Criminal Justice Degrees Overview in Alabama
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Criminal justice degree programs prepare graduates for a range of jobs in law enforcement, homeland security, forensics, and law. Depending on the career you want, you may decide to pursue an associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree at a criminal justice college in Alabama.
This guide discusses potential career pathways for graduates of criminal justice colleges in the state.
Criminal Justice Careers in Alabama
Law Enforcement
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers enforce the law. Police typically work in local, state, federal, tribal, or university settings. Officers may need college coursework to work in some police departments or federal agencies.
Correctional Officers and Jailers guard individuals convicted of crimes in prisons and jails, as well as transport them to courtrooms or to different correctional facilities.
Though some correctional officers do not have college degrees, the Federal Bureau of Prisons accepts bachelor's degrees for roles in federal prisons if applicants don't already have experience in the field.
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists rehabilitate and reintegrate formerly-incarcerated individuals into society. These workers may create education, work, and treatment plans for their parolees.
Professionals in these roles typically hold bachelor's degrees.
Homeland Security
Emergency Management Directors make and implement plans in response to natural or man-made disasters. Though some professionals in this field have only high school diplomas, most hold bachelor's degrees as well as additional certifications.
Forensics
Forensic Science Technicians collect, analyze, and store evidence, including tissue, fingerprints, and hair, connected to criminal investigations. They may become experts in a specific field like ballistics or handwriting. Often, they are called on to testify in criminal trials.
Individuals in this field need at least bachelor's degrees, though some also secure master's degrees in forensic science.
Law
Paralegals and Legal Assistants support attorneys by researching cases, discovering legal precedents, and preparing documents. They typically need associate degrees or certificates.
Compliance Officers ensure that the organizations they work for are following necessary laws and regulations. Many sectors, including healthcare, finance, and transportation, offer jobs for compliance officers.
Professionals in this role typically hold bachelor's degrees.
Featured Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
How Alabama Criminal Justice Salaries Compare to National Salaries
Profession | National Average Salary (2022) | Alabama Average Salary (2022) |
---|---|---|
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $71,380 | $48,820 |
Correctional Officers and Jailers | $54,760 mean annual pay | $41,240 |
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | $64,920 | $50,470 |
Emergency Management Directors | $88,890 | $68,910 |
Forensic Science Technicians | $69,260 | $54,360 |
Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $62,840 | $51,130 |
Compliance Officers | $76,980 | $72,380 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Where to Go After Criminal Justice School in Alabama
- Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
- The University of Alabama Police
- Alabama Department of Corrections
- Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- Alabama Emergency Management Agency
- Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences
- University of Alabama System
- Alabama State University
- Maynard Nexsen