Make a Difference with a Career in Criminal Justice

In today's world we are facing some of the most serious social problems ever faced by society, including how to effectively deal with crime in a rapidly changing world. Today's students are tomorrow's front line protectors and policy makers. They are tomorrow's professionals who will ultimately walk the fine line between crime control and due process. It is a commendable and challenging pursuit for young, passionate minds.

Job Market and Industry Growth

Specifically in regard to criminal justice and related majors, there have been large increases in the last 10 years in such areas as homeland security, law enforcement, and other protective services. Based on actual employment data from the Pennsylvania Center for Workforce Information and Analysis, graduates from this program are most likely to be employed as police and sheriff’s patrol officers, detectives and criminal investigators, and supervisors of same, with around 80% in the first group.

Types of careers Penn State Criminal Justice degree holders can investigate:

Federal Level

  • Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Inspector or Agent
  • Victim Services Specialist
  • Customs Aide
  • Drug Enforcement Specialist
  • Environmental Conservation Officer
  • FBI Agent, Fish and Wildlife Agent
  • Immigration and Naturalization Investigator or Deportation Officer
  • Inspector General Investigator
  • Internal Revenue Investigator
  • Park Police Officer
  • Postal Service Investigator
  • Secret Service Agent

State Level

  • Deputy Sheriff or State Investigator
  • County or Municipal Investigator
  • State Police Officer
  • Municipal Police Officer

Court-Related

  • Court Administrator
  • Domestic Violence Counselor
  • Paralegal
  • Pretrial Services Officer
  • Research Analyst
  • Support Services Coordinator

Correctional Careers

  • Correctional Treatment Specialist
  • Correctional Officer
  • Employment Counselor
  • Juvenile Justice Counselor
  • Parole Officer
  • Probation Officer
  • Runaway Counselor
  • Substance Abuse Specialist

Private Security Careers & Administrative Positions

  • Retail Security
  • Industrial Security
  • Institutional Security
  • Commercial Security Positions