Jobs in Criminal Justice — Which Ones Pay a High Salary?

If you examine the careers available in criminal justice, you may see that all jobs currently average around $35,000 to start and usually don’t exceed $110,000 per year depending upon your skill levels and your experience. But, some jobs are more lucrative than others.Many criminal justice salaries depend upon a risk factor. Secret service agents, for instance, may find themselves in the line of fire to protect government officials. Additionally, educational expectations for these jobs often are high. So, the salaries for a secret service agent often are higher than most other criminal justice jobs. But, the downside is that – after two decades worth of service – that salary often declines. The reason behind this decline is that the risk is reduced as the agent is taken out of the field and often assigned to a desk or office position.

On the other hand, some jobs, such as an executive position with the FBI, pay as well as a high-risk position as a secret service agent. The rational behind this higher salary is that the FBI is paying for the individual’s knowledge in a certain field. Since the jobs offered by the FBI are so varied, you might look at the FBI’s current job offerings to decide what you want to study. Some jobs within the FBI pay more than others. But, a high-paying job at the FBI may bring up to $111,000 per year with overtime.

Another high-paying job within the criminal justice field includes the crime scene investigator. The high wages in this job depend upon your education level. The higher your degree, the higher your salary in this job. While some crime scene jobs require only a high school education, many other jobs within this field require a four-year bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree. In this case, the money you spend on a college degree can be returned with a high-paying job as a crime scene investigator. Higher salaries within this job can pay on average $80,000 per year.

Finally, the criminologist also makes a comfortable salary, depending upon level of education achieved and years in service. Many jobs within this field demand a doctoral degree, though. This is an expensive educational pursuit and the cost can mitigate the salary. High-end salaries within this job average $80,000 or more per year for those who obtain a doctoral degree.

You can search for wages within the criminal justice field at the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For instance, they offer one page for Police and Detectives salaries and job descriptions. Also, you can search for various jobs and salary levels at the Federal Employees 2008 site. Criminal justice salaries outside the government will depend upon the job location. Look to various job-hunting sites to find that information.

Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs

Criminal justice is a field with a wide range of degree programs, subject specialties and career opportunities--everything from FBI agents to private detectives to bailiffs. Students can pursue degree levels based on their career choice, with associates, bachelors, and masters in criminal justice being popular degrees in this field.

AS in Criminal Justice BS in Criminal Justice MS in Criminal Justice	Kaplan University — Kaplan University is one of the largest accredited online colleges, and it offers a wide range of degree programs in the field of criminal justice. These programs include associates, bachelors, and masters in criminal justice, with possible specialties (depending on degree level) in Computer Crime, Law Enforcement, Corrections, Law, and Global Issues.
AA in Criminal Justice BS in CJ Administration	University of Phoenix — The University of Phoenix is one of the most recognized names in online education, having served hundreds of thousands of students in the past. This colleges offers several degrees for potential students interested in the field of criminal justice: B.S. in Criminal Justice Administration and Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice.
BA in Criminal Justice BACJ in Homeland Security BACJ in Corrections Mgmt BACJ in Forensics BACJ in Government More...	Ashford University — For students seeking a quick way to advance their careers or even start them, Ashford University has recently added several online programs in the field of Criminal Justice. This is in response to growing interest and changing trends in education. Various bachelor degrees are available covering a wide range of specializations, including Criminal Justice, Homeland Security, Corrections Management, Forensics, and Government.
BS in Criminal Justice MS in Criminal Justice BSCJ in Homeland Security	Virginia College — Virginia College has three online Criminal Justice degrees available: BSCJ in Homeland Security, BS in Criminal Justice, and MS in Criminal Justice. All three degrees combine flexibility and convenience with industry-driven curriculum and assignments designed to engage students in their education. The result is a fast-pace course the gives students the skills and knowledge required in the field.
BSCJ in Psychology BSCJ in Admin MPA in Criminal Justice PhD in Criminal Justice PhD CJ in Human Services More...	Walden University — Walden University is one of the largest providers of college education in the country. Walden takes a practical approach to education by developing curriculum that is industry-driven with assignments that engage students in their coursework. WU has several Criminal Justice degrees available, including BSCJ in Psychology or Administration, MPA in Criminal Justice, and PhD in Criminal Justice or Human Services.
AS in Legal Studies BS in Legal Studies BS in Criminal Justice BSCJ in Human Services	Post University — Post University offers several Criminal Justice degrees online in addition to the campus program. These online courses are accredited and can be completed at a pace comfortable to you. More importantly, assignments can be turned in at any time before their deadline from any computer. This makes online degrees a great options for busy students. Post University has online degrees available for AS in Legal Studies, BS in Legal Studies, BS in Criminal Justice, and BSCJ in Human Services programs.
AABA in Criminal Justice BSCJ in Law Enforcement BSCJ in Special Populations	American InterContinental University — American InterContinental University online is one of the most popular online universities for students interested in a criminal justice career. Degree programs at AIU include an A.A.B.A. in Criminal Justice, B.S. in Criminal Justice (Law Enforcement), and B.S. in Criminal Justice (Special Populations).
BS in Criminal Justice	Liberty University — Liberty University is an online university that prepares students for success in their careers following graduation. Liberty University offers two programs in the field, a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Criminal Justice, and a B.S. In Multidisciplinary Studies - Criminal Justice.
AA in Criminal Justice BSCJ in Comp. Security & Forensics BSCJ in Criminal Justice Admin	Strayer University — Strayer University, a highly respected provider of online education, is backed by years of excellence in service to students and working with industry professionals to develop career-oriented curriculum. As a result, students gain key skills and knowledge needed to fulfill core competencies in Criminal Justice positions. SU has an AA in Criminal Justice, BSCJ in Computer Security & Forensics, and a BSCJ in Criminal Justice Administration.
AA in Criminal Justice BA in Criminal Justice BACJ in Criminalistics MS in Criminal Justice MSCJ in Forensic Science More...	Saint Leo University — For years, Saint Leo University has helped students across the county obtain Criminal Justice degrees through online programs. These programs cut many of the costs associated with campus programs and have the added benefit of being accessible from any computer. SLU has several degrees available including an Associates, Bachelors, and Masters in Criminal Justice as well as specialized programs for BACJ in Criminalistics and MSCJ in Forensic Science.
AAS in Criminal Justice BS in Criminal Justice AS in Criminal Psychology BS in Law Enforcement BS in Homeland Security More...	Rasmussen College — Rasmussen College has a huge selection of Criminal Justice programs available through online courses. RC offers a general Associates and Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice as well as associates degrees specializing in Criminal Psychology, Law Enforcement, Homeland Security, and Criminal Corrections. RC also has bachelors degrees specializing in Client Services, Homeland Security, Criminal Offenders, and Law Enforcement.
AS in Criminal Justice BS in Criminal Justice MS in Criminal Justice	South University — South University has three dynamic, engaging criminal justice degree programs. The associate's curriculum explores topics including police, corrections, court, and security operations. The bachelor's degree is a four-year program that offers specialization in Juvenile Justice, Corrections, Law Enforcement, Crime Scene Investigation, and Cyber Crime. The master's program provides training in advanced law enforcement topics.
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