Maryland Criminal Justice Schools

  • 23 schools offering criminal justice degrees in Maryland are in our database. (see below)
  • 13 offer associate’s degrees or certificates, 6 of them offer bachelor’s degrees and above, and 4 offer a mix of bachelor’s and master’s
  • We found 1 school in Maryland ranked in US News and World Reports that have a criminal justice program; #17 University of Maryland, College Park–College Park, MD
  • According to Kiplinger’s, Maryland has 5 universities ranked in the top 100 for “Values in Public Colleges”; #10 University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD; #35 St. Mary’s College of Maryland, St. Mary’s City MD; #53 Salisbury University, Salisbury MD; #81 Towson University, Towson MD; and #63 University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore
  • 10 campus-based and online schools in Maryland are available for requesting information.

Spotlight School

Kaplan University

Kaplan University is focused on recognizing the achievements of military and veteran students and offers the flexibility of an online education. Eligible students can receive college credit for prior military experience and coursework—up to 75 percent of the credit needed for a Kaplan University undergraduate degree.*

Programs:

  • MS in Criminal Justice - Law
  • MS in Criminal Justice
  • BS in Criminal Justice
  • And more...

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Profiles of Well Known Schools in Maryland

University of Baltimore: The College of Public Affairs at the University of Baltimore has both undergraduate and graduate programs in criminal justice and is the second higher education institution to have both program levels certified by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences. Upper level bachelor students pursue their own research projects in the Advanced Criminal Justice Studies course while graduate student further build upon their expertise. The School of Criminal Justice in the College of Public Affairs has a traditional Master of Science in Criminal Justice as well as a Joint MS/JD program. Students have the luxury of choosing from and extensive database of internship opportunities within the categories of Criminal Justice, Forensic Studies (Forensic Science or Police Science) and Government and Public Policy.

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Maryland Criminal Justice Salary and Jobs

Occupation Number Employed Average Annual Salary
Correctional Officers and Jailers 8,140 $42,860
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives 3,210 $87,900
Detectives and Criminal Investigators 1,160 $91,560
Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers 14,690 $56,500

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2011.

Respected leaders who have graduated from universities in Maryland

  • Maryland Police Commisioner Frederick H Bealefeld III – University of Maryland University College, MD.
  • Montgomery County Police Chief J. Thomas Manger – University of Maryland, College Park, MD
  • Baltimore County Sheriff R. Jay Fisher – University of Baltimore, Baltimore, MD
  • Anne Arundel County Sheriff Ron Bateman- University of Baltimore, Baltimore, MD
Police Quote: “Remember it’s a job, an important job, but it should not be your whole life. Especially if you have a family. You’ve got decades before you retire. So pace yourself so you don’t go from too eager to completely disillusioned. You want to leave the department with some of the same idealism you went in with.” -Peter Moskos, former Baltimore police officer and author of Cop in the Hood

Maryland Criminal Justice Degrees

Maryland criminal justice degreeIf you are interested in working for a city police department, the Baltimore Police offer a starting salary of $42,290 1 and bachelor’s degree holders receive extra pay through the Baltimore PD Educational Incentive Program. Their generous benefit package includes the opportunity for retirement after just 20 years of service. Of course the monetary compensation is just a bonus to the intrinsic benefits of self fulfillment and excitement. Although a four year degree is not technically required to become a Maryland State Trooper, it can assist in the extremely competitive selection process. Upon hiring, recruits receive a base salary of $40,207 2 and a generous benefit program. The Maryland Department of Public Safety & Correctional Services is also hiring for a number of positions. In some cases, criminal justice coursework can be substituted for required on-the-job experience. Police officers working in the state of Maryland earn an average annual salary of $56,900.3

During the period from 2006 to 2016, positions in a number of related fields are expected to outgrow both the population and the number of jobs in general. Positions in private security are expected to increase by 18 percent while police officer and management positions are expected to grow by 9 percent. Positions for correctional officers will grow 21% during the decade ending in 2016 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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Maryland’s Criminal Justice Employment Outlook 4, 5, 6, 7

At the start of 2012, Maryland’s unemployment has stabilized at 6.7%, well below the 8.5% national average, and it should regain prior peak employment levels by early 2014. According to the USA Today / Moody’s Analytics employment projections, government-related employment, which is a good proxy for Maryland criminal justice jobs, has eclipsed the pre-Downturn peak with good growth projected starting in 2013. The Maryland Department of Labor site and the Occupational Supply & Demand System show strong prospects for the following positions: Police and Sheriff Patrol (540 openings / 88% of individual in these positions report having some college or a bachelor’s degree), Correctional Officers (300 annual openings / 60% of individuals in these positions report having some college or a bachelor’s degree), Detectives / Investigators / Forensic Techs (55 annual openings), Security Guards (840 annual openings) and Paralegals (100 annual openings / 88% of individuals in these positions report having some college or a bachelor’s degree). According to the Sunshine Review, the state of Maryland faces a budget deficit, but is taking actions in 2012 to stay in front with budget tightening. We suggest requesting free information from several Maryland criminal schools to better understand your education options.

Online and Maryland Criminal Justice Schools

To learn more about earning a Maryland criminal justice degree, see 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.

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University of Phoenix
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

  • A.A. in Criminal Justice
  • B.S in Criminal Justice Administration/Cybercrimes
  • B.S. in Criminal Justice Administration - Human Services

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Baker College Online
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

  • Bachelor of Criminal Justice

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Keiser University
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

  • Criminal Justice, BA
  • Criminal Justice, MA (Online Only)
  • Homeland Security, BA (Online)

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Capella University
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

  • MS - Criminal Justice
  • PhD - Criminal Justice
  • BS - Criminal Justice

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Walden University
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

  • B.S. in Human Services - Criminal Justice 
  • B.S. in Criminal Justice - Crime and Criminals
  • B.S. in Criminal Justice

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Post University
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

  • B.S. in Human Services / Criminal Justice
  • B.S. in Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement
  • B.S. in Criminal Justice

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Kaplan University
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

  • MS in Criminal Justice - Law
  • MS in Criminal Justice
  • BS in Criminal Justice

request information

Liberty University
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

  • BS in Criminal Justice
  • AA in Criminal Justice

request information

Grand Canyon University
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

  • B.S. in Justice Studies
  • M.S. in Criminal Justice: Legal Studies
  • M.S. in Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement

request information

Colorado Technical University Online
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

  • Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
  • Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice: Human Services
  • Master of Science in Criminal Justice


Tip: If you don’t live near a campus-based school that offers a program of interest, consider an online degree or a university in an adjacent state (Pennsylvania, Delaware, Washington D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia).

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Directory of Maryland Universities Offering Criminal Justice Degrees

Allegany College of Maryland (Cumberland, MD)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice

Anne Arundel Community College (Arnold, MD)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate of Applied Science | Forensic Studies
Associate of Applied Science | Homeland Security Management
Associate of Applied Science | Juvenile Justice
Associate of Applied Science | Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice
Associate of Applied Science | Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice | Police Academy
Associate of Applied Science | Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice | Social Justice
Associate of Applied Sciences | Cybercrime
Certificate | Cybercrime
Certificate | Intelligence Analytics
Certificate | Juvenile Justice
Certificate | Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice
Certificate | Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice | Police
Letter of Recognition | Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice | Investigator
Letter of Recognition | Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice | Law Enforcement Evidence Technician

Student Review: “Anne Arundel Community College is conveniently located just off Ritchie Highway, a major highway where you find all kinds of stores. The University itself does not look appealing. The grass is always brown, the parking lots are hard to find, and the roads are slightly bumpy. However, the buildings are nice and are well placed. The bookstore is convenient a place to get any books, supplies, dorm-items, or food items. They are always well staffed even in the summer. The gymnasium is adequate, as it holds a basketball court and a weight room. You can get from one building to the next in a very short time, so walking from class to class is easy. In general, the people working are very nice, polite, patient people. The professors are dedicated to helping, but sometimes seem unexcited about their jobs. AACC also has a campus next to Arundel Mills Mall. This campus is one building but holds administration offices, classrooms, and testing centers. It is also conveniently located next to one of the largest malls on the east coast. Overall, Anne Arundel Community College is a respectable place to learn, although you could get more quality for your money at a public university. Tuition is about $8500 for in-state students, so financially it may not be the best option. The campuses are well located and convenient, and AACC has decent professors.” -Arsal M., student at Anne Arundel Community College

Baltimore City Community College (Baltimore, MD)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate of Applied Science | Legal Assistant: Business
Associate of Applied Science | Legal Assistant: General Law
Associate of Applied Science | Legal Assistant: Litigation
Bachelor of Science | Law Enforcement and Corrections
Certificate | Law Enforcement and Corrections
Certificate | Legal Assistant

Carroll Community College (Westminster, MD)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate of Applied Science | Law Enforcement
Associate of Arts | Criminal Justice
Associate of Arts | Forensic Studies

Cecil College (North East, MD)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate of Applied Science | Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology
Certificate | Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology

Chesapeake College (Wye Mills, MD)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice | Corrections
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice | Crime Scene Technician
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice | Law Enforcement
Certificate | Criminal Justice | Corrections
Certificate | Criminal Justice | Crime Scene Technician
Certificate | Criminal Justice | Law Enforcement
Certificate | Criminal Justice | Natural Resources Police

College of Southern Maryland (La Plata, MD)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice
Associate of Applied Science | Homeland Security
Associate of Arts | Criminal Justice
Associate of Arts | Forensic Science
Certificate | Criminal Justice
Certificate | Security Management

Coppin State University (Baltimore, MD)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement

Frederick Community College (Frederick, MD)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate of Arts | Criminal Justice

Student Review: “I’ve attended FCC for four semesters. It’s a truly fantastic school. I had reservations about attending at first, but now I am happy to say that this school provides a fantastic student experience as well as an exceptional education. There are roughly 20 students per course, in my experience. The staff are experts in their respective fields; I have yet to encounter a professor that was not very knowledgeable. Most of the professors are willing to expand beyond the scope of the class in order to answer questions and provide information that I am personally interested in. I could not be happier. I enjoy the small classes, the numerous course offerings, skilled professors, and the support staff. The school also includes free tutoring sessions in the library, involving professors who work with you to assist you in completion of papers and help in choosing a subject, or assistance in proofreading a completed paper.” -Jameson W., student at Frederick Community College

Frostburg State University (Frostburg, MD)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor Degree | Law and Society | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Technical and Professional Studies | Criminal Justice

Garrett College (McHenry, MD)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate of Applied Science | Juvenile Justice
Certificate | Juvenile Justice

Harford Community College (Bel Air, MD)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate of Applied Sciences | Criminal Justice | Option in Legal Studies
Associate of Arts | Criminal Justice

Kaplan College (Hagerstown, MD)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate of Applied Science | Computer Forensics
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice

Montgomery College (Rockville, MD)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice

Mount St. Mary’s University (Emmitsburg, MD)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Arts | Accelerated Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Arts | Dual Sociology/Criminal Justice

Prince George’s Community College (Largo, MD)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science | Forensics

TESST College of Technology (Beltsville, MD; Towson, MD)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice

Towson University (Towson, MD)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice

Student Review: “Towson University has a great campus. The academics are the second best in Maryland and the school is currently expanding. Since I joined the school in 2009, two new academic buildings have been built, and we now have a Commons. The life on the campus is pretty good as well. There are sports to play at club and intramural level for those who aren’t student athletes. The intramural sports can suck sometimes because they water down the way you play so no one gets hurt in some sports. There are usually 2-4 events going on around campus daily. The dorms can be a good experience depending on where you live. The old side of campus has dorms with small rooms, community bathrooms, and no heat/air conditioning. The Towers are the best place to live in my opinion. Two people in a pretty big room, air conditioning and heat, and you only share a bathroom with two other people. The best and most expensive place to live is in West Village. The buildings are newer, look better, and depending on where you live you may have a kitchen. Overall the campus is fun.” -Adeoye A., student at Towson University

University of Baltimore (Baltimore, MD)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Arts | Community Studies
Bachelor of Arts | Government and Public Policy
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science | Forensic Studies
Master of Science | Criminal Justice

University of Maryland Eastern Shore (Princess Anne, MD)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice
Master of Science | Criminology and Criminal Justice

University of Maryland-University College (Adelphi, MD)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor Degree | Criminal Justice (online program)
Bachelor Degree | Forensics (online program)
Bachelor Degree | Homeland Security (online program)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice (online program)
Bachelor of Science | Homeland Security
Bachelor of Science | Investigative Forensics
Bachelor of Science | Legal Studies
Certificate | Corrections (online program)
Certificate | Criminal Justice Management
Certificate | Criminal Justice (online program)
Certificate | Homeland Security Management
Certificate | Homeland Security (online program)
Master of Science in Information Technology | Homeland Security Management
Master of Science in Management | Criminal Justice Management
Master of Science in Management | Homeland Security Management
Master of Science in Technology Management | Homeland Security Management
Masters Degree | Criminal Justice (online program)
Masters Degree | Homeland Security (online program)

University of Phoenix (Columbia, MD)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate Degree | Criminal Justice (online program)
Associate of Arts | Criminal Justice (online program)
Bachelor Degree | Criminal Justice (online program)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice Administration
Bachelor of Science | Organizational Security and Management (online program)
Master of Science | Administration of Justice Security
Masters Degree | Criminal Justice (online program)

Wor-Wic Community College (Salisbury, MD)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice

References:
(1) Baltimore Police Department: http://www.baltimorepolice.org/join-the-team/become-an-officer/rewards
(2) Maryland State Police: http://www.mdsp.org/Careers/StateTrooper/SalaryBenefits.aspx
(3) Bureau of Labor Statistics: http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_MD.htm
(4) Bureau of Labor Statistics: http://www.bls.gov/lau/ see state on page for current unemployment rate
(5) USA TODAY/Moody’s Analytics/BLS: http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2009-02-06-new-jobs-growth-graphic_N.htm
(6) 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
(7) The Sunshine Review: http://sunshinereview.org/core/home (select state budget button)

Page Edited by Charles Sipe.