Criminal Justice Professors
Overview
Criminal Justice Professors teach college students about law enforcement, the court system, and corrections through engaging lectures and hands-on activities. They create course materials, grade assignments, and help students plan their academic path toward careers in policing, law, or criminal justice research. These professors also conduct research on crime trends and justice policies, often collaborating with law enforcement agencies and using modern technology like crime mapping software and virtual courtroom simulations. Many work in flexible environments that combine traditional classroom teaching with online learning platforms.

Did you know?
Most postsecondary teaching positions require a doctoral degree in criminal justice, criminology, or related field, with many institutions preferring candidates with both academic credentials and practical law enforcement experience.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$72,126.17 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Negotiation
Key Responsibilities
- Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks.
- Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
- Perform administrative duties, such as serving as department head.
- Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
- Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- Participate in campus and community events.
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
- Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.
- Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.
- Write letters of recommendation for students.
- Act as advisers to student organizations.
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
- Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
- Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.
- Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
- Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.
- Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.
- Provide professional consulting services to government or industry.
- Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
- Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as criminal law, defensive policing, and investigation techniques.
Career Considerations
Advanced Degree Requirements
Most postsecondary teaching positions require a doctoral degree in criminal justice, criminology, or related field, with many institutions preferring candidates with both academic credentials and practical law enforcement experience.
Evolving Curriculum Demands
Instructors must continuously update their knowledge and teaching materials to reflect ongoing criminal justice reforms, changing policing practices, and emerging legal precedents in the American justice system.
Research and Publication Expectations
Academic positions typically require active research, publication in peer-reviewed journals, and contribution to criminal justice scholarship, particularly on topics relevant to American law enforcement and legal systems.