Criminal Justice is a field that includes the study of the criminal mind and behavior. It also covers the inner workings of government corrections and law enforcement agencies. Students could also study criminal and constitutional law, scientific forensics, and more.

This exciting major can serve as a foundation for a career in law enforcement, or it may be a springboard into law school. There are many opportunities a degree in criminal justice could unlock. Here, we have assembled a comprehensive list of the very best criminal justice programs in the United States. Each is unique in its own right, and students should investigate each to determine the best program for them. You might want to consider factors such as academics, internships, location, and whether programs are available online. Once students launch from one of these excellent criminal justice degree programs, the sky is the limit.

You may not realize this, but there are some Criminal Justice programs that will prepare you for many different jobs that are available today. These types of programs are not all the same, however, and many of them have their own unique curriculum. Choosing the right criminal justice program for you will ensure that you will find the best training possible that can prepare you for the many different jobs that are available today.

When choosing a criminal justice program, there are many things that you must consider, including the type of training that is offered. In many cases, you will learn through field trips and guest lecturers from different areas of law enforcement, which are an integral part of your career-based program. To prepare you for a variety of different careers, Master's level programs will allow you to focus on a particular area of criminal law to help you learn more about the world in which you would like to work. By doing so, you will be able to take classes that give you the experience and knowledge necessary to get hired as a criminal defense attorney or investigator.

A criminal defense lawyer might not be the first position that come to mind when considering criminal law, but the law is very important. The law can either make or break a case, and if it is difficult, it may be a good idea to begin learning how to defend one's case as soon as possible. With the right Criminal Justice program, you will be able to take classes in the fundamentals of law, such as criminal defense and law enforcement, and be able to learn the necessary skills and knowledge needed to begin practicing in this legal field.

If you want to serve as a police officer or in another law enforcement position, there are certain programs that will prepare you for the type of police officer you would like to be. With police departments all over the world in search of more qualified recruits, you will have a chance to take a criminal justice course to learn more about police work. While learning more about the job itself. This will prepare you for what could be a new career in this field of law enforcement.

Top 10 Best Criminal Justice Schools Degree Programs

  1. CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice

John Jay College makes the top of our list for a very good reason. That is, it stands alone for its sole dedication to criminal justice. The school has gained notoriety for its appearance on television shows such as Law & Order, and its consistent record of producing the nation's best law enforcement professionals. Whether you're seeking a bachelor's or master's degree, John Jay is sure to have the perfect program for you.

  • Tuition

    • In-State:$7,470

    • Out-of-State:$15,420

  • Rank:#1

  • Total Enrollment:15,394

  • Graduation Rate:46%

  • Diplomas Awarded:1,586


2. Stephen F. Austin State University

Whether you wish a BS or BA in Criminal Justice, SFASU has you covered. They also offer a five-year overlap program that includes a Master of Public Administration. There's no better way to launch a career than by entering the job market with a graduate degree. SFASU also offers degrees in political science and pre-Law for those seeking a minor or double major for their undergraduate degree.

  • Tuition

    • In-State:$8,844

    • Out-of-State:$18,972

  • Rank: #2

  • Total Enrollment:13,144

  • Graduation Rate:48%

  • Diplomas Awarded:27


3. Appalachian State University

Nestled in North Carolina's Appalachian Mountains, students can pursue a degree in criminal justice and still go snow skiing all winter. If you are particularly eager to launch a brilliant career, you can opt for ASU's five-year program that includes a graduate degree in public administration. The university also offers a criminal justice degree with an international studies focus that might help you land a job with INTERPOL, Homeland Security, the Central Intelligence Agency, or the FBI, to name a few options.

  • Tuition

    • In-State:$7,409

    • Out-of-State:$22,216

  • Rank: #3

  • Total Enrollment:19,108

  • Graduation Rate:72%

  • Diplomas Awarded:110


4. University of South Dakota

Criminal justice students at USD are in for a rigorous program that provides a foundation for a top-notch career. The criminal justice major is available on campus, but you can also finish enough courses for a minor online. Once you start your career you can continue at USD and complete their Master of Public Administration from any Wi-Fi router in the world.

  • Tuition

    • In-State:$9,332

    • Out-of-State:$12,807

  • Rank: #4

  • Total Enrollment:10,066

  • Graduation Rate:58%

  • Diplomas Awarded:53


5. Fayetteville State University

Whether you're an undergraduate or a student seeking graduate-level work in criminal justice, Fayetteville State will prepare you for excellence. Students can complete a BS, undergraduate minor, an MS, or a graduate certificate in criminal justice. FSU also offers an online criminal justice program that brings top instruction to you, no matter where you are. FSU offers you the opportunity to land a job with the nation's top law enforcement agencies.

  • Tuition

    • In-State:$5,274

    • Out-of-State:$16,882

  • Rank: #5

  • Total Enrollment:6,318

  • Graduation Rate:35%

  • Diplomas Awarded:109


6. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

UTRGV is one of the top criminal justice programs in the nation because it offers both undergraduate and graduate programs for students. Undergraduate students can opt for a full major program or complete a minor in criminal justice to compliment another degree such as sociology, psychology, or political science among others. At the graduate level, students must maintain a 3.0 average, thus ensuring that the program maintains utmost integrity.

  • Tuition

    • In-State:$8,132

    • Out-of-State:$18,260

  • Rank: #6

  • Total Enrollment:28,644

  • Graduation Rate:46%

  • Diplomas Awarded:471


7. Canisius College

Undergraduate students at Canisius can choose between a major degree or a minor concentration within the Criminal Justice program. The college's town/gown relations are a great help when it comes to landing an internship with Buffalo's local law enforcement agencies. In fact, you might be able to work with the US District Attorney's Office, Child Protective Services, or the Niagara County Probation Department.

  • Tuition

    • In-State:$29,428

    • Out-of-State:$29,428

  • Rank: #7

  • Total Enrollment:3,244

  • Graduation Rate:68%

  • Diplomas Awarded:24


8. Niagara University

Niagara U's criminal justice degree is known for launching brilliant careers in law, federal law enforcement, crime analysis, or victim services. Alumni are found working in the FBI, DEA, and US Customs and Border Protection. Undergraduate students are also invited to investigate NU's graduate program in criminal justice. If you've already launched a career or a family, the graduate school can accommodate you with online, weekend, campus, or hybrid course options.

  • Tuition

    • In-State:$34,510

    • Out-of-State:$34,510

  • Rank: #8

  • Total Enrollment:3,763

  • Graduation Rate:71%

  • Diplomas Awarded (Criminology):70


9. University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Here, students enjoy an interdisciplinary approach to criminal justice that spans history, sociology, psychology, social work, law, and more. This allows students to blaze their own trail and arrive at new and surprising conclusions that might impact the entire field. Once graduated with a BS, students have the option to apply to UMES' graduate criminal justice program. Successful applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 as the program is quite competitive.

  • Tuition

    • In-State:$8,558

    • Out-of-State:$18,968

  • Rank: #9

  • Total Enrollment:3,193

  • Graduation Rate:39%

  • Diplomas Awarded:76


10. Park University

Located just outside of Kansas City, Missouri, Park University rounds out our top 10 criminal justice programs. They offer a degree in criminal justice administration which prepares students with a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or an Associate of Science degree. The BS degree is available online, which makes it convenient for students nationwide. Both four-year degrees allow the choice of concentrating on law enforcement, corrections, or security.

  • Tuition

    • In-State:$11,190

    • Out-of-State:$11,190

  • Rank: #10

  • Total Enrollment:11,415

  • Graduation Rate:33%

  • Diplomas Awarded:182