Criminal justice schools in Kansas provide students with the opportunity to achieve their goal of having a criminal justice career.
Enrolling in an undergraduate program prepares students to work in entry-level criminal justice positions or to advance their careers.
Earning a graduate degree prepares students to work in administrative or management criminal justice positions.
Students who want to work as educators or in research often earn a graduate degree in criminal justice.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that there is an expected job growth in criminal justice.
Criminal justice professionals working in law enforcement, probation or parole, or in the private sector are examples of some areas that are expected to see job growth.
Students who earn their degrees from one of the best criminal justice schools in Kansas can start or advance their criminal justice careers.
1 Johnson County Community College
About the School
Johnson County Community College has educated more than 25,000 graduates over the last 20 years.
The college focuses on student success, affordable tuition, and small class sizes.
The accredited school offers several programs, including the Associate of Arts with Emphasis on Criminal Justice program.
Courses Offered
The Associate of Arts with Emphasis on Criminal Justice program prepares students to work as criminal justice professionals after earning their degree or to continue their criminal justice studies.
Students learn through coursework and hands-on learning experiences.
Courses in the program include Criminal Justice and Corrections, Criminal Law, Criminology, and Criminal Procedure.
Students complete elective courses from options such as Police Interrogation, Forensic Science and Crime Scene Investigation, and Drugs and Crime.
Contact Information
- Address: 12345 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS 66210
- Phone: 913-469-8500
- Website: Visit School Website
2 The University of Kansas Edwards Campus
About the School
The University of Kansas recently announced the addition of new criminal justice programs at the Edwards Campus.
The school offers a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program or a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program.
Courses Offered
Students who enroll in the online Bachelor of Science program focus on studies that prepare them to start or advance their criminal justice careers.
The students who enroll in the online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program complete additional humanities courses.
Both new programs offer students the option to choose a concentration in either Law and Society or Law Enforcement Leadership.
Courses include Introduction to Criminal Justice, Research Methods, and Data-Driven Decision Making in Criminal Justice, Policing, and Courts and Sentencing.
Students complete nine credit hours of courses in their chosen concentration.
They also complete a capstone project.
Contact Information
- Address: 12600 Quivira Road, Overland Park, Kansas 66213
- Phone: 913-897-8400
- Website: Visit School Website
3 Kansas Wesleyan University
About the School
Kansas Wesleyan University understands that many students need flexibility when they want to earn a degree in criminal justice.
The school offers the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice in an online format, in addition to the traditional on-campus format.
Courses Offered
Students who enroll in the online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program at Kansas Wesleyan University gain critical thinking skills, Communication skills, knowledge of the criminal justice system, and strong skills in technology.
Program courses include Criminal Law, Crime and Delinquency, Crime Analysis, Responding to Trauma, and Criminal Justice Administration. Students complete a capstone project during their senior year.
Contact Information
- Address: 100 E. Claflin Ave., Salina, KS 67401
- Phone: 785-827-5541
- Website: Visit School Website
4 Washburn University
About the School
Washburn University offers an affordable education for students.
The university offers programs that educate students for in-demand jobs and careers.
The Criminal Justice and Legal Studies Department guides students through their criminal justice studies program.
Courses Offered
The Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice program at Washburn University provides students with the opportunity to earn their degree in a hybrid environment.
Students complete some courses online and others in the traditional in-class setting.
Students gain the knowledge and technical skills to work in entry-level positions or to continue their education.
Some courses include Crime and Justice in America, Criminal Justice Communications, Public and Private Security, and Criminal Law. Students complete nine credit hours of electives.
They choose from courses such as Drug Abuse and Criminality, Serial Killers, and Firearms and Tool Mark Examination.
The school also offers a Bachelor of Criminal Justice program.
Students choose from four concentration options, including law enforcement, corrections, forensic investigations, or security administration.
Washburn University offers a Master of Criminal Justice program.
Aspiring criminal justice leaders can choose the Dual J.D./Master of Criminal Justice program.
Students may have some credits count towards both their master’s degree and their Juris Doctor program.
Contact Information
- Address: 1700 SW College Ave., Topeka, KS 66621
- Phone: 785-670-1010
- Website: Visit School Website
5 Highland Community College
About the School
Highland Community College was the first college in Kansas.
The school has provided a college education for students for more than 160 years, including for students in the Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice program.
Courses Offered
Many students who earn the Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice degree at Highland College start their career after graduation.
Students often transfer to a four-year university to continue their education.
Courses include Criminal Investigation, Criminal Justice Interview and Report Writing, Professional Responsibility in Criminal Justice, and Criminal Procedure.
Students choose elective courses from options that include Introduction to Corrections, Practicum in Criminal Justice, and Introduction to Social Work.
Contact Information
- Address: 606 W. Main St., Highland, KS 66035
- Phone: 785-442-6000
- Website: Visit School Website
6 Fort Hays State University
About the School
Fort Hays State University educates criminal justice students to prepare them for their choice of a career in corrections, law enforcement, or for a career in other areas of criminal justice.
Students complete coursework and engage in hands-on learning experiences.
Courses Offered
Fort Hays State University offers several criminal justice programs, including a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program, A Master of Professional Studies: Criminal Justice Concentration program, and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program.
Students who enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program complete courses such as Comparative Justice Systems, Technical and Report Writing in Criminal Justice, Ethics in Criminal Justice, and Criminal Justice Research.
Elective courses include Digital and Cybercrime, Juvenile Justice Systems, and Culture and Crime.
Students choose to complete the program in the traditional or online format.
Contact Information
- Address: 600 Park St., Hays, KS 67601
- Phone: 785-628-3478
- Website: Visit School Website
7 WSU Tech
About the School
WSU Tech opened its doors in 1965.
The school provides students with a quality education, with a vision to be one of the country’s most innovative two-year colleges and one of the most impactful two-year colleges.
WSU Tech offers several criminal justice certificates and degree programs.
The degree options include the Associate of Applied Science, Criminal Justice/Technical Studies, and the Associate of Applied Science, Criminal Justice program.
Courses Offered
The Associate of Applied Science, Criminal Justice program consists of 67 credit hours.
Some courses that are offered in the program include Introduction to Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement Operations and Procedures, Policing Diverse Cultures, and Agency Administration.
Students are required to complete the CPR for Healthcare Providers course.
They also complete an internship.
Contact Information
- Address: 4004 N. Webb Rd., Wichita, KS 67226
- Phone: 316-677-9400
- Website: Visit School Website
8 Butler Community College
About the School
Butler Community College believes that it helps students get ready for a better life.
The school offers a two-year Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice program.
It is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year university.
Many students begin working in criminal justice after completing the program.
Courses Offered
Students complete 62 to 64 credit hours to earn the Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice degree.
Courses include Criminal Investigation, Gang Investigation, Criminology, Law Enforcement in the Community, Introduction to Corrections, and Concepts of Terrorism.
Elective courses include Juvenile Delinquency and Justice, Agency Administration, and Criminal Procedures.
Contact Information
- Address: 901 S. Haverhill Rd., El Dorado, KS 67042
- Phone: 316-321-2222
- Website: Visit School Website
9 Cowley College
About the School
Cowley College prepares students for a career in law enforcement or a career in corrections by offering several options in its two-year criminal justice programs.
Students choose to earn the Associate of General Studies in Criminal Justice, the Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice, or the Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice degree.
Courses Offered
The associate in criminal justice degrees at Cowley College require that students complete 62 to 68 credit hours.
The Associate of Applied Science requires that students complete 68 credit hours of study.
Students complete criminal justice courses and 12 credit hours of Law Enforcement Academy training.
Program courses include Criminal Law, Criminal Investigation, Law Enforcement Operations and Procedures, Criminalistics, and Criminal Justice Topics.
Students also complete an internship.
Contact Information
- Address: 125 S. Second St., Arkansas City, KS 67005
- Phone: 800-593-2222
- Website: Visit School Website
10 Wichita State University
About the School
Wichita State University touts itself as “the place where anything is possible.”
The school indicates that it is the most affordable research university in the State of Kansas.
Many students, including those who enroll in the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice program, experience the interdisciplinary, innovative approach that the school uses in its academic programs.
Courses Offered
The Master of Arts in Criminal Justice program at Wichita State University is one of the oldest programs in the U.S. The program, founded in 1937, evolved from a police science education program to a program that encompasses criminological theory and the scientific study of crime.
Program courses include Constitutional Criminal Justice in the 21st Century, Gun Crime in America: Ballistics, NIBIN and Criminal Investigations, Criminal Typologies, Police Administration, and Advanced Research Methods.
Students have the option of completing the program in an online format or in the traditional in-person format.
Contact Information
- Address: 1845 Fairmount St., Wichita, KS 67260
- Phone: 316-978-3456
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
Criminal Justice Salary Information
The salary for criminal justice professionals who work in Kansas varies, based on several factors.
The amount of experience and the setting where a person works may affect the salary.
The median salary for criminal justice specialists who work in Kansas is $47,929.
The location where a criminal justice specialist works also affects their salary.
A person who works in criminal justice in Abilene earns a median salary of $46,507, while someone who works in criminal justice in Wichita earns a median salary of $47,466.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$54K |
|
$72K |
|
$80K |
Average Salary in Kansas
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Wichita | $72,086 |
| Overland Park | $74,731 |
| Kansas City | $74,953 |
| Topeka | $70,703 |
| Olathe | $74,528 |
| Lawrence | $72,208 |
| Shawnee | $74,731 |
| Salina | $71,322 |
| Manhattan | $69,938 |
| Hutchinson | $71,322 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Topeka, KS | 210 | $56,310 | $27.07 | $77,560 | $37,980 |
| Wichita, KS | 280 | $78,300 | $37.65 | $106,970 | $51,670 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Criminal Justice Schools by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
This list of the 10 best criminal justice schools in Kansas is incredibly helpful! The detailed descriptions of each program, including their unique features, strengths, and specializations, provide a clear picture of what each school offers.
This information is crucial for anyone looking to pursue a career in criminal justice and wanting to choose the best school for their needs. Great job on providing such detailed and practical information!
It’s great to have such a comprehensive guide to help prospective students make informed decisions about their education and future careers. Thanks for compiling this valuable resource!