Best Criminal Justice Schools In Ohio

There are several criminal justice programs in Ohio that have strong reputations for providing quality preparation for careers in criminal justice. Ohio is home to programs with specialties in diverse areas such as national security, forensic investigation, and judicial reporting. Additionally, a growing number of schools are offering online criminal justice degrees, including Bowling Green State University, Kent State University, and the University of Cincinnati.

Quick Facts

There are 105 schools offering criminal justice degrees in Ohio (see below).¹
50 colleges and universities offer associate's degrees in criminal justice.*¹
47 colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in criminal justice.*¹
13 colleges and universities offer master's or doctoral degrees in criminal justice.*¹
17 colleges and universities offer criminal justice degree programs online.*¹
2 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
3 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.

Featured Online Programs

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

Criminal Justice Degree Programs in Ohio

Ohio's criminal justice schools offer many opportunities to earn an education that prepares you for careers in fields such as law enforcement, forensics, and corrections. There are numerous options to earn an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or even a doctoral degree in criminal justice in Ohio. The program you choose will likely be tied to your career goals. Some criminal justice employers may require only a high school diploma, while others may require an associate's or bachelor's degree. However, even if a degree is not required, holding a degree can make you a more competitive applicant. Having a criminal justice degree can also better prepare you for training academies, lead to higher starting salaries, and provide better chances at promotion.

Top-Ranked Schools with Criminal Justice Programs in Ohio

Kiplinger's Best Values in Public Colleges*

Miami University (#50 in-state, #36 out-of-state)
Ohio State University (#25 in-state, #24 out-of-state)

*Institution-wide ranking.

College Factual's Best Criminal Justice & Corrections Colleges

University of Cincinnati (#7)
Xavier University (#33)
University of Dayton (#57)
Cedarville University (#78)
Ohio Northern University (#86)
University of Mount Union (#91)
Baldwin Wallace University (#151)
Heidelberg University (#176)

Criminal Justice Degree Schools Best Online Bachelor's Programs

Ohio University
University of Cincinnati
University of Toledo

US News Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs

University of Cincinnati (#7 tie)
Bowling Green State University (#31 tie)
University of Toledo (#51-#67)

Profiles of Well-Known Schools in Ohio

University of Cincinnati: The University of Cincinnati offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree program that builds a comprehensive background in criminal justice, opening doors to various career paths in the field. Students enrolled in the 120-credit hour program are required to choose a minor, focus area, or additional certificate. The school recommends that this study be in subject areas such as biology, business, chemistry, or foreign languages to expand career opportunities based on previous graduates' experiences. The core curriculum includes courses such as Criminal Justice Research Methods, Criminal Procedure, and Criminal Justice Statistics. Additionally, a senior year field placement in an unpaid internship with a criminal justice agency helps students gain real-world, hands-on experience outside of classroom and laboratory settings. The criminal justice program faculty are respected scholars who are regularly asked to consult with criminal justice agencies and governments. Students can access additional learning, networking, and leadership opportunities through special programs at the school, including the Criminal Justice Society and the CECH Tribunal.

Ohio State University: The Department of Sociology at Ohio State University offers a Bachelors in Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies as well as a double major option in Sociology and Criminology with Criminal Justice Studies. Students can also pursue a Minor in Sociology, Criminology, Inequality, and Society. The faculty and students publish within eight different focus areas: Community and Urban; Criminology; Education, Family, Occupations, and Work; Political Sociology and Social Movements; Population and Health; Stratification-Race; and Class and Gender. The Department of Sociology has research positions for its undergraduates, in which students work under the supervision of a faculty member and can fulfill the Integrated Elective requirement for major credit. Past research projects have included Legal Assistance to Post-Conflict Countries and Concentration and Control in the Nazi Concentration Camps.

Tiffin University (Online): Tiffin University's online campus offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in criminal justice. The Master of Science in Criminal Justice has concentrations in Criminal Behavior, Crime Analysis, Justice Administration, and Homeland Security, while the Bachelor of Criminal Justice has concentration options in Emergency Management or Justice Administration.The flexibility of virtual instruction at Tiffin University allows students to complete their degrees in as little as 18 months. Online programs come with three different enrollment options based on residency and type of course credit.

Notable Alumni from Ohio Universities

Franklin County Ohio Sheriff Zach Scott – Franklin University
Hamilton County Ohio Sheriff Simon L. Leis, Jr. – Xavier University
Columbus, Ohio, Police Chief Kimberly Jacobs – Ohio State University
Cincinnati, Ohio, Police Chief James E. Craig – University of Phoenix, West Coast University
Dayton, Ohio, Police Chief Richard Biehl – University of Cincinnati
Allegheny County, PA Sheriff William P Mullen – University of Dayton

Police Quote:
Dr. Scott Thornsley, Professor & Chair of the Criminal Justice Administration at Mansfield University
Source

Ohio Criminal Justice Careers

Criminal justice professionals can find numerous career opportunities in the corrections, law enforcement, and legal fields in Ohio. Employers include local cities, the state government, and US federal agencies. Many jobs in the law enforcement field in Ohio are projected to grow in the future due to population growth and retiring professionals. Most criminal justice jobs, like correctional officers, cannot be outsourced overseas and job security is supported by local unions. Many applicants have an associate's or bachelor's degree in the criminal justice field.

Ohio criminal justice careers offer many benefits in addition to an exciting work environment, including competitive wages. The average salary for police officers in Ohio is $56,090 while first-line supervisors at police agencies earn an average of $77,120.^6,8 Professionals working at correctional facilities as corrections officers earn an average of $41,890.⁵ Detectives and criminal investigators make an average of $69,740.⁷Ohio paralegals working at the numerous law firms in Ohio earn an average of $46,870.⁹

[hen-ui-text variant="b4" data-ek="hen-ui-text:41"]In addition to local law enforcement jobs, the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Ohio Rehabilitation and Corrections Agency, and Ohio State Highway Patrol provide job opportunities for graduates of criminal justice programs. Available state jobs include corrections wardens, assistant wardens, and state patrol officers. US federal agencies, like the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, and others, also employ criminal justice graduates in Ohio. Positions available include mission support specialists, management and program analysts, special investigators, and others. Nearly all federal positions in criminal justice require at least a bachelor's degree.[/hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-expert-quote:0"]

Ohio Criminal Justice Salary and Jobs

Occupation	Number Employed	Average Annual Salary
Correctional Officers and Jailers	12,940	$41,890
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives	2,500	$77,120
Detectives and Criminal Investigators	2,050	$69,740
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers	24,210	$56,090

Data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2015.^5,6,7,8

Ohio's Criminal Justice Employment Outlook

Ohio's unemployment rate as of May 2016 was 5.1%, slightly above the 4.7% national average.¹⁰ The state experienced its 10-year peak unemployment in January 2010 with a rate of 10.6%.¹⁰ Government-related employment is a good proxy for criminal justice jobs in Ohio. According to Projections Central, the following annual Ohio criminal justice job openings are expected through 2024:

Police and Sheriff Patrol: 850 annual openings; 46% in these positions report completing at least some college, with 24% holding an associate's degree.^11,12
Correctional Officers: 370 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: 50 annual openings; 37% in these positions report completing at least some college, with 21% holding an associate's degree.^11,14
Security Guards: 590 annual openings; 4% in these positions report completing at least some college.^11,15
Paralegals and Legal Assistants: 220 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 openings are based on estimates for employment growth and replacements.

The Mercatus Center, a conservative think tank, analyzed and rated each state government's long-term solvency, ranking Ohio 11th in the nation.¹⁷ The ranking is based on the budgeting process, cash/tax collection, and pensions. This means that Ohio is well-positioned to fulfill its 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 Ohio Universities Offering Campus-based and Online Criminal Justice Degrees

If you want to earn an Ohio criminal justice degree, you should pursue an accredited campus-based or online criminal justice program for your associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees 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 (Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, or Kentucky).

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.

Ashland University (Ashland)Associate of Arts | Criminal JusticeBachelor of Science | Criminal Justice (online or on-campus)

Student Review: "Ashland University provided an excellent overall education and college experience for me. At 2,200 undergraduate students, it was the ideal size for me because the campus was very accessible and closely confined. It was also big enough to get the full college experience. I liked the small class sizes and the individual attention from each professor. Ashland University has a beautiful campus that is highlighted by the great fountain by the student center and several eagle statues placed throughout the walkways. My major was Sport Management, but Ashland is also known for its Education programs. The food is also considered one of the best among colleges in the country. The Recreation Center is very nice and fairly new. The new athletic facility also has improved the campus as a whole. Ashland has many athletic teams that are very successful and is known for many sports in Division II. One thing that could be improved is the living situations. Students are forced to live in the dorms unless they are over 22 years old or live within the commuter range."

— Kyle S., student at Ashland University

Bowling Green State University (Bowling Green)Bachelor of Science | Criminal JusticeBachelor of Science | Criminal Justice: Forensic InvestigationMaster of Science | Criminal Justice (online or on-campus)

Franklin University (Columbus)Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice Administration (online or on-campus)Bachelor of Science | Cybersecurity (online or on-campus)Bachelor of Science | Emergency Management & Homeland Security (online or on-campus)Bachelor of Science | Public Safety Management & LeadershipMaster of Arts | Criminal Justice Administration (online or on-campus)Graduate Certificate | Criminal Justice Leadership

Kent State University (Kent)Bachelor of Arts | Criminology and Justice StudiesBachelor of Arts | Criminology and Justice Studies: PolicingBachelor of Arts | Criminology and Justice Studies: CorrectionsBachelor of Arts | Criminology and Justice Studies: Law & SocietyBachelor of Arts | Criminology and Justice Studies: Justice & Human RelationsBachelor of Arts | Criminology and Justice Studies: Criminology & DevianceBachelor of Arts | Criminology and Justice Studies: VictimologyMaster of Arts | Criminology and Criminal Justice (online)Master of Arts | Criminology and Criminal Justice: Policing (online)Master of Arts | Criminology and Criminal Justice: Corrections (online)Master of Arts | Criminology and Criminal Justice: Global Security (online)Master of Arts | Criminology and Criminal Justice: Victimology (online)Minor | Criminology and Justice Studies

Student Review: "My experience with the Justice Studies (formerly Criminal Justice) program at Kent State was rather mixed. Some professors were engaging and very helpful, while others (mainly the part-time instructors who were not full-time faculty members) seemed disinterested. Coursework requirements varied a great deal, with some upper-level courses requiring little to no writing or classroom participation, while the workload for some lower-level courses was ridiculously heavy. The biggest failure of the department was the advising system, which matched students at random with professors who may or may not have been interested in advising, and often had an entirely different focus from their assigned students. Mine had an office halfway across campus from the rest of the department. Job placement assistance was also a miserable failure, and mostly non-existent. Compared to say the nursing or teaching programs at KSU, the Justice Studies program seemed disorganized and unstructured."

— Student at Kent State University

Kent State University East Liverpool Campus (East Liverpool)Bachelor of Arts | Criminology and Justice StudiesMaster of Arts | Criminology and Criminal Justice (online)Master of Arts | Criminology and Criminal Justice: Policing (online)Master of Arts | Criminology and Criminal Justice: Corrections (online)Master of Arts | Criminology and Criminal Justice: Global Security (online)Master of Arts | Criminology and Criminal Justice: Victimology (online)Minor | Criminology and Justice Studies

Kent State University Stark Campus (Canton)Bachelor of Arts | Criminology and Justice StudiesBachelor of Arts | Criminology and Justice Studies: Criminology and DevianceBachelor of Arts | Criminology and Justice Studies: PolicingMaster of Arts | Criminology and Criminal Justice (online)Master of Arts | Criminology and Criminal Justice: Policing (online)Master of Arts | Criminology and Criminal Justice: Corrections (online)Master of Arts | Criminology and Criminal Justice: Global Security (online)Master of Arts | Criminology and Criminal Justice: Victimology (online)Minor | Criminology and Justice Studies

Student Review: "KSU Stark campus is a rapidly expanding satellite campus with over 10,000 students enrolling per semester. When I started there only 5,000 students enrolled in any individual semester. The campus is large with classes taking places in four main buildings. The campus is shared with Stark State College, a tech school. I went there with no real idea of what I wanted to study and felt limited by the relatively limited catalog. I eventually settled with English Lit. There are some really great (but undervalued) profs there but for each of them, there's two mediocre ones and one who should be fired. There are very low expectations because there's a lot of post-secondary (high school) kids flooding the basic courses and KSU main campus rejects. You can slide through with a high GPA and use it as a springboard for another school or try and get a cheap degree, but I wouldn't advise this school for anybody who is actually serious about expanding themselves and emerging themselves in their field of study."

— Micah M., student at Kent State University

Kent State University-Trumbull Campus (Warren)Bachelor of Arts | Criminology and Justice StudiesMaster of Arts | Criminology and Criminal Justice (online)Master of Arts | Criminology and Criminal Justice: Policing (online)Master of Arts | Criminology and Criminal Justice: Corrections (online)Master of Arts | Criminology and Criminal Justice: Global Security (online)Master of Arts | Criminology and Criminal Justice: Victimology (online)Minor | Criminology and Justice Studies

Kent State University-Tuscarawas Campus (New Philadelphia)Bachelor of Arts | Criminology and Justice StudiesMaster of Arts | Criminology and Criminal Justice (online)Master of Arts | Criminology and Criminal Justice: Policing (online)Master of Arts | Criminology and Criminal Justice: Corrections (online)Master of Arts | Criminology and Criminal Justice: Global Security (online)Master of Arts | Criminology and Criminal Justice: Victimology (online)Minor | Criminology and Justice Studies

Miami University (Hamilton)Associate in Applied Science | Criminal JusticeBachelor of Science | Criminal JusticeBachelor of Science | Forensic InvestigationBachelor of Science | Forensic ScienceMaster of Science | Criminal Justice: Administration (online or on-campus)Master of Science | Criminal Justice: Crime Analytics (online or on-campus)

Notre Dame College (Cleveland)Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice Studies (online or on-campus)Master of Arts | National Security and Intelligence Studies (online)Graduate Certificate | Security Policy Studies (online)

Ohio Christian University (Circleville)Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice (online or on-campus)Undergraduate Certificate | Emergency Management

Ohio University (Athens)Bachelor of Criminal Justice (online or on-campus)Bachelor of Arts | Sociology-Criminology

Tiffin University (Tiffin)Associate Degree | Criminal JusticeBachelor of Arts | Cyber Defense and Information AssuranceBachelor of Arts | Government & National SecurityBachelor of Criminal Justice | Corrections (online or on-campus)Bachelor of Criminal Justice | CriminalisticsBachelor of Criminal Justice | Digital ForensicsBachelor of Criminal Justice | Forensic PsychologyBachelor of Criminal Justice | Forensic ScienceBachelor of Criminal Justice | Homeland Security & Terrorism (online or on-campus)Bachelor of Criminal Justice | Justice Administration (online or on-campus)Bachelor of Criminal Justice | Law EnforcementMaster of Science | Criminal JusticeMaster of Science | Criminal Justice: Crime Analysis (online or on-campus)Master of Science | Criminal Justice: Criminal Behavior (online or on-campus)Master of Science | Criminal Justice: Forensic PsychologyMaster of Science | Criminal Justice: Homeland Security AdministrationMaster of Science | Criminal Justice: Justice Administration (online or on-campus)Master of Science | Homeland Security (onlineMaster of Science | Homeland Security Administration (online

Student Review: "Tiffin University had a great Criminal Justice program. I attended Tiffin University for their Criminal Justice Master's degree. Tiffin University has separate academic tracks that you can choose depending on what type of workforce you plan on going into. I chose Criminal Justice with a focus on Psychology. The program was challenging compared to my previous educational experience at a different University. I like the set up of the online classrooms. Ordering books was easy. However, it would have been nice if the books for the online classes were offered in electronic form. Almost all of the teachers were knowledgeable and had ample hands-on experience working in the criminal justice sector."

— Student at Tiffin University

Union Institute & University (Cincinnati)Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice Management (online or on-campus)Bachelor of Science | Emergency Services ManagementCertificate | Forensic Science ManagementCertificate | Homeland Security

University of Cincinnati (Cincinnati)Bachelor of Science | Criminal JusticeMaster of Science | Criminal Justice (online or on-campus)PhD | Criminal JusticeMinor | Criminal Justice

Student Review: "Coming into my freshman year, I was a bit worried about how much I would enjoy things at UC. I had mainly decided to attend because my brother and a lot of my best friends were attending, not because it particularly stood out really well against my other options. However, I got lucky because UC has been a great fit so far. My favorite thing about the university is probably the campus. The design and architecture are very unique and it's big yet manageable to walk across at the same time, which I think is a much-undervalued characteristic when it comes to college campuses. I really enjoy walking around campus at night and seeing it in its full beauty with no one else walking around. The food at the campus dining halls is pretty decent and if it doesn't satisfy you, there are plenty of eating options within easy walking distance. The dorms aren't great (but are they anywhere?) but it is good to live in them your first year to meet other people. Overall, my first year at the University of Cincinnati went very well and I am very happy with my choice."

— Colin B., student at University of Cincinnati

Student Review: "Upon entering UC as a freshman, I studied Architecture. This is one of the most demanding majors offered at the university. Even though it was demanding, I still had time to experience the signature elements of UC. Nipper Stadium, the football stadium, is situated in the middle of campus and provides an amazing atmosphere for college football. UC is a moderate sized school with 35,000 undergraduate students, but you'd never realize that as it is only about two square miles in size. The school is a big school with the small school feel. It does have its issues with campus security as it is situated on the edge of downtown Cincinnati. However, with some education and safety, students never experience any issues. I have enjoyed every minute that I have attended UC and although I have changed majors, they were extremely helpful. The University of Cincinnati is dedicated to its students' success and support."

— Carl S., student at University of Cincinnati

University of Cincinnati-Raymond Walters College (Blue Ash)Bachelor of Science | Criminal JusticeMaster of Science | Criminal Justice (online or on-campus)PhD | Criminal JusticeMinor | Criminal Justice

Featured Online Programs

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Schools with On-Campus Criminal Justice Programs Only

Student Review: "My experience with the Criminal Justice program at Baldwin-Wallace College was superb. All of the professors, including all adjunct professors, had diverse backgrounds ranging from theoretical or applied research in criminal justice, to current and former criminal justice system professionals such as prosecutors, FBI intelligence analysts, and probation officers. The wide array of classes taught me not only the content knowledge required for success in criminal justice, but also challenged me to think critically, write well, and orally articulate ideas effectively. Honestly, I struggle to find any flaws, but if I were to make one critique it would be that although there are a plethora of internship opportunities, most of them were unpaid, which can be a real hardship for economically struggling college students."

— Mary F., student at Baldwin-Wallace College

Student Review: "I felt the program was a good program. The professors were very helpful and wanted their students to succeed. Everyone there was very friendly and there was a great sense of community on campus. It is a small school so not for everyone but this is what I liked best about it. I'm not quite sure how to compare the coursework to other schools because I never attended any others, however, I felt it was manageable. The things I disliked the most were the cost of tuition which I felt was pretty high. I probably could have attended another school for much less. However, all in all, I really enjoyed the program."

— Student at Baldwin-Wallace College

Belmont Technical College (Saint Clairsville)Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice Technology

Bluffton University (Bluffton)Bachelor Degree | Criminal JusticeMinor | Criminal Justice

Bowling Green State University-Firelands (Huron)Associate of Applied Science | Criminal JusticeBachelor of Science | Criminal JusticeBachelor of Science | Criminal Justice: Forensic Investigation

Cedarville University (Cedarville)Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice

Central Ohio Technical College (Newark)Associate of Applied Science | Criminal JusticeAssociate of Applied Science | Law Enforcement TechnologyCertificate | Basic Police Academy | Ohio Peace Officer Training

Cincinnati State Technical and Community College (Cincinnati)Associate of Technical Studies | Law EnforcementAssociate of Applied Science | Public Safety TechnologyCertificate | Homeland Security

Clark State Community College (Springfield)Associate of Applied Science | CorrectionsAssociate of Applied Science | Law EnforcementAssociate of Applied Business | Judicial ReportingTechnical Certificate | Police AcademyTechnical Certificate | CyberSecurityCertificate | Advanced Technical Intelligence

Student Review: "When I started at Clark State, I didn't expect much and I didn't really get much. The classes were simple – simpler that my high school classes (granted, I took AP courses, but my high school wasn't the best either). There were several teachers that read from the book or slide shows made available by the book. Many classes were without any structure. However, Clark State is a good place for cheap credits. They are accepted by OSU (my reason for going there) and there are a few professors that were amazing – my philosophy professor, Dr. Sweet being the primary example. The extracurriculars and clubs weren't worth the effort, but there were a few good professors."

— Jordan W., student at Clark State Community College

Cleveland State University (Cleveland)Bachelor of Arts | CriminologyMinor | Criminal Justice

Student Review: "The Criminal Justice degree program at Cleveland State University was both a wonderful experience and an excellent provider of knowledge. I elected to do an internship in criminology as a part of my coursework, and I believe that both helped enlighten me as a person as well as strengthen the degree I received. Classes at Cleveland State, aside from the introductory courses, are small which allows for questions. Dr. Hoffman, though not necessarily relevant to my field, was an excellent and passionate instructor in one of the earlier basic courses. I always found professors willing to help those who helped themselves. The only negative I have is that I did not always feel challenged by the coursework."

— Amanda S., student at Cleveland State University

College of Mount St. Joseph (Cincinnati)Bachelor of Science | CriminologyMinor | Criminology

Columbus State Community College (Columbus)Associate of Applied Science | Criminal JusticeAssociate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice: Homeland SecurityAssociate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice: Crime Scene InvestigationsAssociate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice: Victim AdvocacyAssociate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice: Crime PreventionAssociate of Applied Science | Probation & SupervisionCertificate | Crime Scene InvestigationCertificate | Basic Peace OfficerCertificate | Professional Law Enforcement OfficerCertificate | Homeland SecurityPlan of Study | Justice and Safety: Law Enforcement Academy

Cuyahoga Community College (Cleveland)Associate of Applied Science | Criminal JusticeAssociate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice: Basic Police AcademyAssociate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice: CorrectionsAssociate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice: Security Administration

Student Review: "I thoroughly enjoyed studying Criminal Justice at Cuyahoga County Community College (Tri C). I had one specific professor, who taught the majority of my law classes. He was an amazing speaker and did many of his online courses with PowerPoint presentations that were animated and funny. I was worried that because I was not very good in math or science and government based courses that I would struggle but the professors made sure that they were there at any time I need them as well as tutors. My degree was obtained within two years and I was able to transfer to my current four-year college to obtain my bachelor's. They had wonderful financial aid advisers that were always ready to answer questions regarding scholarships and internships for my field of study. We had many chances to go to the local courts to observe and interact in the court process. I would highly recommend Tri C and their criminal justice program."

— Maria M., student at Cuyahoga County Community College

Defiance College (Defiance)Associate of Arts | Criminal JusticeBachelor of Science | Criminal JusticeBachelor of Science | Digital Forensic ScienceMinor | Criminal Justice

Heidelberg University (Tiffin)Bachelor of Arts | CriminologyMinor | Cybersecurity

Hocking College (Nelsonville)Associate of Applied Science | Police ScienceAssociate of Applied Science | Social Services, Corrections and Criminal JusticeCertificate | Ohio Peace Officer Basic

Student Review: "The criminal justice program Hocking College was fun and very educational. The classes were easy enough for me to have a job on the side and still get good grades. The teachers and staff alike are very nice and looking to help in any way they can, unlike many bigger colleges. Every teacher I had had office hours multiple times a week to help students with questions. Some teachers may have been a little too slack at times for my liking, but overall a great place to be. The shooting range we use is a very good one and a great place for training. I would most definitely recommend this school to anyone wanting to become an officer of the law."

— Student at Hocking College

Kent State University Ashtabula Campus (Ashtabula)Associate of Arts | Justice StudiesBachelor of Arts | Criminology and Justice StudiesBachelor of Arts | Criminology and Justice Studies: CorrectionsBachelor of Arts | Criminology and Justice Studies: Criminology and DevianceBachelor of Arts | Criminology and Justice Studies: Justice and Human RelationsBachelor of Arts | Criminology and Justice Studies: Law and SocietyBachelor of Arts | Criminology and Justice Studies: Policing

Lake Erie College (Painesville, OH)Bachelor of Science | Criminal JusticeMinor | Criminal Justice

Lakeland Community College (Kirtland)Associate of Applied Science | CorrectionsAssociate of Applied Science | Law EnforcementAssociate of Applied Science | Emergency Management Planning and AdministrationCertificate | Emergency Management Planning and Administration

Lorain County Community College (Elyria)Associate of Applied Science | CorrectionsAssociate of Applied Science | Police ScienceTechnical Certificate | Police ScienceTechnical Certificate | Basic Police Academy

Lourdes College (Sylvania)Associate of Arts | Criminal JusticeBachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice

Malone University (Canton)Bachelor of Arts | Criminal & Restorative Justice

Marion Technical College (Marion)Associate of Applied Science | Criminal JusticeAssociate of Technical Study | Law EnforcementCertificate | Law Enforcement

Muskingum University (New Concord)Bachelor of Arts | Criminal JusticeMinor | Criminal Justice

North Central State College (Mansfield)Associate of Applied Science | Criminal JusticeAssociate of Applied Science | Peace Officer FastrackCertificate of Completion | Peace Office Basic TrainingCertificate | Forensic ScienceCertificate | Cyber Security Network DefenseCertificate | Network Security Essentials

Northwest State Community College (Archbold)Associate of Applied Science | Law Enforcement AcademyCertificate | Law Enforcement Academy

Ohio Dominican University (Columbus)Bachelor of Arts | Criminology & Criminal JusticeMinor | Criminology & Criminal Justice

Ohio Northern University (Ada)Bachelor of Arts | Criminal JusticeBachelor of Science | Forensic Biology

Student Review: "This university has great professors that are highly educated. However, all of them (at least while I was there) had a law degree and it was a program more for preparing for and getting into law school. They did require an internship which they helped you get. That was a nice perk that allowed you to focus on what you are interested in. If you are wanting to be a cop or something similar I would recommend a school with more police and real-life focus instead of academic and policy focus. However, if you are looking more for forensic psychology or science I would recommend ONU because they do have a close relationship with the biology and psychology departments. Overall, I do not regret my choice but would recommend students decide what they want as a career before choosing criminal justice at ONU."

— Student at Ohio Northern University

Ohio State University (Columbus)Bachelor of Arts | Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies

Student Review: "The criminology program at The Ohio State University was a perfect blend of theory and practical knowledge of crime and justice. The curriculum was open so that students could focus on a specific or several areas of study, ranging from law enforcement and policing, to the study of violence, to social stratification as it relates to crime. Many professors and instructors were active in implementing policy, serving in the criminal justice system, and among the foremost scholars in the area. One class, in particular, was instructed by an FBI agent, detailing different career paths in law enforcement. At the time I went through, few classes were taught online or had an online component that I feel is beneficial to today's student."

— Scott B., student at Ohio State University

Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus (Chillicothe)Associate of Applied Science | Law Enforcement TechnologyBachelor of Science | Criminal Justice

Ohio University-Southern Campus (Ironton)Associate of Applied Science | Law Enforcement TechnologyBachelor Degree | Criminal Justice

Owens Community College (Perrysburg)Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice TechnologyAssociate of Applied Science | Professional Law EnforcementAssociate of Applied Science | CorrectionsAssociate of Applied Science | Military ScienceAssociate of Applied Science | Emergency Management and PlanningAssociate of Applied Science | Public Safety CommunicationsCertificate | Basic Police Officer Academy

Student Review: "I started my Criminal Justice program in 2015 and graduated with my Associates as of two weeks ago. I really enjoyed the program as it tested my knowledge and I got to learn from professors who have had 30+ years of experience all over the country. I did not like how certain classes were run because I could literally just show up and barely learn anything but still get A's in my classes. It could have been more hands-on and challenging but overall it was a very positive time for me. There were only a few classes out of the many that I took that actually taught me the "how-to" and actually job that most criminal justice majors would be doing in the future. I will be transferring schools and completing my bachelor's degree where I hope to work for the federal government someday."

— Student at Owens Community College

Southern State Community College (Hillsboro)Associate of Applied Science | Criminal JusticeAssociate of Applied Science | Law EnforcementCertificate | Basic Peace Officer Training Academy

Stark State College of Technology (North Canton)Associate of Arts | Criminal JusticeAssociate of Applied Science | Police ScienceCertificate | Police Science

Terra State Community College (Fremont)Associate of Applied Science | Law Enforcement: Criminal JusticeAssociate of Applied Science | Law Enforcement: Police ScienceCertificate | Basic Law Academy

Ohio University-Lancaster Campus (Lancaster)Associate of Applied Science | Law Enforcement TechnologyAssociate of Applied Science | Law Enforcement Technology: Law Enforcement ManagementBachelor Degree | Criminal JusticeBachelor of Criminal Justice degree (online degree)Bachelor of Arts | Sociology: Criminology

University of Findlay (Findlay)Bachelor of Arts | Criminal JusticeBachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice: White-Collar Crime and Fraud InvestigationMinor | Criminal Justice

University of Toledo (Toledo)Bachelor of Science | Criminal JusticeMaster of Arts | Criminal JusticeMaster of Arts in Criminal Justice/ Juris Doctor | Dual Degree programMinor | Forensic Science Investigation

University of Akron (Akron)Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice Technology: Law EnforcementAssociate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice Technology: CorrectionsAssociate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice Technology: Public Safety and Security AdministrationBachelor of Arts | Sociology: Criminology and Law Enforcement

Student Review: "The University of Akron is the only large university in the Akron area and is a well-known center for the quality of its polymers, law, and industrial and organizational psychology programs as well as it's soccer team. However, as a general purpose undergraduate university not too much can stand out. The quality of the on-campus food is pretty limited and of standard quality, but there seems to be ample parking on campus for commuting students. The university does a nice job informing students of events and notices through weekly "ZipMail" emails. In terms of campus safety, the school can seem a bit shady at times – partially due to the inner city location of the school and the crime rates of Akron in general. To combat this, the university has a noticeable university police presence as well as a free campus escort service in case you don't feel safe walking around a night."

— John S., student at University of Akron

Student Review: "The University of Akron, located in Akron, Ohio, is a state school that is growing in amenities and reputation. There have been vast improvements to the infrastructure of the university and surrounding areas and is steadily improving. I studied Geography, which was a smaller program where the faculty was incredibly willing to share their time and knowledge with the students. Akron is also very well known for their Polymer and Engineering programs. The program had all the necessary programs for GIS and spatial analysis, the only complaint was the lab computers were not kept as updated as we would have liked them to be. Also, the areas around campus are not the best. I personally lived a few miles off campus to feel safer at night or home alone. Other than that, it was a fun experience, with good people, faculty and facilities."

— Kristy G., student at University of Akron

University of Akron Wayne College (Orrville)Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice Technology: Law EnforcementAssociate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice Technology: CorrectionsAssociate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice Technology: Public Safety and Security AdministrationBachelor of Arts | Sociology: Criminology and Law Enforcement

Student Review: "The University of Akron Wayne College is a great school that has opened many doors in my life. The college itself is kind of small but is big enough to have a college experience. Because the campus is a bit smaller than most colleges, the student to professor ratio is good; most of the time classes are small enough to be able to develop good relationships with professors. The weather in Akron, Ohio is quite inclement most of the time, but that isn't the fault of the college, but rather of the state of Ohio. The only dorms available for this college are located at the University of Akron main campus which is about half an hour away by car, which is a pretty big downside. Overall, this college offers a pretty good experience."

— Richard N., student at University of Akron Wayne College

University of Dayton (Dayton)Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice StudiesMinor | Criminal Justice StudiesCertificate | Cyber Security

University of Mount Union (Alliance)Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice: Law EnforcementBachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice: Applied Criminal JusticeMinor | Criminal Justice

University of Northwestern Ohio (Lima)Associate Degree | Digital ForensicsBachelor Degree | Forensic Accounting

Urbana University (Urbana)Bachelor of Science | Criminal JusticeBachelor of Science | Criminal Justice LeadershipMaster of Arts | Criminal Justice Administration

Washington State Community College (Marietta)Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice: CorrectionsAssociate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice: Law EnforcementAssociate of Technical Studies | Cyber Security & InvestigationCertificate | Peace Officer Basic Academy

Wilmington College of Ohio (Wilmington)Bachelor of Arts | Criminal JusticeMinor | Criminal Justice

Youngstown State University (Youngstown)Bachelor of Science in Applied Science | Criminal Justice

Student Review: "The criminal justice program at YSU was outstanding in that professors and advisers worked together to make sure students took the correct courses in sequential order. All classes, CJ professors, and advisers were in the same building on campus making the department seem like one big family. Professors had real-world experience that they brought to the classroom. We had former law enforcement officers, CSIs, and even private business owners of loss prevention companies teaching us. The professors went out of their way to provide real-world experience for the students. We had a mock crime scene investigation on campus (complete with drug-sniffing K9), tested our forensic abilities by trying to decipher filed-off serial numbers on firearms, and we even got to job shadow criminal justice professionals already in the field. I personally was able to sit in on criminal procedures of one local attorney as well as watch him handle other legal matters provided that confidentiality was maintained of course. The advisers and professors made sure scholarship and internship opportunities were made aware to all students. That was the strength of the department: serving students and doing everything possible to help them succeed. I never once heard of a student taking the wrong class, a class out of order, or failing to attain an internship or receive a reference from someone in the department. The investment of the department in the students made the experience quite satisfying overall and helped ease students like myself into the workforce."

— Student at Youngstown State University

Zane State College (Zanesville)Associate of Applied Science | Police ScienceAssociate of Applied Science | Correctional ScienceAssociate of Applied Science | Protective Services

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, Correctional Officers and Jailers https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333012.htm6. 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.htm7. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2015 Occupational Employment and Wages, Detectives and Criminal Investigators: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333021.htm8. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2015 Occupational Employment and Wages, Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333051.htm9. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2015 Occupational Employment and Wages, Paralegals and Legal Assistants: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes232011.htm10. Y Charts 10 Year Unemployment Chart: https://https://ycharts.com/indicators/ohio_unemployment_rate11. Projections Central Long Term Occupational Projections: https://www.projectionscentral.com/Projections/LongTerm12. O*Net OnLine, Police Patrol Officers: https://www.onetonline.org/link/details/33-3051.0113. O*Net OnLine, Correctional Officers and Jailers: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/33-3012.0014. O*Net OnLine, Police Detectives: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/33-3021.0115. O*Net OnLine, Security Guards: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/33-9032.0016. O*Net OnLine, Paralegals and Legal Assistants: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/23-2011.0017. Mercatus Center, George Mason University, Ranking the States by Fiscal Condition 2016 Edition: https://www.mercatus.org/statefiscalrankings

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