Career Options

A bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice prepares students for professional positions at the federal, state, or local levels in law enforcement, forensic, consumer reporting, court, correction, private security, or juvenile fields. Our graduates can be found in criminal justice or law positions in government agencies, corporations, or private offices around the world. They work as federal special agents, police officers, forensic specialists, intelligence analysts, game wardens, judges, attorneys, probation officers, correctional administrators, juvenile specialists, background investigators, and more.

What about advanced study? The bachelor’s degree also gives students the skills needed to pursue a graduate degree in criminal justice, law, or related area.

Together, the department has several career planning opportunities, including an annual Criminal Justice Career Fair with representatives on campus from a broad spectrum of federal, state, and local criminal justice agencies as well as area law schools. Explore “What Can I Do With This Major?” for a comprehensive overview of the career paths available to criminal justice majors. We have also developed Career Fact Sheets for numerous opportunities – click the links below to learn more.

Career options with a degree in Criminal Justice include:

Law Enforcement & Forensics

• Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent
• Secret Service Agent
• Patrol Officer
• Criminal Investigator
• Forensic Scientist
• Criminal Profiler
• Police Special Operations
• Immigration and Customs Enforcement Officer
• Crime Scene Specialist
• Criminal Intelligence Analyst
• Crime Scene Investigator
• Wildlife Officer
• NC State Bureau of Investigation Special Agent
• Basic Law Enforcement Training

Law and Courts

• Judge
• Prosecutor
• Attorney
• Paralegal
• Criminal Defense
• Court Services Specialist
• Victim Advocate
• Law School

Corrections

• US Probation Officer
• Probation or Parole Officer
• Prison or Jail Administrator
• Correctional Officer
• Case Manager
• Substance Use Counselor

Juvenile Justice

• Juvenile Court Counselor
• Detention Center Supervisor
• Youth Counselor Technician
• Youth Development Center Program Manager
• Youth Services Behavioral Specialist

Crime Research and Analysis

• Criminologist
• Crime or Intelligence Analyst

Private Investigation and Security

• Consumer Reporting
• Background Investigation

For additional information on career opportunities and skills, please visit Career Services.