Best Criminal Justice Schools In Michigan

Michigan is home to numerous colleges and universities offering degrees in criminal justice, criminology, and related fields. Although traditional classroom programs are available in a number of cities across the state, everyone can access an online degree program from the comfort of their home. Schools offering online criminal justice degrees in Michigan include Northern Michigan University and the University of Detroit Mercy. Thanks to the widespread availability of criminal justice degree programs in Michigan, the state likely hosts a program that will be the right fit for your career goals.

Quick Facts

There are 54 schools offering criminal justice degrees in Michigan (see below).¹
38 colleges and universities offer associate's degrees in criminal justice.*¹
23 colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in criminal justice.*¹
11 colleges and universities offer master's or doctoral degrees in criminal justice.*¹
29 colleges and universities offer criminal justice degree programs online.*¹
2 schools ranked in Kiplinger's Best Values in Public Colleges in 2018.²
7 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
2 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.

Featured Online Programs

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

Criminal Justice Degree Programs in Michigan

There are numerous opportunities to earn a criminal justice degree in Michigan. Earning a college education before starting your career can lead to expanded opportunities in the criminal justice field. For example, urban policing is an attractive career option in Michigan. Because competition for positions is fierce, one can easily stand out from the crowd with a degree in the field. In fact, the city of Ann Arbor requires that applicants have at least an associate's degree and requires additional testing for which a criminal justice degree would be helpful. Detroit's police department also requires similar knowledge and testing. Even where employers do not require a degree, having one can make you a more competitive applicant and lead to higher salaries.

Top-Ranked Criminal Justice Programs in Michigan

Kiplinger's Best Values in Public Colleges*

Michigan State University (#40 in-state, #81 out-of-state)
University of Michigan (#4 in-state, #15 out-of-state)

*Institution-wide ranking.

College Factual's Best Criminal Justice & Corrections Colleges

Michigan State University (#9)
University of Detroit Mercy (#49)
Western Michigan University (#148)
Grand Valley State University (#156)
Wayne State University (#164)
University of Michigan – Dearborn (#177)
Madonna University (#199)

US News Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs

Michigan State University (#10)
Wayne State University (#44)

Profiles of Well-Known Schools in Michigan

University of Michigan, Dearborn: Within the College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters is the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Studies, one of the college's many interdisciplinary programs drawing in faculty from multiple departments. Students are required to take nine core hours and then their choice of courses under the categories of Special Topics, Ethics, Social Justice, Law and Society, Human Interaction & Social Control, and Research Methods. Professors and instructors of sociology, philosophy, psychology, political science, and even mathematics teach courses for the Criminal Justice Studies program. To supplement classroom time, majors are required to complete three to six internship hours, which can be done through any of the numerous organizations and agencies with which the University of Michigan has partnerships.

Michigan State University: Michigan State University offers several competitive criminal justice degree programs through its School of Criminal Justice. Undergraduates may be interested in the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice degree, which offers students a curriculum encompassing the study and understanding of crime patterns and crime control. Students may additionally add a specialization in security management for careers in private and government security. On-campus graduate students may pursue a Master's in Criminal Justice, which emphasizes analytics and practical knowledge for criminal justice operations and management, or a Master's in Forensic Science, which emphasizes scientific forensics in legal matters with concentrations in Forensic Anthropology, Forensic Biology, or Forensic Chemistry through traditional on-campus study. Michigan State University additionally offers three graduate programs online: the Master's in Criminal Justice, a Master's in Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysis, and a Master's in Judicial Administration. A highly individualized doctoral program in criminal justice is also offered. The Michigan State University School of Criminal Justice has been internationally recognized for its research centers and training initiatives, including the Center for Police Executive Development, Conservation Criminology Program, and JERITT (Judicial Education Reference, Information, and Technical Transfer Project).

Notable Alumni from Michigan Universities

Macomb County Sheriff Anthony M. Wickersham – Wayne State University
Oakland County Sheriff Michael J. Bouchard – Michigan State University
Detroit Police Chief Ralph Godbee – Siena Heights University
Grand Rapids Police Chief Kevin Belk – Grand Valley State University

Police Quote:
Chief Fred W. Hayes
Source

Criminal Justice Careers in Michigan

Though there are issues in the state's economy, one of the many growing fields in Michigan is the criminal justice industry, whose necessity is likely to continue due to Michigan's violent crime rate, which is higher than the national average.

As one of the most populous states in the nation, Michigan offers a number of federal law enforcement positions. The Federal Bureau of Prisons maintains two facilities in the state, an urban center in Detroit and a low-security correctional institution in Milan, both of which require skilled criminal justice graduates to staff corrections needs. Detroit is also home to a major international airline hub for Delta/KLM, which generates demand for homeland security positions with the TSA. Criminal justice graduates can find other positions in the homeland security industry due to Michigan's long border with Canada and significant shoreline bordering three Great Lakes.

As the Michigan State Police builds up demand for their next class, they are prepared to pay new troopers $44,000 a year in base compensation, in addition to generous benefits; the agency recommends that applicants have a college education.⁹ The Department of Corrections is hiring for a number of positions as well. Many of these positions will waive experience requirements for applicants who have completed a four-year degree in criminal justice or a related field. The average annual salary for protective service occupations, including patrol and police officers in Michigan, is $42,870.⁵

Michigan Criminal Justice Salary and Jobs

Occupation	Number Employed	Average Annual Salary
Correctional Officers and Jailers	9,710	$48,560
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives	2,650	$77,640
Detectives and Criminal Investigators	1,950	$82,750
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers	16,220	$56,720

Data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2015.^6,7,8,9

Michigan's Criminal Justice Employment Outlook

The May 2016 unemployment rate in Michigan was 4.7%, equal to the national average.¹¹ Michigan experienced peak unemployment in August 2009, with a rate of 14.1%.¹¹ Government employment can be a good measure of criminal justice jobs available in Michigan. Projections Central includes the following estimates for future criminal justice jobs in the state:

Police and Sheriff Patrol: 620 annual openings; 46% in these positions report completing at least some college, with 24% holding an associate's degree.^12,13
Correctional Officers: 280 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: 50 annual openings; 37% in these positions report completing at least some college, with 21% holding an associate's degree.^12,15
Security Guards: 460 annual openings; 4% in these positions report completing at least some college.^12,16
Paralegals and Legal Assistants: 170 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

The Mercatus Center, a conservative think tank, rated and analyzed the long-term solvency of each state government. After an analysis of its budgeting, cash/tax collection, and pensions, Michigan was ranked 35th in the nation.¹⁸ This indicates that it is likely that Michigan will be able to pay out is pensions, but one should still pay attention to this when considering employment with the state.

michigan Criminal Justice Employment Outlook

Featured Online Programs

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

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

To learn more about earning a Michigan criminal justice degree, we recommend contacting an accredited campus-based or online program about pursuing an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree in the growing 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 (Wisconsin, Ohio, or Indiana).

Michigan 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.

Baker College (Allen Park; Auburn Hills; Cadillac; Clinton Township; Flint; Jackson; Muskegon; Port Huron)Associate of Applied Science | Law Enforcement AcademyAssociate of Applied Science | Emergency Services ManagementAssociate of Applied Science | Public SafetyAssociate of Applied Science | Criminal JusticeAssociate of Applied Science | Information Technology: Cyber SecurityBachelor of Science | Public SafetyBachelor of Science | Criminal Justice (online or on-campus)Bachelor of Science | Law Enforcement AcademyBachelor of Science | Cyber DefenseBachelor of Science | Information Technology and Security Technology (online)Minor | Criminal JusticeCertificate | Special Needs Paraprofessional/ Behavioral TechnicianCertificate | Correctional Studies

Madonna University (Livonia)Associate of Science | Criminal JusticeBachelor of Science | Criminal Justice (online or on-campus)Bachelor of Science | Emergency ManagementBachelor of Science | Forensic ScienceMinor | Criminal JusticeCertificate of Completion | Addiction StudiesCertificate of Completion | Animal Cruelty InvestigationCertificate of Completion | Private InvestigationCertificate of Completion | Private SecurityCertificate of Completion | Homeland SecurityCertificate of Achievement | Emergency ManagementCertificate of Completion | Emergency ManagementCertificate of Completion | Forensic PsychologyCertificate of Achievement | Crime Laboratory TechnicianCertificate of Completion | DNA AnalysisPost-Baccalaureate Certificate | Emergency Management LeadershipPost-Baccalaureate Certificate | Forensic Science

Michigan State University (East Lansing)Bachelor of Arts | Criminal JusticeBachelor of Arts | Global and Area StudiesMaster of Science | Criminal Justice (online or on-campus)Master of Science | Forensic ScienceMaster of Science | Judicial Administration (online or on-campus)Master of Science | Law Enforcement Intelligence and Analysis (online or on-campus)PhD | Criminal JusticeMinor | Defense Studies and LeadershipMinor | Geographic Information ScienceMinor | Peace and Justice StudiesMinor | Security ManagementPost-Baccalaureate Certificate | Counterfeit PharmaceuticalsGraduate Certificate | Conservation Criminology (online or on-campus)Graduate Certificate | Criminal Justice: International Focus (online)Graduate Certificate | Homeland Security (online or on-campus)Graduate Certificate | Judicial Administration (online or on-campus)Graduate Certificate | Law Enforcement Intelligence and Analysis (online or on-campus)Graduate Specialization | Forensic Science (Doctoral)Graduate Specialization | Gender, Justice, and Environmental Change (Master's)Graduate Specialization | Gender, Justice, and Environmental Change (Doctoral)Graduate Specialization | Judicial Administration (Master's)Graduate Specialization | Security Management (Master's)

Student Review: "Michigan State University provides an amazing experience to whoever attends it. It is ranked as one of the top undergraduate universities in the nation for a good price. Whether you want to study math, science, politics, theater, or communication, Michigan State has the major and specified area of study you are interested in. The people are fun, genuine, and very appealing to the eyes. The sports scene is unbeatable, as Michigan State is a top contender in the NCAA in many sports. The social scene is also something great. There are clubs and programs for everyone who wants to get involved. If you want to make lifelong friends, great connections, and get a degree from a highly respected university, Michigan State is the right school for you."

— Matt S., student at Michigan State University

Student Review: "Northern Michigan University was a great university that prepared me for my career. All students are required to use laptop computers, and the school puts a heavy priority on technology. During my studies, I made numerous online presentations and used my laptop to conduct research in-class. Most classes are taught with only 20-40 students per professor, and the faculty is very approachable. I also attended graduate school, and they did a great job of connecting me to people in my field for some exciting internships. There is a student organization for everyone, and it's really easy to get involved. Although the Northern Michigan winters can be tough, the university overall was a great experience."

— Ryan B., student at Northern Michigan University

Northwestern Michigan College (Traverse City)Associate of Science/ Arts | Criminal Justice (online)Associate of Applied Science | Accounting Fraud InvestigationAssociate of Applied Science | Law EnforcementBachelor of Science | Criminal Justice (3+1 Partnership with Ferris University)Certificate of Achievement | Law Enforcement

Wayne State University (Detroit)Bachelor of Science | Criminal JusticeMaster of Science | Criminal Justice (online or on-campus)Dual Degree Master of Science/ Juris Doctor: Criminal JusticeDual Degree Master of Arts/ Juris Doctor | Dispute ResolutionMinor | Criminal JusticePost-Baccalaureate Certificate | Forensic InvestigationPost-Baccalaureate Certificate | Alcohol and Drug Abuse StudiesPost-Baccalaureate Certificate | Applied Behavior AnalysisPost-Baccalaureate Certificate | Peace and Security StudiesPost-Baccalaureate Certificate | Social Welfare Research and Evaluation

Student Review: "Wayne State University is an interesting place to acquire your undergraduate degree at. At times you feel insignificant yet you know that the quality of education you are getting is pretty good. I like the fact that it is an urban campus and that the city of Detroit is very interesting and an all-around cool place to explore and live in. I feel that Detroit gets a lot of unfair criticism in the media when in reality it's a pretty nice place if you avoid the bad parts. My main dislike with Wayne State University is the fact that the administration is generally incompetent and that many of the teachers do no speak English at all. In general, I would recommend this university for students on a budget."

— Fadi I., student at Wayne State University

Student Review: "Wayne State University is an urban college located in the heart of Downtown Detroit. It is a large campus taking up 3-4 blocks. It is unique that it is located in the middle of such a large city, so there are many things to do. Life on campus is definitely not boring. It offers many different fields of study with a large and diverse student body. It has its own police force, which makes the campus very safe. Classes are easy to get to and parking is abundant. I enjoyed my time at WSU and would recommend it to anyone."

— Dave S., student at Wayne State University

Michigan Schools with On-Campus Criminal Justice Programs

Bay de Noc Community College (Escanaba)Associate of Arts | Criminal Justice (transfer degree)Associate of Applied Science | CorrectionsAssociate of Applied Science | Geographic Information ServicesAssociate of Applied Science | Law EnforcementCertificate | Corrections Officer

Student Review: "I loved this school because I was able to do my general studies at the same cost as a major University. The classroom sizes were small, so teachers had enough time to help students that needed it. Student Services helped you through everything, from finding classrooms to financial aid. Speaking of cost, it only cost $2,200 per semester for your basic studies and they offer the convenience of online classes. There is nothing more amazing than going to Bay, where you feel that your teachers know you, by name, and not by seat."

— Joseph P., student at Bay de Noc Community College

Bay Mills Community College (Brimley)Associate of Arts | CorrectionsCertificate | Corrections

Central Michigan University (Mount Pleasant)Bachelor of Arts | Sociology: Social and Criminal Justice

Concordia University-Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor)Bachelor Degree | Criminal JusticeBachelor Degree | Justice and Public PolicyMinor | Criminal Justice & Public Policy

Davenport University (Grand Rapids)Bachelor of Business Administration | Accounting Fraud InvestigationBachelor of Science | Digital ForensicsPost-Baccalaureate Certificate | Forensic Accounting

Student Review: "I have had a great experience with Davenport University. I am able to make my own schedule and decide when I want to do my homework. This could be a challenge for those who are not good at making themselves sit down to do homework. This college is a private school, so it is more expensive than public schools and thus is the reason that I took one point off for the rating. The teachers are very helpful and want you to succeed. They will take however much time it takes in order for you to feel comfortable about your understanding if the material. The correspondence is quick after you email your teacher, they are very interactive which helps if you are having any problems. There are great advisors that will give you all if the options that you have for majors and minors and will thoroughly explain them to you. Davenport University also allows students who are dedicated to entering a fast track program where students will be able to cut at least a year off of their school time by consolidating their schedules. Other than the price, this is a great option for anyone who wants to make their future a little brighter from the comfort of their home."

— Megan L., student at Davenport University

Delta College (University Center)Associate of Applied Arts | CorrectionsAssociate of Applied Arts | Law EnforcementAssociate of Applied Arts | Basic Police TrainingAssociate of Applied Arts | Loss Prevention SpecialistAssociate of Applied Arts | Global Peace StudiesCertificate of Achievement | CorrectionsCertificate of Achievement | Corrections with Jail Officer AcademyCertificate of Achievement | Basic Police TrainingCertificate of Achievement | Loss Prevention SpecialistCertificate of Achievement | Global Peace Studies

Student Review: "I took the class called Intro to Corrections which was in the criminal justice field. At first I enjoyed it because I like watching shows about the corrections facilities. About a month into the class I realized I was better off watching then becoming. My teacher was a former Corrections Officer and Probation Officer she gave us raw details of her life experiences over the last 30 years in the field. It just seems a little too hard core for me but I would consider being a Parole or Probation Officer still because what I did learn from her was that it isn't all that you see on TV. It's more about the people and the rehabilitation of the former offenders."

— Anita G., student at Delta College

Eastern Michigan University (Ypsilanti)Bachelor of Arts | Criminal JusticeBachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice: Legal StudiesBachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice: Law EnforcementBachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice: CorrectionsBachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice: Criminal Justice AdministrationBachelor of Arts | Public Safety Administration MajorMaster of Arts | Criminology and Criminal JusticeMaster of Science | Geographic Information SystemsCertificate | Digital Investigations

Student Review: "The Eastern Michigan criminal justice program is fairly extensive, with a variety of different programs and areas of specialization. The professors are my favorite part; they are very nice and always willing to help. Sometimes the major advisor is very difficult to get a hold of and doesn't respond as promptly as I would like. The program has a wide variety of classes you can take including Homeland Security classes which is pretty cool. A good number of the professors are employed as police officers or were at one time an officer of various ranks. The program overall is detailed and, I feel, high quality."

— Christine R., student at Eastern Michigan University

Student Review: "During my time pursuing my Information Assurance degree at Eastern Michigan University, I found a number of my professors lacking in the ability to teach. Some would not show up, or other times they would randomly cancel classes. Some teachers went as far as to not teach the subject because they had no expertise in the subject matter. These types of events were not just isolated events, as a number of classes also suffered from interference from the university administration and low quality of students. Overall, I appreciated the networking experience that the program afforded me, however, none of the skills that I have today are due in any regard what I was taught in my degree."

— Student at Eastern Michigan University

Finlandia University (Hancock)Associate of Applied Science | Criminal JusticeBachelor of Arts | Criminal JusticeMinor | Criminal Justice

Gogebic Community College (Ironwood)Associate of Arts | Criminal Justice: CorrectionsAssociate of Arts | Criminal Justice: Law EnforcementAssociate of Arts | Criminal Justice: Homeland SecurityCertificate | Corrections Officer

Grand Rapids Community College (Grand Rapids)Associate of Applied Arts and Science | CorrectionsAssociate of Applied Arts and Science | Law EnforcementAssociate of Applied Arts and Science | Juvenile ServicesAssociate of Arts | Juvenile ServicesAssociate of Arts | CorrectionsAssociate of Arts | Pre-Information SecurityCertificate | Addiction Studies

Student Review: "I'm a current Law student and I started my education at Grand Rapids Community College where I obtained a two year Criminal Justice Degree. My original intent was to work as a Crime Scene Examiner but I eventually decided to pursue my degree even further because I love the law. The Criminal Justice Program at GRCC is top notch. The emphasis of the program is success. Students interact in real time situations in all types of scenarios that help prepare individuals entering the Criminal Justice Field. The class sizes are small and personable which I found to be big plus. The professors are able to utilize their resources by building both a personable and positive relationship with the students. I benefited from certain professors knowing my name. That isn't the case at the four-year University that I'm going to now. GRCC has a great technological program so there were always enough computers and an excellent Wi-Fi system to stay on top of homework. Another great thing about the Criminal Justice Program at GRCC is the ability for prospective Police Officers to be licensed upon graduation so they don't have to attend a Police Academy. If you do plan on transferring to a four-year University, GRCC offers a detailed credit transfer for the Criminal Justice program. The cost to obtain a two year CJ degree at GRCC is affordable and the education is you receive is topnotch. The only downfall with GRCC is the actual campus can feel a lot like high school but the student life is great!"

— Chad B., student at Grand Rapids Community College

Student Review: "I have been affiliated with this specific university from an English school as I have been studying abroad for over a year now. I have much enjoyed the diversity of people and cultures I have worked alongside and got to know over this period. The highlights of the school for me have been having an authentic American Experience with real people and being thrown in at the deep end. I love the resources available to me and the somewhat family I have made since being here. The level of education is somewhat average but the experience is what has made this the best decision of my life."

— Sarah A., student at Grand Rapids Community College

Student Review: "I love Grand Valley because it is a large university with a small town feel. The professors and faculty at Grand Valley truly care about their students and their success. Several of my professors knew me by name and took the time to personally get to know me. There are no graduate assistants at Grand Valley. Professors teach the lectures and the discussions and are always available for office hours. There are no intermediates so you can develop a strong relationship with your professor and thus, have a better learning experience. Grand Valley has thoroughly prepared me for a profession in the health field through rigorous courses and hands-on experience in labs especially the cadaver lab. I also like Grand Valley because they care about their undergraduate students and creating a special experience for them. Grand Valley is also committed to keeping tuition affordable for students and preparing students for the real world."

— Erica F., student at Grand Valley State University

Student Review: "I enjoyed the Criminal Justice program at Grand Valley State University. Criminal Justice was the third Major I had while in college. I ended up sticking with this program for several reasons. Firstly, I had very strong connections with the professors. The professors were experienced, knowledgeable, willing to help, interesting and personable. I always felt as though they were willing to help. Many of my professors knew me by my first name and two wrote me amazing letters of recommendation for employment. Secondly, the material presented in the classes was interesting. I enjoyed that the classes were not structured with clear answers but fostered more critical thinking. I was required to do many written assignments and I think this greatly improved my communication skills.Thirdly, The program was very involved with community happenings including trips to the court house, trips to detention facilities, guest speakers and involvement with C.A.S.A. Lastly, they have a phenomenal professor for their juvenile studies program which is what I wanted to specialize in."

— Student at Grand Valley State University

Henry Ford Community College (Dearborn)Associate of Arts | Corrections/Probation and ParoleAssociate of Arts | Law EnforcementAssociate of Arts | Law Enforcement with Police Academy

Kalamazoo Valley Community College (Kalamazoo)Associate of Applied Science | Law Enforcement & Criminal JusticeAssociate of Applied Science | Law Enforcement Specialist for CertificationCertificate | Police AcademyCertificate | Corrections Officer Academy

Kirtland Community College (Roscommon)Associate of Arts | Criminal Justice (transfer degree)Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice Pre-ServiceCertificate | Police AcademyCertificate | Military Police Academy

Lake Michigan College (Benton Harbor)Associate of Applied Science | Corrections, Probation, & ParoleAssociate of Applied Science | Law Enforcement

Lake Superior State University (Sault Ste Marie)Associate of Science CorrectionsAssociate of Science | Law EnforcementAssociate of Science | Homeland SecurityBachelor of Science | CorrectionsBachelor of Science | CriminalisticsBachelor of Science | Criminal Justice GeneralistBachelor of Science | Homeland SecurityBachelor of Science | Law EnforcementBachelor of Science | Law Enforcement CertificationBachelor of Science | Law Enforcement Certification with NRTBachelor of Science | Loss ControlBachelor of Science | Public SafetyBachelor of Science | Forensic Chemistry

Lansing Community College (Lansing)Associate of Applied Science | CorrectionsAssociate of Applied Science | Law EnforcementAssociate of Applied Science | Geographic Information SystemsAssociate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice: Juvenile SpecializationAssociate of Applied Science | Geographic Information Systems and Geospatial TechnologyAssociate of Arts | Criminal JusticeCertificate of Completion | Correctional OfficerCertificate of Achievement | Police AcademyCertificate of Achievement | Geographic Information SystemsCertificate of Achievement | Juvenile Justice

Macomb Community College (Warren)Associate of Applied Science | Law EnforcementAssociate of Applied Science | Law Enforcement With Police AcademyAssociate of Applied Science | Homeland SecurityCertificate | Homeland SecurityCertificate | Law EnforcementCertificate | Law Enforcement With Police Academy

Student Review: "I attended Macomb Community College while I was in high school through a dual enrollment program. It has a warm, accepting atmosphere and there was a wide range of student ages from 17 to 60 years old. There are two campuses in Warren and Clinton Township, and both are very well-maintained and up-to-date. Macomb is always redesigning buildings and expanding the campus. Macomb also has a program with several universities in the metro Detroit area which allows students to attend the Macomb campus, which is local to them, rather than driving a great distance to attend a university. I completed my degree from Macomb and transferred to Wayne State University, and I was able to attend Wayne State classes at the Macomb campus, which saved me a lot of time from driving 50 minutes from my home to the Wayne State campus in Detroit. I loved attending Macomb, but I would advise all future and current students to disregard any advice they obtain from the advisors/counselors. They have steered many students, including me, the wrong way and caused many people to spend more money on credits they didn't need or to hold them back a semester or two from completing their degree."

— Shelby M., student at Macomb Community College

Mid Michigan Community College (Harrison)Associate of Arts | Criminal Justice: Law EnforcementAssociate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice: Corrections- State CorrectionsAssociate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice: Corrections- Local DetentionAssociate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice: Pre-Service

Monroe County Community College (Monroe)Associate of Applied Science | Criminal JusticeAssociate of Applied Science | Law EnforcementCertificate | Criminal Justice

Montcalm Community College (Sidney)Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice: GeneralAssociate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice: CorrectionsAssociate of Applied Science | Information SecurityCertificate | Criminal Justice: Corrections Officer TrainingCertificate | Michigan Corrections Officer Training Fast-Track

Mott Community College (Flint)Associate of Applied Science | Criminal JusticeAssociate of Applied Science | CorrectionsCertificate of Achievement | Computer SecurityCertificate of Achievement | CorrectionsCertificate of Achievement | Criminal JusticeCertificate of Achievement | Substance Abuse Services

North Central Michigan College (Petoskey)Associate of Applied Science | Criminal JusticeAssociate of Applied Science | Law Enforcement w/ KCCAssociate of Applied Science | Law Enforcement w/ NMCAssociate of Applied Science | Geographic Information SystemsCertificate of Development | Corrections (State)Certificate | Law Enforcement Aide

Oakland University (Rochester)Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice: Law EnforcementBachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice: CourtsBachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice: Corrections/TreatmentBachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice: Juvenile JusticeBachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice: Homeland SecurityBachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice: Information Security and AssuranceMinor | Criminal Justice

Student Review: "I really enjoyed the academic atmosphere at Oakland University for criminal justice. The overall program prepared me for the real world by incorporating guest lectures and real-life situations. The professors were very knowledgeable and all of them had previous experience working in the field and dealing with people. The class sizes were small, they averaged about 30 students; this really attracted to me attend OU. The small classes allowed me to form personal relationships with the professors and gain valuable insight. One of the downsides is the parking, being a commuter college there are always tons of cars and it is sometimes hard to find a place to park."

— Student at University of Oakland

Student Review: "I really enjoyed my four years at Saginaw Valley State University. The school is located in a suburban setting just outside the Tri-City area. The buildings and facilities on campus are much newer than most colleges, giving SVSU a 'modern' feel. The campus is unique in that the majority of the buildings on campus are all connected, so you can actually walk from one end of campus to the other without even stepping outside-very helpful in winter months! Many students choose SVSU to pursue a career in the business or education fields. Great dining and new dorms and townhouses make campus living very comfortable, and the numerous fountains throughout campus are a pleasant sight!"

— Greg K., student at Saginaw Valley State University

Student Review: "Overall, I found the curriculum to be quite easy, although I had always been a higher level achiever during high school as well (3.62 GPA). I learned the most about CJ during my first two years in college as far as the basics of how things operate. However, during my junior and senior years, I was able to meet professionals who actually worked in the field, and was able to gain true insight into what the field requires. Being able to study under defense attorneys, FBI/CIA/MDOC/Supreme Court Justices and Federal agents was the best education I think any student could receive."

— Student at Saginaw Valley State University

Student Review: "My time studying Criminal Justice at Saginaw Valley State University was very rewarding and provided me with necessary skills to enter the job market. The curriculum covered a wide range of criminal justice issues, allowing me to focus on a career track easily. There is a focus on policing and administration careers which offer students the ability to work in various positions after graduation. The school also offers a partnership with the local police academy and provides credits towards the criminal justice degree upon completion. Every Criminal Justice class is led by an industry professional who has numerous years of practical experience in the given field. This instills confidence in the student, knowing that the information being taught is applicable to real-world scenarios. There is a heavy focus on reading/writing skills which are paramount in any Criminal Justice profession. The capstone class also offers insight into leadership roles and responsibilities, preparing each student to become a leader in their profession and community. The school also requires a minor for this program, which enables each student to explore additional educational goals not directly related to criminal justice, such as information technology. This program sets students up for post-graduate studies by following a common curriculum employed by most state-funded colleges. I honestly cannot say enough about Saginaw Valley State University and the education I have received in the Criminal Justice major. I will be working on a Graduate program following this degree and feel completely confident that I have learned the skills and abilities required for success at the next level."

— Student at Saginaw Valley State University

Schoolcraft College (Livonia)Associate of Applied Science | Academy of Criminal JusticeAssociate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice with Academy

Siena Heights University (Adrian)Associate of Arts | Criminal JusticeBachelor of Arts | Criminal JusticeBachelor of Arts | Probation, Parole & Community CorrectionsMaster of Arts | Criminal Justice

St. Clair County Community College (Port Huron)Associate of Applied Arts and Science | Criminal Justice: CorrectionsAssociate of Applied Arts and Science | Criminal Justice: Law EnforcementBachelor of Science | Criminal Justice (joint program with Ferris University)Certificate | Emergency Services

University of Michigan-Dearborn (Dearborn)Bachelor of Arts | Criminal JusticeBachelor of Science | Digital ForensicsMinor | Criminal Justice

Student Review: "The criminal justice program at UMD was great. I was able to learn so much and was very prepared for a job and for law school afterward. The school is a nice, small environment where the students are the focus so I always had professors, advisors, and students to help me. I really felt comfortable coming to them with my concerns and questions and that is what helped me flourish at school. They are very committed to making you prepared for life after the degree. They helped me get a part-time job afterward through the internship they found for me as a student there and they made me prepared for law school. I really understood the legal system and felt that it gave me an advantage over other students at law school. The internships they have are interesting and are so relevant and the advisors do everything they can to help you secure them."

— Zara I., student at University of Michigan-Dearborn

Washtenaw Community College (Ann Arbor)Associate of Arts | Criminal JusticeAssociate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice: Law EnforcementBachelor of Science | Criminology and Criminal Justice (3+1 Transfer degree with Eastern Michigan University)Bachelor of Science | Public Safety Administration (3+1 Transfer degree with Eastern Michigan University)Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice (3+1 Transfer degree with Madonna University)Certificate | Police AcademyCertificate | Principles of CybersecurityPost-Associate Certificate | Addiction Studies

Wayne County Community College District (Detroit)Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice: CorrectionsAssociate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice: Law EnforcementCertificate | Addiction StudiesCertificate | Criminal Justice: Public/Private SecurityCertificate | Homeland Security

Student Review: "Completing a Criminal Justice Bachelor's degree at Western Michigan University was a wonderful learning experience for me. The professors were of consistently high quality, with real-life experience. Two that stand out, in particular, were a local former police chief and a prison-class instructor. The program appeared to be created and defined by people who had a true interest in improving the system at all levels, not just being a "cop mill". We had a smattering of social and hard sciences throughout the four years of the program, everything from psychology to statistics. I would highly recommend this program for anyone interested in any aspects of the law enforcement field."

— Penelope B., student at Western Michigan University

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 Graduate Criminal Justice Programs: https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/criminal-justice/rankings5. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2015 Occupational Employment and Wages, Protective Service Occupations (Major Group): https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes330000.htm6. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2015 Occupational Employment and Wages, Correctional Officers and Jailers: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333012.htm7. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2015 Occupational Employment and Wages, First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes331012.htm8. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2015 Occupational Employment and Wages, Detectives and Criminal Investigators: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333021.htm9. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2015 Occupational Employment and Wages, Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333051.htm10. Michigan State Police: https://www.michigan.gov/msp/0,4643,7-123-62526_62528-285305-,00.html11. Y Charts 10 Year Unemployment Chart: https://https://ycharts.com/indicators/michigan_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/statefiscalrankings

Michigan Criminal Justice Schools

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