Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in Michigan (MI)
Whether you’re interested in working in law enforcement, the court system, victim services, or another field, you’ll find plenty of criminal justice schools in Michigan that prepare you for exciting career possibilities. Review today’s top-ranked online and campus programs, and find the one that’s right for you.
Criminal justice programs in Michigan delve into all aspects of crime. This includes the causes of crime, how most people react to criminal acts, and crime prevention. By completing a criminal justice program in Michigan, you’ll be ready to step into many criminal justice jobs, such as police officer, correctional officer, crime scene investigator, security guard, victim advocate, court officer, and crime lab technician, just to name a few.
But not all of these careers require the same type of academic training. For example, to become a police officer, you must take academy training that meets the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards; typically, you don’t need a bachelor’s or graduate degree. But if you’re interested in management responsibilities in law enforcement, a bachelor’s or even a graduate criminal justice program in Michigan can be very helpful.
This guide will help you figure out which program is right for you and find an accredited college that offers it. Get started with our list of top-rated criminal justice schools in Michigan below.
Top-Ranked Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs in Michigan
Many of the criminal justice schools in Michigan offer coursework through on-campus classes and experiential learning. However, many students interested in a criminal justice program have families and/or careers, and the only way they can go back to school is if some or all of the classes are online. Thankfully, schools offer many online criminal justice degree programs in Michigan.
Depending on the school, many of these programs are fully online, with no in-person requirements. Some or all of the courses are available asynchronously, meaning students can attend class from anywhere and at any time. Other online criminal justice degrees in Michigan have blended or hybrid curricula, combining online classwork with on-campus classes and/or other in-person learning requirements.
Below is our ranking of the top online and hybrid criminal justice programs in MI. If you’d like to learn more about options outside of the state, check out our guide to online criminal justice degrees.
Madonna University
Livonia, Michigan
Private
Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan
Public
Wayne State University
Detroit, Michigan
Public
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Public
Baker College
Owosso, Michigan
Private
Lansing Community College
Lansing, Michigan
Public
Delta College
University Center, Michigan
Public
Types of Criminal Justice Degrees in Michigan You Can Earn
With the tremendous growth in online learning, many schools in Michigan and elsewhere have begun shifting their traditional criminal justice college programs into hybrid or fully online criminal justice programs. This makes learning much more convenient for students who are also managing other responsibilities, such as a job or family. The next few sections look at various types of traditional and online criminal justice programs offered by Michigan schools.
Associate Degrees
A college degree is required for some entry-level positions within the criminal justice realm. An associate degree in criminal justice generally takes two years, making it ideal for those who want to begin working and gaining experience as quickly as possible. Many programs allow students to easily transfer into a four-year bachelor’s program if they decide to continue their education instead of entering the workforce after graduation.
Examples of Accredited Michigan Colleges with this Criminal Justice Degree
| College | Location | Delivery | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bay College | Escanaba | On-Campus | HLC |
| Lake Michigan College | Benton Harbor | On-Campus | HLC |
| Northwestern Michigan College | Traverse City | Online and On-Campus | HLC |
| Washtenaw Community College | Ann Arbor | Online and On-Campus | HLC |
| Northern Michigan University | Marquette | Online and On-Campus | HLC |
Bachelor’s Degrees
Some criminal justice jobs call for a more comprehensive education and therefore require a four-year degree. Plus, some students know they’ll want to earn a graduate degree in the future, so getting a bachelor’s instead of an associate degree makes sense. Students pursuing a criminal justice program in Michigan that leads to a bachelor’s degree will complete additional coursework not only in general education subjects but also within the criminal justice major. This can make them more marketable and make it easier to get hired for a legal, correctional, or law enforcement position.
Examples of Accredited Michigan Colleges with this Criminal Justice Degree
| College | Location | Delivery | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Michigan – Flint | Flint | Hybrid | HLC |
| Western Michigan University | Kalamazoo | Online and On-Campus | HLC |
| Southwestern Michigan College | Dowagiac | On-Campus | HLC |
| Saginaw Valley State University | University Center | On-Campus | HLC |
| Central Michigan University | Mount Pleasant | On-Campus | HLC |
Master’s Degrees
Master’s degree in criminal justice programs in Michigan are typically aimed at prospective students who are already working in the field but want to take on additional responsibility or new roles within their current organization. A master’s degree may help the student meet eligibility requirements for a transfer or promotion. Other times, a student will need a master’s degree for specialized knowledge in a particular area of criminal justice, like cybersecurity, to do their job effectively.
Examples of Accredited Michigan Colleges with this Criminal Justice Degree
| College | Location | Delivery | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferris State University | Big Rapids | On-Campus | HLC |
| University of Michigan – Dearborn | Dearborn | Online and On-Campus | HLC |
| University of Detroit Mercy | Detroit | On-Campus | HLC |
| Eastern Michigan University | Ypsilanti | Online and On-Campus | HLC |
| Wayne State University | Detroit | Online and On-Campus | HLC |
Doctoral Degrees
Most criminal justice programs in Michigan offer certificate, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s level tracks; very few positions within the criminal justice profession require a doctorate. However, a criminal justice doctorate can be helpful for individuals who want to teach at the post-secondary level, conduct high-level research, and/or play a role in creating new policies that address social issues, including crime. Much of the curriculum focuses on research skills, as well as learning about new theories and approaches to societal law enforcement and penal systems.
Examples of Accredited Michigan Colleges with this Criminal Justice Degree
| College | Location | Delivery | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan State University | East Lansing | On-Campus | HLC |
Certificate Programs
Criminal justice certificate programs in Michigan offer a perfect balance of enhanced skills and training without the financial and time commitments of earning a degree. Some certificate programs focus on a very specific area of criminal justice and are best for those currently in the field who are looking to specialize or take on additional responsibilities. Other certificate programs provide more general criminal justice knowledge and allow individuals who already have a college or graduate degree to enter the field without wasting time and money retaking general education courses.
Examples of Accredited Michigan Colleges with this Criminal Justice Degree
| College | Location | Delivery | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kellogg Community College | Battle Creek | On-Campus | HLC |
| Monroe County Community College | Monroe | On-Campus | HLC |
| Montcalm Community College | Sidney | On-Campus | HLC |
| Grand Valley State University | Grand Rapids | On-Campus | HLC |
| Mid Michigan College | Harrison | On-Campus | HLC |
Financial Aid Opportunities for Criminal Justice Students in Michigan
Students enrolled in one of the many criminal justice schools in Michigan will have access to the same financial aid resources that students in other areas of study enjoy. This includes student loans (private and federal) and gift-based aid, such as scholarships, fellowships, and grants. These latter forms of financial aid are ideal because they don’t have to be paid back. They’re typically available from corporations, nonprofit and student organizations, and the schools themselves. To increase the chances of receiving an award, students may want to focus on awards and scholarships reserved for those studying criminal justice. Examples include scholarships offered by Alpha Phi Sigma, the Michigan Association of Police, and Michigan State University.
Because many students enrolled in criminal justice schools in Michigan are working professionals, another source of financial assistance can be an employer tuition reimbursement or discount program. Students pay a discounted tuition rate (or no tuition at all) as long as they enroll at an eligible school or program. To learn more about financial aid options for criminal justice students, please visit our criminal justice scholarships and resources page.
Job Outlook and Earnings for Criminal Justice Professionals in Michigan
Graduates from criminal justice schools in Michigan will appreciate the fact that most positions they’re likely to work in earn a respectable wage, as evidenced by the chart below. In addition to good earnings, most criminal justice jobs have solid projected growth rates.
One exception is correctional officers and jailers. However, Michigan stands out compared to the national average in that its 2020 to 2030 growth rate of -3.8% is far more favorable than the -7.2% that’s projected for the rest of the country.
As for many of the other common jobs that employ graduates of on-campus and online criminal justice schools, Michigan’s anticipated growth is very similar to the average for the United States.
| Job Growth Rate (2020-2030) | Average Annual Openings (2020-2030) | Annual Mean Wage (2022) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Guards | 13.8% | 3,760 | $33,320 |
| Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers | 7.9% | 1,580 | $63,450 |
| Private Detectives and Investigators | 8.8% | 80 | $58,490 |
| Court, Municipal, and License Clerks | 7.8% | 840 | $44,160 |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | -3.8% | 760 | $55,180 |
Sources: Projections Central;Bureau of Labor Statistics
Resources and Organizations for Criminal Justice Professionals in Michigan
- Alpha Phi Sigma
Alpha Phi Sigma is a criminal justice honor society with school-specific chapters, including those in Michigan. Some of the benefits of membership include a newsletter, conferences, and access to job and professional resources. - American Criminal Justice Association
Also known as Lambda Alpha Epsilon, this is one of the largest criminal justice student associations in the United States. You’ll find collegiate, professional, and regional chapters in Michigan. - Michigan Association of Police
The Michigan Association of Police’s mission is to protect and promote the interests of the state’s law enforcement officers. It accomplishes this goal by providing professional, legislative, and financial resources. Members can also take advantage of seminars, networking events, and fundraising activities. - Michigan Corrections Association
The Michigan Corrections Association represents the interests of all Michigan corrections professionals and offers resources and tools. These include networking events, training seminars, and newsletters. - Michigan Sheriffs’ Association
As the oldest professional organization for law enforcement personnel, the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association works to establish ethical and professional guidelines for sheriffs and their deputies within the state. This organization also offers education and training programs to law enforcement members and civilians.