Are you interested in the inner workings of the criminal justice system? Do you want to be part of a fulfilling career that helps to ensure the safety of individuals and communities? Are you a criminal justice professional looking to advance in your career? Whatever your motivation, Florida’s top criminal justice schools offer programs that can help you maximize your potential. Keep reading to learn more about these schools and the undergraduate and graduate degree programs they offer, as well as information on potential career paths and earning potential after graduation.
Best Criminal Justice Schools in Florida for 2023
If you’re searching for a criminal justice school in Florida, it’s likely that you’re interested in the quality of the curriculum and faculty, program costs, and available resources such as financial aid, academic support, and professional networking opportunities. To simplify your search, we’ve compiled a list of the best criminal justice schools in Florida based on these factors. The following schools have been handpicked based on the qualities you care about most; keep reading for detailed descriptions of some of the standout schools that made our list.
1
Saint Leo University
When students enroll at Saint Leo University, they benefit from classes taught by faculty members with decades of criminal justice experience—working as detectives, FBI advisors, crime scene investigators, and local or federal agents. Students at this top criminal justice school in Florida get firsthand accounts of what it’s like to work in some of the most challenging scenarios—from hostage negotiation to interrogation to sex trafficking investigations.
Saint Leo offers degrees on the graduate and undergraduate level. Undergraduates at this criminal justice school in Florida who are preparing for entry-level jobs enroll in the school’s associate and bachelor’s programs, while those who are on a more advanced level in their careers enter the master’s and doctoral programs. Also, students tailor their education based on their interests and goals by choosing one of the school’s specializations, such as corrections, homeland security, legal studies, and forensic science. Most programs are available online or on campus, with the exception of doctoral degrees, which are only offered online.
Delivery:
- Online
- On-Campus
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- AA in Criminal Justice
- BA in Criminal Justice
Graduate Programs:
- MS in Criminal Justice
- Doctor of Criminal Justice
Specialization Options:
- Criminalistics
- Homeland Security
- Clinical Criminal Justice
- Behavioral Studies
- Corrections
- Criminal Investigations
- Critical Incident Management
- Forensic Science
- Legal Studies
- Education
2
University of West Florida
The University of West Florida (UWF) offers a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice that focuses on criminology, the courts, policing, and corrections so students learn the nuts and bolts of how the system works—from its policies to its practices. Students at this top criminal justice school in Florida can minor in forensic science or juvenile justice to become experts in these areas. On the graduate level, UWF offers an MS program that is a combination of coursework and an internship or thesis.
The Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice is dedicated to students’ success inside and outside of the classroom at this criminal justice school in Florida. When people enroll, they enjoy the benefits of small classes that allow for individualized attention and engaging discussions. Outside the classroom, students participate in internships and research opportunities that help to enhance their learning and provide practical skills that employers expect. Also, the department offers academic and needs-based scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students.
Delivery:
- Online
- On-Campus
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- BA in Criminal Justice
- Certificate in Intelligence Analysis
Graduate Programs:
- MS in Criminal Justice
Specialization Options:
- Forensic Studies
- Juvenile Justice
- Clinical Criminal Justice
3
The University of Tampa
The University of Tampa offers a bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice that is designed to prepare students for graduate study. The curriculum at this top criminal justice school in Florida includes coursework covering law and justice, forensic science, criminal investigation, and corrections. Students are encouraged to participate in internships, which are provided in law enforcement, corrections, courts, safety and security, and law office settings.
This criminal justice school in Florida also has a bachelor’s degree in forensic science—accredited by the Forensic Science Educational Programs Accreditation Commission—which trains students for positions in scene investigation, forensic firearms examination, fire debris analysis, forensic toxicology, and forensic biology. When students complete this degree, they understand the legal and scientific principles of the forensics field, forensic methods and instruments, data collection and interpretation, and forensic science ethics.
Delivery:
- On-Campus
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- BS in Criminology and Criminal Justice
- BS in Forensic Science
Graduate Programs:
- MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Specialization Options:
- Criminal Investigation
- Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Clinical Criminal Justice
Top Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs in Florida
Many Florida colleges and universities offer online and hybrid degree options, which are an excellent alternative to traditional programs for students whose work and family commitments don’t allow them to participate in traditional on-campus studies. Programs may be offered entirely online, but in some cases, schools offer hybrid classes that require students to travel to campus for certain coursework. No matter what format programs use, students receive the same quality education that traditional students enjoy at the best criminal justice schools in Florida.
For more information about what you can expect when you enroll in online programs, review our main guide to online criminal justice degrees, where you can find schools around the country. Keep reading to discover topic criminal justice schools in Florida offering flexible online degrees.
1
University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida offers an online bachelor’s degree that takes four years to complete and gives students a choice between a bachelor of arts and a bachelor of science. The program has a highly interactive curriculum that focuses on criminal justice research, the history of crime in America, and how crimes are investigated and prosecuted. After graduation from this top criminal justice school in Florida, students go on to work at government agencies on the local, state, or federal level. The school also offers a master of science degree in criminal justice, which takes two years to complete. Students in this program are trained to become leaders in the field by gaining an understanding of criminal justice theory and how it is applied in the real world.
Undergraduate Programs:
- BA in Criminal Justice
- BS in Criminal Justice
Graduate Programs:
- MS in Criminal Justice
Program Delivery:
- Full-Time
- Fully-Online
2
University of South Florida
From law enforcement to detention to corrections to juvenile justice, the University of South Florida (USF) criminology bachelor’s degree program prepares students for the rigors of various careers in the criminal justice profession. Students build a foundation of knowledge in the theories that guide the field, the issues professionals face, and the methodologies used to study the causes of crime. Among the best criminal justice schools in Florida, USF offers classes about victimology, white collar crime, drug addiction, issues in policing, and crime mapping.
USF also has a master’s degree program that gives students the advanced level knowledge and skills they need to become leaders in the field. Specific classes cover quantitative criminology analysis, research methods, criminal justice administration, and law enforcement.
Undergraduate Programs:
- BA in Criminology
Graduate Programs:
- MA in Criminal Justice
Program Delivery:
- Full-Time
- Fully-Online
3
Florida State University
The Florida State University (FSU) College of Criminology & Criminal Justice has an online bachelor’s degree program that helps students understand the foundational principles of criminal justice while developing critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Although students are not on campus, they benefit from the same curriculum as those in traditional programs at the best criminal justice schools in Florida plus resources provided specifically to online learners to help them with their coursework, including guides that include key information from each course, audio recordings, and more.
Students who want to pursue an advanced degree can enroll in FSU’s online master’s program in criminology. To be admitted to this top criminal justice school in Florida, applicants must submit the transcripts from their bachelor’s program, GRE scores, a personal essay describing professional goals, and a resume. Once admitted, they take coursework that covers criminal justice theory and research, applied statistics, crime prevention, delinquency, and criminal justice administration.
Undergraduate Programs:
- BA in Criminology
Graduate Programs:
- MA in Criminology
Program Delivery:
- Full-Time
- Fully-Online
Types of Criminal Justice Degrees in Florida You Can Earn
Individuals who are interested in pursuing criminal justice careers, as well as those already in the field seeking to advance their careers, have access to a wide range of criminal justice schools in Florida that offer degree programs to help them achieve their goals. Keep reading to discover the degree options available at the undergraduate and graduate levels at some of the top criminal justice schools in Florida.
Undergraduate Criminal Justice Degrees in Florida
Associate Degrees in Criminal Justice
For individuals seeking to train for entry-level criminal justice positions, enrolling in an associate’s degree program can provide the foundational skills and knowledge required. Offered at some of the best criminal justice schools in Florida, these programs generally take two years to complete and prepare students for a variety of roles, including corrections officer, court reporter, paralegal, and police officer. Coursework typically covers the court system, the juvenile justice process, criminology, crime scene investigation basics, and criminal justice ethics.
Examples of Accredited Florida Colleges with this Criminal Justice Degree
Florida Institute of Technology
- City: Melbourne
- Delivery: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- City: St. Leo
- Delivery: Online/On-Campus
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- City: Fort Myers
- Delivery: Online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota
- City: Manatee-Sarasota
- Delivery: On-Campus
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- City: Fort Pierce
- Delivery: Online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice
A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice gives students a deep understanding of different areas of the discipline, including juvenile delinquency, the courts, criminology, forensic science, and corrections. These programs, which have a four-year curriculum, allow students at the best criminal justice schools in Florida to choose between a bachelor of science and bachelor of arts degree. The criminal justice BS programs tend to have coursework that is more technical and specific in nature, like policing in the United States and criminal justice technology. On the other hand, BA programs tend to have coursework that is more broad, such as classes in white collar crime and criminology.
Examples of Accredited Florida Colleges with this Criminal Justice Degree
- City: Orlando
- Delivery: Online/On-Campus
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- City: Tallahassee
- Delivery: Online/On-Campus
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
Florida International University
- City: Miami
- Delivery: Online/On-Campus
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- City: Boca Raton
- Delivery: Online/On-Campus
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University
- City: Tallahassee
- Delivery: Online/On-Campus
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
Graduate Criminal Justice Degrees in Florida
Master’s Degrees in Criminal Justice
Professionals working in the criminal justice field who wish to progress in their careers can pursue a master’s degree to improve their abilities and open up more job opportunities with higher earning potential. Students can focus their studies on specific areas such as homeland security, cybersecurity, forensic technology, corrections, or public administration. The majority of these programs offered by top criminal justice schools in Florida typically require a two-year time commitment.
Examples of Accredited Florida Colleges with this Criminal Justice Degree
- City: Orlando
- Delivery: Online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- City: Jacksonville
- Delivery: On-Campus
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- City: Tallahassee
- Delivery: Online/On-Campus
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- City: Boca Raton
- Delivery: Online/On-Campus
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
Florida International University
- City: Miami
- Delivery: Online/On-Campus
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
Criminal Justice PhD Programs
For individuals seeking the most prestigious roles in the criminal justice industry, a PhD program in criminal justice offers the necessary preparation. These programs at top criminal justice schools in Florida are highly demanding, emphasizing advanced theory and research to mold students into effective leaders. Graduates are prepared for positions such as college professors, researchers, intelligence analysts, or police chiefs. Typically, it takes approximately six years to complete the program, and students must complete a dissertation based on original research after taking a series of courses.
Examples of Accredited Florida Colleges with this Criminal Justice Degree
- City: Tallahassee
- Delivery: On-Campus
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- City: Orlando
- Delivery: On-Campus
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
Florida International University
- City: Miami
- Delivery: Hybrid
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- City: Fort Lauderdale
- Delivery: On-Campus
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- City: St. Leo
- Delivery: Hybrid
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
Criminal Justice Graduate Certificates
Criminal justice professionals seeking to refine their expertise can enroll in graduate-level certificate programs offered by criminal justice schools in Florida. These programs typically take one year to complete and concentrate on a specific area of the field, including criminal law, forensic science, and homeland security, among others. Through intensive coursework, students can enhance their skills and knowledge in their chosen area of focus.
Examples of Accredited Florida Colleges with this Criminal Justice Degree
- City: Tampa
- Delivery: Hybrid
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- City: Orlando
- Delivery: On-Campus
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- City: Miami Gardens
- Delivery: Online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- City: Miami
- Delivery: On-Campus
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
- City: Lynchburg
- Delivery: Online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
Financial Aid Opportunities for Criminal Justice Students in Florida
Students at criminal justice schools in Florida have multiple avenues for the financial aid they need to pay for their degree programs. For example, schools like Florida State University, Florida Atlantic University, and the University of North Florida award scholarships to graduate and undergraduate students in their departments. Also, students can get scholarships from organizations like Alpha Phi Sigma, which is the criminal justice honor society, or private companies like employment screening company Crimcheck. Additionally, scholarships and grants are available through the state and federal government.
If you’re looking for financial aid to attend a criminal justice school in Florida and you don’t know where to start, turn to our financial aid guide and scholarships guide, which provide a comprehensive look at ways to fund your degree.
Employment and Earnings Outlook for Criminal Justice Grads in Florida
Professionals who graduated from criminal justice schools in Florida may see healthy growth in job opportunities in the next several years, depending on which jobs they pursue. For example, the state’s forensic science technicians will see a 17.6 percent increase in jobs from 2018 to 2028, or 260 new openings on average each year. This is higher than the national projections for job growth, which, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, will be 14 percent from 2019 to 2029. However, forensic science technicians in Florida make an average salary of $54,570 annually, which is slightly lower than the national average of $60,590.
For more information about job growth and salary potential of criminal justice graduates in Florida, review the table below.
| Job Growth (2018-2028) | Avg. Annual Openings (2018-2028) | Annual Mean Wage (2020) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forensic Science Technicians | 17.6% | 260 | $54,570 |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | 5.7% | 510 | $80,360 |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | 1.9% | 330 | $40,260 |
| Fire Inspectors and Investigators | 7.9% | 110 | $61,940 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | 7.4% | 510 | $88,850 |
Source: Projections Central; Bureau of Labor Statistics
Resources for Criminal Justice Professionals and Students in Florida
Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS)
This international association is dedicated to supporting the professional and scholarly work of criminal justice professionals. ACJS offers members access to journals, mentoring services, and events.
American Academy of Forensic Sciences
The American Academy of Forensic Sciences has promoted the interests of those in the forensic science field since 1948. Members receive discounts on resources and events provided by the organization, access to news and research, and research assistance.
American Correctional Association (ACA)
The ACA is made up of individuals and groups that are part of the corrections profession. The association promotes professional development, diversity, research, and ethics in the field.
Justice Research and Statistics Association
The Justice Research and Statistics Association conducts research on criminal and juvenile justice issues. The association publishes The JRSA Forum, JRSA Fact Sheets, and The SAC Publication Digest.
National Organization for Victim Assistance (NOVA)
NOVA is dedicated to ensuring that crime victims get the assistance they need by supporting professionals who work as victim advocates and crisis responders. The organization offers training programs, publications, and networking opportunities.