Occupational outcomes of criminal justice graduates: Is the master's degree a wise investment?

This study explores the influence of a college education on annual income, job satisfaction, and job performance of criminal justice alumni. Data were obtained from 122 criminal justice graduates of a major university in the southern United States (1983–1992) through the use of a mailed questionnaire. The findings, which account for 20 percent of the variation, support the conclusion that holders of a master's degree earn significantly more income than bachelor's degree holders. Results also demonstrate higher job satisfaction for holders of the master's degree, but no difference in self-reported performance levels.