A Criminal Justice Professor is an academic educator and researcher specializing in the field of criminal justice, covering areas like law enforcement, the judicial system, corrections, and criminology. They educate students at the postsecondary level and contribute to scholarly research in their field.
Education: Doctoral or professional degree
Years in related career: None
On-the-job training: None
Projected Growth: 2.7% (average)
Annual job openings: 1,200
Direct AI exposure: 20% of tasks
Potential AI exposure: 68% of tasks
| According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, average income (in USD) in 2025 was $77K per year. | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom 10% | Bottom 25% | Median (average) | Top 25% | Top 10% |
| $45K per year | $60K per year | $77K per year | $101K per year | $140K per year |
| Compared to other careers: Median is $26K above the national average. | ||||
Criminal Justice Professors typically work in universities and colleges. Their work environment includes classrooms, lecture halls, and offices where they conduct research and prepare educational materials. They may also work in settings like law enforcement agencies or legal institutions for research purposes.
Criminal Justice Professors play a crucial role in educating the next generation of criminal justice professionals. They combine theoretical knowledge with practical insights to provide comprehensive education in criminal justice. Professors in this field not only impart knowledge but also encourage critical thinking and ethical considerations among students, preparing them for various roles within the criminal justice system.
Their role involves staying abreast of the latest developments and research in criminal justice to provide up-to-date education and to contribute to ongoing scholarly conversations in the field. This requires a continuous engagement with current issues, legal developments, and advancements in crime prevention and law enforcement techniques.
The profession is ideal for individuals who are passionate about criminal justice and are committed to advancing the field through education and research. It offers the opportunity to shape future professionals and make a significant impact on the field of criminal justice.
To become a Criminal Justice Professor, one usually needs a Ph.D. in criminal justice or a related field, which can take about 6-8 years of post-bachelor's degree education. Some positions may accept a master's degree with significant professional experience in the field.
Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.