What career paths open up right after an online criminal justice degree, and what do those jobs actually pay?
An online criminal justice degree can open doors to law enforcement, corrections, investigations, and forensics, but it does not guarantee a specific job or salary. Get An Education Online’s careers page lists law enforcement, criminology, corrections, forensics, and lawyers in the criminal justice field, and it cites Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, 2012 figures for detectives and criminal investigators at $77,860, fraud examiners, investigators and analysts at $67,020, and lawyers at $130,880.
Which criminal justice careers can you step into first?
If you want to work soon after graduation, focus first on law enforcement, corrections, investigations, and forensic support. Those are the closest matches to the site’s criminal justice career list; lawyer is also listed, but that path usually takes additional schooling and is not the quickest entry point.
- Law enforcement: Direct fit for public-safety work. The page does not list a salary figure for this role.
- Corrections: Direct fit for jail, prison, or supervision work. The page does not list a salary figure.
- Criminology and investigations: The site’s salary examples include detectives and criminal investigators at $77,860 and fraud examiners, investigators and analysts at $67,020.
- Forensics: Direct fit for evidence-focused work. The page does not list a salary figure.
- Lawyer: Included in the field list and cited at $130,880, but this is usually a longer education path.
If your goal is to get into the field faster, the most practical starting point is usually the jobs tied to law enforcement, corrections, and investigative support.
How much do those jobs actually pay?
The site’s BLS examples show a wide pay range, from $67,020 for fraud examiners, investigators and analysts to $130,880 for lawyers. If you want a role that is closer to graduation-day employment, the detective and investigator figure of $77,860 is the most relevant number the page gives for criminal justice work.
| Career path | Pay cited on the site | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $77,860 | Investigation-focused role |
| Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts | $67,020 | Often tied to compliance or fraud work |
| Lawyer | $130,880 | Included in the field list, but not a quick-entry job |
| Law enforcement | Not listed on the page | Pay varies by employer and location |
| Corrections | Not listed on the page | Pay varies by employer and location |
| Forensics | Not listed on the page | Pay varies by employer and location |
These figures are cited on Get An Education Online from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, 2012, so treat them as reference points rather than a promise of current pay.
Which jobs usually need more education?
A criminal justice degree can be the start, not the finish. The site says degree level depends on your available time and budget, and it notes that employers are often more impressed with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree than a diploma. That makes your target role important before you enroll.
Ask yourself these three questions before you pick a program:
- Does the job require a certification or exam?
- Will an associate’s degree be enough, or does the role favor a bachelor’s degree?
- Is there any added training after hire?
If you are aiming for a role that expects more education, plan for that now instead of discovering it too late.
What should you ask a school before you apply?
If you are comparing online criminal justice programs, ask questions that protect your time and money. The right program should fit your schedule, location, career choice, and transfer-credit needs.
- What jobs do graduates actually move into?
- What are graduation rates?
- How do alumni describe their outcomes?
- What financial aid is available?
- Can credits transfer if you change programs later?
- Are there any in-person requirements I need to plan for?
- Does the school have a reputation employers recognize?
The site’s FAQ says employers usually see the school name and degree, not a special “online” label, so reputation still matters.
What are the biggest warning signs?
Walk away if a school will not give you straight answers. The brand’s caution list flags missing information, embellished or false financial aid claims, hidden in-person requirements, and guaranteed completion timeframes.
A real program should explain:
- Program requirements
- Total cost
- Transfer-credit rules
- Any required on-campus or in-person training
- Graduation and career outcome expectations
If a school cannot explain those basics clearly, it is not protecting you. Education is an investment, not a leap of faith.
What is the smartest next move?
Do not guess. Match the degree to the role, check the salary data, and talk to an advisor before you commit. If you want a career in criminal justice, start by narrowing the path you want most: law enforcement, corrections, investigations, forensics, or a longer-term legal track.
Get An Education Online can help you compare programs by subject area and connect you with a program representative or advisor, but your job is to verify the fit. Ask the hard questions now so you do not pay for the wrong program later.