The need for qualified criminal justice professionals extends across the local, state, and federal levels.
Sources indicate that the low levels of new recruits being hired are an issue for many police departments and in other criminal justice settings.
The Assistant U.S. Attorney General recently acknowledged the lack of new hires and retention of law enforcement officers by saying that we “know this is a crisis.”
The Attorney General of the United States stressed the hiring and retention of law enforcement officials as a high priority.
Earn an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree and start your criminal justice career.
Complete a graduate degree and advance your criminal justice career.
Enroll in one of the best criminal justice schools in Missouri to achieve your career goals.
1 Missouri State University
About the School
Missouri State University is a public university with three campus locations in Missouri, and one location in China.
Students come from around the globe to get their education at the school, including students who enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice program.
Courses Offered
The Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice program focuses on the criminology and criminal justice courses, compared to students who enroll in the Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice program.
Students in the Bachelor of Science program do not complement their studies with additional fine arts and humanities courses.
The courses in the program prepare students for entry-level criminal justice positions or for graduate study.
Some courses include Introduction to the American Criminal Justice System, Criminal Procedure, Criminology, Criminal Justice Organizations and Management, and Juvenile Justice.
Students complete elective courses from options that include Homicide, Wrongful Convictions, Community Corrections, Active Shooter Events, Forensic Science, and Jihadist Terrorism and Violence in America.
There is also a required capstone project.
The school offers several undergraduate criminal justice certificates.
Contact Information
- Address: 901 S. National Ave., Springfield, MO, 65897
- Phone: 417-836-5000
- Website: Visit School Website
2 University of Central Missouri
About the School
The University of Central Missouri has more than 1,560 acres of campus, including its own airport and land for biological research.
The school offers more than 150 academic programs, including the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology program.
Courses Offered
Students who enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology program at the University of Central Missouri have the option of completing the program in a hybrid format or in an entirely online format.
Some students prefer to attend on-campus classes.
The highly ranked program prepares students to work in a variety of criminal justice career settings.
Students learn to identify, analyze, and solve problems.
They learn to conduct research related to criminal justice.
They learn to identify the potential causes of various types of crime.
Some courses include Criminal Law and Procedure, Policing a Democratic Society, Corrections, and Introduction to Criminal Justice Research.
Students also complete 15 credit hours of electives.
Students who are accepted into the Accelerated BS Criminal Justice and Criminology – MS Criminal Justice and Criminology Dual program complete courses such as Criminal Justice Philosophy and Policy, Organized Crime, Terrorism, Advanced Criminology, and Special Projects in Criminal Justice Administration.
Contact Information
- Address: 202 Administration Building, Warrensburg, MO 64093
- Phone: 877-729-8266
- Website: Visit School Website
3 Missouri Online
About the School
Missouri Online is a unique online educational system that allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice in a 100 percent online format.
The program takes an interdisciplinary approach to educating students through the knowledge and skills gained through criminology, corrections, law, public administration, and social justice.
Courses Offered
Students enrolled in the Online Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice program are encouraged to engage in hands-on learning experiences, in addition to completing their required courses.
Program courses in the 120-credit hour program include Criminal Law, Theories of Crime, Research Methods in Criminology and Criminal Justice, and Criminal Justice Policy.
Some other courses include Policing, Courts, Crime and Justice in a Globalized World, and Forms of Criminal Behavior.
Contact Information
- Address: 130 Heinkel Building, Columbia, MO 65211
- Phone: 573-882-2491
- Website: Visit School Website
4 Southeast Missouri State University
About the School
Students in the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program at Southeast Missouri State University may complete their degree at Main Campus – Cape, Regional Campus – Kennett, or Regional Campus – Sikeston.
The program has two tracks, the Law Enforcement Academy track, and the Academic/University track.
Courses Offered
Students who choose the Law Enforcement Academy track learn the skills that are needed for a specialized law enforcement career.
The students who choose the Academy/University track gain the knowledge and skills that are required for entry-level criminal justice positions or for earning a graduate degree.
Courses in the program include Theories of Crime, Introduction to Criminal Courts, Juvenile Justice, and Intersections of Crime.
The Academic/University track courses also include Gangs in America and Crisis Management.
The Law Enforcement Academy track courses also include Law Enforcement II, Law Enforcement III, and Law Enforcement IV
Contact Information
- Address: One University Plaza, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
- Phone: 573-651-2000
- Website: Visit School Website
5 Columbia College
About the School
Columbia College has been educating students since 1851.
There were only a few programs in the early days of the college.
Today, the school offers many residential, online, and evening programs.
One program is the Associate of Science in Criminal Justice Administration.
Courses offered
The Associate of Science in Criminal Justice Administration program focuses on educating students whose goals include working in security, law enforcement, or asset protection or who have the goal of furthering their career.
The program integrates sociology and psychology into comprehensive studies that include learning about crime scene investigation, legal studies, juvenile justice, or forensic science.
Some courses include Introduction to Criminal Justice Administration, Ethics and Morality in Criminal Justice, Drug Abuse and Crime Control, and Juvenile Delinquency.
Many students continue their studies at the school, earning a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science degree, or a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration.
Contact Information
- Address: 1001 Rogers St., Columbia, MO 65216
- Phone: 573-875-8700
- Website: Visit School Website
6 Missouri Southern State University
About the School
Missouri Southern State University educates knowledgeable and responsible students to become global citizens.
The college awarded its first bachelor’s degrees to students in 1969.
Today, the school has master’s degree programs and bachelor’s degree programs, including the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree.
Courses Offered
The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program consists of 120 credit hours.
Required program courses include Criminal Procedure, Police and Society, Professional Writing in Criminal Justice, Interview and Interrogation, and Criminal Law.
Students complete 12 credit hours of electives.
Elective course options include Crime Scene Investigation, Crime Scene Photography, Probation and Parole, Homicide Investigation, and Victimology.
Contact Information
- Address: 3950 E. Newman Rd., Joplin, MO 64801
- Phone: 866-818-6778
- Website: Visit School Website
7 State Fair Community College
About the School
State Fair Community College opened its doors in 1968 to students who earned their degrees from programs offered in one building.
The school expanded, offering students the opportunity to earn their degrees at a variety of campus locations.
Courses Offered
The Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice program is offered for students who want to start their career immediately after graduation or for students who want to continue their criminal justice education.
Students who enroll in the 65-credit program learn critical thinking skills, decision-making skills, and verbal and written communication skills.
The program educates students on criminal justice careers in areas such as law enforcement, corrections, probation and parole, and victim advocacy.
Courses in the program include Criminal Law, Criminal Investigation, Drugs, Society and Criminal Justice, Juvenile Delinquency, and Criminal Justice Communications.
Contact Information
- Address: 3201 W. 16th Street, Sedalia, MO 65301
- Phone: 877-311-7322
- Website: Visit School Website
8 University of Missouri – St. Louis
About the School
The University of Missouri offers several undergraduate and graduate criminal justice programs.
One program, the doctoral program in criminology and criminal justice, is offered at the University of Missouri – St. Louis campus.
The school indicates that the Ph.D. program is designed for students who already have a high level of scholarship and research proficiency.
Courses Offered
Students who enroll in the Criminology and Criminal Justice Ph.D. program complete 60 credit hours of graduate work.
They must also complete a minimum of six credit hours of dissertation research after completing all other degree requirements.
Program courses include Foundations of Criminological Theory, Criminal Justice Theory and Policy, Qualitative Research Design, and Methods.
Students complete 12 hours of area courses from options that include Nature of Crime, Philosophy of Law, Inequalities of Criminal Justice, and Law and Social Control.
Contact Information
- Address: 1 University Blvd., 324 Lucas Hall, St. Louis, MO 63121
- Phone: 314-516-5031
- Website: Visit School Website
9 Maryville University
About the School
Maryville University encourages students who are interested in a criminal justice career to put their plans into action.
The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program is offered in a 100 percent online format.
Courses Offered
Gain the knowledge and skills that are required for criminal justice professionals by completing courses with no required campus visits.
Program courses include Criminal Law and Procedure, Criminal Behavior, Domestic and International Terrorism, and Criminological Theory.
The school offers a Police Academy track for students who want to have a law enforcement career.
Contact Information
- Address: 650 Maryville University Drive, St. Louis, MO 63141
- Phone: 314-529-9300
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
Criminal Justice Salary Information
The median salary for criminal justice specialists who work in Missouri is $47,962.
The salary that a person earns depends on several factors.
The level of experience that a criminal justice specialist has and the setting where the person works are two factors that often affect the salary.
The area where a criminal justice professional works is a factor in the median salary.
A criminal justice professional who works in Anniston, Missouri earns a median salary of $45,133, while a criminal justice professional who works in Breckenridge, Missouri earns a median salary of $48,906.
A criminal justice specialist who works in Eagle Rock earns a median salary of $45,403.
Compare this to a criminal justice specialist who works in St. Louis, where the median salary is $49,560.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$54K |
|
$72K |
|
$80K |
Average Salary in Missouri
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Kansas City | $74,767 |
| St. Louis | $75,064 |
| Springfield | $71,268 |
| Independence | $74,686 |
| Columbia | $74,201 |
| St. Joseph | $74,046 |
| Lee's Summit | $74,483 |
| St. Charles | $74,658 |
| St. Peters | $74,496 |
| Florissant | $74,942 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia, MO | 40 | $54,500 | $26.2 | $69,100 | $37,020 |
| Jefferson City, MO | 40 | $65,260 | $31.38 | $139,530 | $33,940 |
| Joplin, MO | 30 | $53,050 | $25.5 | $68,640 | $40,940 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | 800 | $88,710 | $42.65 | $145,700 | $51,220 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | 660 | $90,880 | $43.69 | $146,830 | $52,970 |
| Springfield, MO | 140 | $75,870 | $36.47 | $146,400 | $43,080 |
* 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
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