Law & Public
What Can You Do With a Criminal Justice Degree?
Study the justice system, from law enforcement to courts and corrections. We track 6 careers that a Criminal Justice degree commonly leads to, with median pay from $66,270 to $159,670 depending on the role and how far you take it.
How these numbers work: A major does not have its own salary. The pay above comes from the 6 careers below that a Criminal Justice degree commonly leads to, using each one's national median wage from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Entry-level roles sit toward the bottom of that range and advanced or graduate-level roles toward the top, so where you land depends on the specific career and any further education. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034).
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Frequently asked questions
What can you do with a Criminal Justice degree?
A Criminal Justice degree commonly leads to 6 careers we track, including Lawyer / Attorney, Detective / Criminal Investigator, and Emergency Management Director. Median pay across those roles runs from $66,270 to $159,670 a year (BLS).
How much do Criminal Justice majors make?
A major does not have its own salary. The 6 careers a Criminal Justice degree leads to have national median wages from $66,270 to $159,670 a year (BLS). Entry-level roles sit toward the bottom of that range and senior or graduate-level roles toward the top.
What jobs can a Criminal Justice major get?
Common roles include Lawyer / Attorney, Detective / Criminal Investigator, Emergency Management Director, and Criminal Justice / Law Enforcement. Lawyer / Attorney is among the higher-paying, at $159,670 median.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.