Careers

Criminal justice professionals serve communities through careers in law enforcement, courts, corrections, probation, parole and social services. The field offers diverse opportunities to make a meaningful impact while addressing complex challenges related to public safety and justice.

NDSU graduates work at the local, state and federal levels in agencies such as police and sheriff’s departments, courts, correctional institutions, probation and parole offices, juvenile services, community programs and crime prevention organizations. The program prepares students for rewarding careers dedicated to serving and supporting individuals, families and communities.

Promising Career Paths

The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts an above-average growth rate for numerous roles attainable with a criminal justice degree.

  1. Police and Detectives: Median salary of $74,910 (2023).
  2. Probation Officers/Correctional Treatment Specialists: Median salary of $61,800 (2023).
  3. Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Students visiting at event table.

Destinations

Graduates of our program have gone on to work with the following agencies:

Federal Agencies Local/County Government Non-Profit/Private Agencies State Government
  • Bureau of Corrections
  • Internal Revenue Service
  • US Secret Service
  • Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms
  • Coast Guard
  • US Postal Service
  • Military Service
  • Department of Defense
  • Immigration and Naturalization Services
  • Federal Bureau of Prisons
  • Defense Security Service
  • Department of Homeland Security
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation
  • Federal Drug Enforcement Administration
  • US Marshals
  • Customs Border Protection
  • Department of the Interior
  • Emergency Dispatcher
  • Traffic Officer
  • Police Officer
  • Probation Officer
  • Community Service Officer
  • Juvenile Detention Officer
  • Corrections Officer
  • Court Bailiff
  • Court Security
  • Emergency Call Center Operator
  • Pre-sentence Investigator
  • Water Patrol Officer
  • Sheriff's Deputy
  • Records Clerk
  • Police-School Liaison
  • Investigator
  • Domestic Violence Victims Advocate
  • Sexual Assault Victims Advocate
  • Corporate Crisis Management
  • Executive Protection
  • Private Corrections Officer
  • Security Specialist
  • Private Security Officer
  • Private Detective
  • Fraud Investigator
  • Bondsman
  • Gaming Enforcement Officer
  • State Patrol Officer
  • Corrections Officer
  • Parole Officer
  • Special Agent: Bureau of Criminal Investigations
  • Fingerprint Technician
  • Records Specialist
  • Human Rights Investigator
  • Research Analyst