Anaya Nolan
A degree in criminal law can open doors to a wide range of careers in the criminal justice field. Graduates often pursue roles such as police officers, FBI agents, forensic analysts, lawyers, and victim advocates. A criminal justice degree can also be a great foundation for law school, especially if you're interested in criminal prosecution or defence. It provides valuable knowledge about law enforcement, criminal behaviour, the court system, and the psychological aspects of behaviour. With salaries ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 and higher, a degree in criminal law offers diverse career paths and financial opportunities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Career options | Forensic psychiatrist, lawyer, judge, FBI special agent, police officer, detective, forensic science technician, game warden, paralegal, court clerk, FBI agent, US Marshal, probation officer, victim advocate, chief of police, security guard, correctional officer, private investigator, criminologist, criminal psychologist, forensic analyst, and more. |
| Salary range | $50,000 to $215,000 per year |
| Academic programs | Associate, bachelor's, or postgraduate degree |
| Majors | Criminology, criminal psychology, law enforcement administration, corrections, pre-law, legal studies, criminal justice, and more. |
| Skills gained | Understanding of criminal behavior, investigative techniques, research methods, critical thinking, problem-solving, and more. |
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Law enforcement
A degree in criminal law can be a great asset for a career in law enforcement. While some law enforcement roles may only require a high school diploma, a college education can provide an easier and more reliable path to career advancement.
Criminal justice degrees can provide students with a broad-based knowledge of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, criminal behaviour, the court system, and the psychological aspects of behaviour. This knowledge will prepare students for working in law enforcement, giving them an insight into the responsibilities of the role, such as conducting investigations and writing reports.
A degree in criminal justice can also lead to several career advancement opportunities. For police officers, a criminal justice degree can fortify their qualifications and broaden their perspective on community engagement and crime control. A degree can also be beneficial for those pursuing higher-ranking positions, such as police chief, or seeking leadership roles in the military.
In addition to career advancement, a criminal justice degree can open doors to a wide range of career paths in law enforcement. These include:
- Police officers
- Deputy sheriffs
- Drug Enforcement Administration Agents (DEAs)
- Customs inspectors
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents
- Correctional officers
- Probation officers
- Detectives
A degree in criminal justice is also attractive to retailers and businesses with loss prevention teams, who work to prevent theft, vandalism, and other illegal activities.
Overall, a degree in criminal law can provide a strong foundation for a successful career in law enforcement, offering both knowledge and skills that are highly valued in this field.
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$32 $28.8
Forensic science
A degree in forensic science can lead to various career paths, including working as a criminal investigator, forensic science specialist, forensic technician, or in police departments, government agencies, hospitals, and medical examiner's offices. With specialised skills gained through a master's degree or other postgraduate studies, individuals can pursue more advanced roles in these fields.
While a degree in criminal law can provide a starting point for a career in forensic science, it is beneficial to complement it with additional scientific qualifications. This can be achieved through a minor or dual degree in forensic science, ensuring individuals have the necessary scientific foundation to work in the field.
Ultimately, the choice between a degree in criminal law or forensic science depends on the specific career goals of the individual. Both degrees offer valuable knowledge and skills, but forensic science provides a more direct path to careers in crime scene investigation and forensic analysis.
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Legal services
A degree in criminal law can open doors to a variety of legal services careers. Here are some options:
Paralegals
Paralegals provide critical support to lawyers by assisting with legal research, drafting legal documents, and preparing for hearings, trials, and meetings. They also help investigate federal crimes, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and testify in court. To become a paralegal, a criminal justice degree or a degree in a related field such as legal studies is often required. Paralegals need strong written communication skills, proficiency with technology, and knowledge of legal terminology. The median annual salary for paralegals is around $60,000, although it can vary depending on location.
Legal Secretaries
Legal secretaries work under paralegals or attorneys and are responsible for preparing legal documents such as subpoenas, summonses, and motions. They may also assist with legal research, scheduling, and basic filing tasks. While a college education is not always required for this role, a criminal justice degree can provide a valuable understanding of legal terms and processes.
Court Reporters
Court reporters create written transcripts of court proceedings, serving as official records of trials. They record statements from witnesses, attorneys, and judges during a trial. A degree in criminal justice or a related field can provide a solid foundation for this role.
Court Clerks
Court clerks handle administrative duties for courts, including organizing records, scheduling hearings, setting up the courtroom, and fact-checking documents. They need strong organizational and interpersonal skills, as well as technology experience due to the extensive documentation involved. A degree in criminal justice or a related field can be advantageous for this position.
Criminal Lawyers
Criminal lawyers offer legal support and defence to individuals within the justice system. Becoming a criminal lawyer typically involves obtaining both undergraduate and graduate degrees, such as a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or legal studies followed by law school specialization in criminal law. Passing a bar examination and acquiring a law license are also necessary steps. Criminal lawyers perform a range of duties, including interviewing witnesses, developing case strategies, gathering testimonies, and handling various criminal cases.
These are just a few examples of legal services careers that can be pursued with a degree in criminal law. Each of these roles plays a crucial part in the justice system, contributing to the administration of justice and the protection of legal rights.
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Corrections
A degree in criminal law can be a great asset for those seeking a career in corrections. Corrections, a component of the criminal justice system, involves the punishment, supervision, and rehabilitation of individuals accused or convicted of crimes.
Career Options in Corrections
There are several career paths within corrections that a degree in criminal law can help you pursue:
- Correctional Officers or Prison Wardens: These professionals work in prisons, jails, or other correctional facilities, supervising and enforcing rules among inmates. They may search inmates and their cells, intervene in conflicts, assign punishments, and aid in criminal investigations. Most correctional officer positions require a bachelor's degree, and some states may require additional training or education.
- Probation and Parole Officers: Probation officers supervise individuals who have committed crimes, often first-time or non-violent offenders, and help them reintegrate into society. Parole offices provide similar services to those released from jail or prison, helping them successfully re-enter the community. A bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field is often a prerequisite for these positions, and additional state-administered training and certification may be required.
- Correctional Treatment Specialists: They develop parole and rehabilitation plans for prisoners before their release. They evaluate inmates to recommend educational or counseling programs that can aid in their reform. A degree in criminal justice, with a focus on corrections, can be beneficial for this role.
- Substance Abuse Counselors: With a degree in corrections, individuals can work as substance abuse counselors in correctional facilities or with parolees and recently released inmates. They provide support, advice, and treatment for individuals struggling with substance abuse issues, helping them overcome their addictions.
- Juvenile Probation Officers: Juvenile probation officers specialize in working with minors who are on probation. They aim to build positive relationships with the probationers and their families to help guide them away from future criminal behavior. A degree in criminal justice, especially with a focus on juvenile corrections, can prepare individuals for this role.
Education and Skills
A degree in criminal law provides a strong foundation for a career in corrections. Students gain knowledge about crime, law, and the justice system, including correctional facilities and social reform. Courses may include criminology, law, leadership, correctional treatment, ethics, and interdisciplinary subjects such as sociology, psychology, and political science.
Additionally, strong communication and psychological fitness are crucial for working in corrections, especially in high-stress and high-risk environments. Many positions in corrections require bachelor's degrees, and advanced positions may call for master's or doctoral degrees. Voluntary certifications, such as those offered by the American Correctional Association (ACA), can also enhance career prospects.
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Paralegal work
Paralegals are legal professionals who support lawyers, law firms, corporations, government entities, non-profits, or any other organization with a legal team. Paralegals work in a variety of settings, from small, single-attorney private law offices to large law firms and the legal divisions of major corporations.
Criminal law paralegals support criminal law cases by preparing and filing legal documents, such as misdemeanor and felony court pleadings, interviewing clients and witnesses, and managing attorney calendars. They also assist attorneys in developing trial strategies, consulting with parties, witnesses, and experts, and conducting legal research and preparing legal documents. Criminal law paralegals must have extensive knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and court procedures. They may also be involved in the investigation of cases, organizing evidence, and preparing witnesses.
To become a paralegal, you typically need at least an associate's degree in paralegal studies, criminal justice, or criminal justice administration. However, an increasing number of employers are requiring candidates to have a bachelor's degree. Some employers may also require a certificate in paralegal studies from a program approved by the American Bar Association.
A degree in criminal law can be beneficial for those seeking to become criminal law paralegals. It provides a strong foundation in the legal system and exposure to law-related subjects, developing research and communication skills valued by employers. The coursework in criminal law procedure can help paralegals understand legal topics and issues, making them well-prepared to support criminal law cases.
Criminal law paralegals can work in private defense firms, state and federal agencies, or prosecutor's offices. They can also advance to administrative and managerial positions within large law firms. The median annual salary for paralegals with criminal skills was $50,868 as of May 2020, according to PayScale, with factors such as experience, certification, and specialization influencing earnings.
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Frequently asked questions
A degree in criminal law can lead to a variety of jobs, including:
- Police officer
- FBI agent
- Forensic analyst
- Lawyer
- Judge
The highest-paying jobs in criminal law are typically within federal law enforcement, such as Chief of Police or FBI Agent, where salaries can exceed $150,000 per year. Other high-paying roles include judge, lawyer, and forensic psychiatrist, with median salaries of $132,950, $145,760, and $215,000, respectively.
Salaries for criminal law jobs can range from $50,000 to $150,000 or higher, depending on the specific role and level of experience and education.
A degree in criminal law can provide a strong foundation for a career in the legal field, as well as specialized knowledge and skills tailored to law enforcement roles. It can also be a good starting point for further education, such as a master's degree, which can lead to more specialized or higher-ranking roles.
A criminal law degree can cover a diverse range of topics, including criminal justice, investigative techniques, public safety, criminal behavior, and the psychological aspects of behavior. It can also include topics such as sociology, law, public administration, and criminal psychology.
