Criminal Justice Degree Schools » Criminal Justice Schools » Iowa Criminal Justice Degree Schools

Iowa Criminal Justice Degree Schools

An Iowa criminal justice degree will prepare individuals for a diverse number of rewarding professions within the criminal justice field. If you are looking to enter the law enforcement field for a state or local agency, a general criminal justice degree will often meet the requirements and give you a strong advantage over candidates without a degree. For jobs that require technical training like a forensic science technician, there are specific programs that will prepare you for these careers. A criminal justice degree can help you enter a field with competitive compensation, a high level of excitement, strong job security, and work that contributes to the greater good by protecting citizens from harm and injustice.

>>**NEW** Find Campus-Based Criminal Justice Schools in Iowa
>>Find Online Criminal Justice Schools

Iowa often has vacancies for state troopers and provides comprehensive benefits and a competitive salary. In addition to hiring for the police force, the state also has a number of vacancies in their correctional system. The Iowa Department of Corrections hires entry level corrections officers on a continual basis. Correctional officers are paid a minimum of $34,278 1 per year and also receive a comprehensive benefit package. Read More +

Both positions have a path for promotion and in both a Criminal Justice degree would be helpful for career growth. Des Moines, the state capitol and home of the Iowa State Fair often has openings for police officers. You will need some college credit to get in the door and a criminal justice degree will help you to be selected. Cedar Rapids is another agency that hires new law enforcement professionals. They offer comprehensive benefits and a desirable 4/10 work week which gives the officer three days off. There are also a large number insurance companies in Iowa, which creates opportunities to investigate and combat insurance fraud. The average yearly salary for patrol and police officers is $47,740 in the state of Iowa.2

A criminal justice degree does more than open doors for those who have completed one. It also conveys a great deal of knowledge which will be useful in any of these positions. Knowledge of how criminal justice is administered, how investigations are run, and how criminals think will not just be useful for an interview—it will be useful throughout a criminal justice career. Furthermore, thanks to the Internet, students can earn their degree either online or in a classroom setting.

For residents of Iowa, we recommend the following accredited campus-based and online criminal justice programs for students interested in pursuing associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the growing field of criminal justice.

Iowa’s Criminal Justice Employment Outlook 3, 4, 5, 6

At the start of 2012, Iowa’s unemployment has fallen to 5.6% after staying near 6% from 2009-late 2011. It is nearly 2 points below national average, and according to the USA Today / Moody’s Analytic employment projections, it will regain prior peak employment levels by early 2014. While this seems distant, the reality is that Iowa has had a shallower drop than most states. Government related employment, which is a good proxy for Iowa criminal justice jobs, has very good prospects with prior peak employment levels reached by late 2013 – again losses have been lighter than most states due to a strong state budget. On the Iowa’s Workforce site high demand criminal justice occupations in Iowa include Police and Sheriff patrol (150 openings / 88% of individuals in these positions report having some college or a bachelor’s degree), Correctional Officers (85 annual openings / 60% of individuals in these positions report having some college or a bachelor’s degree), Detectives / Investigators / Forensic Techs (15 annual openings), Security Guards (250 annual openings) and Paralegals (70 annual openings / 88% of individuals in these positions report having some college or a bachelor’s degree). According to Sunshine Review, Iowa’s state budget is in relatively good shape. Iowa is a strong state, and e suggest requesting free information from several Iowa criminal schools to best understand your education options.

>>**NEW** – See All Campus-Based Criminal Justice Schools in Iowa

Online Criminal Justice Degrees, Schools, Certificates and Programs

request information

Kaplan University
Popular Degrees:

  • A.A.S. in Criminal Justice
  • B.S. in Criminal Justice/Forensic Psychology
  • B.S. in Criminal Justice/Corrections
  • M.S. in Criminal Justice/Corrections
  • B.S. in Criminal Justice/Crime Scene Investigation
  • B.S. in Criminal Justice/Computer Crime

request information

Everest University Online
Popular Degrees:

  • Associate's in Criminal Justice
  • Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
  • Associate's in Homeland Security
  • Bachelor's in Homeland Security
  • Associate's in Criminal Investigations

request information

Keiser University

    Popular Degrees:
  • Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
  • Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
  • Associate of Arts in Homeland Security
  • Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security
  • Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
  • Bachelor of Science in Public Safety

request information

Post University
Popular Degrees:

  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Criminal Justice
  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Legal Studies
  • Legal Nurse Consulting Certificate
  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Management for Registered Nurse
  • Forensic Accounting Certificate

request information

Virginia College
Popular Degrees:

  • Associate of Science - Criminal Justice
  • Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
  • Master of Science - Criminal Justice
  • Master of Science - Cybersecurity

request information

Rasmussen College
Popular Degrees:

  • Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice
  • Associate of Science in Criminal Justice - Corrections
  • Associate of Science in Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement
  • Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security
  • Associate of Science in Criminal Justice - Psychology

request information

Strayer University
Popular Degrees:

  • Bachelor of Science in Information Systems - Homeland Security and Information Systems
  • Associate in Arts in Criminal Justice
  • Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice - Computer Security and Forensics
  • Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice - Criminal Justice Administration
  • Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice - Homeland Security and Emergency Management
  • Bachelor of Business Administration - Legal Studies

request information

University of Phoenix
Popular Degrees:

  • Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration
  • Master of Science in Administration of Justice and Security
  • Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
  • Bachelor of Science in Psychology
  • Bachelor of Science in Organizational Security Management
  • Master of Public Administration

request information

Walden University
Popular Degrees:

  • Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration - Homeland Security Policy and Coordination
  • Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) - Homeland Security Policy
  • M.S. in Psychology - Terrorism and Security
  • B.S. in Criminal Justice - Computer Information Systems and Security
  • M.S. in Forensic Psychology - Psychology & Legal Systems
  • Ph.D. in Public Policy and Administration - Homeland Security Policy and Administration
  • B.S. in Psychology - Criminal Justice
  • PhD in Public Policy/Admin - Terrorism/Mediation/Peace

request information

Test Drive College Online
If you are thinking about online college but you’re not sure if it's for you, you should apply for Test Drive College Online. It is the only program that provides students with the opportunity to "try" online learning by taking a real college course online at no cost or obligation. Plus, the credits you earn may save you up to $2000 in tuition when you apply them toward a full degree. Get Started!


Criminal Justice Schools in Iowa

AIB College of Business (Des Moines, IA)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Science | Court Reporting

Ashford University (Clinton, IA)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor Degree | Criminal Justice (online program)
Bachelor Degree | Homeland Security (online program)
Bachelor of Arts | Social and Criminal Justice (online program)

Briar Cliff University (Sioux City, IA)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice

Buena Vista University (Storm Lake, IA)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Science | Criminology & Criminal Justice

Des Moines Area Community College (Ankeny, IA)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate of Arts | Criminal Justice
Associate of Science | Criminal Justice
Associate of Science | Legal Assistant
Certificate | Legal Assistant

Dordt College (Sioux Center, IA)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice

Eastern Iowa Community College District (Davenport, IA)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Certificate | Health, Safety and Environmental
Certificate | Law Enforcement

Ellsworth Community College (Iowa Falls, IA)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate in Science | Criminal Justice

Graceland University (Lamoni, IA)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Arts | Sociology | coursework in criminology, justice, etc.
Bachelor of Science | Pre-Forensic Science (Biology and/or Chemistry major)

Grand View University (Des Moines, IA)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice

Hawkeye Community College (Waterloo, IA)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice
Associate of Science | Criminal Justice
Certificate | Law Enforcement

Indian Hills Community College (Ottumwa, IA)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice
Associate of Applied Science | Paramedic Specialist
Diploma | Emergency Medical Intermediate

Iowa Central Community College (Fort Dodge, IA)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate Degree | Criminal Justice (online program)
Associate of Arts/Associate of Science | Criminal Justice
Diploma | Criminal Justice

Iowa Lakes Community College (Estherville, IA)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate of Science | Criminal Justice
Certificate | Criminal Justice

Iowa Wesleyan College (Mount Pleasant, IA)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice

ITT Technical Institute (Clive, IA)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice

Kaplan University (Cedar Falls, IA; Cedar Rapids, IA; Council Bluffs, IA; Mason City, IA; Urbandale, IA)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science/Advanced Start Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice

Kirkwood Community College (Cedar Rapids, IA)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate of Arts | Corrections
Associate of Arts | Law Enforcement
Associate of Science | Corrections
Associate of Science | Law Enforcement

Loras College (Dubuque, IA)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice

Marshalltown Community College (Marshalltown, IA)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate of Science | Criminal Justice

Mount Mercy College (Cedar Rapids, IA)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice

North Iowa Area Community College (Mason City, IA)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate in Arts | Criminal Justice
Associate in Science | Information Systems Technology | Cyber Security
Certificate | Criminal Justice
Certificate | Foundations of Security

Saint Ambrose University (Davenport, IA)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Arts | Criminalistics
Master of Criminal Justice | Criminal Justice
Master of Criminal Justice | Juvenile Justice Education

Simpson College (Indianola, IA)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice | Administration
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice | Corrections
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice | Justice
Bachelor of Science | Forensic Science; Biochemistry

Southeastern Community College (West Burlington, IA)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate in Applied Science | Criminal Justice Technology
Associate in Arts | Criminal Justice
Associate of Science | Criminal Justice
Certificate | Basic Law Enforcement Training
Certificate | Criminal Justice Technology
Diploma | Criminal Justice Technology

University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Applied Studies | Criminal Justice (online program)

Upper Iowa University (Fayette, IA)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor Degree | Criminal Justice (online program)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice (online program)
Bachelor of Science | Criminology
Bachelor of Science | Emergency and Disaster Management (online program)
Bachelor of Science | Forensic Science
Bachelor of Science | Public Administration | Law Enforcement
Masters Degree | Criminal Justice (online program)
Masters Degree | Homeland Security (online program)

Western Iowa Tech Community College (Sioux City, IA)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate of Applied Science | Cyber Crime Investigations
Associate of Applied Science | Emergency & Disaster Management
Associate of Applied Science | Police Science | Corrections
Associate of Applied Science | Police Science | Forensic Investigations
Associate of Applied Science | Police Science Technology
Certificate | Emergency Disaster
Certificate | Emergency Manager Basic Skills
Certificate | Emergency Planning
Diploma | Computer Forensics Specialist
Diploma | Emergency & Disaster Management

References:
(1) Iowa.gov: http://www.das.hre.iowa.gov/state_jobs_open_co.html
(2) Bureau of Labor Statistics: http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_IA.htm
(3) Bureau of Labor Statistics: http://www.bls.gov/lau/ see state on page for current unemployment rate
(4) USA TODAY/Moody’s Analytics/BLS: http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2009-02-06-new-jobs-growth-graphic_N.htm
(5) Occupational Supply & Demand System / OCDS Georgia State University for the U.S. Department of Labor: http://www.occsupplydemand.org/OSD_SelectOcc.aspx?chk=2&ST=ZZ
(6) The Sunshine Review: http://sunshinereview.org/core/home (select state budget button)