Criminal Justice Degrees Overview in Ohio
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Criminal justice careers in Ohio include roles in law enforcement, corrections, the justice system, and the social system. In Columbus, the state capital, police officers command starting salaries of more than $67,300 per year. Notably, mandatory education requirements do not include a college degree.
With a bachelor's or master's degree in criminal justice, you may qualify for additional career paths including as a probation officer, private investigator, or criminologist.
The following sections explore career options and salary ranges in greater detail.
How Ohio Compares to Criminal Justice Nationally
| Career | Recommended Degree | National Average Salary (May 2022) | Ohio Average Salary (May 2022) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bailiff | Associate | $54,680 | $47,940 |
| Police Officer | Associate or bachelor's | $71,380 | $68,300 |
| Private Investigator | Bachelor's | $59,400 | $52,770 |
| Paralegal | Bachelor's | $62,840 | $55,320 |
| Probation Officer | Bachelor's | $64,920 | $57,580 |
| Criminologist | Master's | $101,310 | $77,250 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
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 Ohio
The 2020 U.S. Census counted 938 municipal governments in Ohio. These range from small villages to major metropolitan centers and are excellent sources of employment for criminal justice graduates. Municipalities hire police officers and probation officers, and some employ criminologists as crime prevention specialists. Other roles may be available, depending on the location.
Ohio's Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections oversees the state's criminal corrections system. Criminal justice graduates eyeing careers in corrections can monitor the agency's offerings with respect to training programs and job opportunities.
Paralegals may work in either the private or public sector. Privately, they mainly work for law firms, providing research assistance and administrative support to attorneys. In the public sector, paralegals may work for the state government, or for federal or municipal agencies.
Many other organizations, agencies, and businesses in Ohio employ criminal justice graduates. You can seek out other opportunities by performing additional research specific to your chosen criminal justice career path.
Professional Resources for Criminal Justice in Ohio
Criminal justice graduates and professionals can also draw on the following resources to aid their career development and job searches:
