Alabama Criminal Justice Schools

Updated on October 31, 2023

The colleges and universities in Alabama offer a wide variety of criminal justice programs to choose from, ranging from associate's degrees to PhDs. The information on this page is designed to help you learn more about your options as you research programs that fit your personal and career goals. In addition to traditional on-campus programs, several schools in Alabama offer online criminal justice degrees, including Auburn University at Montgomery and Jacksonville State University.

Quick Facts

  • There are 31 schools offering criminal justice degrees in Alabama (see below).1

  • 9 colleges and universities offer associate's degrees in criminal justice.*1

  • 20 colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in criminal justice.*1

  • 8 colleges and universities offer master's or doctoral degrees in criminal justice.*1

  • 7 colleges and universities offer criminal justice degree programs online.*1

  • 1 school ranked in Kiplinger's Best Values in Public Colleges in 2018.2

  • 2 schools ranked in College Factual's Best Criminal Justice & Corrections Colleges in 2018.3

  • No schools ranked in Criminal Justice Degree Schools Best Online Bachelor's Programs in 2018.4

  • 3 schools 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.

Criminal Justice Degree Programs in Alabama

Alabama's criminal justice schools offer degrees at all levels in both traditional, on-campus formats and in online formats. There are several online criminal justice degree programs in Alabama that offer the benefit of flexible scheduling for working professionals. A growing number of criminal justice employers are requiring a college degree or giving preference to applicants who hold a degree, making education an important consideration when planning your career. Depending on your chosen career track, a criminal justice degree can result in an increase in your starting salary. A criminal justice degree can also qualify you for supervisory or management positions, expanding your opportunities for promotion.

Featured Online Programs

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

Top-Ranked Schools with Criminal Justice Programs in Alabama

Kiplinger's Best Values in Public Colleges*

  • University of Alabama (#48 in-state, #59 out-of-state

*Institution-wide ranking.

College Factual's Best Criminal Justice & Corrections Colleges

  • University of Alabama (#47)

  • University of Alabama at Birmingham (#126)

US News Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs

  • Faulkner University (#19 tie)

  • Jacksonville State University (#57-#67)

  • Troy University (#57-#67)

Profiles of Well-Known Schools in Alabama

University of Alabama: The University of Alabama's Department of Criminal Justice, housed within the College of Arts and Sciences, offers both undergraduate and graduate programs. The master's course of study provides students with the option of pursuing a career-oriented track, choosing from specializations in criminal justice/criminology, law, or social sciences. While department research interests vary greatly, the faculty are world-renowned specialists in terrorism, drug addiction, HIV/AIDS, and domestic violence. This university has four student organizations for those pursuing a degree in criminal justice as well as numerous internship opportunities with both state and federal agencies.

Jacksonville State University: Criminal justice students at Jacksonville State University have access to top quality resources; the campus is regularly top-ranked in the Southern Association of Institutional Research (SAIR) Best Publication Category. Individuals interested in professional criminal justice careers can pursue a Bachelor of Science or a Master of Science. Undergraduates can choose from four different concentrations (corrections, forensic investigations, law enforcement, and security administration/ loss prevention) to better prepare themselves for their specialized objectives. Additionally, the department has a long-standing internship program for its majors that connects them to the agencies that best fit their concentrations. Jacksonville State University provides financial assistance for its criminal justice majors with various different scholarships such as the Criminal Justice Alumni Association Scholarship.

Notable Alumni from Alabama Universities

  • Morgan County Alabama Sheriff Ana Franklin – Jacksonville State University

  • Calhoun County Alabama Sheriff Larry Amerson – Jacksonville State University

  • Blount County Sheriff Loyd Arrington – Troy State University

  • Birmingham Police Chief A.C. Roper – University of Alabama-Birmingham

Police Quote:

Sheriff Glenn Palmer

Source

Alabama Criminal Justice Careers

In addition to state positions, jobs are available for criminal justice graduates with a number of city police and county sheriff's departments throughout Alabama. Many departments offer educational incentive pay and/or tuition reimbursement, including the Birmingham Police Department and the Montgomery Police Department. The Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) consistently adds to its current roster of approximately 3,000 correctional officers and offers a full benefits package that includes 27 leave days per year as well as 12 paid holidays.6 A bachelor's degree increases the starting pay rate for a correctional officer with the ADOC by almost $3,000 per year.6

There are also opportunities to pursue federal criminal justice careers in Alabama. The Redstone Arsenal, near Huntsville, employs civilians as well as career military personnel in logistical, security, and information systems positions. The US Marshals Service maintains offices in Montgomery, Mobile, and Huntsville. US Customs and Border Protection also employs agents at the Port of Mobile.

Alabama Criminal Justice Salary and Jobs

10,440
Correctional Officers and Jailers5,400$35,730
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives1,200$63,930
Detectives and Criminal Investigators1,200$60,570
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers[/hen-ui-table-cell data-ek="hen-ui-expert-quote:0"]$42,400

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2015.7,8,9,10

Alabama's Criminal Justice Employment Outlook

In May 2016, Alabama's unemployment rate was 6.1%, which was above the national average of 4.7% but well below the state's unemployment peak of 10.5% in January of 2010.11 The 10-year unemployment low for Alabama was 3.9%, in January of 2008.11 According to Projections Central, the criminal justice hiring outlook in Alabama includes:

  • Police and Sheriff Patrol: 430 annual openings; 46% in these positions report completing at least some college, with 24% holding an associate's degree.12,13

  • Correctional Officers: 180 annual openings; 37% in these positions report completing at least some college, with 15% holding a post-secondary certificate.12,14

  • Detectives and Criminal Investigators: 30 annual openings; 37% in these positions report completing at least some college, with 21% holding an associate's degree.12,15

  • Security Guards: 290 annual openings; 4% in these positions report completing at least some college.12,16

  • Paralegals and Legal Assistants: 80 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.12,17

Note that annual openings include openings from growth as well as replacements.

The Mercatus Center, a conservative think tank, analyzed and ranked the long-term solvency of state governments. Based in part on Alabama's budgeting process, cash/tax collection, and funding of pensions, it ranked Alabama 15th in the US for long-term solvency, suggesting sound management practices that should allow it to continue to fulfill its obligations to those employed by the state.18

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

If you live in Alabama, we recommend requesting information from an accredited campus-based or online program for pursuing associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees or certificates in the field of 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 (Mississippi, Tennessee, or Florida).

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.

Auburn University at Montgomery (Montgomery)Bachelor of Science | Criminal JusticeBachelor of Science | Justice and Public SafetyBachelor of Science | Justice and Public Safety: Legal StudiesMaster of Science | Justice and Public Safety (online or on-campus)Master of Science | Justice and Public Safety: Criminal JusticeMaster of Science | Homeland Security & Emergency Management (online or on-campus)Minor | Criminal Justice/ CorrectionsMinor | Criminal Justice/ Juvenile JusticeMinor | Criminal Justice/ Law Enforcement

Student Review: "Auburn University is a place you instantly fall in love with. A large research university with about 25,000 students that is set in a classic southern college town it provides the complete college experience. Socially the students are friendly and almost like family, while the bar scene is vibrant and varied. Educationally speaking the college of business is superb with a complete financial trading room that teaches the true fundamentals of business. Aside from the sister cities of Auburn and Opelika the surrounding area others beautiful countryside, fantastic swimming holes, and excellent wildlife viewing if your an outdoor enthusiast like myself."

4 star review

— Wesley D., student at Auburn University

Faulkner University (Montgomery)Associate of Science | Criminal JusticeAssociate of Science | CriminalisticsBachelor of Science | Criminal Justice (hybrid or online)Master of Science | Justice Administration (online)

Jacksonville State University (Jacksonville)Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice | CorrectionsBachelor of Science | Criminal Justice | Forensic InvestigationsBachelor of Science | Criminal Justice | Law EnforcementBachelor of Science | Emergency Management with Minor in Homeland Security (online)Bachelor of Science | Emergency Management with Minor in Public Safety Telecommunications (online)Bachelor of Science | Forensic Investigation | Criminal Investigations (hybrid online)Bachelor of Science | Forensic Investigation | Forensic Laboratory/Technician (hybrid online)Minor | Criminal JusticeMinor | CorrectionsMinor | Forensic InvestigationsMinor | Law EnforcementMaster of Science | Criminal Justice (online or on-campus)Master of Public Administration | Criminal Justice (online or on-campus)Master of Public Administration | Emergency Management (online)Master of Science | Computer Systems/ Software Design: Information Security/ Assurance (online)Master of Science | Emergency Management (online)Master of Science | Nursing – Community Health: Emergency Management (online)Doctor of Science | Emergency Management (online)Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Emergency Management (online)Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Emergency Preparedness: Nurse Coordinator

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

Troy University (Troy)Associate of Science in General Education | Criminal Justice (online or on-campus)Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice (online or on-campus)Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice – Digital Forensics (online or on-campus)Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice – Homeland Security (online or on-campus)Master of Science | Criminal Justice (online or on-campus)Certificate | Criminal Justice – Digital ForensicsCertificate | Cybersecurity (online or on-campus)

Student Review: "I thoroughly enjoyed my experience in the Troy University Criminal Justice program. All of my professors were veteran police officers or criminology experts with many years under their belts. I have taken my experience and used it in my current career which is Forensic Pathology and Autopsy. What I learned in my studies have provided me with a firm understanding and basis for evidence intake and chain of custody that prepares me for fulfilling the policy and procedures set forth by the Department of Forensics of Alabama but also equips me to better prepare for any court room appearances I may have to make in the future. The only complaint that i had during the program was the lack of specific forensic studies. The program revolved a basic understanding of all the criminal Justice disciplines and only had a specialization in Homeland Defense. Overall, my experience was a great one and I still highly encourage anyone to go to Troy University and through the program. The professors are all great and well educated and experienced individuals and will provide an excellent learning experience to their students."

5 star review

— Student at Troy University
Student Review: "The Criminal Justice department at Troy University is a great program.The professors were extremely knowledgeable and helpful. I learned so much from one professor in particular who was a former New York detective. He taught through his own experience which was fascinating. Not only do they instruct they guide you to help you plan your future. So much information on what to do after graduation. Advised me of programs through the FBI that I would have otherwise known. The Criminal Justice department at Troy is a great education and investment."

5 star review

— Student at Troy University
Student Review: "My experience with Troy University was interesting, to say the least. I loved several of the classes however the curriculum did consist of quite a bit of fluff or classes that didn't necessarily apply directly to my program, however I attribute this to the university's continued efforts to be recognized amongst other universities around the nation. One major problem I had with the program was the professors, specifically the international ones with thick accents in high level courses. The administrators did not seem to be too concerned with the success of the students instead they were more concerned with the career of the instructor. On the flip side, all of the professors took an interest in the success of the students in their classes."

3 star review

— Student at Troy University

University of Alabama at Birmingham (Birmingham)Bachelor of Science | Criminal JusticeBachelor of Science | Criminal Justice: Honors ProgramMaster of Science | Forensic ScienceMaster of Science | Criminal Justice: Thesis Track (online or on-campus)Master of Science | Criminal Justice: Non-Thesis Track (online or on-campus)Master of Science | Computer Forensics and Security ManagementMaster of Science | Dual Degree: Criminal Justice/Public AdministrationPost-Baccalaureate Certificate | Computer ForensicsMinor | Criminal Justice

Student Review: "I attended UAB early in the 2000's. My intention was to enroll in their "5th year program" which allowed for a Masters in secondary education depending on your bachelor's field. I took several prerequisite classes in order to become a secondary teacher in social sciences. The campus is large and is all but completely in a downtown urban environment. This made for an exciting and bustling campus. The campus comprises many cultures, ages, backgrounds, and ethnicities, which I found very stimulating. I attended a small school for undergrad, so I was worried about "becoming just another number" in a large, dissociated classroom, but my experience was completely opposite. Even in some 100 and 200 level classes, the teachers and students were engaged and the class size was surprisingly manageable. The buildings are kept up very well, and the resources were good (e.g., several food service locations, many study areas, good library resources, online information easy to find, etc.). I lived off campus, so parking could be tricky, but I was generally able to get close enough. Recent additions of green spaces have made the campus more attractive."

5 star review

— Cari O., student at University of Alabama – Birmingham
Student Review: "I really enjoyed the criminal justice program at the University of Alabama. They offered a wide selection of electives to go along with the required courses. This allowed me to choose the courses I needed to specialize in the field of criminal justice that I was most interested in. The courses were challenging but provided the education needed to compete for jobs in the field and to do the work in a competent and effective manner. The professors were, for the most part, very good and helpful. They had extensive expertise in the field and were widely published in journals. They took a hands on approach with us and were available to meet with us when we had questions or issues. The practicums provided real world experiences that have proven most helpful. My classmates were great to work with on various group projects. I highly recommend this university and program for those interested in criminal justice studies."

4 star rating

— Kanise W., student at University of Alabama

University of North Alabama (Florence)Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science | Criminal JusticeMaster of Science | Criminal Justice (online or on-campus)Master of Professional Services | Security and Safety LeadershipMinor | Criminal JusticeMinor | Crime Scene InvestigationMinor | Security and Emergency ManagementCertificate | Law EnforcementCertificate | Security and Emergency Management

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.

Alabama A&M University (Normal)Bachelor of Science | Criminal JusticeMinor | Criminal Justice

Student Review: "At Alabama A&M University I pursued my undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice initially to pursue a career in law enforcement. During my junior year, however, my fate would be changed when during the Fall semester I enrolled into Intro to Corrections. Learning about the corrections system greatly intrigued me and with the recommendation of my professor I was granted an internship with the Madison County Jail the following summer. My undergraduate degree not only gave me the skills and knowledge of the degree I earned, but it also afforded me lifelong business contacts and through this I was able to find employment immediately after graduation. I believe my journey would not have landed me where I am presently if I had not got my degree at Alabama A&M University."

4 star review

— Student at Alabama A&M University

Alabama State University (Montgomery)Bachelor of Science | CorrectionsBachelor of Science | Criminal JusticeBachelor of Science | Juvenile JusticeBachelor of Science | Law EnforcementMaster of Science | Forensic ScienceMinor | Criminal Justice

Athens State University (Athens)Bachelor of Science | Computer Science: Information Security OptionBachelor of Arts | Justice StudiesBachelor of Science | Criminal Justice: Juvenile Justice Studies OptionMinor | Criminal Justice

Calhoun Community College (Tanner)Associate of Science | Criminal JusticeCertificate | Security

Faulkner State Community College (Bay Minette)Associate of Arts | Criminal Justice

Gadsden State Community College (Gadsden)Associate of Applied Science | Public Safety TelecommunicationsAssociate of Arts/ Associate of Sciences | Criminal Justice

Jefferson State Community College (Birmingham)Associate of Applied Science | Law EnforcementAssociate of Science | Criminal JusticeCertificate | Law Enforcement

Lawson State Community College (Birmingham)Associate of Science | Criminal JusticeAssociate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice

Miles College (Fairfield)Bachelor of Science | Criminal JusticeMinor | Criminal Justice

Northwest-Shoals Community College (Muscle Shoals)Associate of Applied Science | Criminal JusticeAssociate of Science | Pre-Criminal Justice

Samford University (Birmingham)Bachelor of Science | Criminal JusticeBachelor of Science | Criminal Justice: Transfer Completer Degree

Shelton State Community College (Tuscaloosa)Associate of Arts/ Associate of Science | Criminal Justice

University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa)Bachelor of Arts | Criminal JusticeMaster of Science | Criminal JusticeMinor | Criminal JusticeMinor | Cyber Criminology

Student Review: "The criminal justice program at the University of Alabama is one that I thoroughly enjoy and am currently taking a part in in my course of study. Although many lower level classes in many fields are considered mundane, all that I have taken have been relevant and interesting. Professors in my upper division classes have all had significant, real-world experience and ethos in the criminal justice system, and have have been able to make the courses much more exciting as a consequence. I feel that I have and continue to take a great deal from my school's department and that the courses I've taken will help me gain a greater understanding of this field once I graduate."

4 star review

— John M., student at University of Alabama
Student Review: "The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The campus is beautiful and very historical. The school is academically superb. It is ranked on Princeton Review's top 100. The city is not very metropolitan but there is always something to do. Most students and visitors enjoy spending their spare time on the strip located on campus or the quad. The biggest attraction at the University of Alabama is football season. The university has 14 national titles under its belt. Games are held at Bryant Denny Stadium. Bryant Denny stadium holds up to 90,000 visitors. Games are an experience of a lifetime. The fans are crazy. At Alabama football isn't just a sport it's a lifestyle. All in all the University prides itself on tradition, you will see die heart fans and alumni wear houndstooth in remembrance of Paul Bear-Bryant. There's something for everyone at Alabama. You will get a great education and have a great time while doing it. Roll Tide."

5 star rating

— Kanise W., student at University of Alabama

University of South Alabama (Mobile)Bachelor of Arts | Criminal JusticeMaster of Public Administration | Geographical Information TechnologyMinor | Criminal Justice

Wallace Community College (Dothan)Associate of Art/Science | Criminal JusticeAAS in Criminal Justice | Forensic InvestigationsAAS in Criminal Justice | Law EnforcementAAS in Criminal Justice | Cyber Security/ Computer Forensics

Wallace Community College-Selma (Selma)Associate of Applied Science | Criminal JusticeCertificate | Criminal Justice

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.php3. 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 Bachelor's Programs: https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/bachelors/search?program=bachelors&school-name=5. US News Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs: https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/criminal-justice/rankings6. Alabama Department of Corrections: https://www.doc.state.al.us/employment7. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2015 Occupational Employment and Wages, Correctional Officers and Jailers https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333012.htm8. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2015 Occupational Employment and Wages, First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes331012.htm9. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2015 Occupational Employment and Wages, Detectives and Criminal Investigators: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333021.htm10. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2015 Occupational Employment and Wages, Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333051.htm11. Y Charts 10 Year Unemployment Chart: https://ycharts.com/indicators/california_unemployment_rate12. Projections Central Long Term Occupational Projections: https://www.projectionscentral.com/Projections/LongTerm13. O*Net OnLine, Police Patrol Officers: https://www.onetonline.org/link/details/33-3051.0114. O*Net OnLine, Correctional Officers and Jailers: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/33-3012.0015. O*Net OnLine, Police Detectives: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/33-3021.0116. O*Net OnLine, Security Guards: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/33-9032.0017. O*Net OnLine, Paralegals and Legal Assistants: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/23-2011.0018. Mercatus Center, George Mason University, Ranking the States by Fiscal Condition 2016 Edition: https://www.mercatus.org/statefiscalrankings19. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2015 Occupational Employment and Wages, Protective Service Occupations (Major Group): https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes330000.htm

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