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Justice Studies Jobs (NOW HIRING)

A. degrees in Anthropology, Africana World Studies, Community Development and Social Justice, and Women's and Gender Studies. Our programs include hands-on learning activities and field experiences.

Lecturer, Fall 2026

Newark, NJ · On-site

$8.3K/mo

Various Criminal Justice and Justice Studies electives or other Topics in Justice Studies courses. Master's program courses located on the Rutgers University-Newark campus: * Data Analysis ...

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Justice Studies information

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$20K

$58.8K

$124.5K

How much do justice studies jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for justice studies in the United States is $58,792.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $67,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Justice Studies, and why are they important?

To thrive in Justice Studies, you need a strong foundation in criminal justice concepts, research methods, and legal principles, usually supported by a relevant degree such as a BA or BS in Justice Studies or Criminal Justice. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management systems, and statistical analysis tools like SPSS is often important. Critical thinking, ethical judgment, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this field. These abilities enable professionals to analyze complex legal issues, advocate for justice, and contribute meaningfully to policy and community outcomes.

What are justice studies?

Justice studies is an interdisciplinary field that examines issues related to law, crime, and social justice. It explores how legal systems operate, the causes and consequences of criminal behavior, and the impact of social policies on communities. Students and professionals in justice studies often focus on topics such as criminal justice, human rights, social inequality, and conflict resolution. Graduates can pursue careers in law enforcement, public policy, legal services, advocacy, and related fields.

What jobs don't require a CJ degree?

Justice Studies graduates can pursue various roles that do not require a criminal justice degree, such as administrative positions, social services, or security roles, which often prioritize experience, certifications, or related skills over a specific degree. Many entry-level jobs in law enforcement support, community outreach, or private security may also be accessible without a criminal justice degree.

Is justice studies a good major?

Justice Studies is a relevant major for careers in law enforcement, corrections, social services, and criminal justice analysis. It provides foundational knowledge of the justice system, critical thinking skills, and often includes internships or fieldwork to prepare students for related roles.

What is the highest paying job with a criminal justice degree?

The highest paying jobs with a criminal justice degree typically include federal law enforcement roles such as FBI Special Agents and U.S. Marshals, which often require additional training and experience. Corporate security managers and criminal justice consultants also tend to have higher salaries, especially with advanced skills and certifications. These roles often involve leadership, specialized knowledge, and sometimes require security clearances or advanced degrees.

What can you do with a justice studies major?

A justice studies major prepares individuals for careers in criminal justice, law enforcement, corrections, legal advocacy, and social services. Graduates can work as police officers, probation officers, legal assistants, or in policy analysis, often requiring strong communication, critical thinking, and knowledge of the justice system.

What is the difference between Justice Studies vs Criminal Justice?

AspectJustice StudiesCriminal Justice
Required CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in Justice Studies or related fieldAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice or related field
Work EnvironmentCourts, law enforcement agencies, social services, researchLaw enforcement agencies, correctional facilities, courts
Industry UsageAcademic programs, policy analysis, social servicesLaw enforcement, corrections, security

Justice Studies and Criminal Justice share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, often overlapping in law enforcement and social services. However, Justice Studies tends to focus more on broader social justice issues, policy, and advocacy, while Criminal Justice emphasizes law enforcement, corrections, and crime control. Both fields prepare students for careers in the justice system, but their focus areas differ slightly, catering to different career paths within the justice industry.

What are some typical career paths for professionals with a background in Justice Studies?

Professionals with a Justice Studies background often pursue careers in law enforcement, corrections, legal research, court administration, or social services. Many also work in advocacy organizations, policy analysis, or government agencies. Advancement opportunities can include supervisory roles, specialized investigative positions, or further study leading to roles such as attorney or policy advisor. The field offers a diverse range of options, and professionals frequently collaborate with law enforcement officers, legal professionals, and community organizations to address justice-related challenges.
More about Justice Studies jobs
What cities are hiring for Justice Studies jobs? Cities with the most Justice Studies job openings:
What states have the most Justice Studies jobs? States with the most job openings for Justice Studies jobs include:
Infographic showing various Justice Studies job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,792 per year, or $28.3 per hour.
Adjunct Faculty - Community and Social Justice Studies

Adjunct Faculty - Community and Social Justice Studies

William Paterson University

On-site

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 22 hours ago


Job description

Thank you for your interest in working at William Paterson University.

William Paterson University is a purpose-driven, proudly diverse community-designated as both a public Hispanic-Serving Institution and Minority-Serving Institution-committed to creating transformative academic, professional, and personal experiences as a powerhouse of progress. We foster a workplace that values growth, flexibility, and community, and we are recognized as a 2024 and 2025 Forbes' Best Employers by State, 2025 Great College to Work For, and honored with the NJBIZ Empowering Women Award.

Our 1,000 dedicated staff members enjoy competitive benefits, a four-day summer workweek, tuition support, and strong opportunities for internal promotion. Situated on a scenic suburban campus just 20 miles from New York City, WP offers a diverse, inclusive environment where your contributions fuel student success, economic and social mobility, and community engagement. Together, we empower our students through intentional, holistic support within flexible, innovative, and inclusive settings-preparing graduates to thrive professionally and personally, and to lead with a commitment to progress in New Jersey and beyond.

We invite you to join William Paterson University: a wonderful community to learn, work, grow, and thrive. William Paterson University has been named to Forbes' prestigious "Best Employers by State" list for 2024, recognizing the institution as one of the best-ranked employers in New Jersey based on nationwide surveys. WP is one of four education institutions on the Garden State's list this year. Here is the link to the article forbes-best-in-state-employers-new-jersey-2024. William Paterson University is among more than 40 companies and organizations that will be honored with a 2024 NJBIZ Empowering Women Award for their commitment to supporting and elevating women employees.


William Paterson University employs approximately 1000 full time employees in the state who work in a variety of positions ranging from professors to administrative assistants and administrators, physical plant operations, campus police, athletics coaches, academic advisors, and more. William Paterson University supports a remote friendly hybrid work schedule for this role. William Paterson also boasts a four-day summer work week from mid-May to mid-August (Fridays off), during which all employees participate in our award-winning Summer Learning series.


Spanning more than 400 wooded acres in suburban Wayne, New Jersey - just 20 miles from New York City - our campus is one of the most diverse in the nation and it ranks in the top 4 percent of colleges for social mobility. William Paterson is a strong proponent of employees growing their careers there. More than fifty percent of the University's roles are filled by promotions from within. We're not only committed to social mobility for our students, but also for our employees.


Your work as a member of our team is important to our students and to the progress of our University. What you do here matters, and we value every contribution.

William Paterson University invites applications for the position of Adjunct Faculty within the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS), Department of Community and Social Justice Studies (CSJS).

Thank you for expressing interest in serving as an adjunct faculty member at William Paterson University.

Please note that there may not be a vacancy at this time.Rather, qualified applicants may be contacted if and when there is an immediate need, or on an exploratory basis for a future opening.

Undergraduatecourses in this department are taught both online and in person. Those generally taught by Adjunct faculty include, but are not limited to:

  • Race, Gender and Social Justice
  • Sex, Gender and Sexuality
  • Gender and Sexuality in Popular Culture
  • Why Language Matters
  • Human Biocultural Evolution
  • Becoming and Being Human
  • Digging the Past: An Introduction to Archaeology
  • Global Transformations and the Human Condition
  • Culture, Multiculturalism and Identity
  • African American History since 1865
  • African American Political Thought
  • Race and Media

Department Overview

TheDepartment of Community and Social Justice Studies (CSJS)offers B.A. degrees in Anthropology, Africana World Studies, Community Development and Social Justice, and Women's and Gender Studies. Our programs include hands-on learning activities and field experiences. Students have the opportunity to work with faculty on ongoing research and advocacy projects. They also develop skills through the Department's collaborative partnerships with local organizations and communities in northern New Jersey. Our faculty view our classrooms and our courses as sites where participatory, collaborative and collegial learning takes place. We strive to create a mutually respectful and inclusive environment that practices and fosters social justice. Our majors and courses are designed to help students develop critical perspectives and marketable skills to be advocates for communities and work in the public, private, non-governmental, and not-for-profit sectors, or to pursue graduate study. For more information about the department, please visithttps://wpunj.edu/cohss/departments/community-and-social-justice-studies/index.html

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Using the course outline as a guide, develop relevant syllabi in order to deploy course content, objectives, and methods of student assessment for up to six (6) credits per semester in an undergraduate course (see course listing above).
  • Contribute to student success by providing consistent and effective support and guidance through role modeling and mentoring and being available to the students for their questions and needs.
  • Teach in person and/or online depending upon course schedules and department needs.

Required Qualifications for Undergraduate courses:

  • Master's degree in any social science.
  • At least 1 year of full time or part-time teaching experience.
  • Ability to teach in-person or online.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in the related disciplines of Anthropology, Africana World Studies (or Ethnic Studies, Black Studies, etc.), Women's and Gender Studies, or Community Development (or Development Studies, Community Studies), or Social Justice Studies or their equivalent.
  • Experience teaching both online and in person.

Personal Attributes and Traits:

  • Ability to work with a very diverse student body
  • Experience and ability to translate ordinary experiences / current events into pedagogical approaches that enhance curriculum relevance.
  • Demonstrated commitment to engage in continuous professional development activities.
  • Demonstrated commitment to content, teaching excellence, assessment strategies, and positive outcomes.
  • Capable of exhibiting patience and resourcefulness in managing student challenges.
  • Ability to effectively address competing wants and needs by developing and sustaining robust working relationships in a diverse environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to set and work toward common goals in a collaborative environment.]

ADJUNCTS PER CREDIT RATE:

New employees - $2100/CREDIT

Employees who have worked for 13+ semesters at WP - $2175/CREDIT

This position may be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health and dental insurance and retirement plans. To learn more, please visit: https://www.wpunj.edu/human-resources/total-rewards/

Invitation to apply

Interested candidates will be prompted to complete an applicationand submit a cover letter and resume/cv.

Submission of all documents listed is required for consideration and should be uploaded when prompted to upload your resume.

General questions related to this application process, please contact talent@wpunj.edu. Please include with your inquiry the Job Requisition number beginning with R as well as the job title and department.

Salary Range:

Total Rewards and Benefits:

Click here to view the total rewards of working at WP

William Paterson University is committed to protecting your privacy and will not sell your personal information.

EEO Statement

William Paterson University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race or ethnicity, sex/gender (including pregnancy), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, civil union status, familial status, religion, national origin or citizenship, military service status, or any other category protected by law. William Paterson University does not discriminate on the basis of any category stated above or as prohibited by applicable law. Individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

For more information, visit University Facts