Every day, a cybercrime investigator unravels complex digital schemes that threaten millions of dollars, while a security director across the country designs protection strategies for corporate giants. These are just two examples of how criminal justice expertise extends far beyond patrol cars and handcuffs.
The University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) Master of Arts (M.A.) in Criminal Justice online program prepares professionals for diverse, high-paying careers throughout the criminal justice system, building expertise in law enforcement, legal systems and corrections. Graduates emerge ready to excel in roles that make real impacts on public safety.
Five Unique Criminal Justice Career Opportunities
An advanced degree can open doors to diverse and interesting jobs for graduates. These roles demonstrate the field’s substantial earning potential and career diversity.
- Forensic Analyst: The Science Behind Solving Crimes
Television shows dramatize crime scene investigation but often skip the meticulous work that forensic analysts perform behind the scenes. For their expertise, these professionals command an average national annual income as of May 2025 of $101,407.
Forensic analysts serve as the link between raw evidence and courtroom testimony. They collect and analyze fingerprints, DNA samples, digital evidence and weapons traces to build cases. Their work requires scientific precision and legal understanding, as analysts must ensure evidence collection follows strict protocols that will hold up in court.
These specialists utilize cutting-edge equipment to analyze a wide range of materials, from smartphone data to ballistic evidence. Career advancement opportunities include supervisory positions and consultation work with law enforcement agencies.
- Cybercrime Investigator: Fighting Digital Villains
Cybercrime investigators combine technical expertise with fact-finding skills to track down hackers, identity thieves and online fraudsters. Cybercrime investigators in the U.S. earn an average of $90,976 per year pursuing digital threats.
This position works with agencies from local police departments to the FBI. Investigators recover deleted files, trace digital communications and analyze computer networks to gather evidence.
Investigators may specialize in areas such as child exploitation, financial crimes or national security threats. Advanced positions include supervisory roles, training responsibilities and liaison work with international law enforcement agencies.
- Director of Security: Protecting Assets and People
Corporate security directors earn an average of $108,514, reflecting the critical importance of their role in protecting organizational assets. These professionals oversee comprehensive security programs that safeguard personnel, property and information from threats.
Security directors develop and implement policies that address both physical and cybersecurity concerns. They coordinate with law enforcement agencies, manage emergency response protocols and conduct risk assessments. Their responsibilities include crisis management and employee training.
Directors often begin their careers as security officers or specialists before advancing to supervisory roles. With experience, they may move to larger organizations or specialized sectors.
- First-line Supervisor of Correctional Officers: Leadership in Louisiana’s Corrections
Louisiana ranks as the 5th largest state employer of correctional supervisors. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, first-line supervisors of correctional officers earn an average annual salary of $70,190 nationally and $58,520 in LA. The state employs 3,210 supervisors, nearly five times more per capita than the national average.
These supervisors oversee daily operations, ensure safety protocols are followed and manage both staff and inmate populations. The role involves conducting performance evaluations, handling disciplinary issues and coordinating training programs.
Career advancement often leads to higher-level administrative positions. Louisiana’s extensive correctional system provides a clear pathway from supervisor to assistant warden, deputy warden or facility administrator roles.
- Director of Case Management: Coordinating Complex Cases
This role oversees comprehensive support systems for individuals navigating complex legal and social challenges, earning an average annual salary of $123,611. These professionals manage teams that coordinate services and ensure clients receive appropriate interventions.
These directors develop protocols for case assessment, treatment planning and service delivery. They oversee teams that work directly with clients, ensuring quality care while managing budgets and regulatory compliance. Their work requires strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of both social services and legal processes. The role offers significant leadership opportunities, particularly in healthcare, mental health and social service organizations.
How Will an M.A. in Criminal Justice Prepare Me to Excel in These Job Roles?
The ULM MA in Criminal Justice online program provides comprehensive preparation for these diverse career paths through its unique combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application. Students develop critical thinking skills essential for analyzing complex criminal justice issues while learning to conduct research using traditional and digital tools.
The curriculum emphasizes leadership training and ethical decision-making, preparing graduates for challenging situations across all specializations. Students examine diverse issues within the criminal justice system, ensuring they can work effectively with people from all backgrounds. The criminal justice field continues to evolve with new technologies and changing social needs, making professionals with advanced degrees best positioned for success in these dynamic careers.
Learn more about ULM’s online MA in Criminal Justice program.