Best Criminal Justice Schools in Missouri: Online/Campus
Explore the degree and certificate options offered by today’s top criminal justice programs in Missouri to prepare for your rewarding career. Learn about program formats, financial aid resources to help pay for your education, the job opportunities awaiting you upon graduation, and much more.
Are you interested in how crime affects communities? Whether you’re interested in helping the victims of crime get the justice they deserve or ensuring that people who’ve been arrested are given the due process the law affords them, criminal justice schools in Missouri can help you prepare for the rigors of this important field.
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to enroll in a criminal justice school in Missouri, or you’re already in the field and want to further your education for career advancement, this guide is for you. We highlight the best online programs to help you find the right option for your academic and career goals. Also, you will find information about the different types of degrees you can pursue, financial aid opportunities, and the jobs and salaries available to those who pursue a career in criminal justice in Missouri.
Ranking of the Top Programs in Missouri
Do you work full-time and can’t leave your job to attend a criminal justice school in Missouri? Are you taking care of a family but want to take advantage of the opportunity to pursue your education? You don’t have to drop your responsibilities to meet your education goals. Thanks to online criminal justice degrees in Missouri, you can have the best of all worlds because they allow you to juggle your classwork with your professional and personal life.
Online criminal justice degrees in Missouri can provide maximum flexibility because you can often take all your classes virtually. However, other schools may require you to travel to campus for certain activities like capstone courses. In addition to offering convenience, these programs also offer affordability because students save money on travel and often pay the same online tuition cost as in-state students.
Read our guide dedicated to online criminal justice degrees to learn more about how these programs work, and continue reading to find our list of the top options in your state:
Columbia College
Columbia, Missouri
Private
Lindenwood University
Saint Charles, Missouri
Private
Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Public
Park University
Parkville, Missouri
Private
University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, Missouri
Public
Missouri Southern State University
Joplin, Missouri
Public
Culver-Stockton College
Canton, Missouri
Private
Hannibal-LaGrange University
Hannibal, Missouri
Private
Missouri Baptist University
Saint Louis, Missouri
Private
Three Rivers College
Poplar Bluff, Missouri
Public
Saint Louis Community College
Bridgeton, Missouri
Public
What Types of Criminal Justice Degrees Are Available in Missouri?
Whether you are brand new to the justice system or you’re already in the field, criminal justice colleges in Missouri have programs for your needs. From undergraduate to graduate degrees, below we provide information on what you can expect when you enroll in these programs.
Associate Degrees
Associate degrees from criminal justice schools in Missouri act as the groundwork for further education or gaining entry into a criminal justice career. Generally, when people pursue these degrees for career training, they use their education to prepare for corrections, security, and law enforcement jobs. During these programs, which usually take two years to complete, students may learn about the history of the criminal justice system, how probation and parole systems work, and the role of forensic science in solving a variety of crimes.
Examples of Accredited Missouri Colleges with this Criminal Justice Degree
| College | Location | Delivery | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri Western State University | St. Joseph | On-Campus | Higher Learning Commission |
| St. Louis Community College | St. Louis | On-Campus | Higher Learning Commission |
| Ozarks Technical Community College | Springfield | On-Campus | Higher Learning Commission |
| Columbia College | Columbia | On-Campus; Online | Higher Learning Commission |
| Drury University | Springfield | On-Campus | Higher Learning Commission |
Bachelor’s Degrees
Bachelor’s degrees at criminal justice schools in Missouri can also give you the foundation of skills and knowledge you can use to start your career or continue your education. However, the curriculum gives you the opportunity to learn more advanced concepts and, in some cases, choose a concentration to focus your studies on. For example, schools may allow you to take courses that explore specific criminal justice topics more in-depth, such as corrections, security management, or juvenile justice.
Examples of Accredited Missouri Colleges with this Criminal Justice Degree
| College | Location | Delivery | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri State University | Springfield | Online; On-Campus; Hybrid | Higher Learning Commission |
| University of Central Missouri | Warrensburg | Online; On-Campus | Higher Learning Commission |
| Columbia College | Columbia | Online; On-Campus | Higher Learning Commission |
| University of Missouri-Kansas City | Kansas City | On-Campus | Higher Learning Commission |
| University of Missouri–St. Louis | St. Louis | Online; On-Campus | Higher Learning Commission |
Master’s Degrees
Earning a degree on this level is a great way for criminal justice professionals to move up in their careers. Master’s degrees in criminal justice provide an understanding of advanced concepts and research while teaching students the skills they need to succeed in a managerial role. Depending on the program, you may be able to choose a concentration to delve deeper into the subject most relevant to your career goals to build your expertise in a subject that interests you most.
Examples of Accredited Missouri Colleges with this Criminal Justice Degree
| College | Location | Delivery | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri State University | Springfield | Online | Higher Learning Commission |
| University of Central Missouri | Warrensburg | Online; On-Campus; Hybrid | Higher Learning Commission |
| Southeast Missouri State University | Cape Girardeau | Online | Higher Learning Commission |
| University of Missouri-Kansas City | Kansas City | On-Campus | Higher Learning Commission |
| University of Missouri–St. Louis | St. Louis | On-Campus | Higher Learning Commission |
Doctoral Degrees
These terminal degrees are designed for those who want to contribute to the criminal justice profession by becoming a college instructor or conducting research. They also may be earned by those who want to advance to high-level positions at law enforcement agencies or private security firms. Doctoral degrees in criminal justice can take two to five years to complete. During their studies, students receive research and teaching experience. They can also choose a specialization to strengthen their knowledge and skills in a certain area of criminal justice.
Examples of Accredited Missouri Colleges with this Criminal Justice Degree
| College | Location | Delivery | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Missouri–St. Louis | St. Louis | On-Campus | Higher Learning Commission |
| Saint Louis University | St. Louis | On-Campus | Higher Learning Commission |
Certificate Programs
Criminal justice certificate programs, offered on the graduate and undergraduate levels at criminal justice schools in Missouri, are a smart way to gain expertise in a particular subject without having to enroll in an entire degree program. This can save time and money while also augmenting the education students already have or exposing them to a new specialty. For example, a student may want to earn an undergraduate certificate to land a specific job, or seasoned professionals may enroll in graduate certificate programs to enhance their skills and knowledge for advancement.
Examples of Accredited Missouri Colleges with this Criminal Justice Degree
| College | Location | Delivery | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri State University | Springfield | On-Campus | Higher Learning Commission |
| University of Central Missouri | Warrensburg | On-Campus | Higher Learning Commission |
| North Central Missouri College | Trenton | On-Campus | Higher Learning Commission |
| St. Louis Community College | St. Louis | On-Campus | Higher Learning Commission |
Financial Aid Options for Criminal Justice Degrees in Missouri
No matter what degree program you’re interested in, chances are you’re concerned about how affordable your education will be and how much financial aid you can receive to offset the cost. Criminal justice schools in Missouri provide opportunities to reduce the cost of tuition through loans, scholarships, and grants. For example, the University of Missouri-St. Louis and the University of Central Missouri offer scholarships specifically to students in their criminal justice departments. Just a few of the scholarships offered by the University of Central Missouri include the Bill P. Colvin Criminal Justice scholarship, the Allen Sapp Criminal Justice Graduate Student scholarship, and the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI scholarship.
For more information about the types of funding you can get for your education, review our criminal justice scholarships and resources page.
Employment and Earnings Outlook for Criminal Justice Grads in Missouri
One of the good things about earning a degree from a criminal justice program in Missouri is that you have a wide selection of career paths to choose from. Whether you’re interested in law enforcement, corrections, attorney, or victim advocate positions, there’s a place for you in the justice system. Depending on the area you want to pursue, there may be increased job opportunities in the coming years and the potential to earn a healthy salary.
To give you an idea of what you can expect after graduating from one of the criminal justice schools in Missouri, we have compiled the following table that includes data on some of the most popular criminal justice careers. Below you will find information from Projections Central on occupational outlooks between 2020 and 2030 and salary data compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
| Job Growth Rate (2020-2030) | Average Annual Openings (2020-2030) | Annual Mean Wage (2022) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | 2.1% | 140 | $78,060 |
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | 13.7% | 910 | $58,040 |
| Fish and Game Wardens | 4.8% | 20 | $50,140 |
| Fire Inspectors and Investigators | 0% | 20 | $67,790 |
| Forensic Science Technicians | 15.6% | 50 | $56,320 |
Sources: Projections Central;Bureau of Labor Statistics
Criminal Justice Professional Associations in Missouri
- Missouri Sheriffs’ Association
This organization contributes to the safety of Missouri neighborhoods by supporting the office of the sheriff and the training it provides to law enforcement personnel around the state. Through trainings offered in person and online, the organization helps professionals sharpen the skills they need to fight crime in their communities. - Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Since its inception in 1978, the MACDL has been helping to protect the rights of those accused of crime by creating a strong community of defense attorneys in the state. To that end, the organization provides continuing education, case law updates, and lobbying services. - Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys
To ensure that plaintiff lawyers best support their clients, this association delivers continuing legal education, publications, lobbying services, and networking events. Made up of 1,300 attorneys around the state, MATA supports those who specialize in practice areas such as automobile collision, family, workers’ compensation, and product liability law. - Missouri Juvenile Justice Association
MJJA is made up of juvenile justice professionals and organizations that come together to protect children who go through the system. The group is dedicated to giving workers in the juvenile justice system professional development services, such has trainings at a discounted rate, the latest news on trends in the field, and publications outlining topics such as the juvenile code and detention standards in the state. - Missouri Association of Treatment Court Professionals
This organization is dedicated to supporting the needs of those in the treatment court profession. From drug arrests to meth lab incidents to children placed in foster care because of a parent’s addiction, the MADCP provides resources and training to help workers navigate issues in the Missouri drug court.