Criminal Justice Degrees Overview in Utah

Updated on September 11, 2023

Edited by

Updated on September 11, 2023

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Explore the criminal justice career options in Utah and compare details with this state-specific research resource.

Criminal Justice Careers in Utah

Students who attend criminal justice colleges in Utah can find many job opportunities after graduation. The average salary and degree level required for a criminal justice position in Utah vary significantly depending on the role and employer.

For example, lawyers in Utah need a graduate degree in law and made an average annual salary of $133,920 as of May 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists, on the other hand, typically need a bachelor's degree and earned an average yearly salary of $57,700.

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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

How Utah Compares to Criminal Justice Nationally

Graduates from criminal justice colleges in Utah may qualify for various jobs depending on their level of education, previous work experience, and area of specialization. Criminal justice careers in the state typically pay lower salaries than the national average. The discrepancy in pay between Utah criminal justice workers and the national average varies depending on the specific role.

For example, lawyers in Utah earned nearly $30,000 less than the national average in May 2022, according to the BLS. The difference is much smaller for correctional officers and jailers, who made about $5,300 less than the national average. Explore the chart below for data that compares the national salary with the Utah salary for some of the most popular criminal justice careers.

Criminal Justice Careers & Salaries
Criminal Justice Career	Average National Salary	Average Utah Salary (May 2022)
Correctional Officers and Jailers	$54,760	$49,460
Detectives and Criminal Investigators	$91,610	$82,320
Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates	$153,700	$142,740
Lawyers	$163,770	$133,920
Paralegals and Legal Assistants	$62,840	$56,040
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers	$71,380	$62,790
Private Detectives and Investigators	$59,400	$46,750
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists	$64,920	$57,700

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Where to Go After Criminal Justice School in Utah

Students who graduate from criminal justice colleges in Utah can look for their first jobs in various places after completing school. Keep reading to learn about some potential employers for criminal justice degree holders.

Criminal Justice Services

This agency is a division of the Salt Lake County Department of Health Services and offers programs related to pretrial services, probation, specialty courts, and reports and assessment services. Criminal justice professions may qualify to apply as case managers and for other roles here.

Salt Lake City Police Department

Criminal justice graduates can find various relevant roles working for SLCPD, including both sworn and civilian options. The department's specialty squads for police officers include the bomb squad, homicide unit, intelligence division, and narcotics task force. Civilian roles include crime scene technician, community response specialist, and evidence technician.

Utah Department of Corrections

The Utah Department of Corrections employs about 2,300 people responsible for supervising incarcerated people as well as over 15,000 individuals living in the community. Positions include correctional officers and parole agents.

Utah Crime Victims Legal Clinic

UCVLC advocates for victim rights in Utah through education, resource sharing, and advocacy. The organization offers internships and volunteer opportunities that criminal justice graduates may want to consider.

Utah Office for Victims of Crime

Created in 1986, this office advocates for victim rights in Utah. This includes providing financial compensation and other victim services and offering training throughout the state. Criminal justice graduates may qualify for various positions like victim advocate, depending on their area of specialization.

Wasatch Defense Lawyers

Known for its criminal defense lawyers, this firm takes cases on various criminal matters, including violent crimes defense, sex crimes defense, white collar crime, and juvenile defense. Lawyers, legal assistants and paralegals, and support staff can apply for jobs here.

Professional Resources for Criminal Justice in Utah

An international membership organization established in 1963, ACJS advocates on behalf of the criminal justice profession. Members get access to job postings, publications, and an annual meeting.

The ACA is the oldest group for correctional professionals. It offers professional development opportunities, conducts research and education efforts, and advocates for ethics in the profession.

This international membership organization for professionals interested in crime and delinquency offers benefits like an annual meeting, a career center, publications, and the opportunity to join a committee or division.

Criminal justice majors and professionals can use the BJS to look up criminal justice statistics. The website includes data sets, data analysis tools, funding opportunities, and BJS research.

Students and recent graduates can learn about opportunities to work for the FBI. The agency offers internships, entry-level jobs, and initiatives.This website also describes what to expect from a career at the FBI and explains different potential roles.

FLEOA is the biggest nonpartisan membership group for federal law enforcement professionals in the U.S. It represents over 32,000 officers from more than 65 agencies. Members get benefits like legal representation, local networking opportunities, and access to a 24-hour emergency hotline.

A private, nonprofit organization, NCPC tries to prevent crime across the U.S. The group organizes public education campaigns, research, and advocacy efforts. NCPC also offers the opportunity to become a certified crime prevention specialist.

The NCJA represents governments at the local, state, and tribal levels on issues related to crime prevention and control. It organizes criminal justice professional events, works on policy issues, and promotes programs throughout the U.S.

Housed in the University of Utah's College of Social Work, the Utah Criminal Justice Center focuses on crime reduction and policy changes in the juvenile and criminal justice systems. It organizes conferences, conducts studies, and works on criminal justice projects.

Part of the Utah Department of Health & Human Services, the Juvenile Justice and Youth Services division offers various resources related to youth in the juvenile justice system. This includes information about Utah juvenile courts, the Utah Commission on Criminal & Juvenile Justice, and information on expungement.