Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement administration. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

SOC: 25-1111.00

Common Job Titles

  • Assistant Professor
  • Associate Professor
  • Criminal Justice Professor
  • Professor

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeSynthesize current criminal justice research with pedagogical best practices to develop innovative course materials and curricula.
  • KnowledgeDesign learning experiences integrating theory, case studies, and practical scenarios using learning management systems and multimedia technology to enhance student engagement.
  • KnowledgeFormulate research questions and scholarly contributions to criminal justice literature conducting original research that informs both academic discourse and practitioner communities.
  • MindsetEngage diverse student populations in criminal justice concepts through interactive lectures and classroom discussions in postsecondary settings.
  • KnowledgeEvaluate student comprehension of law enforcement principles and corrections theory using multiple assessment methods including written assignments and practical applications.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze complex legal frameworks, constitutional law, and public safety policies to clarify their implications for law enforcement administration and corrections practice.
  • MindsetAdvocate ethical standards and professional integrity in criminal justice practice while fostering critical thinking about contemporary policing and corrections challenges.
  • KnowledgeInterpret criminological research, statistical data, and policy analysis to students with varying levels of background knowledge in social sciences.
  • MindsetBalance competing pedagogical demands of teaching, scholarship, and service obligations while maintaining currency in rapidly evolving criminal justice fields.
  • MindsetIntegrate interdisciplinary perspectives from psychology, sociology, and public administration when facilitating discussions on systemic issues in criminal justice and corrections.

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

13,560

Wage Distribution by Percentile

Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $45,640. 25th percentile: U.S. $56,100. 50th percentile: U.S. $71,470. 75th percentile: U.S. $99,730. 90th percentile: U.S. $143,130. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.

  • U.S.
MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$45,640
10% of workers earn the following or more$143,130
Workers on average earn$84,820

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Education and Training4.5/5
  • English Language4.5/5
  • Law and Government4.5/5
  • Public Safety and Security4.4/5
  • Customer and Personal Service3.9/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

  • Google Docs
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word

Technology Skills

  • Blackboard Learn
  • Blackboard software
  • Calendar and scheduling software
  • Collaborative editing software
  • Course management system software
  • DOC Cop
  • Desire2Learn LMS software
  • Distance learning software
Tools & Technology: Technology Skills

Tools & Equipment

  • Body wire recording devices
  • Carousel slide projectors
  • Compact digital cameras
  • Compact disk CD players
  • Computer data input scanners
  • Computer laser printers
  • Computer projectors
  • Conference telephones
Tools & Technology: Tools & Equipment