Best Criminal Justice Schools in Missouri: Online/Campus
Whether you’re interested in helping the victims get the justice they deserve or want to ensure due process of the law, an online criminal justice degree can help you prepare for the rigors of this important field.
In this guide, we highlight the best online criminal justice programs for your academic and career goals and share information about the types of degrees available and best-paying jobs in Missouri.
Associate Degrees in Missouri
An associate degree in criminal justice usually takes about two years to complete and is groundwork for further education or entering a criminal justice career. Students typically pursue associate degrees for career training to prepare for corrections, security, and law enforcement jobs.
North Central Missouri College
North Central Missouri College offers an affordable online criminal justice degree program for students who want to earn their Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Criminal Justice. The AAS in Criminal Justice is designed to prepare students for a career in the criminal justice field.
Students in the program at North Central Missouri College will complete 15 general education hours and 46-58 credit hours in core classes. The curriculum includes Criminology, Introduction to Corrections, and Criminal Evidence. This fully online program prepares students to uphold the legal and moral responsibilities required of criminal justice professionals.
Location: Trenton, MO
Mode: Online
Cost: $7,534/year
Admissions Requirements:
- Online application
- Official high school transcripts or GED
- Transcripts from any previous college
Bachelor’s Degrees in Missouri
A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice provides the skills and knowledge you need to start your career or continue your education. Coursework includes advanced concepts, and some programs offer several concentration options.
Missouri State University
Missouri State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice, designed to prepare students for a career in the field with the skills needed for the current criminal justice system.
Whether you’re seeking a role as a correctional officer or FBI agent, you’ll develop the problem-solving and creative thinking skills you need in this program. Missouri State offers affordable tuition and allows students to customize their degree to fit their interests and career goals.
Location: Springfield, MO
Mode: Online
Cost: $4,751/semester
Admissions Requirements:
- Online application
- High school or college transcripts
- GPA of 3.0 or above or submission of ACT or SAT scores
Master’s Degrees in Missouri
Earning a master’s degree 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 position or other advanced role.
Missouri State University
Missouri State University also offers an online Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice. This master’s program prepares students for careers in law enforcement, child victim advocacy, and homeland security.
You can complete your MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice in as little as two years with a full course load. With the addition of summer classes, students can complete the program in 18 months.
This master’s program provides students with the flexibility and freedom to complete their classes from anywhere. Students will have the opportunity to gain advanced knowledge and understanding of issues involving criminal behavior.
Location: Springfield, MO
Mode: Online
Cost: Thesis option $10,466
Non-thesis option $12,236
Admissions Requirements:
- Junior standing and an overall GPA of 3.25 or higher
- Completion of all course prerequisites
- Written statement of purpose
- Two reference letters
- Formal acceptance into the accelerated master’s program
PhD, Doctoral, and Graduate Certificate Programs in Missouri
Doctoral degrees are designed for those who want to contribute to the criminal justice profession by becoming a college instructor or researcher. Those who want to advance to high-level positions at law enforcement agencies or private security firms also enroll in doctoral programs.
University of Missouri-St. Louis
The University of Missouri-St. Louis offers a PhD in Criminology and Criminal Justice that gives students a deep understanding of criminological knowledge and analytical skills.
Although the PhD program at the University of Missouri-St. Louis is only offered in person, the classes are typically offered in the evenings. If you’re working full time while enrolled in the program, students to complete the program part time.
The three program components are coursework, qualifying papers, and a dissertation. To graduate, students must complete a total of 60 credit hours, including six hours of dissertation research.
Location: St. Louis, MO
Mode: In-person
Cost: Resident $645/credit
Non-resident $1,533/credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Online application
- Statement of purpose
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts of all previous institutions
- Entrance exam scores
- Writing sample
- Minimum of 3.0 GPA
- Current resume or CV
Common Questions From Missouri Criminal Justice Students
How fast can you get a criminal justice degree online in Missouri?
An online criminal justice degree will take anywhere from 18 months to six years, depending on the type of program. For example, an associate degree will typically take about two years, while a bachelor’s degree may take closer to four years.
There are some schools, such as the University of Missouri-St. Louis, that offer an accelerated criminal justice program. These programs require a heavier course load but are also completed in less time.
What are the financial aid options for criminal justice students in Missouri?
Students in Missouri can receive different types of financial aid including criminal justice scholarships, grants, or student loans. No matter the degree program, you will want to know how affordable your education will be and how much financial aid you can receive.
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.
How much does it cost to get an online criminal justice degree?
Across the country, the average cost of attendance for a student living in on-campus housing is around $27,000 per year. Criminal justice programs can range from $5,000 to $30,000 per year, depending on the type of school and program.
Private universities in Missouri will likely cost more per credit hour than public schools. However, tuition isn’t the only cost to consider. If you’re planning to start or return to college, consider the costs of housing, transportation, and textbooks before you apply.
What job opportunities are there for criminal justice students?
A criminal justice degree can lead to numerous jobs including roles in law enforcement, corrections, or the FBI. Earning your degree in criminal justice can lead to diverse opportunities depending on your degree. Many students who pursue a criminal justice degree plan to enter law enforcement, public safety, or corrections fields.
Is it worth going to college for criminal justice?
Many students choose to pursue a degree in criminal justice because they want to serve their community and help others. A criminal justice career can be incredibly fulfilling and can mean career versatility, whether you choose to apply for a career in law enforcement or corrections.
Salary & Career Growth for Criminal Justice Graduates in Missouri
| Area | Occupation | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | Correctional Officers and Jailers | $33,270 | $47,700 | $38,000 |
| Missouri | Court, Municipal, and License Clerks | $28,840 | $59,270 | $35,630 |
| Missouri | Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary | $40,000 | $131,820 | $79,300 |
| Missouri | Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $44,780 | $142,650 | $75,860 |
| Missouri | Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $36,910 | $83,510 | $56,480 |
| Missouri | Private Detectives and Investigators | $35,400 | $91,270 | $44,990 |
| Missouri | Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | $39,950 | $49,710 | $41,750 |
| Missouri | Security Guards | $29,870 | $66,040 | $38,430 |
| Missouri | Social Workers | $37,660 | $93,890 | $49,910 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Occupation | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | Correctional Officers and Jailers | 5,540 | 5,030 | -510 | -9.20% |
| Missouri | Court, Municipal, and License Clerks | 4,640 | 4,700 | 60 | 1.30% |
| Missouri | Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary | 330 | 330 | – | 0.00% |
| Missouri | Detectives and Criminal Investigators | 1,630 | 1,710 | 80 | 4.90% |
| Missouri | Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | 13,050 | 13,550 | 500 | 3.80% |
| Missouri | Private Detectives and Investigators | 770 | 820 | 50 | 6.50% |
| Missouri | Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | 2,220 | 2,180 | -40 | -1.80% |
| Missouri | Security Guards | 18,460 | 19,540 | 1,080 | 5.90% |
| Missouri | Social Workers | 1,520 | 1,620 | 100 | 6.60% |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Resources for Criminal Justice Students & Professionals in Missouri
From applying for financial aid to securing your first interview after graduation, there are a lot of steps involved in starting your career in criminal justice. If you’re looking for support and resources to help along the way, the organizations below are a place to start.
- Criminal Justice Society: The Criminal Justice Society at Missouri State is a student organization specifically for criminal justice students. The goal is to educate members about the criminal justice facilities near Springfield.
- Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (MACDL): The MACDL helps to protect the rights of those accused of crime by creating a strong community of defense attorneys in the state. They provide continuing education, case law updates, and lobbying services.
- Missouri Association of Treatment Court Professionals (MADCP): This organization is dedicated to supporting the needs of those in the treatment court profession. From drug arrests to meth lab incidents, the MADCP provides resources and training to help workers navigate issues in the Missouri drug court.
- Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys (MATA): To ensure that plaintiff lawyers best support their clients, this association delivers continuing legal education, publications, and networking events. MATA supports those who specialize in practice areas such as automobile collision, family, and product liability law.
- Missouri Juvenile Justice Association (MJJA): MJJA is made up of juvenile justice professionals who come together to protect children who go through the system. They provide workers in the juvenile justice system the professional development services they need to make a difference.
- Missouri Sheriffs’ Association: This organization contributes to the safety of Missouri neighborhoods by supporting the office of the sheriff. Through different training, the organization helps professionals sharpen the skills they need to fight crime in their communities.
- Missouri State Public Defender System: The Missouri State Public Defender System provides legal representation to indigent citizens of Missouri. This organization offers internships and employment opportunities for students interested in criminal justice, social work, and other related areas.
- The Collaborative for Criminal and Juvenile Justice Priorities (CCJJP): The CCJJP at the University of Missouri is a community of scholars and community stakeholders who aim to improve our nation’s justice system. This organization can provide resources and networking opportunities to criminal justice students.
- The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis: The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis helps members of the community fulfill their educational goals through scholarships and other resources. They also offer financial aid tools and provide information about campus resources in Missouri.
- U.S. Probation Office in the Eastern District of Missouri: For students who are pursuing a career in probations, the Eastern District of Missouri provides an internship program for criminal justice students, allowing students to gain practical knowledge about the court system.
List of the Best Online Criminal Justice Schools in Missouri
Thanks to online criminal justice degrees, you can balance studies with your professional and personal life.
Online criminal justice degrees in Missouri offer the flexibility of virtual coursework. To help you choose the right program, we’ve ranked a number of criminal justice programs based on their accreditation, online programs, and available student support resources.
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
