Criminal Justice Jobs ✅ Best University Positions Await

Ignite Your Passion for Justice: Criminal Justice Careers in Higher Education!

Criminal Justice faculty jobs represent a vital intersection of academia and public service, where educators shape future policymakers, law enforcement leaders, and reformers. From tenure-track professor roles at research universities to adjunct positions at community colleges, opportunities span the U.S. AcademicJobs.com features the newest higher ed faculty jobs tailored for Criminal Justice experts. Students eyeing this path should focus on bachelor's programs in criminology or justice studies, advancing to PhDs for professorial roles—key steps toward impactful careers.

Professionals benefit from competitive salaries, with median earnings for postsecondary Criminal Justice teachers at $79,430 in 2023 per BLS data, often higher in urban centers. Explore detailed breakdowns on professor salaries, rate standout educators via Rate My Professor, and access higher ed career advice. With justice reform accelerating post-2020, demand surges for faculty versed in data-driven policing and equity. Dive into listings at higher ed jobs today and elevate your trajectory in this essential field.

Why Pursue Criminal Justice Faculty Positions?

Criminal Justice academia offers prestige through contributions to policy and research. Faculty influence real-world change, from analyzing recidivism rates to training future FBI analysts. Trends show 8% job growth projected through 2032 (BLS 2023), fueled by cybersecurity threats and restorative justice initiatives. Fringe quirk: Programs like John Jay College's forensic psychology track integrate NYPD collaborations, providing unparalleled hands-on prestige.

Link your expertise to openings in high-demand areas via professor jobs or lecturer jobs.

Top Criminal Justice Programs Nationwide

Leading institutions drive innovation. Rate professors and courses at these hubs using Rate My Professor for insider insights.

John Jay College of Criminal Justice

New York City's only dedicated CJ college (founded 1964) excels in forensics and counterterrorism, with alumni in federal agencies.

University of Cincinnati

Pioneered first CJ bachelor's (1934); strong co-op programs link students to justice agencies.

Florida State University

Renowned for criminology research; 2023 rankings top-tier per U.S. News.

Northeastern University

Fringe edge: Experiential co-ops with Boston PD, blending theory and practice.

Texas programs thrive near borders—check Texas higher ed jobs.

Criminal Justice Professor Salaries and Earnings

Earnings vary by rank, location, and institution. Northeast hubs like New York pay premiums; Southern states offer lower costs. 2023 AAUP data pegs social science assistant professors at ~$85,000 average.

Rank	Median Salary (2023)	Top Locations
Assistant Professor	$70,000 - $90,000	New York, California
Associate Professor	$85,000 - $110,000	Texas, Florida
Full Professor	$110,000+	Ivy League affiliates

Verify latest at professor salaries and university salaries.

Career Paths for Criminal Justice Students

Aspiring professors start with BA/BS in Criminal Justice, pursue MA/MS, then PhD. Key courses: victimology, juvenile justice. Post-grad, gain experience as research assistants. Rate mentors on Rate My Professor to choose wisely. Paths diverge to policy roles or tenure-track via adjunct professor jobs.

Parents and students: Leverage career advice for success.

Trends and Quirks in Criminal Justice Education

AI in predictive policing and defunding debates spur new curricula. Locale quirk: California's focus on prison reform yields specialized faculty roles; link to California jobs. Anecdote: Rutgers' cybercrime center trains profs for digital frontiers. Rate innovative courses at Rate My Professor.

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Associations for Criminal Justice

American Society of Criminology
A leading organization promoting scholarly, scientific, and professional knowledge concerning the etiology, prevention, control, and treatment of crime and delinquency.
Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences
An international association dedicated to fostering professional and scholarly activities in the field of criminal justice.
International Society for Criminology
A global organization aimed at advancing criminological research and facilitating international cooperation among scholars and practitioners.
British Society of Criminology
A professional body promoting criminology and supporting criminologists in the United Kingdom through research, education, and policy engagement.
Australian and New Zealand Society of Criminology
An organization focused on advancing criminological research, teaching, and practice in Australia and New Zealand.
European Society of Criminology
A continental society dedicated to promoting criminological scholarship and facilitating collaboration among European criminologists.
Asian Criminological Society
An association aimed at advancing criminological knowledge and fostering collaboration among scholars and practitioners in Asia.

Frequently Asked Questions

💰What is the average salary for a Criminal Justice professor?

Median pay for postsecondary Criminal Justice teachers was $79,430 in 2023 (BLS), with full professors exceeding $110,000. Check specifics by rank and location at professor salaries.

🎓What qualifications are needed for Criminal Justice faculty jobs?

A PhD in Criminal Justice, Criminology, or related field is standard for tenure-track roles. Adjuncts may hold master's. Gain experience via research assistant jobs and review career advice.

🏫Which universities have the best Criminal Justice programs?

Standouts include John Jay College, University of Cincinnati, and Florida State. Rate professors and courses at Rate My Professor for authentic feedback.