Virginia Criminal Justice Schools

Virginia Criminal Justice Schools

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Staff Writers Contributing Writer
Updated October 31, 2023

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Virginia is home to a number of widely-recognized criminal justice degree programs, making this state a good choice for launching your criminal justice career. Criminal justice programs in Virginia include options to focus on such areas as administration of justice, criminology, and forensic science. Several schools, including Bluefield College, James Madison University, and Liberty University also offer criminal justice degrees online.

Quick Facts

  • There are 46 schools offering criminal justice degrees in Virginia (see below).1
  • 24 colleges and universities offer associate's degrees in criminal justice.*1
  • 21 colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in criminal justice.*1
  • 9 colleges and universities offer master's or doctoral degrees in criminal justice.*1
  • 15 colleges and universities offer criminal justice degree programs online.*1
  • 6 schools ranked in Kiplinger's Best Values in Public Colleges in 2018.2
  • 8 schools ranked in College Factual's Best Criminal Justice & Corrections Colleges in 2018.3
  • 1 school ranked in Criminal Justice Degree Schools Best Online Bachelor's Programs in 2018.4
  • 1 school ranked in US News Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs in 2018.5

*For not-for-profit colleges and universities with criminal justice degree programs.

Featured Online Programs

Explore program formats, transfer requirements, financial aid packages, and more by contacting the schools below.

Criminal Justice Degree Programs in Virginia

There are a variety of on-campus and online criminal justice programs in Virginia that can boost your career potential. Earning your degree not only makes you a more competitive applicant for entry-level positions but can also boost your salary potential and your opportunities for promotion. It is also becoming more common for employers to require or prefer entry-level applicants to have at least some college experience. For example, the Virginia State Police prefers applicants who have college credit. Similarly, the majority of police recruits in Virginia Beach have earned at least some college credit, and about half of recruits hold a bachelor's degree.

Top-Ranked Schools with Criminal Justice Programs in Virginia

Kiplinger's Best Values in Public Colleges*

  • Christopher Newport University (#82 in-state, #66 out-of-state)
  • George Mason University (#99 in-state, #100 out-of-state)
  • James Madison University (#42 in-state, #63 out-of-state)
  • University of Mary Washington (#95 in-state, #98 out-of-state)
  • University of Virginia (#3 in-state, #3 out-of-state)
  • Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (#28 in-state, #39 out-of-state)

*Institution-wide ranking.

College Factual's Best Criminal Justice & Corrections Colleges

  • George Mason University (#1)
  • Virginia Commonwealth University (#43)
  • Hampton University (#61)
  • Roanoke College (#72)
  • Longwood University (#77)
  • Marymount University (#95)
  • Radford University (#181)
  • Virginia Wesleyan College (#195)

Criminal Justice Degree Schools Best Online Bachelor's Programs

  • Old Dominion University

US News Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs

  • Liberty University (#42 tie)

Profiles of Well-Known Schools in Virginia

Virginia Commonwealth University
The School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University offers a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice as well as a post-baccalaureate Graduate Certificate. The school has three research centers: the Center for Public Policy, the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program, and the Sustainable Communities Institute. Numerous faculty teach for the School of Government and Public Affairs, often contributing their expertise to multiple programs. Students can also pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees in Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, Public Administration, and Political Science.

George Mason University
The Department of Criminology, Law, and Society at George Mason University has a Bachelor of Science, a Master of Arts, and a PhD program. There are five research centers with which the department is affiliated: the Center for Justice Leadership and Management; the Center for Justice, Law and Society; the Center for Evidence-Based Crime Policy; the Center for Advancing Correctional Excellence; and the Cochrane Collaboration College for Policy. The faculty are active researchers in the areas of criminal justice agencies, police behavior, terrorism, and homeland security. Students who want to add a unique specialization to their degree can earn a minor in Intelligence Analysis.

Notable Alumni from Virginia Universities

  • City of Richmond, VA Sheriff C.T. Woody Jr. - Virginia Union University
  • Arlington County, VA Sheriff Beth Arthur - Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Norfolk, VA Acting Chief of Police Sharon Chamberlin - University of Virginia, University of Richmond, George Washington University
  • Chesapeake, VA Chief of Police Colonel K. L. Wright - Tidewater Community College, Old Dominion University, St Leo University (FL), Troy University (AL)

Police Quote: "I would suggest to young adults that education is very important and being truthful in every way and always be positive. I have been a gang detective for many years and was told in my early career that if you ask a question during your investigation, and you don't have the answer for it, your investigation is not complete." - Gene Ballance, Vice President of the Virginia Gang Investigators Association

Virginia Criminal Justice Careers

With unemployment levels below the national average and a reputation as a business-friendly state, there are a wide array of career opportunities for criminal justice professionals in Virginia in both the public and private sectors. Across five distinct geographic regions criminal justice graduates can pursue careers that are close to Virginia's beautiful coastline or in the rugged Blue Ridge mountains, offering a variety of lifestyle options.

According to the Virginia Workforce Connection, in-demand jobs in the field of criminal justice include police detectives, police patrol officers, first-line supervisors of police and detectives, police dispatchers, sheriffs, criminal investigators, and special agents. Senior and managerial positions typically require a bachelor's degree.

The Virginia Department of Public Safety, Department of State Police, Department of Corrections, and Department of Juvenile Justice are just a few of the state agencies seeking to recruit criminal justice graduates. Available jobs include surveillance officer, state police trooper, unit manager, corrections officer, and others. For those seeking jobs in the private sector, demand for private detectives and investigators has been projected to grow and security guards are also in demand to protect personal and company property.

With close proximity to Washington DC, many Northern Virginia residents are employed by federal government agencies, including the CIA and the Department of Defense. Criminal justice graduates can explore a wide array of career options with the Department of Homeland Security, CIA, FBI, Customs and Border Patrol, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Bureau, and others.

Virginia Criminal Justice Salary and Jobs

Occupation Number Employed Average Annual Salary
Correctional Officers and Jailers 13,780 $38,030
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives 2,580 $89,100
Detectives and Criminal Investigators 3,380 $92,610
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers 17,290 $53,410
Data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2015.5,6,7,8

Virginia's Criminal Justice Employment Outlook

As of May 2016, Virginia's unemployment rate was 3.8%, which was below the national average of 4.7%.10 In January 2010, Virginia experienced a 10-year peak unemployment rate of 7.3%, while the state's 10-year unemployment low was 3.3% in February 2008.10 Government-related employment is a good proxy for criminal justice jobs in Virginia. According to Projections Central, the following criminal justice jobs are anticipated in Virginia through 2024:

  • Police and Sheriff Patrol: 840 annual openings; 46% in these positions report completing at least some college, with 24% holding an associate's degree.11,12
  • Correctional Officers: 610 annual openings; 37% in these positions report completing at least some college, with 15% holding a post-secondary certificate.11,13
  • Detectives and Criminal Investigators: 90 annual openings; 37% in these positions report completing at least some college, with 21% holding an associate's degree.11,14
  • Security Guards: 910 annual openings; 4% in these positions report completing at least some college.11,15
  • Paralegals and Legal Assistants: 300 annual openings; 86% in these positions report completing at least some college, with 30% holding an associate's degree and 44% holding a bachelor's degree.11,16

Note that these position estimates are based on jobs growth as well as replacements.

The Mercatus Center is a conservative think tank that rated and analyzed each state's long-term solvency. After an analysis of budgeting, cash/tax collection, and pensions, Virginia ranked 19th in the nation.17 This means that the state should have the ability to fulfill its ongoing employee pension obligations.

Featured Online Programs

Explore program formats, transfer requirements, financial aid packages, and more by contacting the schools below.

Directory of Not-for-Profit Virginia Universities Offering Campus-based and Online Criminal Justice Degrees

If you are interested in earning a Virginia criminal justice degree, we recommend finding an accredited campus-based or online criminal justice program for your associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree.

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 (KentuckyWest VirginiaMarylandNorth Carolina, or Tennessee).

Schools with Online and On-Campus Criminal Justice Programs

Note: Student Reviews are based on the experiences of a few individuals and it is unlikely that you will have similar results. Please review the "Data, Student Reviews and Other Information" section in our Terms of Use and Disclaimers.

Averett University (Danville)
Bachelor of Science | Sociology and Criminal Justice (online)
Minor | Sociology and Criminal Justice

Bluefield College (Bluefield)
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice (online or on-campus)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice (online or on-campus)
Bachelor of Science | Forensic Science
Minor | Criminal Justice

Hampton University (Hampton)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice/Criminology
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice (online)
Bachelor of Science | Forensic Chemistry
Minor | Criminal Justice/ Criminology

Student Review: "Living in Hampton, Virginia was extremely peaceful. I can honestly say I enjoyed myself. As for the school, it was not perfect. The dorms were not great. The water pressure varied depending on shower/floor. The furniture in the room was plain and somewhat outdated. The internet was slow and wired. Yes, no wifi! As for the food, it I think it didn't taste great yet, I gained a bunch of weight. Hampton University loves to serve soul food. It is not the best food in the world but it works when you are hungry. I did enjoy my classes and teachers. The teachers come from all walks of life and bring different experiences. I met some of my best friends at Hampton University and for that, I am grateful." -Melissa B., student at Hampton University
stars-4

James Madison University (Harrisonburg)
Bachelor of Arts | Justice Studies: Crime and Criminology
Bachelor of Arts | Justice Studies: Global Justice
Bachelor of Arts | Justice Studies: Social Justice
Master of Science | Computer Science: Digital Forensics
Master of Science | Computer Science: Information Security (online)
Minor | Criminal Justice

John Tyler Community College (Chester)
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice (online or on-campus)
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice: Homeland Security
Certificate | Criminal Justice (online)
Certificate | Cyber Security (online)

Liberty University (Lynchburg)
Associate of Arts | Criminal Justice (online)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice (online)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice: Juvenile Justice (online)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice: Crime Scene Investigation (online)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice: Criminal Psychology (online)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice: Homeland Security (online)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice: Strategic Intelligence (online)
Master of Science | Criminal Justice (online)
Master of Science | Criminal Justice: Public Administration (online)
Master of Business Administration | Criminal Justice Administration (online)
Certificate | Criminal Justice (online)
Certificate | Military Resilience (online)
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Criminal Justice (online)
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Military Resilience (online)

Student Review: "Liberty University is a great college for any Christian or non-Christian alike who is looking for a fantastic education. With over 60,000 enrolled students in their residential and online courses combined, it has a reputation of being a school where one can grow personally without feeling crowded or rushed. Established in beautiful Lynchburg, Virginia in 1971, the campus boasts magnificent amenities and ever-expanding academic facilities." -Michael M., student at Liberty University
stars-5

Student Review: "This was a fantastic program. I was able to finish the program working full time and was always able to get the work done. If I ever needed an extension due to family issues or health the professors of the LU Helms School would always work with me. I liked the fact that this degree was writing heavy and required the student to be able to express their interpretations of how they understood the information they were being taught. The program starts you off with the undergrad level of understanding and matures it. It no longer asks for memory but rather now that you learned what you have (be it about the Juvenile justice system etc) now how would you apply that to this situation? It takes the student from understanding what the Police Department Policy might be and tells the student to write a policy with the following items in mind. It takes you from being someone who could follow orders without knowing why and makes you understand the data behind the choices that are made in criminal justice leadership." -Student at Liberty University
stars-5

Mary Baldwin University (Staunton)
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice (online or on-campus)
Minor | Criminal Justice

Northern Virginia Community College (Annandale)
Associate of Applied Science | Administration of Justice
Certificate | Administration of Justice
Certificate | General Forensic Investigation
Certificate | Advanced Forensic Investigation
Certificate | Security Management
Certificate | National Security
Certificate | Administration of Justice (online)
Certificate | Cybersecurity (online)
Specialization | Homeland Security

Old Dominion University (Norfolk)
Bachelor of Arts/ Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice (online or on-campus)
Bachelor of Arts/ Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice/ Sociology (double major)
Bachelor of Science | Cybersecurity
Master of Arts | Applied Sociology: Criminal Justice
PhD | Criminology & Criminal Justice
Minor | Criminal Justice

Student Review: "I attend Old Dominion University and am involved in the Criminal Justice and the Sociology program. My time studying here has made me very enthusiastic and passionate about the subject. My classes have been informative, well-paced, and an environment where I feel I can appropriately share my own thoughts and ideas. My professors have been knowledgeable and approachable. I always feel like I am in a place where I can ask questions and talk to a teacher one-on-one when needed, as they easily make themselves available to students. It seems like the professors and the program itself is very adamant on the students performing well and accommodating to each student's needs." -Olivia P., student at Old Dominion University
stars-4

Student Review: "I majored in CRIMINAL JUSTICE from 2009-2013. I had an enjoyable experience, though I do not feel as though I was fully prepared for career options. I did a tour of a jail in Norfolk, and that was about all of the actual hands on experience that I had. I did take a few classes that involved criminal investigations and learned a lot from those because it felt more hands on. We had guest speakers from time to time that came in and provided some on the job information. I wish there had been a career fair or something catered to the soon to be graduates of the program so that there had been some more options available to me." -Student at Old Dominion University
stars-4

Student Review: "The Criminal Justice program at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA provided valuable information for those people interested in that field. The classes were intriguing and interesting, and I enjoyed the different experiences of the professors. Many of them had real life experience working in the field and were able to pass on that information. One of the parts of the program that wasn't as helpful was their lackluster career building and lack of career fairs. There wasn't as much time spent preparing the future graduates for the real world. There was, however, a variety of different classes ranging from crime scene investigation to substantive criminal law and even a class about correctional institutions including a tour of a local jail." -Student at Old Dominion University
stars-3

Radford University (Radford)
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science | Anthropology: Forensic Anthropology
Bachelor of Science | Forensic Chemistry
Master of Arts | Criminal Justice (online )
Master of Science | Criminal Justice (online)
Minor | Criminal Justice
Minor | Forensic Studies
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Crime Analysis

Regent University (Virginia Beach)
Associate of Arts | Criminal Justice (online or on-campus)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice (online or on-campus)
Bachelor of Applied Science | Criminal Justice (online or on-campus)
Bachelor of Arts | Law & National Security (online or on-campus)
Master of Public Administration | Emergency Management & Homeland Security (online)
Minor | Criminal Justice (online or on-campus)
Minor | Homeland and International Security (online or on-campus)

Tidewater Community College (Norfolk)
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice (online or on-campus)
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice: Forensic Science
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice: Homeland Security
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice: Public Law
Career Studies Certificate | Forensic Science
Career Studies Certificate | Law Enforcement (online or on-campus)
Career Studies Certificate | Homeland Security
Career Studies Certificate | Public Law

Student Review: "I thoroughly enjoyed my four years at the University of Richmond. From the moment I stepped on to campus, I felt like I was at a close-knit university with the advantages of a big school. I quickly met students from across the country and the world - all while enjoying a diverse academic program, ample opportunities for on-campus and off-campus employment, and numerous student activities and social events. The professors were engaging and truly cared about their students, and you really felt as though your fellow students cared about you. There were times that I felt that I knew everyone else; when I felt like that, all I had to do was drive off campus and experience the great city of Richmond. The only true downside of my experience was the cost; as a private school, it was substantially pricier than a state university. However, the school did a fantastic job in offering financial aid, student work programs, and scholarships to its students. At the end of the day, it was worth every penny!" -Amy M., student at University of Richmond
stars-4

University of Virginia (Charlottesville)
Certificate | National Criminal Justice Command College
Graduate Certificate | Cyber Security Management (online)

Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Arts | Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
Master of Arts | Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (online or on-campus)
Master of Science | Criminal Justice
Minor | Criminal Justice
Minor | Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Criminal Justice
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (online or on-campus)

Student Review: "The Criminal Justice program at Virginia Commonwealth University features a range of very knowledgeable professors, most of which have accumulated many hours out in the field. Through my four years in the program I have learned a great deal about how the internal workings of the United States' Criminal Justice program, our correctional facilities, and in my opinion, most importantly the flaws in our current system and what we can do to improve upon it. Although intellectually I have definitely advanced throughout this program, the lack of hands on experiences and working with members in the field is disappointing. Our school is not even 90 miles away from Washington, DC which is headquarters to some of the most advanced institutions in the Criminal Justice field. It is a shame professors at Virginia Commonwealth University haven't taken advantage of this prime educational gold mine." -Chris D., student at Virginia Commonwealth University
stars-4

Student Review: "Virginia Commonwealth University's Criminal Justice program is a great program within the university. I have had excellent professors who engage with students one on one very frequently and are always willing to help further your career goals once you graduate. The coursework can be very intense at times, but the knowledge you will attain is second to none. The program offers many hands on courses such as crime scene investigation in which actual mock crime scenes are set up for students to work, and forensic investigation where students learn to take fingerprints and take pictures of crime scenes. Education from courses is applicable to real life situations in the criminal justice field rather than just book knowledge and will help you in whatever career you choose. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in the program and would highly recommend both the Criminal Justice program and the school to potential students." -Student at Virginia Commonwealth University
stars-5

Virginia Wesleyan University (Norfolk)
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice (online or on-campus)
Minor | Criminal Justice

Schools with On-Campus Criminal Justice Programs Only

Note: Student Reviews are based on the experiences of a few individuals and it is unlikely that you will have similar results. Please review the "Data, Student Reviews and Other Information" section in our Terms of Use and Disclaimers.

Blue Ridge Community College (Weyers Cave)
Associate of Applied Science | Administration of Justice
Associate of Applied Science | Administration of Justice: Law Enforcement
Associate of Applied Science | Administration of Justice: Corrections
Career Studies Certificate | Applications in Corrections
Career Studies Certificate | Applications in Law Enforcement
Career Studies Certificate | High Tech Crime Investigation
Career Studies Certificate | Cyber Security

Central Virginia Community College (Lynchburg)
Associate of Applied Science | Administration of Justice
Career Studies Certificate | Criminal Justice

Christopher Newport University (Newport News)
Bachelor of Arts | Sociology: Criminology

Dabney S. Lancaster Community College (Clifton Forge)
Associate of Applied Science | Administration of Justice
Associate of Applied Science | Administration of Justice: Forensic Science
Certificate | Law Enforcement
Certificate | Forensic Science
Career Studies Certificate | Private Security Service

Danville Community College (Danville)
Associate of Applied Science | Administration of Justice: Corrections
Associate of Applied Science | Administration of Justice: Law Enforcement
Associate of Applied Science | Administration of Justice: Protective Services
Certificate | Corrections
Certificate | Cybercrime Investigation
Certificate | Law Enforcement
Certificate | Protective Services
Certificate | Cybersecurity

Ferrum College (Ferrum)
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice: Criminology
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice: Generalist
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice: Forensic Investigation
Minor | Criminal Justice

George Mason University (Fairfax)
Bachelor of Science | Criminology, Law, and Society: Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science | Criminology, Law, and Society: Homeland Security and Justice
Bachelor of Science | Criminology, Law, and Society: Law and Society
Bachelor of Arts | Environmental and Sustainability Studies: Equity and Environmental Justice
Bachelor of Science | Forensic Science
Master of Arts | Criminology, Law and Society
PhD | Criminology, Law and Society
Minor | Intelligence Analysis
Minor | Forensic Psychology
Minor | Forensic Science
Minor | Criminology, Law and Society
Certificate | Telecommunications Forensics and Security

Student Review: "I attended George Mason University in the fall and spring. My International Security classes are in Washington DC (an eligible location). I also lived in DC during the school year even though the main campus is in Fairfax, Virginia. I liked the majority of my professors at GMU but had trouble taking microeconomics and had to withdraw from the class. Another reason why George Mason is a great school is that they provide free transportation to and from Vienna Metro so it is affordable for me to commute to and from DC. I could also make my schedule flexible so that my classes in DC and my classes in Virginia were on different days. This school is up and coming but they definitely have quality engineering and government programs. There are a lot of food options on campus ranging from Burger King and Chick fil A to Taco Bell, Panda Express and many ethnic choices. The community overall is very diverse. I am looking forward to continuing my education this fall." -Student at George Mason University
stars-4

Germanna Community College (Locust Grove)
Associate of Applied Science | Fire Science Technology
Associate of Applied Science | Police Science
Certificate | Police Science

J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College (Richmond)
Associate of Applied Science | Administration of Justice
Career Studies Certificate | Criminal Justice

Longwood University (Farmville)
Bachelor of Science/Master of Science | Criminology & Criminal Justice (5-year degree)
Minor | Criminology & Criminal Justice
Minor | Homeland Security
Minor | Cyber Security, Forensics, and Policy

Lord Fairfax Community College (Middletown)
Associate of Arts and Sciences | Administration of Justice
Associate of Science | Forensic Science
Certificate | Administration of Justice

Marymount University (Arlington)
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice
Master of Science | Cybersecurity
Master of Arts | Forensic & Legal Psychology
Master of Arts | Forensic & Legal Psychology: Intelligence Studies
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Computer Security and Information Assurance

Mountain Empire Community College (Big Stone Gap)
Associate of Applied Science | Correctional Services
Associate of Applied Science | Police Science
Certificate | Corrections
Certificate | Law Enforcement
Certificate | Corrections Management and Supervision
Career Studies Certificate | Law Enforcement Management and Supervision

New River Community College (Dublin)
Associate of Applied Science | Forensic Science
Associate of Applied Science | Police Science

Norfolk State University (Norfolk)
Master of Arts | Criminal Justice

Patrick Henry Community College (Martinsville)
Associate of Arts and Science | Criminal Justice

Paul D. Camp Community College (Franklin)
Associate of Applied Science | Administration of Justice | Corrections Science
Associate of Applied Science | Administration of Justice | Police Science

Piedmont Virginia Community College (Charlottesville)
Associate of Applied Science | Police Science
Certificate | Criminal Justice
Certificate | Cybersecurity

Rappahannock Community College (Glenns)
Associate of Applied Science | Administration of Justice
Associate of Arts and Sciences | Criminal Justice
Certificate | Law Enforcement

Roanoke College (Salem)
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Arts | Sociology: Crime, Deviance, and Social Control

Shenandoah University (Winchester)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice
Minor | Criminal Justice

Southside Virginia Community College (Alberta)
Associate of Applied Science | Administration of Justice
Career Studies Certificate | Corrections
Career Studies Certificate | Law Enforcement
Career Studies Certificate | Private Investigations
Certificate | Administration of Justice

Southwest Virginia Community College (Richlands)
Associate of Applied Science | Administration of Justice
Associate of Applied Science | Administration of Justice: Emergency Management & Preparedness
Career Studies Certificate | Crime Scene Technology
Certificate | Law Enforcement

Thomas Nelson Community College (Hampton)
Associate of Applied Science | Administration of Justice

University of Mary Washington (Fredericksburg)
Bachelor of Liberal Studies | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Liberal Studies | Cybersecurity

Virginia Highlands Community College (Abingdon)
Associate of Applied Science | Police Science

Virginia Intermont College (Bristol)
Bachelor of Arts/ Bachelor of Science | Legal Studies: Criminal Justice

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) (Blacksburg)
Bachelor of Science | Criminology
Graduate Certificate | Security Studies
Graduate Certificate | Information, Policy, and Society
Graduate Certificate | Local Government Management

Virginia State University (Petersburg)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice
Master of Science | Criminal Justice

Virginia Western Community College (Roanoke)
Associate of Applied Science | Administration of Justice
Career Studies Certificate | Cyber Security

Student Review: "The criminal justice program at Virginia Western Community College is stellar. From what I have seen, they not only go truly in-depth with course material, they also seem to take the time to ensure that the learning material sticks and all members of the program are effectively trained for the work that they will be doing in their job field. Many students enrolled in the program have stated that they chose Virginia Western solely for the criminal justice program, when they could possibly have gone to other schools which are more renowned and well known. Virginia Western may be one of the best criminal justice programs available in the whole state, if not the entire country." -Mike M., student at Virginia Western Community College
stars-5

Wytheville Community College (Wytheville)
Associate of Applied Science | Police Science
Associate of Applied Science | Corrections Science
Certificate | Corrections
Certificate | Law Enforcement

Criminal Justice Student Interview - University of Richmond

Why did you choose the University of Richmond to pursue a criminal justice degree?

I chose the University of Richmond to pursue my criminal justice degree for several reasons. First, the University has only about 3,000 students, and the class sizes within the Criminal Justice discipline were fairly small (less than 20 students). I thought that a smaller class size would allow me to have more interaction with my professors and thus forge better connections in terms of internship and employment possibilities. Additionally, the campus is located in Virginia's state capital; most of the statewide criminal justice agencies are headquartered in Richmond. I thought that the close proximity to so many different state and local agencies would provide me with more opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the field. Finally, the Criminal Justice program at the University of Richmond allows its students to receive elective credit for taking courses in other disciplines. It was important to me to be able to take classes outside of my academic major without feeling like I was "wasting" the credits.

What aspects of the criminal justice program at your school did you like the most and what did you like the least?

My favorite aspect of the Criminal Justice program at the University of Richmond was its multidisciplinary curriculum. I had to take core courses in psychology and sociology before being able to take more advanced level criminal justice theory classes. I also received elective credit for business and journalism courses. In short, the curriculum allowed me to become an academically diverse student. My least favorite thing about the program was beyond the program's control; there were a high number of student athletes that majored in Criminal Justice. As a result, there were students with numerous (excused) absences, and it became difficult at times to find a study partner or someone to discuss the coursework with.

What were some notable aspects of the criminal justice program at the University of Richmond that you can share?

One of the nice things about the Criminal Justice program at the University of Richmond was that we frequently had guest speakers from different aspects of the profession. We had prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement, probation officers, and policy makers come speak to us about their various roles and personal experiences within the discipline. Some of these speakers then hired students as temporary employees or interns. It allowed the students to get a first hand look at the different types of professions available within the discipline and ask questions to someone actually practicing in each respective field.

Can you describe the requirements you had to fulfill in order to earn your degree? (Such as amount of study time, internships, required classes, thesis papers, etc.).

It has been some time since I completed my degree, so I can provide an overview of what I had to complete for it. I believe there were about 30 credits that a student had to complete for the major. Criminal Justice majors had to take introductory courses in Sociology and Psychology (which accounted for 6 credits). We then had 12 credits of electives, and we could fulfill those through selected courses in Psychology, Sociology, Business, and other academic disciplines. That left about 12 credits worth of advanced courses, 3 of which could be completed through a senior seminar. The senior seminar class was small (less than 10 students), and we covered a different topic in criminal justice each week. We often would have a speaker or reading assignment and would then be required to write a paper. We also had a 20-page thesis paper due at the end of the semester. Since I was a double-major in criminal justice and journalism, I wrote mine on the media's portrayal on violence and how it affected juror expectations in criminal trials.

In terms of study time, the research required was demanding but interesting. Internships were not required but were encouraged. Many students took advantage of the connections they built through class speakers or professors and completed internships for academic credit. I worked in the Victim Services section at the State Attorney General's Office when I was there; the only reason that I did not receive credit was that I had maxed out my internship credit in other disciplines.

What criminal justice courses did you find most and least valuable during your time as a student?

I thought the Sociology courses were most helpful to my criminal justice degree. There is no cookie cutter approach to dealing with crime, punishment, the rehabilitation of offenders, and the other issues that criminal justice professionals deal with on a daily basis. The baseline sociology courses helped me better understand how different socioeconomic constraints affect different members of the population. This helped me keep an open mind when brainstorming solutions to different problems that we would discuss and now that I deal with on a daily basis.

How has your criminal justice education helped prepare you for your current career?

My criminal justice degree has been invaluable to my current career. I used my experience working in Victim Services, and I quickly obtained a job in a local prosecutor's office's Victim Services section once I graduated from college. I worked there while I went to law school part-time; this job allowed me to see how the things I had studied affect real people every day. Once I completed my law degree (with a concentration in criminal law), I became a prosecutor and have been prosecuting in Virginia since. People often believe a prosecutor's job is to lock up criminals and throw away the key; instead, a prosecutor's job is to do the right thing for everyone: the victim, the community, and the offender. My criminal justice studies at the University of Richmond helped me develop the core knowledge needed to do my job fairly every day.


References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Kiplinger's Best Values in Public Colleges: https://www.kiplinger.com/tool/college/T014-S001-kiplinger-s-best-values-in-public-colleges/index.php
3. College Factual Best Criminal Justice & Corrections Colleges: https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/protective-security-safety-services/criminal-justice-and-corrections/rankings/top-ranked/
4. US News Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs: https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/criminal-justice/rankings
5. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2015 Occupational Employment and Wages, Correctional Officers and Jailers https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333012.htm
6. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2015 Occupational Employment and Wages, First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes331012.htm
7. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2015 Occupational Employment and Wages, Detectives and Criminal Investigators: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333021.htm
8. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2015 Occupational Employment and Wages, Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333051.htm
9. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2015 Occupational Employment and Wages, Paralegals and Legal Assistants: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes232011.htm
10. Y Charts 10 Year Unemployment Chart: https://https://ycharts.com/indicators/virginia_unemployment_rate
11. Projections Central Long Term Occupational Projections: https://www.projectionscentral.com/Projections/LongTerm
12. O*Net OnLine, Police Patrol Officers: https://www.onetonline.org/link/details/33-3051.01
13. O*Net OnLine, Correctional Officers and Jailers: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/33-3012.00
14. O*Net OnLine, Police Detectives: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/33-3021.01
15. O*Net OnLine, Security Guards: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/33-9032.00
16. O*Net OnLine, Paralegals and Legal Assistants: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/23-2011.00
17. Mercatus Center, George Mason University, Ranking the States by Fiscal Condition 2016 Edition: https://www.mercatus.org/statefiscalrankings

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