Compliance officers work in a variety of fields and are responsible for making sure that the department or company that they are overseeing adheres to specific quality and ethics standards in order to protect them from scandals, lawsuits and customer complaints. Protecting the safety of the public is also a responsibility of compliance officers, as unethical behavior can diminish the quality and effectiveness of the company’s products or services. Production lines, health care facilities, business offices, large corporations, school districts, government entities and nonprofit organizations are all places that employ compliance or ethics officers. As a compliance officer, you will be expected to review and write up reports about how well their organization adheres to compliance policies regarding personal conduct, customer relations, and other ethics concerns. Compliance officers also recommend and develop policies that outline proper, legal behavior and operations in the workplace. When complaints arise, compliance officers must be able to conduct unbiased investigations and work with customers, managers and other departments to solve the issue.

The salary for a compliance officer varies greatly depending on the person’s geographic location and industry. Generally, entry level compliance officers can expect to make around $46,000 a year, and those with at least five years of experience can make between $56,192 to $67,565. Those who work in major cities like New York can expect to earn much higher salaries, while compliance officers in smaller cities and the suburbs will earn less. Compliance officers working full-time for a reputable company should also expect to receive a benefits package that includes paid vacation and holidays and health insurance.

A bachelor’s degree is required for compliance officer positions, but higher degrees are preferred, especially if the candidate expects to get promoted and earn a higher entry level salary. A Master’s in Criminal Justice could help your chances of becoming a high ranking compliance officer, especially if you intend on working in a field that requires a working knowledge of the justice system. Jobs fulfilling these qualifications include compliance officer positions in the corrections system, a courthouse, police department, the military, or even in a government agency. Some compliance officers even go on to get their law degree, which puts them at a greater advantage to other job applicants.

Top 10 Criminal Justice Colleges

Search our rankings of the 10 top criminal justice colleges in the US below and request free information packets directly from the top criminal justice degree programs for your needs.

 
1.
University of Phoenix - Master's Degree. University of Phoenix provides highly rated resources that fosters independent learning and enables the student for success. University of Phoenix graduates have shown a history of success by having long careers in the field of Criminal Justice.
 
2.
Everest University Online - Master's Degree. With a career-oriented focus, a student graduating with a M.S. in Criminal Justice from Everest University Online will have the skills necessary to pursue numerous careers upon graduation.
 
3.
Walden University - Master's Degree. At Walden University, the Master's Degree in Criminal Justice degree plan can be completed completely online and at the convenience of the student. Walden University is the premiere online college for students interested in pursuing a degree in the legal and justice field.
 
4.
Colorado Technical University - Master's Degree. The university's Master of Science in Management with a concentration in Criminal Justice is designed to prepare individuals for roles in the emerging administrative and leadership sectors in the criminal justice system. Students are offered flexible courses online, allowing them to pursue this prestigious degree while maintaining other priorities in their lives as well.
 
5.
Kaplan University - Master's Degree. The wide variety of courses and flexible time schedules make Kaplan University a top rated Masters in Criminal Justice school with the following options: Master’s of Science (M.S.) in Criminal Justice, M.S. in Criminal Justice/Corrections, M.S. in Criminal Justice/Law, M.S. in Criminal Justice/Global Issues in Criminal Justice.
 
6.
Capella University - Master's Degree. Capella University Online’s top ranked job placement statistics make it a top choice by any student who wants a future in criminal justice. A Masters of Science in Public Safety - Criminal Justice, is offered.
 
7.
Saint Joesph's University - Master's Degree. Saint Joesph's University Master's in Criminal Justice program is at the forefront of education in providing a dynamic curriculum to every student. Saint Joesph's makes it easy to obtain a Criminal Justice degree online affordably and from the comfort of home.
 
8.
Virginia College - Master's Degree - At Virginia College, students are equipped with proper skills and training before graduation in order to succeed in their career of choice. Their Master's in Criminal Justice degree will prepare students for mid to upper-level management positions in the legal field.
 
9.
University of Cincinnati - Master's Degree - This highly regarded criminal justice department prepares the student with a well respected faculty, a quick degree plan, and the choice to move on to get a Doctorate. Options include M.S. Degree in Criminal Justice, M.S. Degree in Criminal Justice (1 Year Program).
 
10.
Bowling Green State University - Master's Degree. Bowling Green State University’s Criminal Justice school provides students with excellent academic training and experience. The department offers both a Masters of Science (MS) degree in Criminal Justice, and a Bachelors of Science (BS) degree in Criminal Justice.
 
11.
South University - Master's Degree. The South University Masters in Criminal Justice department allows you the option of specializing in Homeland Security. The school offers two masters options: Masters of Science( M.S.) in Criminal Justice, M.S. in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security.
 

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