Jobs Requiring a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice

by Ron White, Demand Media

Many colleges and universities offer degrees in criminal justice, but many students do not realize that criminal justice degrees are increasingly required by those hiring to fill positions in many areas related to law enforcement. Some require a four-year bachelor’s degree. Knowing whether a certain agency requires a bachelor’s degree can help individuals choose the proper college paths and apply for the jobs that most match with qualifications.

Probation Officer

Probation officers serve the public to ensure that individuals who are sentenced to probation meet the terms of their sentences and do not commit crimes or behave in any way that could lead them to commit crimes. To work as a probation officer, you generally must possess a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field. Local, state and federal law enforcement agencies employ probation officers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for probation officers was $47,200 in 2010.

Police Officer

The majority of students who complete a bachelor’s degree program in criminal justice seek to work as police officers. Many larger cities now require all new officers to have at least a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Jobs range from local and state law enforcement personnel to federal law enforcement officers. Most graduates land jobs as patrol officers with local police departments or county sheriff’s offices. Some find work as federal officers. Jobs at the federal level include border agents, postal service investigators, customs agents and U.S. Marshall agents. Median salary for police officers was $55,010, according to 2010 figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

FBI Police

The Federal Bureau of Investigation maintains its own police force. These officers provide law enforcement protection for FBI agents and protect FBI facilities. The FBI requires a four-year degree in criminal justice when FBI police applicants do not possess at least two years of work experience. Candidates can submit resumes or apply online. Each candidate must pass a written test and panel interview. Candidates also must pass an FBI background investigation and medical exam. According to the federal pay calculator, FBI police, who are paid at GS-5 to GS-7 levels, earned between $35,000 and $42,000 annually in 2012.

Forestry Service Special Agents

The United States Forestry Service employs special agents who lead criminal investigations into potential violations of criminal and administrative provisions of the Forest Service and other statutes. These agents can make arrests and present cases for federal prosecution. Forestry agents work relatively independently within their jurisdictions. Generally, they work in rural areas and work alone but in consultation with other local, state and federal law enforcement personnel. The job requires a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Law enforcement experience can be substituted for the required degree. The median salary for these agents was approximately $40,000 in 2012, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s pay rate calculator.

About the Author


Photo Credits

  • Images
Suggest an Article Correction