psychological, and economic factors that contribute to criminal activity. Their work helps law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and legal professionals understand crime patterns and develop prevention strategies. Criminologists cooperate with practitioners within the criminal justice field to analyze crime data and trends, conduct research on criminal behavior, and advise law enforcement and other criminal justice agencies on crime reduction and preventive strategies, effective rehabilitative programs, victim protection strategies, and more. They are usually knowledgeable in research skills, statistical knowledge, and theoretical foundations.
According to ZipRecruiter, criminologists have an annual salary of $81,173 in the U.S. Their job outlook is projected to grow 4% by 2030.
Why an MS in Criminal Justice?
A Master of Science in Criminal Justice expands career opportunities beyond traditional law enforcement, opening doors to intelligence, forensics, policy development, cybersecurity, criminal rehabilitation, and academic career roles. Moreover, with courses in areas such as Correctional Theories and Issues and Victimology, MS in Criminal Justice programs prepare individuals to make a real impact, whether it is in the courtroom, a federal agency, community, or beyond.
Why UTRGV?
UTRGV's is designed to enhance the student's knowledge of the criminal justice system, prepare students for administrative and management positions, and more in just a year. Our program empowers students to advance their careers faster by gaining specialized knowledge, leadership skills, and qualifications needed for higher-level roles in law enforcement, policy, and security.
Ready to shape the future of criminal justice? Start with UTRGV today! Apply Now!
Source:
https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/protective-security-safety-services/criminal-justice-and-corrections/
https://www.indeed.com/career/intelligence-analyst/salaries?from=top_sb
https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/intelligence-analyst/job-market/
https://www.indeed.com/career/legal-consultant/salaries?from=top_sb
https://www.zippia.com/legal-consultant-jobs/trends/
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Homeland-Security-Specialist-Salary
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm#tab-6
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Criminology-Salary--in-Texas
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/criminologist#:~:text=Salary%20and%20job%20outlook%20for%20criminologists&text=According%20to%20the%20Bureau%20of,this%20field%20should%20remain%20steady.
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