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Career Profile

Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary

What they do:

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.

Also Called:

Adjunct Instructor, Adjunct Professor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Criminal Justice Instructor, Criminal Justice Professor, Digital Forensics Instructor, Instructor, Justice Professor, Professor, Adjunct Instructor, Adjunct Professor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Criminal Justice Instructor, Criminal Justice Professor, Digital Forensics Instructor, Instructor, Justice Professor, Professor

Job Data & Employment

*National data provided by O*NET & BLS
Compare State data      Compare Metro Area Data   
$45,000
Starting Salary (2025)
$76,590
Median Salary (2025)
2.0%
Projected Job Growth
13,150
Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as criminal law, defensive policing, and investigation techniques.
Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Social
Working with people
Investigative
Studying, Research based work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Dependability
Integrity
Self-Control
Independence
Attention to Detail
Stress Tolerance

What key skills are needed for this job?

Speaking
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Learning Strategies
Writing
Instructing

Expected Knowledge

Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Law and Government

Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

Common Activities

Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Training and Teaching Others

Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 5

Extensive Preparation Needed

Education

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Experience

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience.

Training

Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • Master's degree 39%
  • Doctoral degree 26%
  • Post-secondary certificate 11%
  • Post-master's certificate 9%
  • Associate's degree 8%
  • Other 8%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.