The University of Louisiana Monroe’s online Master of Arts in Criminal Justice program helps students develop analytical and communication skills for advanced roles in criminal justice and public service. Students develop an in-depth understanding of criminal behavior and learn about evidence-based approaches that support community safety and criminal rehabilitation. The program equips graduates to pursue careers that apply psychological insight and ethical leadership in areas such as law enforcement, corrections and community service.
Many criminal justice careers now extend beyond policing and the courts. Professionals increasingly serve on the human-services side of the justice system, helping victims regain stability and confidence after trauma. Roles such as victim advocate, victim services coordinator and restorative justice facilitator are central to a justice model focused on healing as well as accountability.
Human Services Roles Within the Justice System
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that social and human service assistants earn a median annual wage of $45,120, while social workers earn about $61,330 per year. Both occupations are projected to grow about 6% through 2034, faster than the average for all jobs. These positions often overlap with criminal justice, offering opportunities to support victims and families within prosecutor’s offices, hospitals and nonprofit organizations.
Graduates with advanced training in criminology or justice administration can use these skills to coordinate support services, manage caseloads and advocate for fair treatment of all parties involved. A recent shift toward a community-based model demonstrates that criminal justice careers can be as much about empathy as enforcement.
Victim Advocacy and Support Roles
Victim advocates play a vital role in connecting survivors to legal, emotional and financial resources. The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) emphasizes that law enforcement officers are often the first and sometimes the only professionals victims encounter after a crime. Officers who understand victim compensation programs and referral systems can make a critical difference in recovery outcomes.
State and federal compensation funds, largely supported through offender fines and restitution, help victims cover medical expenses, counseling or lost wages. Yet, as IACP research shows, many victims never apply because they are unaware of available aid. This is where trained advocates bridge the gap, ensuring victims understand their rights and can navigate the system effectively.
Federal and Specialized Advocacy Careers
Federal agencies also employ professionals who combine human services expertise with criminal justice knowledge. The FBI’s Victim Services Division includes victim specialists, coordinators and forensic child interviewers who work directly with those affected by serious crimes. These roles demand cultural awareness, crisis response training and the ability to communicate complex legal information with compassion.
Specialized advocacy careers exist across the justice landscape. Domestic violence advocates, child advocates and elder abuse investigators work in partnership with courts and community programs to ensure safety and justice for vulnerable populations. The BLS projects ongoing growth in these fields due to increasing recognition of victims’ rights and expanding federal and state funding for restorative services.
Community-Based Victim Support Roles
According to BLS, social and human service assistants and social workers are key players in helping victims maintain long-term recovery and stability. They help clients apply for benefits and find counseling while maintaining contact with programs that address long-term recovery needs. These professionals often work in nonprofits and healthcare systems as well as local government offices that coordinate directly with courts and advocacy organizations.
Graduate-level training in criminal justice prepares professionals to manage and evaluate these complex systems of care. Courses in ethics, correctional systems and diversity, such as those offered through the University of Louisiana Monroe program, prepare graduates to successfully collaborate across agencies and ensure victims receive consistent, effective support.
Skills That Prepare You for Victim Services Work
Graduate study helps professionals develop the interpersonal and analytical tools required for human services careers. Coursework in forensic psychology, counseling in criminal justice and correctional systems builds an understanding of both human behavior and bureaucratic processes. As Indeed reports, victim advocates earn an average of $55,860 a year, with opportunities for advancement into supervisory and administrative roles.
According to Indeed, the most effective victim advocates rely on empathy, communication and organizational skills to guide survivors through the justice system. These abilities help advocates build trust and manage complex cases while coordinating with legal and social service professionals. Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills also enable them to respond to victims’ needs with care and professionalism throughout recovery.
Human services careers in criminal justice offer steady growth, purpose-driven work and a path toward leadership in advocacy and community programs. The University of Louisiana Monroe’s online Master of Arts in Criminal Justice program equips graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to qualify for a wide range of in-demand roles while contributing to a more compassionate and effective justice system.
Learn more about the University of Louisiana Monroe’s online Master of Arts in Criminal Justice program.