Missouri Criminal Justice Schools

  • 48 schools offering criminal justice degrees in Missouri are in our database. (see below)
  • 15 offer associate’s degrees or certificates, 23 of them offer bachelor’s degrees and above, 5 offer a mix of bachelor’s and master’s and 1 offers a PHD
  • We found no schools in Missouri ranked in US News and World Reports that have a criminal justice program
  • According to Kiplinger’s, Missouri has 2 universities ranked in the top 100 for “Values in Public Colleges”; #14Truman State University, Kirksville, MO; and #80 University of Missouri, Columbia, Columbia, MO
  • 10 campus-based and online schools in Missouri are available for requesting information.

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California University of Pennsylvania

Study online with California University of Pennsylvania. We offer certificate and bachelor's and master's degree programs in a wide variety of fields that can be completed 100% online.

Programs:

  • Master of Science in Legal Studies: Criminal Justice
  • Master of Science in Legal Studies: Law and Public Policy
  • Bachelor of Arts in Jurisprudence: Legal Studies
  • And more...

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Profiles of Well Known Schools in Missouri

Missouri State University: Missouri State University has the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice where students can pursue a Bachelors or Masters in Criminology, a Homeland Security and Defense Graduate Certificate, or a Master of Science in Administrative Studies Criminal Justice Option. Students can network and gain resources through the two student organizations, the CJ Society and Alpha Phi Sigma (Criminal Justice Honor Society). The Center for Social Science and Public Policy Research (CSSPPR) provides students with the opportunity to become more knowledgeable of survey research and public opinion polling. For students that wish to supplement their classroom time with professional experience, NSU has a list of dozens of community partners that take interns.

Grantham University (Online): Grantham University offers both an Associate of Arts and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice fully online. The BA comes with two optional concentrations, Homeland Security and Computer Science, both of which involve 18 credits of upper level electives. Both AA and BA students must complete Police Systems and Practices, American Government I, Criminal Procedure, Police Administration, Criminal Investigations, and White Collar Crime. The four year degree is a total of 122 credit hours while the two year degree is 62 credit hours.

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Missouri Criminal Justice Salary and Jobs

Occupation Number Employed Average Annual Salary
Correctional Officers and Jailers 8,680 $29,250
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives 2,150 $65,810
Detectives and Criminal Investigators 1,600 $63,190
Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers 12,170 $42,260

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

Police Quote: “When I was going through the field training class with my field training officer, (a retired Navy Chief) he told me this that at first I didn’t understand but now rings true: He told me that when I got off duty and was living my personnel life to not surround myself with only law enforcement friends. I took that advice and had friends with other careers outside law enforcement. That was 16 years ago and I believe that advice helps me stay focused and not get the ‘burned out’ feeling a lot of the officers/deputies get. Don’t get me wrong, I have great friends in law enforcement, but, sometimes you need to step away and get away from all the negativity we see on a daily basis.” -Sergeant Ted Roy

Missouri Criminal Justice Degrees

Home to more than 50 accredited institutions offering programs in criminal justice, Missouri is an ideal place to pursue an education in criminal justice. Earning a degree or certification helps ensure job security while boosting salary compensation compared to those who lack specialized training. Whether you set your sights on certification or a degree program, you’re bound to find a school that fills the bill in Missouri. Instruction is available in areas of criminal justice ranging from cyber security, forensic science, to criminology, juvenile justice, and corrections. An associate’s or bachelor’s degree can prepare candidates for careers in airport security or US Customs, or even working for the Secret Service, CIA, or DEA. An advanced degree is preparation for professions including district attorney, criminal investigator, and counter-intelligence or FBI agent.

Many careers in criminal justice offer competitive pay and attractive benefits. Police officers and patrol officers earn an annual average wage of $41,680 1 in the state of Missouri while police first-line supervisors earn an average of $67,090.1 The paralegal field has a positive outlook with an average earnings of $45,480 1 per year for paralegals and legal assistants. Correctional officers are paid an average of $29,210 1 and criminal investigators and detectives earn $62,810 1 per year.

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Missouri’s Criminal Justice Employment Outlook 2, 3, 4, 5

At the start of 2012, Missouri’s unemployment has stabilized at 8.0%, a half percentage point under the US average, and it is projected to regain pre-Downturn peak employment levels by late 2014 according to USA Today / Moody’s Analytics. Government related employment, which is a good proxy for Missouri criminal justice jobs, has average prospects with prior peak employment levels already eclipsed, but on a down trend with budget cuts until 2013. According to the Missouri Economy site and the Occupational Supply & Demand System, high demand occupations in Missouri include: Police and Sheriff Patrol (390 annual openings / 88% of individuals in these positions report having some college or a bachelor’s degree), Correctional Officers (235 annual openings / 60% of individuals in these positions have some college or a bachelor’s degree), Detectives / Investigators / Forensic Techs (60 annual growth in those employed) and Paralegals (110 annual openings / 88% of individuals in these positions report having some college or a bachelor’s degree). According to the Sunshine Review, the Missouri’s state budget is still in a moderate deficit with cuts ongoing. However, with strong prospects for government related jobs, Missouri represents a state where an investment in a Missouri criminal justice degree should be rewarded. Request free information from several schools to best weigh options to pursue a career.

Online and Missouri Criminal Justice Schools

If you live in Missouri, 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.

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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

request information

Capella University
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

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

request information

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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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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Kaplan University
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

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

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 (Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Oklahoma)

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Directory of Missouri Universities Offering Criminal Justice Degrees

Allied College North (Maryland Heights, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice
Associate of Science | Criminal Justice (online program)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice (online program)

Allied College South (Fenton, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice
Associate of Science | Criminal Justice (online program)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice (online program)

Avila University (Kansas City, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Arts | Criminology and Justice Studies

Central Methodist University (Fayette, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice
Minor | Applied Law Enforcement

College of the Ozarks (Point Lookout, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate of Science | Corrections
Associate of Science | Law Enforcement

Colorado Technical University (North Kansas City, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate Degree | Criminal Justice (online program)
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice
Associate of Science | Court Reporting
Associate of Science | Criminal Justice
Associate of Science | Criminal Justice (online program)
Bachelor Degree | Criminal Justice (online program)
Bachelor of Science | Court Reporting
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice (online program)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice | Forensic Investigation
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice | Human Services
Bachelor of Science | Cybercrime Investigation
Master of Science | Management | Criminal Justice
Master of Science in Management | Criminal Justice
Master of Science in Management | Criminal Justice (online program)
Masters Degree | Criminal Justice (online program)
Masters Degree | Homeland Security (online program)

Columbia College (Columbia, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate in Science | Criminal Justice Administration
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice Administration (online program)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice Administration
Bachelor of Science | Forensic Science
Certificate | Crime Scene Investigation
Master of Science | Criminal Justice Administration
Minor | Criminology

Crowder College (Neosho, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate of Arts | Law Enforcement

Culver-Stockton College (Canton, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice

Drury University (Springfield, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Arts | Criminology

East Central College (Union, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice

Evangel University (Springfield, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice

Hannibal-Lagrange University (Hannibal, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice

Harris-Stowe State University (Saint Louis, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice

Hickey College (Saint Louis, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Diploma | Legal Administration

High Tech Institute (Kansas City, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice

ITT Technical Institute (Arnold, MO; Earth City, MO; Kansas City, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice (online program)
Associate of Science | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice (online program)
Bachelor of Science | Cyber Security (online program)

Jefferson College (Hillsboro, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice
Associate of Applied Science | Law Enforcement Academy
Associate of Arts (online program) | Criminal Justice
Associate of Arts | Criminal Justice
Certificate | Criminal Justice

Student Review: “Jefferson College was a good choice for me to attend when I needed to earn a few credit hours to get back on track at my main university. Jeffco is a community college with three campuses, including one close to my residence, so it was extremely convenient to stop by and take a test. During my time at Jeffco, I took several online classes. These classes were really nice since they allowed me to continue school work at one university and then come home to work on the Jeffco classwork. The two largest downfalls I experienced was the fact that some professors either didn’t seem to know the material they were teaching, or they didn’t allow off campus testing, which would have been nice on my longer days at another facility.” -Jasmine K., student at Jefferson College

Lincoln University (Jefferson City, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice

Lindenwood University (Saint Charles, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice
Master of Science | Criminal Justice Administrations
Master of Science | Public Management

Student Review: “I love Lindenwood. I am in the communications department and studying interactive media and web design. I will have to say the best part is the professors. I have had very few bad professors in my time being at Lindenwood. They actually care! If you e-mail them they will give you a good response and they will actually sit down and take time to help you if you need it. My negative comment about Lindenwood is two things, I lived on campus for one semester and hated it, there is no interaction or fun on campus. No one gets involved in anything. If you are looking for a University experience this is not the school for that. It is very education focused. Also they use paperwork for everything. I don’t think they know how to use computers in the administraion area of school. Just be prepared for a hassle.” -Kels H., student at Lindenwood University

Maryville University of Saint Louis (Saint Louis, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice; Criminology
Bachelor of Arts | Legal Studies
Bachelor of Arts | Legal Studies: Law and Society

Metropolitan Community College (Independence, MO; Kansas City, MO; Lees Summit, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate in Science | Forensic Chemistry
Associate of Applied Science | Adult Corrections
Associate of Applied Science | Corrections
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice | Adult Corrections
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice | Juvenile Services
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice | Police Science
Associate of Applied Science | Forensic Chemisty
Associate of Applied Science | Forensic Science
Associate of Applied Science | Juvenile Services
Associate of Applied Science | Police Science
Associate of Arts | Criminal Justice
Certificate | Police Science
Certificate | Police Science Program

Student Review: “I first attended Metropolitan Community College at the Kansas City, MO campus. The campus itself felt safe and secure, considering its downtown location, and the facilities were much more than I initially expected. The instructors were more willing to work one-on-one than some of my high school teachers had been. Overall, everyone I met in KC encouraged me to get as involved as possible and to follow my dreams. I found the same when I switched campuses. I chose MCC so I could stay close enough to home to see my younger sister graduate, and soon we will be attending together – maybe even sharing classes. I appreciate the start MCC gave me for my education, and the people I met that allowed me to flourish.” -Sarah W., student at Metropolitan Community College

Mineral Area College (Park Hills, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice
Associate of Applied Science | Fire Science Technology
Associate of Applied Science | Paramedic Technology
Certificate | Criminal Justice
Certificate | Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Certificate | Fire Science
Certificate | Paramedic Technology

Missouri Baptist University (Saint Louis, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Science | Administration of Justice

Missouri Southern State University (Joplin, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate of Science | Law Enforcement (online program)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice Administration
Bachelor of Science | Justice Studies (online program)
Bachelor of Science | Juvenile Justice
Certified Training | Law Enforcement
Master of Science | Criminal Justice (online program)

Missouri State University-West Plains (West Plains, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate of Applied Science | Law Enforcement

Missouri Valley College (Marshall, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice
Minor | Forensic Science

Missouri Western State University (Saint Joseph, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate of Science | Criminal Justice
Associate of Science | Legal Assistant
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice: Legal Studies
Certificate | Legal Assistant

Moberly Area Community College (Moberly, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate of Arts | Criminal Justice
Certificate | Law Enforcement Training

North Central Missouri College (Trenton, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice
Certificate | Criminal Justice

Park University (Parkville, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate of Science | Criminal Justice Administration
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice Administration
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice Administration

Student Review: “My experience with Park University was a good one. I liked the fact that the online classes were taught in a way that allowed for different learning styles. Park is a big fan of training students how to function as a team in the workplace and the experience I obtained from this has greatly helped me in my career field. Although Park teaches the majority of their students online or at remote military campuses, there is a sense of community amoung the students. Park University is also a very diverse school and offers the students a chance to learn about other cultures and lifestyles. The teachers were knowledgeable and almost always willing to help out. The only downside for me was that the administrative staff wasn’t always the best. I had trouble with them losing documents and having to do paperwork twice a few times. Overall, I am glad to be a graduate and would take classes there again.” -Jennifer F., student at Park University

Saint Louis University (Saint Louis, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice
Certificate | Forensic Science
Certificate | Social Justice
Master of Arts | Public Sociology and Criminology

Southeast Missouri State University (Cape Girardeau, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science | Forensic Communication

Southwest Baptist University (Bolivar, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice

Student Review “Attending Southwest Baptist University was a very rewarding experience. The criminal justice department was small so I was able to get more helps and advice when it was needed. The staff was very understanding and very open to communication. The campus was just the right size and offered all the necessities. The classes were challenging which helped me learn and become more disciplined to study. There were plenty of opportunities to become involved in groups and organizations related to my degree as well as other campus activities. The one thing about SBU that I would have done without was the mandatory chapel attendance. As a non-traditional student and parent, it was hard for me to make childcare and work arrangements in order to attend chapel. I believe that I received a great education from SBU and would attend again if I had to do it all over.” -Alicia Z., student at Southwest Baptist University

St. Charles Community College (Cottleville, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice
Associate of Arts | Criminal Justice

St. Louis Community College (Kirkwood, MO; Saint Louis, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate in Applied Science | Criminal Justice
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice | Corrections
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice | Law Enforcement
Certificate of Proficiency | Criminal Justice
Certificate of Proficiency | Criminal Justice | Corrections
Certificate of Proficiency | Criminal Justice | Law Enforcement

State Fair Community College (Sedalia, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Diploma | Criminal Justice

Stevens Institute of Business & Arts (Saint Louis, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Science | Organizational Behavior

Three Rivers College (Poplar Bluff, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice
Associate of Arts | Administration of Justice
Associate of Science | Administration of Justice
Associate of Science | Criminal Justice | Enforcement
Associate of Science | Criminal Justice | Treatment
Certificate | Criminal Justice
Certificate | Criminal Justice | Security and Loss Prevention

Truman State University (Kirksville, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Science | Justice Systems
Minor | Forensic Science

Student Review: “Truman State University is an excellent mid-western liberal arts college. Truman is often ranked in national collegiate rankings as a “high value” or “best buy” school because of the quality of education Truman students receive in relation to the total costs of attendance. I have found this reputation to be absolutely true as Truman professors are masters in their fields and very knowledgeable about the subject matter that they teach. At Truman, most courses are taught completely by professors with very little graduate student involvement. This and the small class sizes allow students to really engage themselves in their own education and work closely with their professors, resulting in an excellent overall education. I found that the campus is beautiful and the educational resources are abundant. There is always a place for everyone whether they are looking to study, research, use technology or just find a place on the quad for a quick game of catch. The older dorms are kept up nicely and the newer dorms are like three star hotels. The food is decent and although Kirksville can be less than exciting, Truman itself is an outstanding institution.” -Matt N., student at Truman State University

University of Central Missouri (Warrensburg, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science | Crisis and Disaster Management
Bachelor of Science | Forensic Chemistry
Bachelor of Science | Safety Management

University of Missouri-Kansas City (Kansas City, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice and Criminology

University of Missouri-St. Louis (St. Louis, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor Degree | Criminology and Criminal Justice
Master of Arts | Criminology and Criminal Justice
PhD | Criminology and Criminal Justice

Student Review: “I loved it at UMSL it was a great experience that was affordable and allowed me to grow as a student and as a person. It was a great alternative from the normal four year college choices that are around my area. UMSL is a school where most of the people travel to the school and there is little on campus action. UMSL is located right off Highway 70 and is very easy to find and get to during main transit hours. Also as a student you receive a free Metro Pass which is great if you live closer inside the city of St.Louis.” -Paul O., student at University of Missouri-St. Louis

University of Phoenix (Kansas City, MO; Saint Louis, MO; Springfield, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Associate Degree | Criminal Justice (online program)
Associate of Arts | Criminal Justice
Associate of Arts | Criminal Justice (online program)
Bachelor Degree | Criminal Justice (online program)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice Administration
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice Administration (online program)
Bachelor of Science | Organizational Security and Management
Master of Science | Administration of Justice and Security (online program)
Masters Degree | Criminal Justice (online program)

Webster University (Saint Louis, MO)
Criminal Justice Degrees Offered:
Bachelor Degree | Legal Studies

References:
(1) Bureau of Labor Statistics: http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_MO.htm
(2) Bureau of Labor Statistics: http://www.bls.gov/lau/ see state on page for current unemployment rate
(3) USA TODAY/Moody’s Analytics/BLS: http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2009-02-06-new-jobs-growth-graphic_N.htm
(4) 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
(5) The Sunshine Review: http://sunshinereview.org/core/home (select state budget button)

Page Edited by Charles Sipe.