Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Criminal Justice Professor
What criminal justice professors actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a criminal justice professor?
Teach intro to criminal justice. From there, the day usually includes teach criminal justice courses, prepare students for justice careers, and conduct research on crime and policy. Teaching, research and service, with evening classes for working students.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a criminal justice professor working full time.
- Teach intro to criminal justice.
- Hold office hours.
- Analyze crime data.
- Teach a corrections course.
- Meet a police department about a study.
- Advise students on internships.
- Teach an evening class.
Where criminal justice professors work
Faculty work in classrooms, offices and with justice agencies.
Hours and schedule
Teaching, research and service, with evening classes for working students.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Teach criminal justice courses
- Prepare students for justice careers
- Conduct research on crime and policy
- Partner with agencies
- Advise students
- Publish research
- Serve on committees
Tools you’ll use every day
- Crime databases
- Statistical software
- GIS
- Learning management systems
- Case studies
- Presentation tools
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Relevant, engaging subject
- Agency partnerships
- Career preparation focus
- Flexible schedule
What’s hard
- Competitive tenure track
- Sensitive topics
- Lower pay for academia
- Data access challenges
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I care about justice
- I like teaching
- I enjoy research
- I want to prepare future officers
- I can stay objective
- I’m willing to earn advanced degrees
Not sure? Take the free Criminal Justice Professor fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Protect sensitive data
- Follow research ethics
- Discuss trauma topics with care
- Protect student privacy