Overview of Criminal Justice and Corrections

Criminal justice and corrections refer to the system of law enforcement, including police, courts, and prisons, charged with maintaining social order and public safety. It is also concerned with addressing crime, rehabilitating and reintegrating offenders, and deterring potential offenders. Criminal justice and corrections include the investigation, prosecution, defense, sentencing, and incarceration of offenders next to the work of administrators, probation officers, counselors, and other security personnel.

Career Opportunities Associated with Criminal Justice and Corrections

Careers associated with criminal justice and corrections typically revolve around law enforcement, corrections, probation, parole, and other related fields. Various specific career paths include police officers and detectives, probation and parole officers, crime scene investigators, court reporters, police, and correctional community supervision officers. Other careers include private investigators, forensic scientists, criminologists, corrections officers, and attorneys.

Internship or Co-op Opportunities Related to Criminal Justice and Corrections

There are numerous internship and co-op opportunities related to criminal justice and corrections. Internships provide students with a unique exploration experience and may include working with inmates, criminal justice organizations, and law enforcement. Co-ops, while also providing hands-on experience, involve actual employment with an organization or agency, providing students with more practical experience.

Specialized Tracks or Concentrations within Criminal Justice and Corrections

There are various specialized tracks and concentrations available in criminal justice and corrections. Some may include: criminology, law enforcement administration, security studies, forensic studies, and corrections management. Tracks may also cover specialized topics such as drug enforcement, criminal investigations, and homeland security.

How Criminal Justice and Corrections Prepares Students for Graduate School or Further Education

A criminal justice and corrections degree prepares students for graduate school by giving them a solid foundation in essential skills and knowledge. Through classes and coursework, students gain an understanding of the principles, theories, and history of the criminal justice system. They also acquire the ability to analyze and interpret criminal justice research, making them better prepared to pursue graduate-level education.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Criminal Justice and Corrections

As more and more fields utilize artificial intelligence, criminal justice and corrections is no exception. AI is already being used in law enforcement and corrections to aid in the investigation and detection of crimes, as well as in monitoring inmates and providing other security and safety measures. AI can also be used to better predict, analyze, and evaluate crime patterns, thus aiding in the prevention of crime and better protecting citizens.

The Career Outlook for Criminal Justice and Corrections

The career outlook for criminal justice and corrections is positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the field is projected to grow by 7% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. Areas of opportunity include law enforcement, corrections, public administration, and the security industry. Criminal justice and corrections professionals can expect good job security and competitive salaries.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Criminal Justice and Corrections:

Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Aguadilla, Salary: $9,524

Fisher College, Salary: $73,807

Siena Heights University, Salary: $66,436

Robert Morris University, Salary: $57,195

Reinhardt University, Salary: $56,089

Wayland Baptist University, Salary: $55,876

Central Christian College of Kansas, Salary: $54,338

National University, Salary: $53,819

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach, Salary: $53,718

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide, Salary: $53,718

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Corrections.