What Can I Do With A Major In…
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
General Information:
Criminal Justice is a social science that attempts to identify and explain the patterns of criminal
behavior and to analyze society's ability to control crime and delinquency. It studies crime,
criminals, and the criminal justice system through an interdisciplinary approach that combines
legal studies, sociology, political science, psychology, forensic science, public administration, urban
studies, and philosophy. Criminal Justice focuses on the definitions, causes, and prevention of crime,
and with legal processes and the treatment and rehabilitation of offenders. A criminal justice major
will learn about the legal and correction systems in the US, the philosophy of punishment and
deterrence of crimes, and the ethical codes of behavior with which to make use of this knowledge.
Generally, Criminal Justice careers can be divided into 5 categories: law enforcement,
courts/judiciary, corrections, forensic studies, and private security.
Options at UCCS include:
General
Forensic Studies
and Public Policy.
Corrections
Law Enforcement
Family Violence
Law
A dual degree with Psychology is also offered.
Career Possibilities:
Arson Investigator
Insurance Fraud Investigator
Police Officer/Sheriff’s Deputy
Secret Service
Probation/Parole Officer
*Detectives/Criminal Investigators
Transportation Security Officer
*May require further education or certificate
Immigration Officer
Corrections Officer
*CIA/FBI/DEA/ATF
*Crime Analyst or Criminologist
Compliance Officer
*Judge or Lawyer
Statistics:
· 2013 Annual median salary for Police & Sheriff’s Patrol Officers is $65,000; employment is
expected to grow 13% by 2020.
· 2013 Annual median salary for Detectives & Criminal Investigators is $78,700; employment is
expected to grow 16% by 2020.
· 2013 Annual median salary for Probation Officers is $49,500; employment is expected to grow
22% by 2020.
· 2013 Annual median salary for Compliance Officers is $65,400; employment is expected to grow
36% by 2020.
UCCS Clubs:
Go to http://sll.uccs.edu/Clubs and log into Mountain Lion Connect in the top corner for a list of
clubs or contact the SGA Office for more information, 719.255.3470 or studlife@uccs.edu.
For more information:
www.criminaljusticeusa.com
www.careeroverview.com
Sources:
www.worldwidelearn.com
www.mymajors.com
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
www.simplyhired.com
dcj.state.co.us
www.cjed.com/careers