Pennsylvania is known as the Keystone State, in part because of its “key” role in the social, economic, and political development of the U.S. Appropriately, it’s also a hub for criminal justice schools, making it an ideal location to pursue higher education in this field. Attending one of the state’s many criminal justice programs can open up versatile career opportunities in the high-demand areas of law enforcement, social work, forensics, homeland security, and more.
Whether you’re looking to earn your degree on campus or online, many criminal justice schools in Pennsylvania offer flexible options that align with your personal and professional goals. In this guide, we’ve outlined some of the top criminal justice programs in Pennsylvania — both online and on campus — along with degree options, financial aid opportunities, employment outlooks, and student resources.
Best Pennsylvania Colleges for Criminal Justice in 2024
Whether you’re just starting your search for a criminal justice degree program in Pennsylvania or you’re a professional looking to advance in your career, you’ll find several highly distinguished schools in the state with standout features. We’ve outlined three of the top criminal justice schools in Pennsylvania that combine factors like top-notch faculty, diverse specializations and degree options, robust curriculum and student support. This is a preview of our full college ranking, coming soon — so be sure to check back.
Gannon University
Earning your undergraduate or graduate degree in criminal justice/criminalistics at Gannon University means you’ll receive instruction and mentorship from some of the best faculty in the country. This Pennsylvania criminal justice school has chosen some of the top minds in the field to train its students, ranging from forensic scientists to police officers and special agents in the FBI, NCIS, ATF, and others. You will also have the opportunity to study in the university’s forensic investigation center for hands-on practice in crime scene investigations, evidence collection, firearms training, interrogations, and more.
According to a state law called Act 120, Pennsylvania requires police officers to have their basic training certification prior to employment; so if you’re pursuing a postgraduate career in law enforcement, Gannon makes it easy to complete your Act 120 training while working towards your degree, making the transition to the workforce much easier.
Program Highlights:
AA in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 60
- Length: Two years
- Cost: $870/credit
- Delivery: Full time; On campus
- Specializations: None
BA in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 120
- Length: Four years
- Cost: $870/credit
- Delivery: Full time; On campus
- Specializations: None
MS in Criminalistics
- Credits: 36 credits
- Length: Two years
- Cost: $780/credit
- Delivery: Part time; Online
- Specializations: None
Drexel University
If you’re looking for a criminal justice school in Pennsylvania with specialization opportunities and field experience, Drexel University is an ideal on-campus option. The department offers a bachelor’s degree with three concentrations: Criminal Justice, Justice Studies, and Justice Informatics. The school also offers a self-paced, fully online BS in Criminology and Justice Studies.
In addition to its specialization options for its on-ground program, Drexel University is known for its cooperative education (co-op) program option, where you complete six months of full-time employment in a criminal-justice position of your choosing while earning your degree. Many students have held positions at local police departments, law firms, nonprofit organizations, and community agencies. This program allows you to gain practical experience in the field while building a network to utilize after graduation.
Program Highlights:
BS in Criminology and Justice Studies
- Credits: 178-194
- Length: Four years
- Cost: On campus tuition: $58,293/year; online tuition:$459-$956 per credit
- Delivery: Full time; Part time; On campus; Online
- Specializations: Criminal Justice, Justice Informatics, Justice Studies
Temple University
This renowned Pennsylvania criminal justice schooloffers a bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate in Criminal Justice, making it ideal for beginners and professionals alike. Undergraduate students can benefit from the criminal justice department’s Inside Out Program, which takes students into the prison system to complete select courses alongside incarcerated students for powerful behind-the-scenes insights. The undergraduate program also offers an optional 15-credit certification in cybersecurity and human behavior, which can enhance your resume in several criminal justice careers including cybersecurity, forensics, and national security.
As a graduate student, your studies will focus on criminal justice research, theories, policy, and decision-making. In addition to an impressive curriculum, you will also develop meaningful connections with faculty and graduate students through the Criminal Justice Graduate Student Association. Not only does this community offer support and learning opportunities for criminal justice graduate students, but it also invites members to present insights and opinions on criminal justice topics at an annual conference.
Program Highlights:
BA in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 123
- Length: Four years
- Cost: Pennsylvania resident: $17,136; out-of-state:$30,864
- Delivery: On campus
- Specializations: None
MA in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 30
- Length: One to three years
- Cost: Pennsylvania resident: $1,004 per credit; out-of-state: $1,381 per credit
- Delivery: Full time; Part time; On campus
- Specializations: None
PhD in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 48
- Length: Four years (max seven)
- Cost: Pennsylvania resident: $1,053 per credit; out-of-state: $1,449 per credit
- Delivery: Full time; On campus
- Specializations: None
Top-Rated Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs in PA
Many criminal justice schools in Pennsylvania offer online degrees — an ideal solution for working professionals or those wanting more flexibility. Additionally, you may save time and money by eliminating the costs of transportation and on-campus course materials. Because not all online programs operate in the same manner, it’s important to identify the format, delivery, and schedule you can expect before enrolling. For example, some online programs will incorporate synchronous learning (live classes that take place at a certain time), while others will be mostly or fully asynchronous (recorded lectures that can be accessed at any time).
To learn more about what to expect from online learning in this specific degree program, take a look at our guide to online criminal justice degrees. Additionally, we’ve outlined below three of the best online criminal justice degrees in Pennsylvania, along with their degree options, delivery methods, and cost.
Pennsylvania State University
Earning an online criminal justice degree in Pennsylvania is seamless at Penn State World Campus — the online school at Pennsylvania State. Here, you can earn your associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees fully online. The university’s professors are licensed and experienced in various positions of law enforcement and criminal justice, so you’ll receive personal insights and guidance from seasoned professionals.
The associate degree program teaches the foundations of law enforcement, public policy, and behavioral science, so you’ll be well-equipped to pursue an entry-level career or bachelor’s degree.
Students earning their bachelor’s can expect to dive deeper into topics including law, policing, incarceration, and sociology. You may also choose to complete an 18-credit homeland security minor for undergraduate students, which can be useful in many careers including transportation security, emergency management, secret services, and customs officers.
Finally, the master’s program offers focused instruction in policy and administration from a criminal justice perspective, so you can learn the necessary skills to effect policy changes in your community.
Program Highlights:
AA in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 64
- Length: Two years
- Cost: $7,602 per semester
- Mode: Online; Part time; Full time
- Specializations: None
BS in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 120
- Length: Four years
- Cost: $7,602 per semester
- Mode: Online; Part time; Full time
- Specializations: None
Master of Professional Studies in Criminal Justice Policy and Administration
- Credits: 30
- Length: Two to three years
- Cost: $1,017 per credit
- Mode: Online; Part time; Full time
- Specializations: None
St Joseph’s University
At St. Joseph’s University, a master’s degree in criminal justice will advance your expertise and career opportunities all within the convenience of online education. This private college maintains small class sizes in order to provide more individual instruction and peer support. It also offers one of the more flexible online criminal justice degrees in Pennsylvania, as the program can be completed on a full-time or part-time basis.
What sets this master’s program apart from others is its numerous specialization options, which you can select from based on your professional goals and interests. If you’re interested in advancing your career in behavioral health, the master’s program offers an optional 42-credit certification in Applied Behavior Analysis, which prepares you to assist neurodivergent individuals and those with mental illnesses within your criminal justice career.
Program Highlights:
MS in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 30
- Length: One to two years
- Cost: $845 per credit
- Mode: Online; Full time; Part time
- Specializations: General track; Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging; Forensic Behavioral Health; Federal Law Enforcement; Intelligence and Crime Analysis; Homeland Security
PennWest Global Online
Offering a master’s and doctoral degree in Criminal Justice, this online complement to Pennsylvania Western University is an optimal choice for those with established careers who want to take their knowledge and skills to the next level. If you’re looking for an online criminal justice degree in Pennsylvania with robust specialization options, the master’s program provides three concentrations including Behavioral Crime Analysis, Forensic Linguistics, and Criminal Justice Studies. Because hands-on practice and field experience are a focus in this program, you may choose a capstone experience that supports your career goals such as an internship, study abroad course, thesis, or research publication.
The online, part-time doctoral program focuses on the modern applications of criminal justice in the community, particularly regarding federal consent decrees, police force, convictions, and recidivism. You will have to attend a one-week residency as part of this program.
Both graduate programs are connected with the Pennsylvania Center for Investigative and Forensic Sciences, which is a useful resource for law enforcement professionals seeking additional training and consultation throughout their studies.
Program Highlights:
MA in Criminal Justice and Criminology
- Credits: 30-39
- Length: One to two years
- Cost: Pennsylvania resident: $516/credit; out-of-state: $526/credit
- Mode: Online; Full time
- Specialties: Behavioral Crime Analysis, Forensic Linguistics, Criminal Justice Studies
DCJ in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 42
- Length: Two years
- Cost: Pennsylvania resident: $568/credit; out-of-state: $851/credit
- Mode: Online; Part time
- Concentrations: None
Types of Criminal Justice Degrees in Pennsylvania
Whether you’re new to the criminal justice field or a seasoned professional looking to advance in your career, earning a degree can be the next step towards achieving your professional goals. Maybe you’re a recent high school graduate deciding between an associate or bachelor’s degree. Or you’re a patrol officer looking to climb the ranks, but you need to boost your resume to qualify. Regardless of your aspirations, Pennsylvania criminal justice colleges offer several on-campus and online degree options that align with your goals. Keep reading to learn about different degree types and where to find them.
Associate Degrees
An associate degree is the first academic level beyond a high school diploma. Completing this criminal justice program typically takes two years and provides a foundational understanding of criminal justice basics. Earning an associate degree can enable students to pursue entry-level jobs in law enforcement, social work, and corrections. It also provides a knowledge base upon which students can seek further education, such as a bachelor’s degree.
Examples of Accredited Pennsylvania Colleges with this Criminal Justice Degree
| College | Location | Delivery | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northampton Community College | Bethlehem | On campus; Online | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Montgomery County Community College | Blue Bell | On campus; Online; Full time; Part time | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Harcum College | Bryn Mawr | On campus; Full time; Part time | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Central Penn College | Summerdale | On campus; Online; Hybrid | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Mansfield Commonwealth University | Mansfield | On campus; Online; Full time | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
Bachelor’s Degrees
A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice is ideal for someone with a high school diploma or associate degree and who wants to explore the foundations of criminal justice at a more advanced level. The four-year program will expose you to a wide variety of criminal justice topics and tracks, so you can choose a career that aligns with your interests. Many students go on to pursue careers in law enforcement, forensics, courts, corrections, investigations, and more. Because these careers can be competitive, having a bachelor’s degree can increase your chances of landing a job.
Examples of Accredited Pennsylvania Colleges with this Criminal Justice Degree
| College | Location | Delivery | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Crest College | Allentown | On campus; Online | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Keystone College | La Plume | On campus | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Point Park University | Pittsburgh | On campus; Online | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Chestnut Hill College | Philadelphia | On campus | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Waynesburg University | Waynesburg | On campus; Online | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
Master’s Degrees
A master’s degree in criminal justice can help students and professionals gain more specialized skills and pursue higher-paying careers. Whether you’re a mid-level police officer wanting to take on a captain’s position or a legal assistant leveling up to a paralegal, a master’s degree can equip you with the knowledge, skills, and qualifications to take on more advanced roles. It also demonstrates your dedication to your craft and a willingness to learn new concepts, which is an appealing trait for employers comparing competitive candidates.
Examples of Accredited Pennsylvania Colleges with this Criminal Justice Degree
| College | Location | Delivery | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Widener University | Chester | Online | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Delaware Valley University | Doylestown | Online | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Mercyhurst University | Erie | Online | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| West Chester University | West Chester; Philadelphia | On Campus | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Marywood University | Scranton | Online | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
Doctoral Degrees
As the highest degree one can earn in criminal justice, a doctoral degree is best suited for someone looking to hone specialized skills and to take on advanced leadership roles in their career. Some of these roles might include chief of police, federal agent, emergency management director, or policy analyst. No matter the role you pursue, a doctoral degree can open doors in field work, research, and policy making — all of which can make a significant impact in your community.
Examples of Accredited Pennsylvania Colleges with this Criminal Justice Degree
| College | Location | Delivery | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temple University | Philadelphia | On campus | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Indiana University of Pennsylvania | Indiana | On campus | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia | On campus | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Pennsylvania Western University | California, Clarion, Edinboro | Online | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Pennsylvania State | University Park | On campus | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
Certificates
Certificate programs can provide specialized training in a particular area of criminal justice, which not only enables you to explore more focused topics, but also helps distinguish your resume from others. Certificate programs are shorter than traditional degrees (ranging from a few months to a year), making them an achievable option for those wanting to avoid the time commitment of a traditional degree.
Examples of Accredited Pennsylvania Colleges with this Criminal Justice Degree
| College | Location | Delivery | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drexel University | Philadelphia | Online | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| PennState | Erie | On campus | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Pennsylvania West California | California | Online | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| University of Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh | On campus; online | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Widener University | Chester | Online | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
Financial Aid for Criminal Justice Students in Pennsylvania
As a criminal justice student in Pennsylvania, you’ll have several opportunities to obtain financial aid through the state and your school. To start, submit your FAFSA in order to determine eligibility for various financial aid options including grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. You may also receive need-based scholarships according to your current financial status, as well as merit-based scholarships based on your academic or athletic achievement. Additionally, some criminal justice schools in Pennsylvania offer scholarships and awards specifically to criminal justice students, such as Temple State University or Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Regardless of which college you attend, it’s important to stay informed about which options are available to you at different points in your education. We’ve put together a criminal justice scholarships and resources guide where you can discover scholarship options and student support resources.
Job Outlook for Criminal Justice Grads in Pennsylvania
Criminal justice careers in Pennsylvania are expected to grow within the next 10 years, both in terms of job openings and wages. Public safety remains a top concern among policymakers and citizens alike, which means jobs in this industry will remain in high demand. The average annual earnings for popular criminal justice careers in the state are slightly above the national average, particularly within large cities like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. The employment opportunities remain higher there as well. While the general projections for criminal justice careers remain positive, it’s important to research your desired career individually, as each will have its own employment and earnings outlook. We’ve outlined some of the top criminal justice careers below, along with their average annual openings and wages.
| Job Growth Rate (2020-2030) | Average Annual Openings (2020-2030) | Annual Mean Wage (2022) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police officers and detectives | 5.2% | 2,350 | $75,260 |
| Probation officers and correctional specialists | 5.4% | 380 | $61,850 |
| Private detectives | 9.5% | 200 | $59,000 |
| Paralegals and legal assistants | 13.5% | 1,540 | $64,730 |
| Forensic scientists | 18% | 40 | $54,820 |
Sources: Projections Central;Bureau of Labor Statistics
Criminal Justice Resources and Organizations in PA
- Alpha Phi Sigma
As the sole criminal justice honor society in the United States, Alpha Phi Sigma is a prestigious society uniting criminal justice students. Several criminal justice schools in Pennsylvania have introduced chapters to their campuses, including Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Point Park University, Mansfield University, and others. - Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission
This resource is relevant for law enforcement officers seeking training, certifications, and practical guidance on a variety of job-related skills including physical fitness, use of force protocols, and firearm usage. - Office of Justice Programs
This federal agency provides training, resources, and funding to state and local criminal justice programs. Their virtual library is composed of over 80,000 materials, including “Pennsylvania’s Criminal Justice System — An Overview.” This can be a helpful resource for entry-level students and professionals looking to familiarize themselves with how the state’s criminal justice system operates. - Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency
With a focus on policy making and support of criminal justice programs in Pennsylvania, the PCCD is a great resource for students and professionals seeking training in firearms, parole, probations, and more. - Pennsylvania State Police
The Pennsylvania State Police department provides helpful resources for current and prospective employees including crime data, community services, eligibility requirements for police officers, training programs, curriculum and more.