Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration

Criminal justice degrees focus on the delivery of justice to individuals who have committed crimes by those who have studied and analyzed criminal behavior and rehabilitation. Criminal justice degrees are offered at the associate, bachelor, and graduate levels, and certificates can be earned post-education to learn more about specific areas of criminal justice. Ideal candidates are honest, driven by a sense of responsibility, and are observant.

Associate Level

An associate’s in criminal justice, like most 2-year programs, is considered an introduction into the field. In the case of criminal justice, though, it’s enough to obtain entry-level positions. The curriculum will contain an introduction to criminology, as well as a focus on understanding the theories behind the American criminal justice system.

Careers for those with an associate degree include: Police Officer, Campus Security Officer, Victim Advocacy Counselor, Probation Officer, Corrections Officer, Evidence Technician, Youth Detention Counselor. The average salary with an associate’s is $35,000.

Baccalaureate

Earning a bachelor’s in criminal justice provides more insight into the courts and corrections systems. This 4-year program can be obtained as either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science, depending on whether you want to work in a technical or scientific field. Both will take a deeper look into research methods and ethical concerns in criminal justice, as well as alternatives to incarceration.

Career paths for criminal justice degree-holders include: Corrections Officer/Manager, FBI Agent, Police Officer, Private Investigator, Forensic Accountant, Crime Scene Investigator, Paralegal, Air Marshal, US Marshal, Custom & Border Patrol Agent, Emergency Management Director, Secret Service Agent, Transportation Security Screeners, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, Fish and Game Warden, Bailiff, Court Clerk, Information Security Analyst, Document Examiner, Diplomatic Security Agent, IRS Criminal Investigator, Probate Investigator. Entry-level pay for criminal justice fields is $40,000.

Graduate Education

The next level in criminal justice is a master’s degree, and this level delves deeper in research methods and statistics, along with policy analysis. Curriculum will likely include courses on victimology, criminal mind and behavior, budgeting and planning, issues in policing, and contemporary issues in corrections. A graduate degree in criminal justice typically leads to higher levels within the same types of workplaces as a bachelor’s, such as supervisor, director, or manager.

Taking criminal justice to the next educational level, a PhD is, as usual, an indication of a life of research and academia. The primary goal is to seek out better crime control through understanding crime and justice. Educational, research, and advanced public policy roles are the natural progression after earning a PhD in Criminal Justice.

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Colleges

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Established in 1940, Dawson Community College is a public, 2-year institution located in Glendive, Montana. DCC offers seven certificate programs, 12 technical associate’s degree programs, 30 general associate’s degree concentration options for...

Peirce College
Philadelphia, PA
Peirce College

Originally founded as Union Business College, Peirce College is an institution for adult and working students in Philadelphia and one of the first colleges in America to admit women. Peirce is home to academic departments of Business, Information...

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Originally opened as Arkansas’ second vocational school, the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton is a 2-year institution in the central part of the state. In addition to its degree and certificate programs, UACCM’s workforce...

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The teachers are very insightful and really care about you and your grades.

” – Stephanie from Springfield , AR
Diablo Valley College

Diablo Valley College is a 2-year public institution located in Pleasant Hill and San Ramon, California. DVC boasts high transfer rates, with many of its students continuing their college careers at CSU and UC. The campus features a number of...

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Diablo Valley College has a variety of great professors that know what they are teaching. If you are focusing on a certain subject, DVC has the professors that you are looking for.

” – Shawn Steven from Antioch, CA
CUNY Graduate School and University Center

CUNY Graduate School and University Center is rated as a Doctoral University with Highest Research Activity and set in Midtown Manhattan. The graduate school is home to several research centers and promotes interdisciplinary research and...

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Colegio Universitario de San Juan is a Puerto Rican university hosting academic and vocational programs. CUNI San Juan offers associate degrees in eight fields of study as well as bachelor’s degrees in Nursing, Criminal Justice, Computerized...

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Originally founded as a vocational technical school, Southeast Arkansas College is a 2-year community college serving a six county area. SEARK offers degrees and certificates in 22 technical studies as well as General Studies and Nursing and Allied...

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Southeast Arkansas College feels like home. A place where you can get to know your instructors and your instructors have an interest in each individual. I have to believe that it is one of the many great community colleges in the United States.

” – Lakeesha from Pine Bluff, AR
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From its campus in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Northern Marianas College is a 2-year community college on the US commonwealth of the Marianas Islands. NMC offers degrees and certificates in nine academic divisions. In addition, NMC partners with...

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The Nursing Program that I am currently in is very rigorous but worth it in the end. Our instructors not only uses our textbook but encourages us to learn in various ways. They encourage and give us the tools that we need to advance in our future...

” – Giselle from Saipan, MP
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Founded by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, Sitting Bull College is a tribal institution on the Standing Rock Reservation in North Dakota. Featuring an academic curriculum guided by Lakota/Dakota values, Sitting Bull is home to an extensive Native...

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Sitting Bull College is, as one outreach coordinator says, the Harvard of Tribal Colleges, and it deserves this- the education offered at Sitting Bull is top-notch, whether pursuing business, education, environmental studies, or other majors. The...

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With a main campus along the banks of the Androscoggin River, White Mountains Community College is a 2-year institution in New Hampshire’s north country. WMCC offers 22 associate degree fields of study and 27 certificate-granting programs. To provide...

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I have had a 4.0 in all of my classes and I could not have done it without the knowledge and understanding of the incredible instructors in this institution.

” – Cheryl from Clarksville, NH
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With a campus on the banks of the Colorado River, Palo Verde College is a 2-year community college in southeast California. Palo Verde offers 17 academic programs conferring associate degrees as well as 35 certificate-granting programs. The college...

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Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College is a 2-year community college with five campus locations. SKCTC offers degrees and certificates in 27 academic fields of study. For students interested in the fine performing arts, the Godbey...

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Southeast is a decent school. These aren't world class teachers by any means, but they generally know what they're talking about and are very willing to lend a hand. Teachers are also understanding that you have a life outside of school. It's very...

” – Rachel from Middlesboro, KY
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Established in 1970, Paul D Camp Community College is a public, 2-year institution with campuses located in Franklin, Suffolk, and Smithfield, Virginia. PDCCC offers over 60 associate’s degree and certificate programs throughout seven fields of study...

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Penn State Mont Alto is a commonwealth campus of Pennsylvania State University offering five bachelor’s and eight associate degrees and certificates. Students at Penn State Mont Alto also have the option to begin over 160 other majors before...

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Not only am I learning educational material from wonderful professors but I am always learning how to live and manage my time on a small campus in the middle of nowhere.

” – Kevin from Washington, DC
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Established in 1994, Pennsylvania Highlands Community College is a public, 2-year institution located in Johnstown, with five satellite facilities throughout the state. Penn Highlands offers nearly 40 certificate, diploma, and associate’s degree...

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Established in 1996, the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana is a public, 2-year institution with two campuses located in Hempstead and Miller County. UAHT offers nearly 60 diploma, certificate, and associate’s degree programs, including several...

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I am learning a lot about the communtity college experience. I have learned so much about myself since I started to take these courses on campus and online. I am more confident.

” – Lois from Arkadelphia, AR
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Specializing in adult education, Union Institute and University is a college with academic centers in Ohio, Florida, and California offering bachelor’s degrees in 12 undergraduate fields of study. UI&U also features several distance learning options...

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Established in 1962, Dabney S Lancaster Community College is a public, 2-year institution with campuses located in Clifton Forge and Buena Vista, Virginia. DSLCC offers 15 associate’s degree programs and nearly 40 certificate programs, preparing...

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Sinte Gleska University is a 4-year, tribal institution located in Mission, South Dakota. Sinte Gleska offers over 20 academic programs, awarding certificates, associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees. The college’s campus...

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Sinte Gleska offers four year degree programs in Human Services, Business, Lakota Studies and Information Technology,generally, with several minors. The university is open to the general public and core studies involve the Lakota Culture. SGU is...

” – Alicia from Parmelee, SD
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Established in 1962, LIU Brentwood is a private, 4-year institution located in New York. As one of Long Island University’s regional campuses, LIU Brentwood offers six undergraduate degree and 16 postgraduate degree and certificate programs, many of...

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Mesalands Community College is a 2-year college in eastern New Mexico. MCC offers 19 degree and eight certificate-granting programs, several of which are specific to the college’s western location such as Cowboy Arts and Farrier Science. The MCC Wind...

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Beautiful school, cheap rent on properties/rooms, low tuition but a great program. Champion Rodeo Team, Wind Energy Research, Iron Pour, plus great support if you need help in your classes. Can't Wait!

” – Sonja from Tucumcari, NM
Generations College

Established in 1904, MacCormac College is a private, 2-year institution located in Chicago, Illinois. As the oldest institution of its kind in the state, MC offers on-campus associate’s degree programs in Court Reporting, Criminal Justice, and...

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Established in 1991, the University of Arkansas Community College-Batesville is a public, 2-year institution located in Independence County. The college offers over 40 associate’s degree and certificate programs as well as over 60 2+2 programs in...

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I am learning a lot more than I did in high school. With the teacher only teaching up to 20 students at a time, we are able to interact, and ask lots of questions. The teachers there also can tell if the whole class is struggling and will spend more...

” – Taylor from Batesville, AR
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Copper Mountain College is a public, 2-year institution established on a rural campus in Joshua Tree, California. CMC offers associate’s degrees and certificates in nearly 30 areas of study, with courses following a 2-year rotation cycle. The college...

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Surrounded by the Plumas National Forest, Feather River Community College is a 2-year institution in northern California. Among FRCC’s 24 academic programs, several courses utilize the campus’s rural and heavily wooded location to offer degrees in...

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Feather River College is a wonderful school and helps students transition from high school to the academic rigor of college. It is in a beautiful rural setting and professors are professional, knowledgeable, and there to help students succeed. FRC...

” – Brent from Quincy, CA
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With a main campus nestled in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, the University of Arkansas Cossatot Community College is a 2-year college with four campus locations. UAC confers degrees and certificates in more than 24 fields of study. For...

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With campus a short drive from its eponymous bay and the Pacific Ocean, Tillamook Bay Community College is a 2-year institution in western Oregon. TBCC is home to 12 fields of study granting associate degrees and certificates. In addition, the...

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The classes have challenging parts but the teachers are very helpful.

” – Kimberly from Tillamook, OR
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Established in 1965, Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas is a public, 2-year institution with campuses located in DeWitt, Helena-West Helena, and Stuttgart. PCC offers over 20 associate’s degree-level fields of study, over 30...

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Delaware Technical Community College is the only 2-year community college in Delaware and its Terry campus is located in the state capital of Dover. DTCC Terry’s campus is home to seven academic buildings offering classes in eight Delaware Tech...

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Founded by the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Shorter College is a Christian college in the Little Rock metro area and one of America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities. As the only 2-year HBCU in the United States, Shorter grants...

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Located in the Muscogee Nation’s capital, the College of the Muscogee Nation is a 2-year tribal college in eastern Oklahoma. CMN confers associate degrees in Native American Studies, Tribal Services, Gaming, and Police Science. All courses emphasize...

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With a campus overlooking the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, Fulton-Montgomery Community College is a 2-year institution and part of the State University of New York system. Fulton-Montgomery is home to over 35 academic programs granting...

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A great start to education for a career. The faculty are always ready to help and will know you on a personal level. They will get you ready for your future.

” – Reginald from Gloversville, NY
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The University of Puerto Rico-Carolina is a regional campus in the UPR system in northeast Puerto Rico. UPRCA is home to 11 academic departments and offers several bachelor’s degrees unique in the UPR system including Forensic Psychology, Interior...

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Established in 1980, Southwest Collegiate Institute for the Deaf is a public, 2-year institution located in Big Spring, Texas. As the only self-contained community college for deaf and hard of hearing students in the United States, SWID offers...

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Ottawa University-Online is the internet-based hub for classes offered by Ottawa University, a Christian-focused non-profit institution. Ottawa’s online program offers 26 bachelor’s degree majors and seven master’s degree programs via web-based...

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Ottawa University is a great way to complete a BA or BS degree quickly. Having all courses be 4 semester hours and 8 weeks long is great! Very military-friendly as well!

” – Steven from Apo, AE
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Established in 2006, LIU Riverhead is a private, 4-year institution located in New York. Riverhead offers nine graduate-level degree and certificate programs in Education, with evening and weekend courses available for flexible scheduling. The...

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Established in 1865, Ottawa University-Kansas City is a private, Christ-centered institution located in Overland Park. The college offers 16 bachelor’s degree programs with a variety of concentration options, as well as seven master’s degree programs...

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Humphreys University is a private school with two main campuses in Stockton and Modesto, California. HU offers nine academic programs conferring associate and bachelor’s degrees, as well as a master’s degree program in Business Administration. The...

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Palau Community College is a public, 2-year institution located in Koror. As the Republic of Palau’s only school of higher education, PCC offers over 30 career-oriented associate’s degree and certificate programs, as well as several special programs...

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palau community college is such a wonderful opportunity for those who are not ready to study abroad. this institution, although very simple and in need of several resources is a one-of-a-kind school that offers students a lot more than one could...

” – Amber Holly from Palau
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The College of Graduate and Extended Studies is a branch institution of Central Methodist University, primarily located in Fayette, Missouri with satellite campuses throughout the region. CGES offers over 30 undergraduate and postgraduate degree...

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Most instructors really help you learn and are interested in your achievements. Most professors are also readily available outside of class for assistance, and study sessions/tutors are available for most classes.

” – Shelby from Independence, MO
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Johnson & Wales University Online is the internet hub for JWU’s career-focused online classes. JWU Online offers bachelor’s degrees in 31 fields of study. All JWU Online classes follow the university’s Experiential Learning model and every faculty...

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Arizona State University at Skysong is an innovation center affiliated with ASU in Scottsdale. ASU Skysong combines academia with local industry by providing university programs to support entrepreneurs from area businesses. Skysong also facilitates...

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Ottawa University-Brookfield is a Christian liberal arts college dedicated to adult students and a satellite campus of the Ottawa University system in the Milwaukee metro area. The Brookfield campus hosts the Angell Snyder School of Business offering...

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TrineOnline is the internet hub for Trine University’s online classes dedicated to non-traditional students. TrineOnline offers bachelor’s, master’s, and associate degree programs in the departments of Business Administration, Management, Engineering...

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Remington College-Shreveport Campus is a private, 2-year institution located in Louisiana. Remington College Shreveport offers 14 career-oriented diploma and associate’s degree programs as well as a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. As a small...

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Remington College Dallas is a 2-year technical and vocational school and a campus of the Remington College system in the Dallas metroplex. The Dallas campus confers associate degrees and diplomas in 21 career-centered fields of study. Additionally...

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Remington College Fort Worth is a technical and vocational school and a DFW Metroplex-based campus of the Remington system. Remington Fort Worth confers associate degrees in seven career-centered fields of study and is home to nine diploma-granting...

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The Kiamichi Technology Center-Talihina is a trade school and a campus of Kiamichi Technology Center in southeast Oklahoma. KTC-Talihina grants degrees and certificates in six vocational academic programs. Among these, the KTC-Talihina Environmental...

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From its tree-filled and landscaped campus, Remington College Nashville is a technical and vocational school and a campus of the Remington system in middle Tennessee. The Nashville campus is home to seven career-centered associate degrees and five...

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Remington College Mobile is a technical and vocational school and a southern Alabama-based campus in the Remington system. The Mobile campus confers associate degrees in seven career-centered fields of study and also hosts nine diploma-granting...

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With a campus marked by vibrant color schemes and plant life, Remington College Greenspoint is a trade school and North Houston-based campus of the Remington system. The Greenspoint campus confers a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and seven...

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Remington College-Lafayette is a technical and vocational school and a campus of Remington College in southern Louisiana. Remington-Lafayette grants associate degrees in Medical Assisting, Pharmacy Technician, and Computer Administration as well as...

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Remington College Cleveland is a trade school and a campus of the Remington system in the Cleveland metro area. The Cleveland campus hosts seven vocational associate degree majors and seven diploma-granting programs. In addition to its academic...

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Originally founded as Southeast College of Technology, Remington College Memphis is a technical and vocational school and a southwest Tennessee-based campus in the Remington system. Remington Memphis offers a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and...

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Clovis Community College is a 2-year community college in California’s Central Valley and part of the State Center Community College District. Clovis confers associate degrees in 33 academic fields of study and is home to 27 certificate-granting...

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With campus a short distance from Utah Lake, Provo College is a for-profit college of healthcare sciences in central Utah. Provo offers a bachelor’s degree in Nursing as well as an RN to BSN program. Additionally, Provo features certificate-granting...

SUNY College of Technology at Canton Online

SUNY College of Technology at Canton is located in northern New York State and part of the State University of New York System. Originally founded as the first 2-year college in New York, SUNY Canton now confers bachelor’s degrees in 29 career...

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