Criminal Justice Degrees Overview in Minnesota
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Graduates of criminal justice colleges in Minnesota can find various promising career paths in law enforcement, the court system, and corrections. Criminal justice professionals can work in both the public and private sectors.
Depending on the career and specific role you choose, you may need an associate degree or bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Some professionals, like attorneys, must possess a graduate degree or professional training.
How Minnesota Compares to Criminal Justice Nationally
Minnesota offers many criminal justice career paths for graduates. What you qualify for varies depending on your level of education, previous experience, and area of specialization.
Some of these roles earn better salaries than the national average, while others earn less. For example, bailiffs in Minnesota earn less than the national average, but correctional officers and jailers earn more than the national average.
Compare salaries for more criminal justice careers in Minnesota using the table below.
| Career | National Average Salary (2022) | Minnesota Average Salary (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Bailiffs | $54,680 | $48,280 |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | $54,760 | $55,650 |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $91,610 | $82,410 |
| Forensic Science Technicians | $69,260 | $76,890 |
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $62,840 | $63,450 |
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $71,380 | $76,420 |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | $64,920 | $74,630 |
| Security Guards | $36,700 | $38,140 |
Featured Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Where to Go After Criminal Justice School in Minnesota
After you graduate with a criminal justice degree in Minnesota, you can start looking for jobs. Explore our list of potential employers for criminal justice graduates in the state. The type of education and experience you need to work at these employers varies.
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
The largest law firm in Minnesota, this organization employs legal assistants, paralegals, lawyers, and other people involved in the legal system.
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Minnesota is home to several federal prisons where criminal justice professionals like correctional officers and prison guards can find jobs.
Frederickson
One of the biggest law firms in Minnesota, Frederickson hires attorneys, paralegals, law students, and support staff.
Hennepin County Sheriff's Office
Hennepin County includes Minneapolis. The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office hires criminal justice professionals to work in peace officer and civilian roles including 911 dispatch, forensic science, background investigations, and inmate transport.
Internal Revenue Service
The IRS has offices in Minnesota that hire criminal justice grads for roles like criminal investigator.
Mall of America
The Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, hires for various crime prevention and security-related positions.
Minnesota Department of Corrections
The Minnesota Department of Corrections offers many opportunities for criminal justice professionals throughout the state, including openings for trainee corrections officers, corrections officers I and 2, sergeants, and wardens.
Minnesota Department of Public Safety
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety advertises hundreds of law enforcement and regulatory jobs each year in law.
