What Can You Do With a Criminal Justice Degree?

If you've ever wondered what you can do with a criminal justice degree, you're not alone. From investigating crime scenes to supporting victims, the criminal justice field offers a wide range of meaningful opportunities.

If you're drawn to law enforcement agencies, the court system, or even paralegal positions, this degree can help you explore the inner workings of the justice system and understand how professionals work every day to prevent crime, uphold laws and serve communities.

What Is Criminal Justice?

Criminal justice covers the systems and institutions¹ that society relies on to enforce laws, solve crimes, and maintain public safety. At its core, the criminal justice system includes three primary components:

• Law enforcement often includes² sworn law enforcement officers such as police officers, federal agents, and secret service agents.
• The legal system often includes³ court proceedings, paralegals, and lawyers working in law firms or law offices.
• Correctional facilities often include⁴ probation officers, parole officers, and other professionals that may help manage and rehabilitate criminal offenders.

Through a criminal justice degree program, like those within Rasmussen University’s Justice Studies Degrees,⁵ students will learn how these components interact and the vital role each plays in maintaining order and ensuring fairness. Topics such as criminal behavior, research methods, legal documents, and criminal law may help build a strong foundation for understanding complex societal issues.

Exploring Criminal Justice Career Options

Graduates with a degree in criminal justice — whether a bachelor’s degree or an associate degree — can consider many different criminal justice careers. While some roles may require additional job training, certifications, or graduate education, a criminal justice degree is a versatile starting point for entering this dynamic field.

Law Enforcement Careers

• Police Officer
  Police officers work⁶ in local police departments to patrol neighborhoods, respond to emergencies, and enforce laws. They are often the first to arrive at a crime scene and must be skilled in communication, problem-solving, and public service.
• Deputy Sheriff
  Often employed⁶ at the county level, deputy sheriffs perform duties similar to police officers and may also manage county jails or serve court documents.
• State Trooper
  State troopers patrol⁶ highways, enforce traffic laws, and support other law enforcement officers in emergencies. They typically work for state-level law enforcement agencies.
• Alcohol Law Enforcement Officer
  Specializing in alcohol-related offenses, alcohol law enforcement officers⁷ investigate illegal sales, underage consumption, and licensing violations, often in cooperation with state or federal agencies.
• Conservation Officer
  Also known as game wardens, these professionals enforce⁶ hunting, fishing, and environmental laws while promoting outdoor safety and conservation efforts.
• Federal Agent
  Working for government agencies⁶ like the FBI, DEA, or Homeland Security, federal agents conduct investigations,⁸ respond to organized crime, and address threats to national security.

Legal and Court Careers

• Court Clerk
  Court clerks support⁹ the judicial process by managing records, preparing case files, and assisting with scheduling court proceedings.
• Paralegal
  Paralegals assist¹⁰ attorneys by drafting legal documents, researching laws, and organizing materials used in trials. A criminal justice degree provides a solid foundation for this detail-oriented role.
• Victim Advocate
  Also known as crime victims advocates, these professionals offer¹¹ emotional support, resources, and assistance to those affected by crime, guiding them through the legal system and court system.

Corrections and Rehabilitation Careers

• Correctional Officer
  Correctional officers maintain¹² order inside correctional facilities, supervise incarcerated individuals, and help enforce institutional rules. Corrections is a broader field that includes roles in prison administration, rehabilitation services, and re-entry programs, which are all focused on managing and supporting criminal offenders.
• Probation Officer / Parole Officer
  Probation officer roles involve¹³ supervising individuals who are serving their sentences outside of prison, helping them reintegrate while ensuring they meet court-mandated requirements.

Private Sector and Security Roles

• Security Officer and Security Manager
  Security officers help prevent¹⁴ crime by monitoring premises, controlling access points, and responding to disturbances in commercial, residential, or public environments.
  Advanced roles under the same umbrella include security managers, whose responsibilities¹⁴ include developing and implementing strategies to protect personnel, property, and data. They often work in larger institutions and lead security teams. Corporate security supervisors, who focus more on internal operations, are responsible for managing day-to-day security measures within companies to protect assets and ensure workplace safety.
• Private Investigator
  Private investigators conduct¹⁵ surveillance, locate missing persons, and analyze physical evidence to support civil or criminal cases. They often work independently or under contract with law firms.

Specialized and Advanced Opportunities

As the criminal justice field evolves, students may choose to specialize further by continuing their education at the master’s degree level or by pursuing additional certifications in areas such as:¹⁶

• Forensic psychology
• Forensic science
• Cybercrime
• Criminal investigations

Some may go on to become crime scene investigators, criminal investigators, or specialists in drug enforcement, financial crimes, or missing persons cases. These roles often require a strong grasp of research methods, conducting investigations, and interpreting physical evidence.

A Closer Look at the Criminal Justice Path To the FBI

A degree in criminal justice can be a valuable asset for those pursuing a career with the FBI, especially in investigative and enforcement roles. A criminal justice degree alone does not guarantee eligibility or selection. According to the FBI Jacksonville Field Office,¹⁷ while the Bureau welcomes applicants from a wide range of academic backgrounds, including STEM, IT, law, and foreign languages, criminal justice remains relevant due to its focus on legal systems, criminal behavior, and law enforcement practices. This knowledge complements the FBI's mission and can help applicants stand out in competitive programs like the Honors Internship or Collegiate Hiring Initiative.

In addition to academic preparation, the FBI emphasizes the importance of meeting strict eligibility standards: U.S. citizenship, a minimum 3.0 GPA, physical fitness, no drug use, and the ability to obtain Top Secret clearance. By combining a criminal justice education with strong analytical skills, ethical judgment, and physical readiness, aspiring agents can align themselves with the Bureau’s expectations and take meaningful steps toward a successful career in federal law enforcement.

Take the First Step Toward a Criminal Justice Career

A criminal justice degree can open the door to a wide range of opportunities, from investigating crime scenes to supporting community safety. If you're interested in law enforcement, legal advocacy, or correctional rehabilitation, now is the time to take the first step.

As you explore your options, you may also want to understand how this degree compares to others in the legal field. Learn more in our next article: Criminal Justice Degree vs. Paralegal Degree.

¹Office of Justice Programs, “Functions of the Criminal Justice System: Procedures, Tasks, and Personnel,” available at https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/functions-criminal-justice-procedures-tasks-and-personnel (visited July 1, 2025).
²Bureau of Justice Statistics, “Law Enforcement,” available at https://bjs.ojp.gov/topics/law-enforcement (visited July 1, 2025). Employment conditions in your area may vary.
³United States Courts, “Court Role and Structure,” available at https://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/court-role-and-structure (visited July 1, 2025).
⁴Bureau of Justice Statistics, “Correctional Institutions,” available at https://bjs.ojp.gov/topics/corrections/correctional-institutions (visited July 1, 2025). Employment conditions in your area may vary.
⁵Rasmussen University, “Justice Studies Degree Programs,” available at https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/justice-studies/ (visited July 1, 2025).
⁶Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Police and Detectives,” available at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/police-and-detectives.htm#tab-2 (visited July 1, 2025). Employment conditions in your area may vary.
⁷Federal Trade Commission, “State Alcohol Law Enforcement,” available at https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0398-state-alcohol-law-enforcement (visited July 1, 2025).
⁸Federal Bureau of Investigation, “What Does an FBI Agent Do on a Typical Day?” available at https://www.fbi.gov/about/faqs/what-does-an-fbi-agent-do-on-a-typical-day (visited July 1, 2025).
⁹Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Information Clerks,” available at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/information-clerks.htm#tab-2 (visited July 1, 2025). Employment conditions in your area may vary.
¹⁰Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Paralegals and Legal Assistants,” available at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm#tab-2 (visited July 1, 2025). Employment conditions in your area may vary.
¹¹Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Social and Human Service Assistants,” available at www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-and-human-service-assistants.htm#tab-2 (visited July 1, 2025). Employment conditions in your area may vary.
¹²Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Correctional Officers,” available at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/correctional-officers.htm#tab-2 (visited July 1, 2025). Employment conditions in your area may vary.
¹³Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists,” available at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/probation-officers-and-correctional-treatment-specialists.htm#tab-2 (visited July 1, 2025). Employment conditions in your area may vary.
¹⁴Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Security Guards,” available at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/security-guards.htm#tab-2 (visited July 1, 2025). Employment conditions in your area may vary.
¹⁵Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Private Detectives and Investigators,” available at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/private-detectives-and-investigators.htm#tab-2 (visited July 1, 2025). Employment conditions in your area may vary.
¹⁶Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Forensic Science Technicians,” available at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/forensic-science-technicians.htm#tab-4 (visited July 1, 2025). Employment conditions in your area may vary.
¹⁷Federal Bureau of Investigation, “Preparing for a Career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation,” available at https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/jacksonville/news/stories/preparing-for-a-career-with-the-federal-bureau-of-investigation (visited July 1, 2025).