If you have the innate desire to help your community, to fight for what’s right and feel the need to keep people safe, then earning an online degree in criminal justice, and beginning a career in the various fields associated with that online degree, may be right for you.
Of course, besides being a hero, the pay and job security associated with earning a criminal justice degree online can be a motivating factor too!
You see, in early autumn, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data showed the U.S. economy created nearly one million fewer jobs between March 2024, and March 2025 than previously reported.[1]
Technology, hospitality, and business services saw some of the steepest declines.
Why?
And what does this have to do with getting an online degree in criminal justice?
Well, economists say artificial intelligence (AI) is a factor that’s reshaping the labor market and reducing job opportunities in certain fields.
But unlike many industries facing uncertainty and potential job cuts, law enforcement continues to offer stable, long-term careers. Careers that AI likely won’t be taking away from people any time soon, if ever.
Meaning this: If you’re looking for an online degree, you’re interested in helping your community, you’re interested in job security and you’re interested in a good starting salary…
You should consider getting an online degree in criminal justice, because yes, it could really be worth it!
Get this: police departments across the country are hiring. According to the BLS, about 62,200 openings for police and detectives are projected each year, on average, over the next decade.[2]
And one police force, The West Palm Beach Police Department in Florida, recently said it’s offering a competitive starting pay scale for certified officers of $75,921 to $87,888 a year.[3]
That’s starting pay!
But getting your online degree in criminal justice doesn’t mean you have to become a police officer.
No. Not at all. You see, becoming a police officer takes a special kind of person. And we’re not all cut out to be one.
So, if you’re not the type of person who can deal with the pressure of being a police officer, your online degree in criminal justice can land you jobs in a lot of other fields too. Fields like…
This is a large list, yes. But it’s not all of the jobs you could get with an online criminal justice degree.
The important thing to remember is this: While many jobs are being taken over by AI, people with a criminal justice degree can find job opportunities in fields that won’t be taken over by AI!
Now, how can you get an online degree in criminal justice so you can qualify for some of the jobs above?
Simple. Just visit HERE, and we’ll assist in helping you find an online criminal justice degree program that suits your needs, your goals and your budget.
Whether it’s an online associate degree in criminal justice, an online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or even an online master’s degree in criminal justice, School Match Pro is here to help you achieve it!
[2] Police and Detectives : Occupational Outlook Handbook: : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
[3] Law Enforcement Careers Remain Strong City of West Palm Beach
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