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Best Criminal Justice Schools in Florida: Online & Campus

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.

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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

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 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.

About the ranking

College Ranking Methodology

Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs

To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

  • Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
  • Career placement and academic counseling services.

Assign Weightings

After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings, followed by online learning and academic quality metrics (equally weighted).

Affordability

  • Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for undergraduate students per academic year.
  • Percentage of students who receive institutional financial aid (directly from the school).
  • Average amount of institutional financial aid awarded.

Online Learning

  • Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
  • Percentage of students at the school taking at least one class online.

Academic Quality

  • Student-to-faculty ratio.
  • Percentage of full-time, first-time students graduating within 6 years.

About Our Data

All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2023

Accreditation Glossary

ABHE: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation

ABHES: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools

ACCJC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges

ACCSC: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges

DEAC: Distance Education Accrediting Commission

HLC: Higher Learning Commission

MSCHE: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

NECHE: New England Commission of Higher Education

NWCCU: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

SACSCOC: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

TRACS: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission

WSCUC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

1

Florida State University

Tallahassee, Florida

The course of study for the Bachelor of Science in Criminology Degree Completion program at FSU is designed for non-traditional students who are currently employed or far away from campus to attend in-person classes. All coursework is delivered online in an asynchronous format that allows student to tailor their studies to fit into their work and life schedules. Admission into the program requires a previously earned Associate of Arts degree from a public school in Florida or completion of FSU's liberal studies (general education) requirements. To earn the degree, students complete all required and elective criminal justice coursework along with either a minor or second major in another department. Students may also complete an internship in lieu of a minor or second major. FSU's Master of Science in Criminology program is also available 100% online. Graduates of the master's program are prepared to advance into leadership positions within their current agencies, for post-law enforcement careers as consultants or running their own criminal justice related businesses, and to teach criminal justice courses at Florida community colleges.

Program Highlights:

Bachelor of Science in Criminology Degree Completion

  • Credits: 120 (36 criminology credits plus additional credits earned in associate degree program and at FSU)
  • Length: Varies by student's chosen study pace
  • Cost: $180.49/credit (in-state); $686.04/credit (out-of-state)
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC

Master of Science in Criminology

  • Credits: 36
  • Length: Varies by student's chosen study pace
  • Cost: $444.26/credit
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 22:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 58%

2

The Department of Criminology at the University of South Florida in Tampa offers one bachelor's and two master's degree programs that feature online study. The Bachelor of Arts in Criminology provides students with an in-depth look at all facets of criminal justice to prepare them for jobs throughout the field as well as to continue their studies in graduate or law school. Bachelor's students additionally have the option of completing a Cybercrime concentration. The program is available in fully online, in-person, and blended formats. USF's fully online Master of Arts in Criminal Justice prepares students to apply criminal justice theory, principles, and research to real-world situations in leadership roles in the profession. And the fully online Master of Science in Cybercrime focuses on major issues in criminology as they relate to the ever-expanding cybersecurity field. Students in the program can choose one or both concentration tracks in Cyber Criminology and Digital Forensic Investigations.

Program Highlights:

Bachelor of Arts in Criminology

  • Credits: 120
  • Length: 4 years (full degree); 2 years (degree completion)
  • Cost (tuition and fees): $211.19/credit (in-state); $575.01/credit (out-of-state)
  • Mode: Fully or partially online
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC

Master of Arts in Criminal Justice

  • Credits: 33
  • Length: Varies by student's chosen study pace
  • Cost (tuition and fees): $575/credit
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC

Master of Science in Cybercrime

  • Credits: 30
  • Length: Varies by student's chosen study pace
  • Cost (tuition and fees): $575/credit
  • Mode: Fully online
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 22:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 66%

3

Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Keiser University is a private, not-for-profit university known for offering a wide range of career-focused online degree and certificate programs, including two undergraduate and two graduate programs in the criminal justice field. Undergraduate students choose between an Associate of Arts or a Bachelor of Art degree in Criminal Justice, while graduate students can choose between a Master of Arts degrees in Criminal Justice (with or without interdisciplinary concentration) or Homeland Security. All programs are available both fully and partially online with on-campus classes that can be attended on Keiser's flagship campus in Fort Lauderdale or at any of a dozen-and-a-half satellite campus locations throughout the state. Students can participate in live-streamed lectures and Q&A sessions or review recordings of those sessions at anytime.

Program Highlights:

Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice

  • Credits: 60
  • Length: Approximately 20 months
  • Cost: $11,500/semester (12 credits or more)
  • Mode: Fully or partially online
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC

Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice

  • Credits: 120
  • Length: Approximately 40 months
  • Cost: $11,500/semester (12 credits or more)
  • Mode: Fully or partially online
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC

Master of Arts in Criminal Justice

  • Credits: 33
  • Length: Varies
  • Cost: $47,000 (total program)
  • Mode: Fully or partially online
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC

Master of Arts in Homeland Security

  • Credits: 33
  • Length: Varies
  • Cost: $47,000 (total program)
  • Mode: Fully or partially online
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 50%
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 24:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 65%

5

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 23:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 77%

6

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 30:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 61%

7

Saint Leo University

Saint Leo, Florida

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 84%

8

Florida Atlantic University

Boca Raton, Florida

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 21:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 65%

9

Bethune-Cookman University

Daytona Beach, Florida

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 100%

10

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 26:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 73%

11

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 10:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 93%

12

DeVry University-Florida

Miramar, Florida

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 21:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 100%

13

Tallahassee Community College

Tallahassee, Florida

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 24:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 86%
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 64%

15

Nova Southeastern University

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 52%

16

Indian River State College

Fort Pierce, Florida

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 25:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 66%

17

Florida Gulf Coast University

Fort Myers, Florida

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 22:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 46%

18

Daytona State College

Daytona Beach, Florida

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 66%

19

Polk State College

Winter Haven, Florida

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 20:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 80%

20

Webber International University

Babson Park, Florida

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 24:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 50%

21

St. Thomas University

Miami Gardens, Florida

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 10:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 43%

22

Herzing University-Orlando

Winter Park, Florida

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 43%

23

Lynn University

Boca Raton, Florida

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 18:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 41%

24

Southeastern University

Lakeland, Florida

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 26:1
Tuition (In-State) $$$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 45%
About the ranking

College Ranking Methodology

Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs

To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

  • Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
  • Career placement and academic counseling services.

Assign Weightings

After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings, followed by online learning and academic quality metrics (equally weighted).

Affordability

  • Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for undergraduate students per academic year.
  • Percentage of students who receive institutional financial aid (directly from the school).
  • Average amount of institutional financial aid awarded.

Online Learning

  • Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
  • Percentage of students at the school taking at least one class online.

Academic Quality

  • Student-to-faculty ratio.
  • Percentage of full-time, first-time students graduating within 6 years.

About Our Data

All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2023

Accreditation Glossary

ABHE: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation

ABHES: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools

ACCJC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges

ACCSC: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges

DEAC: Distance Education Accrediting Commission

HLC: Higher Learning Commission

MSCHE: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

NECHE: New England Commission of Higher Education

NWCCU: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

SACSCOC: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

TRACS: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission

WSCUC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Located in Hillsborough County just east of Tampa, Hillsborough Community College offers a number of online degree and certificate options in the criminal justice field, starting with its Associate of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies. This two-year, full-time program prepares graduates to enter the workforce in a range of entry-level positions in law enforcement and related fields, as well as for transfer to a four-year college or university to earn a criminal justice bachelor's degree. Transfer students can also choose the broader Associate of Arts in Criminology Pathway program, which is geared toward students pursuing careers in criminal justice, law, or sociology. Both associate degree programs are two years in length and can be earned entirely or partially online, depending on the student's specific course choices. HCC additionally offers three General College Credit Certificate (CCC) programs that provide students with knowledge and skills in specific areas of the criminal justice field. Certificate subjects include Crime Scene, Criminal Justice Technology, and Homeland Security. Certificate programs may be completed fully or partially online depending on the specific program.

Program Highlights:

Associate of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies

  • Credits: 60
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost (tuition and fees): $104.39/credit (in-state); $379.61/credit (out-of-state)
  • Mode: Fully online or partially online (depending on course choices)
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC

Associate of Arts in Criminology Pathway

  • Credits: 60
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $104.39/credit (in-state); $379.61/credit (out-of-state)
  • Mode: Fully online or partially online (depending on course choices)
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC

General College Credit Certificate

  • Credits: 9-28 (depending on specific certificate)
  • Length: 1 or 2 years (depending on specific certificate)
  • Cost: $104.39/credit (in-state); $379.61/credit (out-of-state)
  • Mode: Fully online or partially online (depending on specific certificate)
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 22:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 78%

Highlighting Florida Online Criminal Justice 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

  • 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
  • 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
  • City: Miami
  • Delivery: Online/On-Campus
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC
  • City: Boca Raton
  • Delivery: Online/On-Campus
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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 Technicians17.6%260$54,570
Detectives and Criminal Investigators5.7%510$80,360
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists1.9%330$40,260
Fire Inspectors and Investigators7.9%110$61,940
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives7.4%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.