Criminal Justice and Safety Studies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Salaries for Criminal Justice and Safety Studies graduates vary by role and location. First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives earn a median of $105,980 annually, while First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers earn around $76,310. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $125,535 compared to $55,968 in Arkansas. Approximately 291,480 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.

Currently 821 accredited institutions offer Criminal Justice and Safety Studies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Liberty University (1,196 graduates), Sam Houston State University (SHSU) (788 graduates), and Purdue University Global (724 graduates).

Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.

Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 38,399 in 2010 to a peak of 46,252 in 2020, before declining slightly to 41,895 in 2023-24. This represents a 9% increase overall from 2010.

The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.

This degree prepares you for roles such as First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives, First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers, and Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 291,480 professionals nationwide.

Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.