The online Master of Arts (MA) in Criminal Justice program from the University of Southern Indiana (USI) provides a career-focused avenue for those seeking to make a mark in the U.S. justice system. With a unique 50/50 core course-to-elective course ratio, students can tailor their education to their specific career aspirations. This intentional structure acknowledges the diverse and dynamic nature of criminal justice careers.
Whether delving into the intricacies of crime and media, untangling the complexities of domestic terrorism, or exploring innovative policing strategies, students gain a holistic understanding of the field. This program gives potential leaders the analytical skills and strategic thinking required to implement effective and groundbreaking community protection strategies.
Here are five career options representing a wide range of settings and areas in the field, including average annual salary data:
1. FBI Intelligence Analyst
These analysts are vital to our nation’s security, defending against emerging threats. Reporting to supervisory special agents and working closely with partners across the intelligence community, they consolidate crucial information from databases into strategic, analytic intelligence.
Their responsibilities contribute significantly to the proactive mitigation of risks. The role demands a keen ability to analyze information, providing insights for a comprehensive understanding of threats and vulnerabilities. FBI intelligence analysts earn an average annual salary of $100,058.
Key tasks include:
- Threat analysis: Assess and communicate real-time analytic judgments regarding threats and intelligence gaps.
- Collection management: Enhance intelligence collection capabilities and disseminate raw intelligence against priority collection requirements and intelligence gaps.
- Domain analysis: Consolidate comprehensive information into strategic analytic products, contextualizing intelligence and enhancing understanding of threats, gaps and vulnerabilities.
- Targeting analysis: Share collected information across teams, identifying gaps while ensuring timely and accurate reporting of intelligence.
2. Police Detective
Sometimes called agents or special agents, police detectives unravel complex cases and bring perpetrators to justice. Beyond the initial crime scene investigation, their responsibilities require sharp analytical skills and a profound understanding of criminal behavior.
Police detectives often juggle multiple cases simultaneously. Their work is not only crucial for maintaining public safety but also for upholding the principles of justice within communities. Police detectives typically report to higher-ranking officers within the police department’s investigative division. Police detectives often lead a team of officers or investigators, including patrol officers or specialized units. These professionals earn a median annual salary of $70,336.
Key tasks include:
- Crime scene investigation: Conduct thorough examinations, gathering evidence and ensuring proper documentation for forensic analysis.
- Witness interviews and interrogations: Interact with witnesses and suspects, extracting relevant information through effective interview and interrogation techniques.
- Evidence analysis: Collaborate with forensic experts to analyze physical evidence, such as fingerprints, DNA and other trace elements crucial to building a case.
- Case research and documentation: Collaborate with other agencies to conduct in-depth research to gather information pertinent to the case, maintaining detailed and organized records for court use.
- Court testimony: Prepare and present evidence in court, providing testimony as a credible and knowledgeable witness to support the prosecution.
3. Criminal Investigator
These professionals, also sometimes referred to as detectives, communicate and collaborate with other law enforcement professionals to solve crimes and reduce illegal activity. According to Indeed, good criminal investigators have skills and knowledge in communication, using technology, human body language, ethics, legal matters, critical thinking and deductive reasoning. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for this role is $91,610.
According to Indeed, key tasks for this role include:
- Evidence collection: Criminal investigators must be adept at maintaining and organizing information. They collect and analyze evidence related to illegal activities.
- Investigation: These professionals play a crucial role in investigating and studying criminal activity.
- Crime scene help: These professionals sometimes direct other crime professionals at crime scenes based on evidence and context.
- Recordkeeping: In order to maintain accuracy and ethics, these professionals prepare reports and maintain confidential files and records.
- Participate in court: Criminal investigators sometimes testify in court about findings and evidence.
4. Police Identification and Records Officer
These officers are responsible for the documentation and organization of critical information. Reporting to higher-ranking officials within the police department, they oversee a team dedicated to the comprehensive management of records and the identification of crucial evidence.
Police identification and records officers connect law enforcement professionals to the wealth of information required for effective decision-making and problem solving. These officers earn an average annual salary of $107,070.
Key tasks include:
- Documentation: Enter and maintain information in written or electronic form, ensuring accuracy and accessibility and acting as a hub for disseminating critical data within the department.
- Application of knowledge: Stay technologically up-to-date and apply new knowledge to enhance the efficiency of identification and record-keeping processes.
- Communication: Provide information to supervisors, co-workers and subordinates through various communication channels.
- Decision-making and problem solving: Analyze information, evaluate results and make decisions.
5. Correctional Treatment Specialist
These professionals facilitate the rehabilitation of individuals within correctional facilities. Reporting to higher-ranking officials such as correctional program directors or supervisors, they act as a hub in the complex web of rehabilitation efforts within correctional institutions. Correctional treatment specialists earn an average annual salary of $92,153.
Key tasks include:
- Assessment and case management: Conduct assessments of inmates to determine individual needs and risks and develop tailored case management plans for effective rehabilitation.
- Counseling: Provide guidance to inmates, addressing issues such as substance abuse, mental health and behavioral problems to support positive behavioral change.
- Program development and implementation: Collaborate with correctional staff to design and implement rehabilitation programs that address the diverse needs of the inmate population.
- Monitoring progress and compliance: Regularly monitor and evaluate the progress of inmates in rehabilitation programs and facilitate reentry planning by coordinating with other resources.
USI provides a solid foundation for aspiring professionals in criminal justice. By developing critical skills in leadership, analysis and adaptability, the online MA in Criminal Justice program empowers individuals to excel in wide-ranging roles across a variety of settings. If you plan to pursue any of these careers, the program can help propel you into an impactful leadership role.
Learn more about USI’s online Master of Arts in Criminal Justice program.
