Criminal Justiceat Bethel University
Graduates earn $54,207/yr in their first year — about 41.0% above the national Criminal Justice average. Base-case 10-year earnings $522K; scenarios range from $483K to $524K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Bethel University
The strong outcomes for Bethel's Criminal Justice and Corrections program reflect a unique blend of practical preparation and regional opportunity. This isn't just a standard policing track; the "Corrections" emphasis likely connects graduates to specialized state and federal roles with structured pay scales and benefit packages that outpace general law enforcement. The program appears to equip students for upward mobility, evidenced by graduates entering supervisory, investigative, and even financial examination roles, which demand more advanced analytical and forensic skills. This specialized training, coupled with potential strong local and state agency partnerships in West Tennessee, helps graduates secure positions with higher earning potential. To maximize your prospects, actively pursue internships in specific investigative units or within federal and state corrections agencies, building a network that extends beyond entry-level opportunities.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Bethel University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Criminal Justice
How Bethel University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Bethel University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Bethel University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Criminal Justice offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Criminal Justice trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Criminal Justice at Bethel University
How does Bethel University's Criminal Justice program score?
This program scores 59/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Criminal Justice graduates.
Why does Bethel University rank so high for Criminal Justice?
The #121 ranking out of 629 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.