Guide to the Best Online Criminal Justice Degrees in Florida
Explore the best online and traditional degree programs from the top criminal justice schools in Florida today. Learn all about degree types and formats, financial aid resources to help you pay for your education, the job opportunities awaiting you upon graduation, and lots more.
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.
Top Online Criminal Justice 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 the top-ranked criminal justice schools in Florida offering flexible online degrees. We ranked schools based on features students care about most, including affordability, academic quality, support services, and scheduling flexibility.
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, Florida
Private
Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida
Public
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, Florida
Public
University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida
Public
Florida International University
Miami, Florida
Public
University of Central Florida
Orlando, Florida
Public
Bethune-Cookman University
Daytona Beach, Florida
Private
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Private
Santa Fe College
Gainesville, Florida
Public
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Jacksonville, Florida
Public
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Private
Webber International University
Babson Park, Florida
Private
Florida Gulf Coast University
Fort Myers, Florida
Public
Polk State College
Winter Haven, Florida
Public
College of Central Florida
Ocala, Florida
Public
Eastern Florida State College
Cocoa, Florida
Public
Tallahassee Community College
Tallahassee, Florida
Public
South Florida State College
Avon Park, Florida
Public
Indian River State College
Fort Pierce, Florida
Public
Daytona State College
Daytona Beach, Florida
Public
St. Thomas University
Miami Gardens, Florida
Private
Pensacola State College
Pensacola, Florida
Public
Lynn University
Boca Raton, Florida
Private
Southeastern University
Lakeland, Florida
Private
Florida SouthWestern State College
Fort Myers, Florida
Public
Hillsborough Community College
Tampa, Florida
Public
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: 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.