What jobs can a felon get with a criminal justice degree?

Asked by: Marlee Swaniawski  |  Last update: September 8, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (54 votes)

criminal justice degree with felony jobs
  • Adult Protective Services Specialist I/II-4663085. ...
  • Online Instructor - Criminal Justice. ...
  • Program Research Specialist 1/Trainee (Criminal Justice) ...
  • Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) - Corrections. ...
  • Department Chair, Criminal Justice. ...
  • Strengthen your profile. ...
  • Case Manager.

Can I work in criminal justice with a felony?

There are certain criminal justice employment opportunities where your criminal history will prevent you from being considered. Most government positions as FBI agents, marshalls and border patrol agents require a clean background with no felony convictions. Police departments will also want a clean background.

What is the best degree for a convicted felon?

The list below highlights degree options for ex-offenders.
  • Construction Management. Many construction companies do not perform background checks. ...
  • Counseling. Some agencies hire ex-offenders as counselors to help those who are currently incarcerated. ...
  • Computer Science. ...
  • Culinary Arts. ...
  • Graphic Design.

What is the best career path for a felon?

12 highest-paying jobs for felons
  • Digital marketer. National average salary: $62,307 per year Primary duties: Digital marketers specialize in developing online advertising campaigns and overseeing brand communications. ...
  • Freelance designer. ...
  • Painter. ...
  • Maintenance worker. ...
  • Entrepreneur. ...
  • Web developer. ...
  • Truck driver. ...
  • Barber.

Do felonies go away after 7 years?

Dismissed felony charges can usually be sealed or expunged right away. In California, a felony conviction stays on your record forever if you do not get it expunged. You may be eligible for an expungement if you did not serve time in state prison.

How to get a job with a criminal record | Zachary Moore | TEDxSanQuentin

17 related questions found

Is being a felon permanent?

Felonies stay on your criminal record for the rest of your life. However, if you seek expungement, it is possible to clear your record of the offense.

Can a felon get a passport?

Yes, a convicted felon can usually get a passport, but it depends on the felony and other factors: Felony typeSome felonies can automatically disqualify you from getting a passport, including: International drug trafficking Trafficking minors "Sex tourism" offenses Treason.

Can I go to college if I'm a felon?

Can You Go to College With a Felony? Yes, you can still attend college with a felony.

Is criminal justice a good career path?

If you earn a bachelor's or master's degree in criminal justice, you'll have the opportunity to make a significant impact on your country and community while making a significant difference in the lives of individuals. With salaries ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 and higher, the career outlook is particularly bright.

How do ex felons get jobs?

Here are a few tips:
  • Contact a community organization. ...
  • Use multiple ways to connect with employers. ...
  • Tell employers about the Federal Bonding Program. ...
  • See if you qualify for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit It gives tax discounts to employers who hire someone with a criminal record or another barrier to employment.

What degree felony is worse?

In criminal law, a first-degree offense is the worst felony. It's worse than a second-degree offense, which is worse than a third-degree offense, and so on. So the higher the degree, the lesser the crime.

What is the highest degree in criminal justice?

Doctorate in Criminal Justice

A doctoral degree in criminal justice is designed for professionals who wish to teach or enter administrative, research, or government positions. Programs are usually centered on policy, theory, and research.

Is it harder to get a job as a felon?

The challenges are particularly acute for those with drug and violent crime offenses. Researchers at the University of California, Riverside, found about 75% of hiring managers said they were unwilling to seriously consider applicants convicted of drug, property or violent crimes in a 2021 survey.

What are the cons of being a felon?

Let's take a look at some of the hard-to-believe ways that felons continue to be punished even after they've done their time.
  • You can't travel, but you also can't find a home. ...
  • You can't vote. ...
  • You can't serve on a jury. ...
  • You can't get public benefits. ...
  • You can't get a job.

What companies do not hire felons?

There are a lot of industries that won't hire felons such as education, financial, medical, security, transportation among others.

Can you become a lawyer with a criminal justice degree?

You can also be a lawyer with a criminal justice degree. This undergraduate education can be an excellent foundation for law school. Behavioral and motivation studies help you understand people and persuasion, building the skills you'll need for the courtroom.

What is the highest paid job in criminal justice?

Knowing which positions offer the highest salaries is essential if you're considering a criminal justice career. The top four highest-paying criminal justice careers are federal judges, lawyers specializing in corporate law, forensic psychologists, and a detective or criminal investigators.

Is criminal justice a pointless degree?

Is a Criminal Justice Degree Worthless or Worth It? Answer: Yes, it's worth it! There seems to be a perception out there that those pursuing a criminal justice degree are spending their hard earned money on a degree that's going to be worthless.

What are you not allowed to do as a felon?

The rights most often curtailed include the right to vote and hold public office, employment rights, domestic rights, and financial and contractual rights. State statutes and local ordinances are the traditional means for abridging the rights of convicted criminals.

Can a felon get a doctorate degree?

I have good news for you: It is possible to get into graduate school. I know this because I have mentored several graduate school applicants with criminal records who were able to successfully enter graduate school, including programs at Ivy League schools.

Can felons go to Canada?

If a felon gets approved for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) or Criminal Rehabilitation (CR), they can be allowed in Canada. Otherwise, if an American citizen has a criminal record that renders them inadmissible, they will usually not be allowed to visit even if they do not have any recent arrests.

Can you leave the country if you have a felony?

Most convicted felons can easily get a passport without any issues, but visiting some countries may not be as simple due to restrictions and limitations set by those countries' governments.

Can a felon join the military?

Generally, felons and those with several convictions can't join the Army, but waivers are available in some cases. The offenses and moral behavior-related issues that cannot be waived include: If you are under civil restraint, including parole, confinement, or probation.

Can a convicted felon get a gun?

California Penal Code 29800 PC imposes a lifetime ban on gun ownership or control by convicted felons. It applies to anyone convicted of a felony in any state or country.