The field of criminal justice is broad and includes many interesting career paths, offering unique challenges, rewards, and high earning potential.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for protective service occupations is $45,450. Though expected salary can vary, even for the same role and rank, due to factors such as location and employer.
Luckily, there are many opportunities for promotions and salary increases in all fields of criminal justice work, especially for candidates with master’s in Criminal Justice degrees.
This article will serve as a guide to the career paths and earning potential available to Master of Arts (MA) in Criminal Justice and Human Security holders.
What is a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice and Human Security degree?
Degree requirements vary depending on one’s chosen criminal justice career, but more and more, employers are looking for trained, qualified, and educated candidates. Plus, many federal agencies, like the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) require at least bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Criminal Justice which often leads to higher positions and salaries.
A Master of Arts (MA) in Criminal Justice and Human Security degree provides students with specific knowledge, advanced skills, and an in-depth understanding of the global landscape of crime, security, and justice. They also gain insight into the cultural, ethnic, religious, and ideological differences often found at the root of criminal acts, violence, and terror, including:
- Domestic, international, and comparative criminal law
- Transnational crime
- Cybercrime
- Cyberterrorism
- Human security
While all programs and universities vary, common curriculum and courses for master’s in Criminal Justice degree programs include:
- Criminal Justice Research Methods
- Human Security and Approaches to Justice
- U.S. Law and Criminal Justice
- Law Enforcement Management
Lastly, master’s in Criminal Justice majors at University of Bridgeport can choose between a thesis track or an internship track that further allows them to tailor their degree to match their specific interests and goals.
Take the next step towards a rewarding career in criminal justice. Learn more today!
What jobs and salaries can you obtain with a master’s in Criminal Justice?
A master’s in Criminal Justice opens up a world of possibilities and careers for candidates motivated to be leaders and change-makers, with careers as Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents, judges, and even criminologists.
All median annual salaries listed below are reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Police and detective supervisors
Police officers protect lives and property while detectives and criminal investigators gather facts and evidence of potential crimes. Thus, police and detective supervisors oversee teams, create work schedules, and provide guidance to their direct reports.
These professionals earn a median annual salary of $69,160, with the top ten percent earning more than $109,580. Employment growth is projected to grow three percent by 2032.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents investigate national security threats, dig into complex criminal cases, and help keep communities safe. This demanding career path requires strong investigative skills, analytical abilities, and high levels of dedication.
While not specifically mentioned in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these agents fall under the category of detectives and criminal investigators earning a median annual salary of $86,280 with the highest ten percent earning more than $150,570.
Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists
Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists assist in the rehabilitation of individuals in custody or on probation. This path is great for candidates with strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and a passion for helping others overcome challenges.
They meet with probationers and parolees, perform home and employment checks, and attend court hearings. People in this career field earn a median annual salary of $59,860, with the highest ten percent earning more than $101,080.
Forensic psychologists
Forensic psychologists utilize psychological principles in legal settings in order to provide insight into criminal behavior, competency evaluations, and risk assessments. These professionals will likely be asked to assist with a variety of issues, including:
- Lawsuits
- Testimony
- Custody conflicts
- Crime prevention
- Research to understand criminals and their motivations
Forensic psychologists earn a median annual salary of $85,330 with the highest ten percent earning more than $141,910. Employment is projected to grow six percent by 2032, resulting in about an average of 12,800 job openings each year.
Paralegals
Paralegals assist lawyers with research, drafting documents, and trial preparation in a variety of legal settings. Candidates use their strong legal knowledge and research skills developed in their master’s in Criminal Justice degree programs.
They earn a median annual salary of $59,200, with the highest ten percent earning more than $94,960.
Start your criminal justice career at University of Bridgeport
A master’s in Criminal Justice will allow you to service the local and global community within the justice system. University of Bridgeport’s Master of Arts (MA) in Criminal Justice and Human Security will give you the knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in your chosen criminal justice career.
Our graduates find work in all criminal justice fields, such as international security, defense, intelligence, and transnational crime prevention around the world.
UB’s experienced faculty and flexible learning options are ready to accommodate your busy schedule and get you through graduate school and into a great career.