How to Become a Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Professor: Is It the Right Career for You?

Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Professor Career Video

Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Professors play an essential role in educating the next generation of police officers, forensic experts, legal professionals, and public safety administrators. With growing demand for ethical leadership, criminal justice reform, and evidence-based practices in law enforcement, this academic field offers both societal impact and intellectual challenge. If you're passionate about justice, law, public policy, and education, a career as a Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Professor could be the perfect fit.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about this career path—from job responsibilities and working conditions to salary, job prospects, and self-assessment tools to help determine if it aligns with your personal goals.

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What Does a Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Professor Do?

Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Professors play a crucial role in shaping the next generation of public safety professionals, legal analysts, policy advisors, and law enforcement leaders. Working in colleges, universities, and sometimes community or technical colleges, they deliver specialized instruction in areas such as criminology, law enforcement operations, correctional systems, forensic science, and justice policy. Their expertise often stems from a combination of academic scholarship and real-world experience in criminal justice fields, such as policing, courts, or corrections.

These educators bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that students understand both the conceptual frameworks underlying justice systems and their practical applications. Whether leading undergraduate lectures or mentoring graduate research, professors in this field help students develop ethical reasoning, analytical skills, legal knowledge, and cross-cultural competencies necessary for public service roles.

Key Responsibilities

  • Teaching and Curriculum Development
    • Deliver undergraduate and graduate-level courses in topics such as criminology, policing, courts, corrections, juvenile justice, homeland security, ethics, and legal studies.
    • Design syllabi, exams, and instructional materials that align with academic standards and real-world applications
    • Incorporate case studies, guest speakers, and simulations to provide hands-on, experiential learning.
  • Research and Scholarship
    • Conduct original research in areas such as criminal justice reform, policing strategies, recidivism, incarceration policy, or comparative justice systems.
    • Publish findings in academic journals, policy briefs, and conference proceedings.
    • Contribute to interdisciplinary research with scholars in sociology, psychology, public policy, and law.
  • Student Mentoring and Advising
    • Guide students on academic planning, internship opportunities, and career paths in law enforcement, law, or public administration
    • Supervise theses, capstone projects, or doctoral dissertations
    • Support underrepresented or first-generation students in navigating justice-related careers
  • Service and Professional Engagement
    • Serve on departmental and university committees, such as curriculum review boards or diversity task forces.
    • Assist in accreditation reviews and program development
    • Represent the department at academic conferences, professional associations, and public forums
  • Community and Policy Engagement
    • Consult with local, state, or federal law enforcement agencies on training, organizational reform, or policy development.
    • Conduct applied research for criminal justice departments or nonprofit justice organizations.
    • Deliver public lectures or workshops on current justice issues, such as police accountability, prison reform, or victim advocacy.
  • Program Leadership and Grant Writing
    • Lead field-based learning programs such as study-abroad courses focused on international law or corrections.
    • Develop and manage research grants from federal bodies like the National Institute of Justice or the Department of Homeland Security.
    • Build partnerships with criminal justice agencies for collaborative research or internships.

A Multidisciplinary, Impact-Driven Career

Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Professors draw on disciplines such as criminology, sociology, law, political science, psychology, and ethics. Their work contributes not only to academic growth but also to public safety reforms, legal understanding, and the equitable application of justice in society.

Through teaching, mentorship, and research, these professors foster civic engagement, promote critical thinking, and help students confront real-world challenges—from systemic inequality and mass incarceration to cybersecurity threats and policing strategies. Their impact extends far beyond the classroom and into the courtrooms, prisons, communities, and policy-making arenas across the nation, reform, incarceration, community policing, and restorative justice, influencing both academic and policy conversations.

What is the Working Environment for a Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Professor?

Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Professors typically work at universities, community colleges, and professional training academies. The environment combines classroom teaching, academic research, and institutional service.

Typical Work Settings:

  • Public and private colleges and universities
  • Community and technical colleges
  • Police academies or public safety training centers
  • Online and hybrid academic institutions
  • Research institutes and policy think tanks

Work-Life Balance:

  • Full-time professors generally work standard hours, with additional time for grading, advising, and research
  • Tenure-track positions involve publishing and committee service
  • Flexibility is higher for adjunct or online teaching roles, though compensation and job security may be lower

How Do You Become a Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Professor?

The educational and professional pathway varies based on teaching level and institutional type, but typically requires a graduate degree and experience in the field.

Step-by-Step Path:

  1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Sociology, or a related field
  2. Pursue a Master’s or Doctoral Degree (Ph.D. or D.Crim preferred for university-level teaching)
  3. Gain Professional Experience in law enforcement, legal services, or public administration
  4. Develop Teaching Skills through TA positions or adjunct work
  5. Publish Research in academic journals to build your scholarly profile
  6. Apply for Tenure-Track or Adjunct Faculty Positions

Many community colleges may accept a master’s degree with relevant experience, while universities generally require a doctorate. Useful resources include:

What is the Salary of a Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Professor?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary earned a median annual wage of $74,260 in 2023. Salaries can vary based on factors such as experience, geographic location, institutional type (e.g., public university vs. community college), and academic rank (assistant, associate, or full professor). Professors with advanced degrees, published research, and professional experience in law enforcement may command higher salaries.

What is the Labor Market for a Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Professor?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for postsecondary criminal justice and law enforcement teachers will grow by 8% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations (BLS source). This growth is driven by increased student interest in criminal justice programs, growing concerns about public safety, and a national emphasis on legal reforms, ethics, and social justice in law enforcement education.

What are the Pros and Cons of Being a Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Professor?

Pros:

  • Intellectual engagement with real-world social issues
  • Opportunities to influence public policy and legal reform
  • Job stability and academic freedom (especially with tenure)
  • Flexibility in research and teaching focus
  • Mentorship of students who enter important societal roles

Cons:

  • Pressure to publish and secure funding
  • Potential for emotionally challenging subject matter (e.g., crime, trauma)
  • Lower starting salaries compared to private sector criminal justice roles
  • Navigating academic politics and tenure-track competition

What Are the Careers Related to Being a Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Professor?

Here are several careers that share overlapping skills and interests. Each is linked to its ONET Online profile:

Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Professor - A Social Career Path

A Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Professor typically aligns with the Social–Enterprising–Investigative personality types in the Holland Code (RIASEC) system. This framework helps match your traits with fulfilling career paths. You can uncover your own three-letter Holland Code by taking the Career Fit Test™.

Social types enjoy educating and mentoring students in the classroom or practical settings. Enterprising individuals are drawn to leadership, policy, and decision-making—key elements in law enforcement and justice systems. Investigative personalities are curious and analytical, thriving on research into criminal behavior, legal systems, or forensic science. This role suits those who want to inspire future professionals while staying engaged in critical thinking and justice reform.

List of Holland Social Careers

Below are many more social careers. Additionally, see our article, Finding the Right Career for Your Social Personality.

To determine which careers best fit you, take a career test such as the Career Fit Test™.

What Types of Jobs Can a Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Professor Pursue?

Beyond traditional academia, professors in this field may transition to roles such as:

  • Policy Analyst in think tanks or government agencies
  • Consultant for law enforcement training or criminal justice reform
  • Program Director for nonprofit or educational initiatives
  • Author or Public Speaker on issues like police reform or criminal justice ethics
  • Media Contributor on crime and justice topics
  • Research Fellow in criminal justice institutes or advocacy groups

What Websites Are Best for Finding Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Professor Jobs?

Here are some top job boards and academic hiring platforms:

How Do I Know If I Should Be a Professor in Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement?

Use a Career Aptitude Test

Before committing, consider taking a career aptitude test to determine how your skills, personality, and interests align with this field. The Free Career Fit Test™ is especially useful.

This test combines three robust assessments:

Your Career Fit Test™ Premium Report provides detailed results that help you:

  • Understand your core strengths and how they apply to academia
  • Identify roles that best fit your long-term goals
  • Gain clarity on your ideal work environment
  • Explore how to align your career with your life purpose

Conduct Informational Interviews

Another significant step is to speak directly with current professors in Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement. Ask about:

  • What they love and struggle with in the job
  • How they got into the field
  • What they'd do differently if they were starting out

This firsthand insight can be invaluable in guiding your career decision.

How Can I Learn More About a Career as a Professor in Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement?

Explore the following resources for deeper insight:

Conclusion

A career as a Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Professor is both impactful and intellectually rewarding. In this role, you have the opportunity to shape the future of policing, corrections, legal systems, and justice reform. Through teaching, research, and community engagement, you contribute to critical conversations on public safety, ethics, civil rights, and systemic change.

Before committing to this career path, it's vital to assess whether your skills, interests, and values align with the demands of academia. Taking a career test like the Free Career Fit Test™ is an excellent first step. This comprehensive tool includes three integrated assessments—a career test, an aptitude assessment, and a personality trait quiz. Together, they provide insights into your strengths, preferences, and best-fit careers.

Your personalized Career Fit Test™ Premium Report will guide you toward discovering work that resonates with your core motivations and long-term goals. Whether your future lies in teaching, policy development, justice reform, or consulting, your influence can help build a more ethical and practical criminal justice system.

Explore your options, engage with mentors, and use career tools to make an informed, confident decision. The field needs thoughtful educators like you to lead the next generation of justice professionals.