Updated: May 15, 2023
Criminal justice professionals ensure that vulnerable groups are protected and that state and federal laws are respected and observed at all times. A degree in criminal justice gives you the legal know-how and theoretical and practical skills to thrive in this sector.
Population growth and continual changes in legislation mean the police and detective workforce is expected to grow 3% in the next ten years.
The need for highly trained police officers and detectives means they can earn almost $5,000 more, on average, than other law enforcement workers.
A degree in criminal justice opens the path to a number of careers, including police officer, criminal investigator, and federal agent. A bachelor’s degree qualifies you for higher-paying, strategic job roles.
This list features some of the best criminal justice degree programs at top colleges across the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation as well as the student resources provided for on-campus students. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of criminal justice programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report among others to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
intelligent score 98.44
Award
Intelligent Pick
#2 Accredited Schools Online
#9 Successful Student
New York, NY
Graduation Rate: 54%
Admission Rate: 37%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
The City University of New York's John Jay College of Criminal Justice offers the most well-rounded master's in criminal justice degree program. University HQ has ranked the program as the best of its kind in the nation , and students can complete their course online or on campus. Students can choose from a wide range of electives to build a specialization in Criminal Law and Procedure, Criminology and Deviance, Terrorism Studies, Corrections, Or Policing. This master's program is ideal for students who want to enter a career or advance their careers in criminal justice as well as students who want to pursue an academic career in higher education. The Master of Arts in Criminal Justice requires a total of 36 credits, including five required core courses, three courses in a specialization, and four elective courses. Students must also pass a qualifying examination to complete the program.
Award
Intelligent Pick
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 128 - 134
Graduate:36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $305
Out-of-State: $620
Graduate
In-State: $470
Out-of-State: $855
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
929-352-5776
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 128 - 134
Graduate:36
intelligent score 97.35
Award
Most Affordable
#12 Accredited Schools Online
#12 Successful Student
Huntsville, TX
Graduation Rate: 60%
Admission Rate: 93%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Large
Based in Huntsville, Texas, Sam Houston State University is a public institution that offers programs at affordable tuition for both undergraduate and graduate students. Undergraduates can expect to pay $244 per credit, whereas graduate students will pay $320.25 per credit, making Sam Houston State University the most affordable choice for students interested in pursuing a degree in criminal justice. The school's College of Criminal Justice offers on-campus and online courses, and students may also be eligible for several criminal justice scholarships and graduate student assistantships. SHSU offers undergraduate, master's, and Ph.D. programs in criminal justice, forensic science, and homeland security studies. Students pursuing a bachelor's in Criminal Justice at SHSU can participate in the school's internship program to earn course credit while gaining hands-on experience and networking opportunities. These internships often take place at major organizations like INTERPOL and the FBI.
Award
Most Affordable
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $244
Graduate: $320
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
936-294-1828
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 36
intelligent score 96.94
Award
Best in the Southeast
#15 Accredited Schools Online
#15 Successful Student
Fairfax, VA
Graduation Rate: 74%
Admission Rate: 89%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Based in Fairfax, Virginia, George Mason University has the best master's in criminal justice program in the southeastern United States. Thanks to its location near many justice organizations at the federal, state, and local levels in the Capitol Region, George Mason University offers students the chance to intern at major institutions, hear from nationally acclaimed guest speakers and leaders in the criminal justice field, and take advantage of research centers that host workshops and events about criminal justice policy and practice. The Master of Science in Criminal Justice program accepts both full-time and part-time students, making it suitable for working professionals who want to advance their careers while maintaining a flexible schedule.
Award
Best in the Southeast
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $759
Out-of-State: $1,674
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]?gmu.?edu
Phone:
703-993-9700
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Graduate: 30
intelligent score 96.44
Award
Best Tuition Discounts
#4 Accredited Schools Online
#33 Successful Student
West Haven, CT
Graduation Rate: 63%
Admission Rate: 91%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
The University of New Haven in West Haven, Connecticut, is a private institution that offers a nationally recognized Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree program. The school stands out owing to its offer of generous tuition discounts to practicing criminal justice professionals. Sworn officers and correctional officers from anywhere in the world may be eligible for tuition discounts of up to 50% off, and 20% tuition discounts are available to members of professional organizations such as the IAFCI, ACAMS, ACFCS, and NHCAA. The University of New Haven's graduate criminal justice degree program is taught by leading professionals in law enforcement, investigation, politics, forensic science, and law, and students can take advantage of several internships and research opportunities to gain hands-on experience. The school's career development center helps students prepare for life after graduation by providing career assessments, interview prep, salary negotiation, and other useful services.
Award
Best Tuition Discounts
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 121
Graduate: 36 - 39
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $1,420
Graduate: $1,020
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
203-932-7440
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 121
Graduate: 36 - 39
intelligent score 96.1
Award
Best Concentration Options
#1 Accredited Schools Online
Saint Leo, FL
Graduation Rate: 44%
Admission Rate: 73%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Saint Leo University offers Bachelor of Arts programs, associate programs, master's programs, and doctorate programs in criminal justice, making it a suitable choice for students and professionals with varying levels of experience. Undergraduate students can choose from a few concentrations, including criminalistics and homeland security, and graduate students can specialize in education, forensic science, critical incident management, legal studies, criminal investigations, and more. Undergraduate students will complete several core courses like Introduction to Law and the Legal System, Law of Criminal Procedure, and Criminal Justice Ethics. Students can choose to earn their degrees online or on campus, making Saint Leo a suitable choice for students who need to balance their education with other obligations.
Award
Best Concentration Options
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 36 - 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $640
Graduate: $635
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-334-5532
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 36 - 60
intelligent score 95.96
Award
Best Internship Program
#2 Successful Student
Tallahassee, FL
Graduation Rate: 80%
Admission Rate: 32%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Florida State University's College of Criminology and Criminal Justice is the best choice for undergraduate students who want to gain practical experience while pursuing their bachelor's degree. This undergraduate program prepares students to pursue careers in criminology or to continue their education by entering a graduate program. The school offers a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science, giving students the option to customize their degree program based on their career goals. The College of Criminology and Criminal Justice's bachelor's degree internship program has both full-time and part-time opportunities. Full-time internships count toward minor requirements and are worth 15 credit hours, whereas part-time internships are worth eight credit hours. To qualify, students must be majoring in criminology and criminal justice, have a minimum GPA of 2.0, and have completed at least 60 credit hours.
Award
Best Internship Program
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $215
Out-of-State: $721
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
850-644-6200
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
intelligent score 95.92
Award
Best for Criminalistics
#3 Accredited Schools Online
Tiffin, OH
Graduation Rate: 15%
Admission Rate: 62%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Tiffin University is the best option for students who want to pursue a bachelor's of criminal science with an emphasis in criminalistics. Criminalistics is the application of scientific methods to evaluate crime scene evidence. This program is ideal for students who want to begin their careers as crime scene investigators. Tiffin University's Criminalistics program combines classroom teaching with a unique progression of hands-on learning that gives students practical experience working in crime scenes and courtrooms. Tiffin University also partners with Terra State Community College to include the cost of tuition for the Ohio Police Officer Training Academy (OPOTA), helping students kickstart their postgraduation careers.
Award
Best for Criminalistics
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 121
Graduate: 30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $954
Graduate: $700
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-968-6446 ext. 3423
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 121
Graduate: 30
intelligent score 95.74
Award
Best Online Program
#5 Accredited Schools Online
#50 Successful Student
Richmond, KY
Graduation Rate: 50%
Admission Rate: 98%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Eastern Kentucky University's online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program offers unmatched flexibility, exceptional student support services, and affordable tuition rates. Courses can be completed 100% online, with no required campus visits, and the program consists of accelerated eight-week terms to help students earn their degrees more quickly. Students have access to helpful support services, including online tutoring and career services, and undergraduate students get free access to online textbooks. Each student is assigned a personal adviser who works with them from application to graduation. The program costs $421 per credit hour, and reduced tuition rates are available for active-duty service members and their partners. Students can transfer up to 90 credits toward their degrees, and students must complete a minimum of 30 credits at Eastern Kentucky University to earn their degrees.
Award
Best Online Program
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $398
Out-of-State: $831
Graduate
In-State: $556
Out-of-State: $758
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
859-622-2106
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 60
intelligent score 94.13
Award
Best Accelerated Program
#4 Successful Student
Saint Louis, MO
Graduation Rate: 57%
Admission Rate: 58%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
The University of Missouri in St. Louis offers online and on-campus undergraduate and graduate degree programs in Criminology and Criminal Justice. The university offers a unique Bachelor of Science/Master of Arts dual degree program that allows students to earn both bachelor's and master's degrees in Criminology and Criminal Justice on an accelerated timeline. In just five years, students can meet all of the requirements needed to earn both degrees with fewer total credit hours than would be necessary to complete both programs separately. Upon graduation from this program, students will have a deeper understanding of criminal justice, law, theory, research methods, statistics, and criminal justice policy. For on-campus students, UMSL is home to several student organizations, such as the Criminology and Criminal Justice Undergraduate Student Association and Student Government Association, which students can join to build a network of peers and gain more experience in the field.
Award
Best Accelerated Program
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30 - 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $379
Out-of-State: $1,019
Graduate
In-State: $522
Out-of-State: $1,281
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
314-516-5451
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30 - 60
intelligent score 93.95
Award
Best in the Midwest
#5 Successful Student
Cincinnati, OH
Graduation Rate: 66%
Admission Rate: 76%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Situated in Cincinnati, Ohio, the University of Cincinnati is the best midwestern institution to offer a degree in criminal justice. The school's Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of criminal offending and the criminal justice process. Students pursuing an undergraduate degree in criminal justice must complete a field placement, which consists of an internship at a criminal justice-related agency of their choice. Students can also join organizations like the Criminal Justice Society or Alpha Phi Sigma, the only National Criminal Justice Honor Society for criminal justice majors, to network with peers in their field.
Award
Best in the Midwest
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30 - 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $549
Out-of-State; $1,188
Graduate: $504
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
513-556-1100
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30 - 60
intelligent score 93.77
Award
Sault Ste Marie, MI
Graduation Rate: 68%
Admission Rate: 70%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 124
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $560
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
906-635-2231
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 124
intelligent score 92.76
Award
Utica, NY
Graduation Rate: 51%
Admission Rate: 86%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$610 - $967
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
315-792-3006
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
intelligent score 92.59
Award
Tempe, AZ
Graduation Rate: 64%
Admission Rate: 88%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 33
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $914
Out-of-State; $1,746
Graduate
In-State: $1,344
Out-of-State: $2,722
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
855-278-5080
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 33
intelligent score 92.49
Award
Livonia, MI
Graduation Rate: 64%
Admission Rate: 68%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $870
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
734-432-5339
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
intelligent score 92.38
Award
New Brunswick, NJ
Graduation Rate: 81%
Admission Rate: 67%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $404
Out-of-State: $966
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
848-445-7215
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
intelligent score 92.25
Award
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Graduation Rate: 54%
Admission Rate: 97%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 33
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $288 - $433
Graduate: $617 - $1,234
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
863-682-6020
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 33
intelligent score 91.88
Award
Paxton, MA
Graduation Rate: 50%
Admission Rate: 86%
Urbanicity: Rural
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$585
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-344-4586
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
intelligent score 91.82
Award
Davenport, IA
Graduation Rate: 65%
Admission Rate: 74%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $1,050
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
563-333-6300
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
intelligent score 91.67
Award
Omaha, NE
Graduation Rate: 51%
Admission Rate: 82%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $235
Out-of-State: $738
Graduate
In-State: $341
Out-of-State: $820
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
402-554-2393
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 36
intelligent score 91.48
Award
Edmond, OK
Graduation Rate: 43%
Admission Rate: 80%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 124
Graduate: 36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $234
Out-of-State: $362
Graduate
In-State: $306
Out-of-State: $417
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
405-974-2727
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 124
Graduate: 36
intelligent score 91.13
Award
Romeoville, IL
Graduation Rate: 67%
Admission Rate: 66%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 128
Graduate: 36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $430
Graduate: $600
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
815-836-5250
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 128
Graduate: 36
intelligent score 90.77
Award
Philadelphia, PA
Graduation Rate: 72%
Admission Rate: 71%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 123
Graduate: 30 - 48
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $714
Out-of-State: $1,286
Graduate
In-State: $1,004
Out-of-State: $1,381
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
215-204-7269
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 123
Graduate: 30 - 48
intelligent score 90.3
Award
Honolulu, HI
Graduation Rate: 45%
Admission Rate: 89%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $1,189
Graduate: $1,050
accreditation
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
808-739-8340
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30
intelligent score 89.23
Award
Orlando, FL
Graduation Rate: 72%
Admission Rate: 45%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 124
Graduate: 36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $212
Out-of-State:$748
Graduate
In-State: $369
Out-of-State: $1,194
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
844-376-9160
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 124
Graduate: 36
intelligent score 88.69
Award
Topeka, KS
Graduation Rate: 53%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $322
Out-of-State: $715
Graduate
In-State: $445
Out-of-State: $885
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
785-670-1411
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 36
intelligent score 88.4
Award
Atlanta, GA
Graduation Rate: 56%
Admission Rate: 82%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Associate: 60
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Associate: $95
Undergraduate
In-State: $298
Out-of-State: $932
Graduate
In-State: $398
Out-of-State: $1,259
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
404-413-1020
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Associate: 60
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 36
intelligent score 88.3
Award
Bloomington, IN
Graduation Rate: 79%
Admission Rate: 80%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $317
Out-of-State: $1,086
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
812-855-0661
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
intelligent score 88.09
Award
Allentown, PA
Graduation Rate: 53%
Admission Rate: 52%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,435
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-360-1222
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
intelligent score 86.7
Award
Newark, DE
Graduation Rate: 81%
Admission Rate: 66%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 124
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $557
Out-of-State: $1,495
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
302-831-2581
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 124
intelligent score 84.7
Award
Adrian, MI
Graduation Rate: 48%
Admission Rate: 61%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,000
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-877-2246
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
intelligent score 83.94
Award
Columbia, SC
Graduation Rate: 73%
Admission Rate: 68%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30 - 63
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $512
Out-of-State: $1,397
Graduate
In-State: $572
Out-of-State: $1,240
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
803-777-7700
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30 - 63
intelligent score 83.46
Award
Hattiesburg, MS
Graduation Rate: 50%
Admission Rate: 96%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 122
Graduate: 30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Under graduate: $385
Graduate: $513
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
601-266-5000
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 122
Graduate: 30
intelligent score 83.07
Award
Norfolk, VA
Graduation Rate: 58%
Admission Rate: 95%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate:120
Graduate: 48
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $360
Out-of-State: $1,032
Graduate
In-State: $551
Out-of-State: $1,387
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
757-683-3685
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate:120
Graduate: 48
intelligent score 82.78
Award
Fayette, IA
Graduation Rate: 50%
Admission Rate: 65%
Urbanicity: Rural
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$350
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-553-4150
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
intelligent score 82.11
Award
Little Rock, AR
Graduation Rate: 39%
Admission Rate: 56%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $317
Out-of-State: $725
Graduate
In-State: $320
Out-of-State: $725
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
501-916-3127
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 36
intelligent score 81.97
Award
Erie, PA
Graduation Rate: 69%
Admission Rate: 88%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Associate: 61
Undergraduate: 121
Graduate: 30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Associate: $555
Undergraduate: $1,125 - $1,688
Graduate: $855
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
814-824-2202
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Associate: 61
Undergraduate: 121
Graduate: 30
intelligent score 81.87
Award
Lowell, MA
Graduation Rate: 59%
Admission Rate: 75%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 33
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $644
Out-of-State: $1,409
Graduate
In-State: $844
Out-of-State: $1,499
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
978-934-4000
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 33
intelligent score 81.28
Award
Louisville, KY
Graduation Rate: 54%
Admission Rate: 65%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 121
Graduate: 36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $514
Out-of-State: $1,195
Graduate
In-State: $775
Out-of-State: $1,575
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
502-852-6567
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 121
Graduate: 36
intelligent score 81.04
Award
Miami, FL
Graduation Rate: 65%
Admission Rate: 58%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $205
Out-of-State: $618
Graduate
In-State: $455
Out-of-State: $1,001
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
305-348-5890
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 36
intelligent score 80.95
Award
Quincy, IL
Graduation Rate: 53%
Admission Rate: 67%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 124
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $1,064
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
217-228-5432
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 124
intelligent score 80.69
Award
Rochester Hills, MI
Graduation Rate: 56%
Admission Rate: 81%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 124
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $562
Out-of-State: $853
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
248-370-2420
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 124
intelligent score 80.58
Award
Fargo, ND
Graduation Rate: 59%
Admission Rate: 94%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 60 - 90
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $383
Out-of-State: $574
Graduate
In-State: $421
Out-of-State: $632
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
701-231-8567
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 60 - 90
intelligent score 80.49
Award
McKenzie, TN
Graduation Rate: 44%
Admission Rate: 76%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 128
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$350
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
731-352-4000
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 128
intelligent score 80.44
Award
Grand Forks, ND
Graduation Rate: 50%
Admission Rate: 87%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $384
Out-of-State: $577
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
701-777-3000
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
intelligent score 80.3
Award
Bristol, RI
Graduation Rate: 61%
Admission Rate: 86%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate:$1,693
Graduate: $1,049
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
401-254-3500
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 36
intelligent score 80.2
Award
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Graduation Rate: 47%
Admission Rate: 76%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30 - 60
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $1,150
Graduate: $860 - $1,240
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
954-262-8000
Delivery Format
On-Campus, Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30 - 60
intelligent score 80.14
Award
Boston, MA
Graduation Rate: 61%
Admission Rate: 86%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 126
Graduate: 30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $1,258
Graduate: $1,340
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
617-573-8460
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 126
Graduate: 30
intelligent score 79.74
Award
Austin, TX
Graduation Rate: 60%
Admission Rate: 91%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$692 - $1,039
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
512-448-8400
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
intelligent score 78.67
Award
San Marcos, TX
Graduation Rate: 61%
Admission Rate: 85%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30 - 51
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate
In-State: $307
Out-of-State: $715
Graduate
In-State: $357
Out-of-State: $765
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
512-245-2364
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Graduate: 30 - 51
intelligent score 77.63
Award
Adrian, MI
Graduation Rate: 69%
Admission Rate: 74%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Undergraduate: $968
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-521-0009
Delivery Format
On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
Undergraduate: 120
A bachelor’s in criminal justice prepares you for a career in a range of sectors, including social services, government agencies, nonprofits, and public and private research agencies. If you’re looking for a role as a forensic technician or a federal agent, you need additional specialized training in natural sciences and federal law enforcement, respectively.
Though crime rates are falling on state and federal levels, growing population size and increased demand for public safety services mean the need for police officers and detectives is expected to grow by 3% until 2031. Still, funding for these jobs depends on government budgets, and available jobs can vary per location and year. A few things can improve your chances of getting a job in this sector, such as speaking a foreign language, having prior military or investigative experience, or holding a bachelor’s degree.
As a police officer or criminal investigator, you need to have a license to carry a firearm and a certificate in first aid and CPR. These are usually easily earned on the job, although some states might ask you to obtain them on your own. If you’d like to work as a law enforcement agent at the federal level, you need to undergo additional training, usually at the U.S. Marine Corps base in Quantico, Virginia or a Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.
Here are a couple of questions to consider when researching bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice:
Most universities offer financial aid for talented students if you apply early through their admissions office. You can also apply for federal student aid, although the deadline for these scholarships may vary from state to state and college to college.