Criminal Justice Professor

Your Fit

Income

$69K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

2.7%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Criminal Justice Professor?

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.

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The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Criminal Justice Professor.

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Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

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How much does a Criminal Justice Professor earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$46K per year	$56K per year	$69K per year	$102K per year	$135K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $21K above the national average.

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What does a Criminal Justice Professor do?

Work environment

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.

Quick task list

Develops and teaches courses in criminal justice.
Conducts research and publishes findings in academic journals.
Advises and mentors students on academic and career paths.
Participates in academic committees and contributes to curriculum development.
Engages in professional development and stays up to date with current trends in criminal justice.

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Areas of specialization

Criminology: Studying the causes, consequences, and prevention of criminal behavior.
Forensic Science: Focusing on the application of scientific methods to crime investigation.
Juvenile Justice: Specializing in the juvenile justice system and related issues.
Law Enforcement: Concentrating on policing practices and law enforcement agencies.
Corrections and Rehabilitation: Examining prison systems, probation, parole, and rehabilitation programs.

Description

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.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Influencing and shaping the careers of future criminal justice professionals.
Engaging in meaningful research that contributes to advancements in the field.
Intellectual stimulation and continuous learning within an evolving discipline.
The opportunity to advocate for justice and ethical practices in criminal justice.

You might make a good Criminal Justice Professor if you are...

Passionate about the field of criminal justice and its impact on society.
Skilled in research, analysis, and communication.
Interested in teaching, mentoring, and guiding students.
Committed to ongoing learning and staying informed about current legal and social issues.
Able to critically evaluate and discuss complex and sensitive topics.

Pros:

Engaging and fulfilling work in educating and shaping future minds.
Opportunities for research and contributing to meaningful advancements in criminal justice.
Academic freedom to explore and teach various aspects of criminal justice.

Cons:

The academic job market can be competitive, and securing tenure-track positions may be challenging.
Balancing teaching responsibilities with research and publishing demands.
The need to continually update course material and approaches in a rapidly evolving field.

How to become a Criminal Justice Professor

Typical education

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.

High school preparation

Courses:

Social Studies, particularly courses related to government, history, and psychology, to build a foundational understanding of criminal justice.
English and Communication for developing strong writing and public speaking skills.
Statistics or Mathematics to prepare for research methodology and data analysis.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participation in debate clubs to develop critical thinking and argumentation skills.
Volunteering in community service projects, particularly those related to law enforcement or social justice.
Involvement in student government to gain an understanding of governance and policy-making.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, criminology, sociology, or a related field.
Gain experience through internships or part-time jobs in law enforcement, legal firms, or social services.
Obtain a master's degree and eventually a Ph.D. in criminal justice or a closely related discipline.
Engage in research projects and seek opportunities to publish or present academic work.

More resources

American Society of Criminology (ASC) - Provides resources, networking opportunities, and conferences for professionals in criminology.
Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) - A professional organization dedicated to criminal justice education and research.
National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS) - Offers a wealth of resources and publications on various criminal justice topics.
Journal of Criminal Justice Education - Features scholarly articles on criminal justice education and teaching methodologies.
The Criminologist - The official newsletter of the American Society of Criminology, providing insights into current trends and research in the field.

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