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First, some facts. Of the Criminal Justice and Corrections graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 1417 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Bad. Overall, with an average relevance score of 42%, Criminal Justice and Corrections graduates have a substantially lower likelihood (-25%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 25% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most Criminal Justice and Corrections graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 95% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2019 from University of South Dakota with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Criminal Justice and Corrections. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONResearch Assistant Rutgers University - Newark Jun 2021 - Jul 2021 Legal Intern  Legal Services Alabama Jun 2021 - Aug 2021 Law Clerk Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP Jan 2024 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGDoctor of Law - JDRutgers Law School 2020 - 2023 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Based on the extensive analysis of LinkedIn profiles of individuals who graduated with degrees in Criminal Justice and Corrections, it's clear that the most common job roles they occupy vary widely in relation to their field of study. Many individuals are working in positions directly tied to criminal justice, such as probation officers, correctional officers, and various roles within law enforcement or legal support. These roles typically require the specific knowledge and skills acquired during their educational programs, thus validating their degree choice as relevant and beneficial.
However, many graduates have entered jobs that have little to no connection to Criminal Justice and Corrections. Positions such as yard technicians, cashiers, sales associates, and even roles in marketing and logistics dominate the list. It is evident that a significant number of graduates have navigated into fields that prioritize skills outside of criminal justice knowledge. This transition might reflect broader job market trends, where opportunities in closely related fields are limited or competitive, pushing graduates toward more general roles that may not fully leverage their specialized education.
In summary, while there is a noticeable presence of graduates in roles directly aligned with their degree, a significant portion has diverged into unrelated professions. This trend raises questions about the applicability of Criminal Justice and Corrections degrees in today’s job market, underlining a potential disconnect between education and employment opportunities. For students considering this path, it may be beneficial to seek internship experiences or additional certifications that can enhance employability in law enforcement or corrections fields specifically. This understanding might also guide educational institutions in advising students on practical career pathways that fully utilize their academic training.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Criminal Justice and Corrections graduates:
Graduates with degrees in Criminal Justice and Corrections find themselves on a wide array of career paths, as the data shows a mixture of both related and somewhat unrelated positions within this field. As I sift through the profiles of individuals who graduated from various universities, one can see that the direction of their careers often depends on their initial job right after graduation.
Most graduates seem to start in positions such as correctional officers, security personnel, or roles related to law enforcement, which are closely aligned with their degrees. For instance, a significant number began their careers as correctional officers, police officers, and probation officers. This initial phase often sets the stage for further career growth within the field, with many transitioning into roles such as case managers, investigators, or supervisors in both governmental and private sectors. A notable example is individuals who graduated from institutions like Sam Houston State University or John Jay College, many of whom quickly secured roles in law enforcement or corrections after graduation.
However, not all graduates take the traditional path in Corrections or Criminal Justice. Some have found their way into seemingly unrelated fields, such as retail management, administrative roles, or even completely different industries like sales or IT. For instance, graduates from universities like the University of North Texas and East Tennessee State University often find themselves in customer service or supportive roles unrelated to their degrees. With these transitions, it sometimes appears that the foundational knowledge in Criminal Justice doesn't always translate to direct employment opportunities in that realm, leading to a mixed bag of outcomes after five to ten years post-graduation. While some individuals thrive and move up the ranks within their chosen field, others may end up in positions that diverge significantly from criminal justice objectives.
After five to ten years, there’s a further split in the trajectory of these careers. Many who have remained within the justice system seem to be climbing the hierarchical ladder, taking on senior roles such as supervisors, managers, or program coordinators within corrections and social services, particularly within state or federal government agencies. But again, the data reveals that a number of graduates have shifted entirely out of their field of study. Examples include individuals who are now working in sales or as teachers—a testament to how skills from criminal justice can sometimes be versatile yet may not necessarily focus on traditional roles in the sector.
In conclusion, while many Criminal Justice and Corrections graduates begin their careers in relevant positions, the journey diverges significantly over time. Some stay the course, securing meaningful jobs in law enforcement or corrections, whereas others find themselves in various industries where their degrees may not hold as much relevance. This unpredictability highlights the importance of networking, internships, and practical experience during their studies, which can ultimately influence their career paths significantly in the long run.
A Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Corrections is generally considered to be on the easier side compared to some other majors, but it still requires effort and dedication. You'll dive into topics like the legal system, law enforcement, and criminology, which can be interesting but also demand critical thinking and some writing skills. If you're someone who enjoys discussions about society and justice, you might find it pretty engaging. There's also a fair amount of reading and research involved, but if you stay organized and don't procrastinate, you can definitely handle it. So, while it’s not an easy walk in the park, it’s manageable for most students who are motivated and willing to put in the work!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Criminal Justice and Corrections.
Looking at this long list of graduates and their jobs, you can see a mix of salary levels across various fields. Some, like the Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps instructor or firefighters, may earn decent salaries depending on location and experience, but they might not be on the high end. Others with more specialized roles, such as a probation officer or data analyst, might have higher earning potential, especially if they move into senior roles over time. However, many others in entry-level positions or high school jobs, like cashiers and administrative assistants, may not be making nearly as much.
In general, graduates in criminal justice and corrections often start with lower salaries, especially in roles like correctional officers or security. Those who advance into managerial or specialized roles, particularly in the corporate sector or tech fields, could see significant salary jumps. Overall, while some graduates might be doing well financially, many will need to build up experience and skills to reach a higher earning bracket. It’s really about where they land and how quickly they climb the ladder after graduation!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Criminal Justice and Corrections. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Criminal Justice and Corrections (ordered by the average relevance score of their Criminal Justice and Corrections graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 American Military University
|
52 | 13 |
 Bridgewater State University
|
50 | 13 |
 University of Central Florida
|
47 | 14 |
 University of North Texas
|
47 | 14 |
 University of Phoenix
|
41 | 23 |
 University of Cincinnati
|
41 | 12 |
 Sam Houston State University
|
35 | 22 |
 John Jay College (CUNY)
|
35 | 12 |
 Ferris State University
|
34 | 14 |
 Florida International University
|
31 | 17 |
 Liberty University
|
31 | 10 |
 California State University-Sacramento
|
24 | 14 |
 Colorado Technical University
|
24 | 16 |