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First, some facts. Of the Criminology And Criminal Justice 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 88 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 53%, Criminology And Criminal Justice graduates have a much lower likelihood (-14%) 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, 39% 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 you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Criminology And Criminal Justice graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 16% We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2018 from University of Illinois Springfield with a Bachelor's degree in Criminology And Criminal Justice. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONSalesman Detailers Training and Service Sep 2018 - Aug 2019 Loan Interviewer I CEFCU Aug 2019 - Mar 2020 Direct Lending Processor CEFCU Mar 2020 - Aug 2022 Senior Agent Contracting and Commissions Specialist  Illinois Mutual Aug 2022 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When analyzing the career paths of individuals who studied Criminology and Criminal Justice, a mix of job types emerges, showcasing a range of relevance to their degree. Among the most common roles are those directly related to law enforcement—like police officers and corrections officers—as well as legal positions such as paralegals and legal interns. These jobs clearly capitalize on the knowledge and skills acquired in their academic journeys, aligning closely with core criminological principles. For instance, positions like a corrections officer or patrol officer directly utilize the understanding of criminal behavior and law enforcement practices that these graduates developed during their studies.
However, a significant number of graduates have pursued careers that seem to drift far from the criminology track. Roles in sales, customer service, and general administrative tasks appear frequently throughout the analyzed profiles. For example, many individuals held jobs such as sales associates or loan processors, which do not draw upon their criminology knowledge. This disparity raises an important point: while a Criminology and Criminal Justice degree provides valuable skills, the job market often leads graduates into roles that do not fully leverage their academic expertise. In fact, a substantial portion of positions occupied by graduates lacked direct relevance, pointing to a common trend where the individuals with a specific degree find themselves in unrelated fields due to employer demand or personal career choices.
Nonetheless, many graduates still find footholds in security-related positions like loss prevention, and various roles within governmental and nonprofit organizations that focus on social justice and community safety. These roles might not be entirely within traditional law enforcement but still utilize criminology principles. Many educational backgrounds also emphasize research and analytical skills applicable across sectors, leading graduates to roles in policy, education, and administration which may utilize some aspects of their learning without being inherently connected to direct criminological practice.
Ultimately, while many graduates successfully apply their criminology knowledge in relevant positions, a notable fraction do not engage directly with their field of study in their professional lives. This suggests a need for a more structured pathway from academic institutions to relevant employment opportunities in criminology and criminal justice, ensuring that graduates can effectively utilize their degrees in meaningful ways within the job market.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Criminology And Criminal Justice graduates:
When looking at the career trajectories of individuals who graduated with degrees in Criminology and Criminal Justice, it's a mixed bag. Some of these graduates have surely found their way into relevant and impactful careers, while others have veered off into jobs that, honestly, seem quite unrelated to their field of study.
For many of these graduates, the first job after completing their degree isn't necessarily within law enforcement or criminology but leans towards positions that might seem more general or unrelated. For instance, several started as sales representatives, customer service roles, or administrative positions. This can often be typical for recent grads trying to settle into the job market. However, it's interesting to note those who did land internships or early roles closely linked to their studies, like the numerous legal interns, policy analysts, and law clerks. These opportunities likely set them up for more relevant career paths in the long run.
Fast forward five or ten years, and while a chunk of these graduates have managed to secure solid positions within the justice system, corrections, or legal fields, there’s also a significant number who seem to be stuck in lateral moves or roles outside of their degree's realm, like retail management or administrative jobs. This disparity might suggest that not everyone’s career path is linear or glamorous. While some have risen to notable positions as compliance analysts, criminal intelligence analysts, and other specialized roles, others are working in areas that don’t contribute back to the criminal justice system at all. In conclusion, while Criminology and Criminal Justice graduates do have options available that align with their academic focus, the paths taken can vary greatly, showing that passion and relevance sometimes don’t always lead to direct job outcomes.
Honestly, a Bachelor's degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice can be pretty manageable for most students, especially if you're interested in the subject matter. There are some challenging aspects, like research methods and understanding complex legal systems, but a lot of the coursework is discussion-based and allows you to explore real-life cases, which keeps things engaging. If you’re someone who enjoys reading, writing, and diving into social issues, you might find it easier than other degrees that are more focused on hardcore math or science. Just stay organized, keep up with your readings, and you should be fine!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Criminology And Criminal Justice.
Looking at these graduates and their job histories, it’s a mixed bag when it comes to earnings. Some individuals, like graduates from the University of Maryland and Arizona State University, have climbed the ladder swiftly into positions that typically come with better pay, such as Senior Policy and Compliance Analysts or Senior Account Executives. On the other hand, we see others still in entry-level or support roles, like the one from South Carolina who’s been a bank teller since 2021, which likely doesn’t pay much above minimum wage. Overall, it seems that those who have pursued specialized or in-demand fields post-graduation are likely making better money, while others are still working their way up or might be stuck in lower-paying jobs.
It’s important to note that a lot of these roles reflect a typical career trajectory: starting slow, gaining experience, and gradually climbing into higher-paying positions. So, while some might still be in the weeds financially, it’s pretty common for grads in criminal justice and related fields to eventually find their footing and earn decent salaries as they gain experience. Plus, job stability in government or public service roles often offers good benefits, which can improve their overall financial situation. So, it’s a journey for many, but it looks promising for those who stick it out and keep advancing.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Criminology And Criminal Justice. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Criminology And Criminal Justice (ordered by the average relevance score of their Criminology And Criminal Justice graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 University of Maryland
|
49 | 13 |