The field of law enforcement contains many unique and exciting careers. From local law enforcement to corrections, the private sector and even national security, an ambitious mind can find a variety of rewarding criminal justice career paths to explore.
Within each area of criminal justice there are specific careers, each with a unique role in law enforcement. There are the officers who directly engage the public, the detectives who piece crimes together based on evidence, and the lab analysts who work with that evidence to provide answers to the miniscule questions of a case.
Outside of law enforcement there is national and homeland security, where agents ensure the security of the nation’s borders or protect the country from terrorist threats.
Here you will also find information on criminal justice salaries, as well as career outlook information.
Exlore the career options below and find the right path for you.
Corrections
Correctional officers run the nation’s jail and prison facilities, performing roles ranging from security to administration, and even education. See the various correctional career paths available here.
Health & Science Sector
Away from the hustle and bustle of the police station or the courthouse is the other wing of the criminal justice world: the science. Falling under this umbrella are the forensic scientists glamorized by shows such as CSI and Law … Continue reading
Law Enforcement
There are as many different law enforcement agencies as there are crayons in a box of Crayolas. Each one, though, has a specific function and jurisdiction. With a country as large and wide-ranging as the United States, there are numerous … Continue reading
Legal & Government
The government employs professionals with criminal justice backgrounds, as does the legal system. Lawyers and others involved in the courts system often have criminal justice degrees, supplemented by specialized training in their field of law. Explore these challenging career paths … Continue reading
Private Sector
Besides public law enforcement, criminal justice professionals can also be employed for private companies, organizations and individuals to provide day-to-day protection or security. These professionals may be self-employed as private investigators, where they may also occasionally work with public agencies … Continue reading




