The criminal justice space encompasses the following components: legislation, law enforcement, courts and corrections. To rise in the criminal justice field, rising professionals must not only understand the mechanisms that power the system but also master the business and management skills that will propel them into administrative positions.
Lamar University’s online Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Criminal Justice Management program offers a comprehensive education that merges the fields of business and criminal justice, preparing graduates for leadership roles. With a curriculum covering management theory, business communication, organizational leadership and specialized subjects in the field, graduates are ready to manage personnel, budgets and high-pressure situations within criminal justice settings.
Career Opportunities for Criminal Justice MBA Graduates
Graduates of Lamar University’s online MBA in Criminal Justice Management program are equipped for various leadership roles that require a blend of business acumen and criminal justice expertise. Often, professionals with a business degree are well suited to work in human resources departments within environments like courthouses, correctional facilities and police stations, according to Indeed.
In addition, employees with a background in sales and business administration have the negotiation and mediation skills necessary to successfully navigate a criminal justice environment. Finance skills are also useful in keeping justice facilities compliant with state and federal law. Graduates of Lamar University’s program can become various types of criminal justice professionals, such as those below. Note that salary information is current as of February 2025, and actual salaries will vary depending on factors such as work experience and job location.
Corrections Administrator
Corrections administrators oversee the operations of correctional facilities, ensuring the safety and security of both staff and inmates, according to Chron. They manage budgets, develop policies and implement programs aimed at inmate rehabilitation. Their role also involves supervising staff, maintaining facility standards and ensuring compliance with regulations. They often rise from the ranks of correctional officers.
Salaries for corrections administrators vary widely by location and the kind of system that the administrator works in — local, state or federal. The median annual salary for a correctional administrator is $101,806 in Texas, per ZipRecruiter. In the federal system, average salaries are more than $100,000 to account for the demanding duties and conditions of the job, according to Chron.
Probation or Parole Officer Supervisor
Supervisors manage probation or parole officers who work with individuals released from incarceration and assist in their transition back into their communities, according to Indeed. Parole officer supervisors ensure that officers adhere to legal and procedural guidelines, provide training and support, and handle administrative tasks such as caseload assignments and performance evaluations.
Specific salary data for supervisors is limited. Indeed reports the average salary for a parole officer is $48,830 annually, showing the salary ceiling is high for those who supervise officers and take on more responsibilities within a facility.
Criminologist
Criminologists study crime patterns, causes and effects to develop strategies for prevention and intervention, according to Indeed. They conduct research, analyze data and work with law enforcement agencies to inform policy and practice. Their work often involves profiling criminal behavior, identifying patterns, interviewing people in the criminal justice system and advising on rehabilitation programs.
The profession’s ultimate goal is to reduce crime and create solutions that prevent situations that lead to criminal behavior. Indeed estimates that the average annual salary for criminologists is $81,957.
Security Manager
Security managers develop and implement security policies and procedures to protect organizations from threats. They assess risks, manage security personnel, oversee access control systems and coordinate response strategies for emergencies, according to Indeed. They may also oversee safety training, including drills for responding to shooters, fires and evacuations, and ensure alarm systems are functioning and monitored.
According to Indeed, the average salary for a security manager is $73,670 annually. However, there is an opportunity for growth depending on the size of the organization and other factors.
Supervisory Criminal Investigator
Supervisory criminal investigators lead teams of investigators in examining criminal activities. They oversee case assignments, ensure compliance with investigative procedures, gather and analyze evidence, and coordinate with other law enforcement agencies, according to Indeed. They may also testify in court about their office’s findings and ensure that all case records are properly maintained.
The average annual salary of a criminal investigator is $65,475, per Indeed. However, supervisory roles typically command higher salaries due to increased responsibilities.
Combine Business and Criminal Justice Skills Through Lamar University’s Online MBA
Lamar University’s online MBA in Criminal Justice Management program curriculum gives students an in-depth understanding of crime control and criminal justice leadership. It also equips students with essential skills in management, finance and accounting.
Graduates of the program gain the skills they need to make a significant impact within the criminal justice system. They can pursue a variety of careers with different functions but that all utilize the foundational business and criminal justice knowledge acquired from this program.
Learn more about Lamar University’s online MBA in Criminal Justice Management program.
