Also called: Criminology Professor, Law Enforcement Instructor (College)
Teaches college courses on policing, courts, corrections, and crime, often after a career in the field.
A criminal justice professor might teach a class on constitutional policing, then advise students hunting for probation internships. Many are former police officers, lawyers, or probation officers who bring real case stories into class.
May 2025 BLS figures.
Doctorate (PhD), about 8 years after high school. Master's or Ph.D.; community colleges often hire people with a master's and field experience.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $60k – $150k.
Majors to look at: Criminal Justice, Criminology, Sociology, Law.
Growing about average (about 2% over 10 years). BLS projects about-average growth (2024-34).
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. AI helps grade and prep lectures; field stories from ex-officers and lawyers and live teaching stay human.
Classes: Government, Criminal justice CTE, Psychology.
Official data: O*NET occupation 25-1111.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.