Law Enforcement Officers and Probation Officers are strongly encouraged to get their Bachelors Degree. Many exams and the process to get hired are dependent upon having a college degree. A degree in Criminal Justice is highly desirable and is helpful in gaining entry level positions at the State and Federal level. Also, having a degree in Criminal Justice is beneficial to Police Officers and Dep. Sheriffs, because they are able to promote faster and earn higher pay. More importantly, a degree in Criminal Justice is an excellent foundation for Graduate School and Law School.

Employment for Police Officers and Special Agents is expected to grow 7% from 2022-2032. About 64,500 openings are projected each year. Continued interest in Criminal Justice will only continue to grow due to the demand for Public Safety throughout the nation. Employment for Probation Officers  and Correctional Officers is to grow 6%. 

The average wage for Police Officers and Dep. Sheriffs in Southern California is $102,658.00 annually. In Northern California, the annual salary for Police Officers and Dep. Sheriffs, is $125,000.00. The entry level salary for Special Agents on the State and Federal level is $85,00.00 annually. Also, many agencies include in their benefits package, higher compensation for those who have a degree in Criminal Justice. Last, many promotional opportunities in Public Safety are based upon candidates having a degree in Criminal Justice.