The criminal justice career field encompasses a wide variety of jobs and roles, from police officers and deputies to lawyers and probation officers. Jobs are available with government institutions, private firms, and agencies, such as jails, prisons, courthouses, and correctional facilities.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that criminal justice jobs will grow by 3% over the next decade. Within the field, there is a wide variety of careers available. Furthermore, if you choose to pursue a career in criminal justice at the municipal, state, or federal level, you may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
Available to: Undergraduate & Graduate Students Award Amount: $500 The NAGE Scholarship is available to members of NAGE, IBPO, IBCO, NAGE/EMS, and IAEP. The spouses, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and significant others of members are also eligible to apply.
What are the Best Careers in Criminal Justice?
Criminal justice covers a wide breadth of careers and roles. Coursework in Criminal Justice may cover history, government, criminal law, law enforcement, psychology, and sociology. However, like any field of study, students can zero in on a specific interest. They may fall into one of the categories below:Advocacy
Individuals who pursue a career in advocacy are compassionate and bent on helping others. They either work with victims or for those working to make amends for past criminal injustices. Jobs in this field include victim advocacy, child advocacy, juvenile probation, immigrant advocacy, and prisoner reentry into the community.Law Enforcement
When people hear "criminal justice," they often think of "law enforcement." While these individuals do need to learn how to safely engage with and protect community members, there is more to it than that. Law enforcement includes communicating effectively, understanding the psychology of human behavior, and effectively, ethically, and legally apprehending offenders. Individuals who pursue law enforcement as an academic field go on to work for their local police, the FBI, or the CIA.Legal
Legal, under the umbrella of Criminal Justice, encompasses a variety of roles, such as lawyers and paralegals. Lawyers and paralegals require critical thinking, logic, and presentation skills. Academically, these individuals will learn how the criminal justice system works and the psychology behind human behavior.Psychology and Social Work
There are psychological and sociological sides to criminal justice. These lines of work seek to help offenders and victims with psychological diagnoses, mental health concerns, and the effects of trauma. Jobs can be found in mental health counseling and social services.Criminal Justice Scholarships to Apply for Now
Many colleges and universities, as well as private organizations, provide criminal justice scholarships. Below are just a few within the Fastweb database.WIFLE Scholarship
Deadline: 5/1/26 Available to: College Students Award amount: $2,500 The WIFLE Scholarship is available to full-time students who have completed at least one year of college. You must be majoring in criminal justice or a related field and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be eligible for this award. A 500 - word essay is also required.Thomas J. Butler Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: 5/1/26 Available to: High School Seniors Award amount: Varies The Thomas J. Butler Memorial Scholarship is available to graduating high school seniors residing in South Boston, MA. You must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate an interest in pursuing studies in criminal justice, political science, public service, or social services to be considered for this award.Virginia Sheriffs' Institute Scholarship
Deadline: 5/1/26 Available to: High School & College Students Award amount: Varies The Virginia Sheriffs' Institute Scholarship is available to students who are permanent residents of Virginia. You be at least 18 years of age and be majoring in criminal justice to be eligible for this award.NAGE Scholarship
Deadline: 5/15/26Available to: Undergraduate & Graduate Students Award Amount: $500 The NAGE Scholarship is available to members of NAGE, IBPO, IBCO, NAGE/EMS, and IAEP. The spouses, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and significant others of members are also eligible to apply.
Brian Terry Foundation Scholarship
Deadline: 5/31/26 Available to: High School Seniors & College Students Award amount: $2,000 The Brian Terry Foundation Scholarship is available to graduating high school seniors and current undergraduate students. You must be majoring in criminal justice or a related field and have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be eligible for this award. Only the first 100 applications will be accepted.Robert L. Johnson Academic Scholarship
Deadline: 6/1/26 Available to: Undergraduate & Graduate Students Award amount: Varies The Robert L. Johnson Academic Scholarship is available to undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing a career in forensic identification.Edward J. Kiernan Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: 7/31/26 Available to: High School Seniors Award Amount: Varies The Edward J. Kiernan Memorial Scholarship is available to graduating high school seniors who intend to pursue a career in law enforcement, labor relations, or a related field. Your parent or guardian must be a member of a union affiliated with the International Union of Police Associations to be eligible for this award.Golden Valley Crime Prevention Fund Scholarship
Deadline: 8/1/26 Available to: Undergraduate & Graduate Students Award Amount: $2,500 The Golden Valley Crime Prevention Fund Scholarship is available to students who reside and attend school in Minnesota. You must be pursuing a degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, community crime prevention, or fire protection to be eligible for this award.Missouri Blue Scholarship for Law Enforcement
Deadline: Varies Available to: Undergraduate & Graduate Students Award amount: $5,000 The Missouri Blue Scholarship for Law Enforcement is available to students who will enroll in a basic training academy within Missouri. To be eligible for this award, you must be a U.S. citizen and a resident of Missouri.John Reinert Scholarship
Deadline: Varies Available to: Undergraduate & Graduate Students Award amount: $1,000 The John Reinert Scholarship is available to LGBTQ+ students who are currently enrolled in a basic law enforcement training program. You must be a visible, positive role model for law enforcement to be considered for this award.You Might Also Like
Kathryn Knight Randolph
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Kathryn Knight Randolph covers trends in higher education, changes to admissions and financial aid practices, and the student experience. She is passionate about simplifying the college search and financia...
