Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement administration. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980
Median Annual Pay
Jobs growth:
+7% projected 2024โ€“2034

What They Do

Criminal justice and law enforcement teachers work at colleges and universities, instructing students who plan to pursue careers in policing, corrections, homeland security, and related fields. They develop lesson plans, deliver lectures, and lead discussions on topics like criminology theories, constitutional law, investigative procedures, and ethics in law enforcement. These professors create assignments ranging from case study analyses to research papers, then grade student work and provide feedback. Beyond the classroom, they hold office hours to advise students on coursework and career paths, often drawing on their own experience in law enforcement or legal fields. Many conduct scholarly research, publishing articles or books on crime trends, justice system effectiveness, or policy reforms. They serve on department committees, attend faculty meetings, and may supervise student internships with local police departments or court systems. Some maintain connections with law enforcement agencies to keep their curriculum current with evolving practices and technologies. Success in this role requires deep knowledge of criminal justice systems, strong public speaking abilities, and genuine interest in mentoring the next generation of law enforcement professionals. The work combines intellectual engagement with practical application, making complex legal and procedural concepts accessible to undergraduate and graduate students.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Criminal Justice and Corrections(masters)University of San Diego, CA
$143,943
Homeland Security(masters)George Mason University, VA
$138,835
Criminology(masters)Lasell University, MA
$137,372
Homeland Security(doctoral)Capella University, MN
$127,306
Criminal Justice and Corrections(masters)Curry College, MA
$121,483
Criminal Justice and Corrections(certificate)Santa Rosa Junior College, CA
$111,649
Homeland Security(masters)George Washington University, DC
$111,258
Security Science and Technology(masters)Champlain College, VT
$110,892
Criminal Justice and Corrections(postbacc-cert)University of Louisville, KY
$102,190
Security Science and Technology(masters)University of Maryland Global Campus, MD
$101,880
Criminal Justice and Corrections(masters)University of Chicago, IL
$100,258
Security Science and Technology(masters)University of San Diego, CA
$97,944
Criminal Justice and Corrections(masters)Lewis University, IL
$96,146
Security Science and Technology(masters)Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide, FL
$94,550
Security Science and Technology(masters)Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott, AZ
$94,550
Security Science and Technology(masters)Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach, FL
$94,550
Criminal Justice and Corrections(certificate)San Bernardino Valley College, CA
$94,285
Criminal Justice and Corrections(masters)University of Massachusetts-Lowell, MA
$93,930
Criminal Justice and Corrections(certificate)San Diego Miramar College, CA
$91,647
Security Science and Technology(postbacc-cert)Salve Regina University, RI
$91,193
Criminal Justice and Corrections(doctoral)Nova Southeastern University, FL
$90,969
Homeland Security(bachelors)George Mason University, VA
$90,956
Criminal Justice and Corrections(masters)Concordia University-Saint Paul, MN
$89,127
Homeland Security(masters)Utica University, NY
$86,488
Security Science and Technology(masters)Utica University, NY
$85,450

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