Criminal Justice Career Paths

If you’re passionate about making a meaningful impact in the justice system, a criminal justice career that intersects with behavior analysis could be a perfect fit. Whether you already work in law enforcement and want a graduate degree to rise through the ranks, or you’re a civilian hoping to work adjacent to the justice system to help clients through evidence-based behavior principles, the right career path is out there for you.

When most people hear “criminal justice,” they think of police officers, detectives, or corrections officers. While those remain essential roles in criminal justice, the field also extends into many different areas, including:

• Crime analysis and intelligence
• Juvenile justice and intervention
• Correctional rehabilitation
• Loss prevention and private security
• Social advocacy and victim services
• Policy reform and administration
• Community violence prevention

A Master of Science in Criminal Justice prepares both law enforcement professionals and civilians with interdisciplinary expertise in crime and criminal justice to pursue advanced leadership roles in law enforcement, corrections and rehabilitation, analysis and research, as well as different roles in the corporate and private sectors.

While criminal justice focuses on justice systems, public safety, law enforcement, corrections, and related areas, behavior analysis concentrates on understanding and influencing behavior through evidence-based behavioral principles.

Master of Science in Behavior Analysis programs train students to scientifically understand human behavior and implement behavior-change plans in clients’ lives that build new skills and reduce challenging behaviors. Many master’s programs also support students' BCBA preparation and eligibility.

While behavior analysts work in various specializations and fields, roles adjacent to criminal justice are frequently found in competency restoration programs, juvenile justice and rehabilitation programs, community re-entry and probation support, and correctional behavior management. 

A background in criminal justice and behavior analysis opens doors to many career opportunities for civilians and law enforcement professionals, especially in roles involving leadership, intervention, rehabilitation, communication, prevention, and behavioral change.

Read on to learn more about seven careers in the criminal justice field that can incorporate behavior analysis principles, including:

1. Corrections Treatment Specialist or Administrator
2. Victim Advocate or Victim Services Coordinator
3. Juvenile Justice Specialist or Program Administrator
4. Criminal Justice Educator or Training Specialist
5. Criminal Justice Policy Analyst
6. Probation or Parole Officer
7. Law Enforcement Leadership

Correctional treatment specialists use the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) to work with incarcerated individuals in jails, prisons, and detention facilities to modify behavior, support reentry, and reduce recidivism. Day-to-day work can also include conducting behavioral assessments and developing behavior intervention plans (BIPs), and training correctional staff on behavioral principles. 

National Median Annual Salary: $66,270

Victim advocates and victim services coordinators draw on behavior analysis to better understand how trauma, abuse, and legal system involvement affect behavior. Behavior analysis offers evidence-based strategies for crisis de-escalation and support, complementing advocacy efforts focused on resources, empowerment, and recovery. Victim advocates often work in shelters, crisis centers, and other community centers to raise awareness about crime, its impact on victims, and advocate for policies and programs that better support victims.

National Median Annual Salary: $60,627

Juvenile justice specialists work in community and detention centers to support youth navigating the juvenile criminal justice system. They help at-risk youth develop positive behavioral and lifestyle changes, provide valuable resources and support, and assist with crisis intervention and conflict management. 

National Median Annual Salary: $65,705

Future criminal justice professionals need experienced behavior analysis mentors. As an educator, you’ll shape the next generation of law enforcement officers, legal experts, public safety leaders, and rehabilitation professionals. Most faculty positions in criminal justice and behavior analysis also encompass an active research and publishing agenda.

National Median Annual Salary: $83,470

Criminal justice policy analysts research legislation, evaluate justice-system programs, and develop recommendations for government agencies and other organizations. Behavior analysis can support this work by providing evidence-based methods to understand how policies influence behavior, measure program effectiveness, identify environmental factors that contribute to crime, and inform policies that promote positive behavioral outcomes.

National Median Annual Salary: $100,949

Probation officers supervise individuals on probation or parole, assess rehabilitation progress, behavior, compliance with court-ordered terms, and maintain case files and reports. They also connect their clients to supportive resources that help them reintegrate into the community, such as mental health services, job training programs, and substance abuse treatment facilities. In some states, probation and parole officers must be sworn officers. 

National Median Annual Salary: $66,270

If you already work in law enforcement, a master’s degree can help you advance to leadership roles such as sergeant, lieutenant, captain, or chief of police. These positions involve overseeing operations, evaluating performance, and ensuring compliance with policies and procedures. Behavior analysis principles, particularly Organizational Behavior Management (OBM), can also help leaders identify factors that influence officer performance, strengthen accountability, and develop systems that support effective decision-making, policy compliance, and positive community interactions.

National Median Annual Salary: $87,613 - $133,872

Today, criminal justice roles increasingly demand interdisciplinary skills and specializations that intersects with fields like behavioral analysis.

If you already work in law enforcement, building a background in behavior analysis can help you move beyond traditional law enforcement roles focused on corrections and patrolling into careers that require a deeper understanding of the nuances of human behavior. This can help you step into rewarding careers in rehabilitation, advocacy, and leadership.

For civilians without a law enforcement background, a master's degree in behavior analysis—and certification as a BCBA—allows you to work alongside the criminal justice system to develop adaptive behavioral strategies that impact your clients’ lives for the better, in areas such as intervention, rehabilitation, prevention, and behavioral change.

The University of Cincinnati offers three online degree pathways to help you reach your professional goals in the criminal justice field:

• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
• Master of Science in Criminal Justice
• Master of Science in Behavior Analysis

Best of all, all programs are fully online and can be completed on a flexible schedule that fits your life—with many students earning their degree in as little as two years.

The University of Cincinnati’s online Master of Science in Behavior Analysis is intended for professionals seeking advanced preparation in behavior assessment, intervention, research, and evidence-based practice across a variety of settings, including correctional facilities, rehabilitation programs, clinics, schools, and other community settings.

Our program is designed for students who want to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), with curriculum centered on developing advanced expertise in behavior analysis concepts and principles, including two practicum courses, supervised field experience, and a culminating project that allows students to generate new knowledge through applied research.

The University of Cincinnati’s online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program is designed for individuals interested in crime analysis, corrections, courts, rehabilitation, policy, prevention, research, and justice-system administration.

Ranked 15th in the country for online Master’s in Criminal Justice programs by U.S. News & World Report (2026), our curriculum offers hands-on learning, best practices, and theoretical frameworks you can apply to real-world situations. 

Plus, three focused graduate certifications—in Analysis of Criminal Behavior, Correctional Rehabilitation, and Crime Analysis and Prevention—let you tailor your education to your area of expertise and stand out in an increasingly competitive job market.

Now that you have a clearer picture of career options at the intersection of criminal justice and behavior analysis, you may have more questions before you decide. Reach out to an Enrollment Services Advisor (ESA) today for personalized career guidance. We’re here to support you on your career journey and answer any questions you might have.