Research Guides: Criminal Justice: Professional Resources

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Occupations in Criminal Justice

With a degree in Criminal Justice, you might work as a corrections officer, a police officer, a probation officer, a victim advocate, a counselor, or a caseworker.

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, careers in these fields are expected to grow at an average or slower than average rate, and make about $40,000-$60,000 annually. Most require an associate's degree or higher.

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Professional Organizations in Criminal Justice

American Bar Association – Criminal Justice Section
Founded in 1920, the Criminal Justice Section of the American Bar Association has over 20,000 members including prosecutors, private defense counsel, appellate and trial judges, law professors, correctional and law enforcement personnel, law students, public defenders, and other criminal justice professionals. With its diverse, multi-disciplinary membership, the Criminal Justice Section is uniquely situated to address the pressing issues facing today's criminal justice system.
Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS)
The Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) is an international association established in 1963 to foster professional and scholarly activities in the field of criminal justice. ACJS promotes criminal justice education, research, and policy analysis within the discipline of criminal justice for both educators and practitioners.
American Criminal Justice Association
The American Criminal Justice holds the following goals and standards:
To improve criminal justice through educational activities.
To foster professionalism in law enforcement personnel and agencies.
To promote professional, academic, and public awareness of criminal justice issues.
To encourage the establishment and expansion of higher education and professional training in criminal justice.
To provide a unified voice for professionals in, and students of, criminal justice.
To promote high standards of ethical conduct, professional training, and higher education within the criminal justice field.
American Society of Criminology
The American Society of Criminology is an international organization whose members pursue scholarly, scientific, and professional knowledge concerning the measurement, etiology, consequences, prevention, control, and treatment of crime and delinquency.
Justice Research and Statistics Association
The Justice Research and Statistics Association is a national nonprofit organization of state Statistical Analysis Center (SAC) directors, researchers, and practitioners throughout government, academia, and criminal justice organizations dedicated to policy-oriented research and analysis. Created in 1974, JRSA promotes the exchange of information among the SACs, and acts as a liaison between the state agencies and the Justice Department.
National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice (NABCJ)
A non-profit association that provides leaders dedicated to improving the administration of criminal justice. Created in 1974, the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice (NABCJ) has made a goal of achieving equal justice for blacks and other minorities. Our members consist of criminal justice professionals such as those in law enforcement, institutional and community corrections, courts, social services, academia, religious and other community-based interests as well as criminal justice students and community leaders. Join us and discover a multi-ethnic, non-profit, nonpartisan organization that is dedicated to improving the justice system.
National Criminal Justice Association
Based in Washington, D.C., the NCJA represents state, tribal and local governments on crime prevention and crime control issues. Its members represent all facets of the criminal and juvenile justice community, from law enforcement, corrections, prosecution, defense, courts, victim-witness services and educational institutions to federal, state and local elected officials.