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First, some facts. Of the Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration 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 916 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 54%, Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration graduates have a much lower likelihood (-13%) 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 34% 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 Law Enforcement Administration graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 34% We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2012 from Colorado Technical University with a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONPrice Changes None Jun 2012 - Jun 2020 Social Worker  Allegheny County Department of Human Services Jun 2020 - Jun 2021 Caseworker Beaver COunty Children and Youth Services Jun 2021 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster's degreeColorado Technical University 2012 - 2013 ABOUTI have experience in many different areas. I have done everything from clothing retail, to grocery store cashier, to secretary, to security guard, and even receptionist for a salon school. My goal is to become a probation/parole officer. It is my hope that I can obtain this position sooner rather than later. I have a real passion for this line of work.Specialties: working with money, handling all kinds of people from all walks of life, I have great organizational skills and have a willing to help others as much as I can however I can. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
From analyzing the career paths of various individuals who graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration, it’s clear that many have ventured into roles that are directly related to the field, while others have chosen paths that diverge quite a bit from their academic training. Typical careers for these graduates often include positions in law enforcement such as police officers, probation officers, and correctional officers. These roles inherently align with the knowledge and skills gained from their educational programs, requiring an understanding of criminal laws, law enforcement techniques, and the justice system as a whole.
However, a review of the data reveals that not all graduates find themselves in criminal justice-specific roles. Many have accepted positions in unrelated fields, ranging from retail to administrative roles, significantly diverging from their studied principles. For instance, positions such as sales associates, marketing managers, and healthcare support staff do not utilize significant criminal justice knowledge, indicating a notable drift from their educational backgrounds. These divergent paths may stem from a variety of factors, including job availability, personal interests, or the pursuit of entirely different career trajectories.
When considering the relevance of the positions they hold, it's evident that a substantial number of jobs are indeed aligned with the competencies expected of a criminal justice degree. Positions in law enforcement, legal assistance roles, and case management in social services reflect strong connections to their academic training. On the other hand, many careers analyzed are unrelated to criminal justice, suggesting that while the degree provides valuable skills and insights, it does not guarantee employment in the anticipated field. The landscape is a mixed bag, with graduates spanning the spectrum from dedicated criminal justice professionals to individuals applying their skills in widely varied sectors.
In conclusion, while many graduates have successfully transitioned into roles firmly within the realm of criminal justice, a significant portion has taken paths that do not align closely with their degree. This trend can reflect market dynamics, personal career aspirations, or the broader applicability of transferable skills, showcasing the diverse opportunities that can arise from a foundation in criminal justice and law enforcement administration.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration graduates:
When examining the career trajectories of graduates with degrees in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration, we can see a mixed bag of outcomes, with many individuals finding positions in law enforcement and related fields, while others have taken markedly different paths. A significant number of graduates kicked off their careers in roles directly tied to law enforcement—like police officers, probation officers, and corrections personnel—indicating a successful transition from education to relevant employment. For instance, many graduates from universities such as the University of Phoenix or John Jay College quickly secured positions as police officers or started working in correctional facilities right after graduation. This trend reflects that there is a demand for such roles and those who complete their degrees often step right into these critical positions within a very short time after leaving school.
However, as we zoom out and look five to ten years down the road, the data starts showing a broader range of career paths. Some graduates could still be seen climbing the ranks in law enforcement, moving from roles like officers to detectives or even attaining leadership positions such as sergeant or chief. But not all narratives follow this promising criminal justice track; some graduates shift into areas such as human resources, customer service, business management, and even teaching. For example, individuals who initially worked within law enforcement have transitioned into corporate roles at companies like Amazon or as educators in public schools, showcasing a significant career pivot away from law enforcement. In some instances, it's concerning to note that certain individuals ended up in fields that seem quite disconnected from their original degree focus, raising questions about the alignment of educational goals with the job market.
Overall, while a good portion of Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration graduates do find jobs relevant to their field soon after graduation, the longer-term picture is more varied. Many stay within law enforcement, while others drift into unrelated careers. This divergence suggests that while the degree provides a solid foundation for immediate law enforcement jobs, it may also offer skills that lead to diverse career opportunities, albeit in areas not directly related to criminal justice or public safety. So, for you, it's essential to be open to various possibilities and understand that the journey can take unexpected but rewarding turns!
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration can be a mixed bag in terms of difficulty. For some, it might feel relatively easy, especially if you're passionate about the subject and enjoy learning about law, policing, and the justice system. A lot of the coursework involves reading, writing papers, and participating in discussions that can be pretty interesting if you’re into the topic. However, it does require some critical thinking and understanding of complex systems, so not everyone will breeze through it. Overall, it's not generally considered tougher than most other degrees, but like any program, it’s all about how much effort you’re willing to put in and how engaged you are with the material.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration.
When looking at the career paths of these Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration graduates, it’s clear that their earnings potential varied widely depending on their job roles and experience. Some graduates, especially those working as police officers, detectives, or in security management, tended to have relatively stable salaries with decent earning potential, particularly as they advanced in their careers. Positions like police sergeant or lieutenant can offer solid incomes, often supplemented by benefits and overtime pay, which can really add up over time.
On the flip side, some graduates took routes that led to lower paying jobs, like customer service or roles that don’t necessarily capitalize on their degrees, which might not yield the best financial returns. Positions such as servers, cashiers, or entry-level roles in unrelated fields suggest that these individuals may not be making as much as they could with their degrees. Overall, while some graduates appear to be on a good financial trajectory thanks to their law enforcement careers, others may need to reassess their job choices to better align with their educational backgrounds for improved earning potential.
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 Law Enforcement Administration. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration (ordered by the average relevance score of their Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 American Military University
|
81 | 10 |
 Columbia Southern University
|
70 | 16 |
 Western Illinois University
|
63 | 20 |
 Columbia College
|
59 | 10 |
 John Jay College (CUNY)
|
57 | 11 |
 University of Phoenix
|
54 | 88 |
 Florida International University
|
53 | 13 |
 Park University
|
53 | 23 |
 Virginia Commonwealth University
|
34 | 10 |