Criminal Justice Colleges & Schools
Last Updated
Increase your potential while helping to protect your community.
Criminal justice programs can prepare you for many professional and personal benefits. And they frequently cover all major areas of the field so that your career prospects are truly maximized.
Dig into the law enforcement side. Explore how the court system works. Discover why correctional facilities are set up the way they are.
A criminal justice school can teach you about a surprising number of topics related to crime, security, and the safeguarding of individual rights. Criminal justice schools can put a variety of exciting and meaningful careers within closer reach. With the right training, you can:
- Gain access to an impressive range of stable job opportunities
- Develop skills that you can use in many different kinds of positions
- Uphold many of the values you cherish most
These criminal justice colleges and schools are ready to tell you how their programs match your goals. Give them a way to get in touch with you right now by requesting information!
Criminal Justice Schools
Sponsored Listings
UEI College
- Bakersfield
- Chula Vista
- Fresno
- Garden Grove
- Gardena
- Huntington Park
- Oceanside
- Ontario
- West Covina
- Criminal Justice
Southern New Hampshire University
- Online
-
Criminal Justice:
- Corrections
- Criminology Crime Analysis
- Cybercrime
- Homeland Security & Counterterrorism
- Human Services and Advocacy
- Police Administration & Operations
- Security Management
- Substance Abuse
Waldorf University
- Online
-
Criminal Justice
- Forensic Mental Health
- Forensic Psychology
- Homeland Security
- Public Relations
- Criminal Justice Administration
- Psychology - Criminal Justice
Keiser University
- Clearwater
- Daytona Beach
- Fort Lauderdale
- Fort Myers
- Jacksonville
- Lakeland
- Melbourne
- Miami
- Naples
- New Port Richey
- Orlando
- Pembroke Pines
- Port St. Lucie
- Sarasota
- Tallahassee
- Tampa
- West Palm Beach
- Criminal Justice
- Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement Concentration
- Financial Crime Investigation
Saint Leo University
- Online
-
Criminal Justice:
- Criminalistics Specialization
- Homeland Security Specialization
Criminal Justice Education and Job Information
Criminal justice is the all-encompassing term for how society responds to criminal or unwanted activities and behaviors. From policing to the court system, incarceration to rehabilitation, careers in this field play an integral role in our society's health. Job prospects are said to be excellent, but education is a crucial first step.
Program Objectives
The sciences of investigation and enforcement and the psychology of criminals and their victims form the backbone of your criminal justice studies.
From crime scene investigation and victim advocacy to interview techniques and loss prevention, you will learn what causes crime and how to prevent it.
You will also learn about laws governing our society (and how they are enforced), incarceration and parole, and even threats to national security, and how to react to them.
What Can You Do With a Criminal Justice Degree?
Heightened national and personal security concerns are fueling demand in law enforcement and criminal justice.
Also, as technology continues to push boundaries, computer forensics is seen as a growth area, as we attempt to protect personal information that is increasingly being stored on computers and networks.
Many states are dealing with budget restraints in corrections, forcing a review of prison costs and mandatory sentencing requirements. That has led to a focus on prevention, rehabilitation, and parole, putting counselors and probation officers in demand. This field also offers an expanding number of jobs for retired police officers.
Criminal Justice Careers
In the traditional areas, entry-level careers include security guard, corrections officer, loss-prevention officer, private investigator, and others.
Other careers you may not have considered include homeland security, wildlife conservation officer, and transit authority.
Upon graduation, you may also be prepared to enter a police academy to prepare for a job with a local law enforcement agency.
In the field of rehabilitation, positions exist for youth counselors and social workers.
If you enjoy working with technology, consider computer forensics and security. In the court system, there is a need for court reporters.
Salary
According to Occupational Employment Statistics data collected in May 2019, the annual mean earnings for certain criminal justice occupations was as follows:
- Private investigators and detectives: $57,000
- Probation officers and correctional treatment workers: $59,910
- Police officers: $67,620
PayScale offers a comprehensive list of average homeland security salaries.
It is important to note that wages vary significantly depending on geography, experience, and the specific industry of employment.
Criminal Justice Program Length
Diploma and associate degrees usually require two years of full-time study. Criminal justice bachelor's degrees are generally four years.
Certification and Licensure
In all likelihood, you will be required to obtain some form of a certificate, license, or both to work in criminal justice. However, regulations vary greatly depending on the state in which you intend to work, so it is best to consult local policies.
Licensure or certification may require:
- Relevant education
- A passing grade on a written exam
- A minimum level of related experience
- Criminal background check
Online Criminal Justice Degree & Diploma Programs are Available
Distance learning programs are available in the criminal justice field. Your best bet for finding an online program is to use our convenient search tool below.
Your Next Move
Criminal behavior is a fact of life. Society will always require qualified, purposeful individuals who can react quickly to curb that conduct.
A criminal justice career may be just right for you if you're looking for an education that prepares you to become a contributing member of society.