Criminal Justice Colleges

Top Criminal Justice Colleges

Nowadays, criminal justice colleges are beefing up their programs to suit the specialized requirements in public safety and law enforcement. Many criminal justice colleges are offering online courses, taking advantage of advancements in computer technology.

Whether it is a certificate program, an associate, bachelor or masters degree, criminal justice degree programs have been developed to provide training that will enhance specific skills and knowledge for the better dispensation of justice and protection of the citizens.

Where To Get Your Education

Because effective law enforcement is necessary in every locality, city or state, there are criminal justice schools nationwide. There are varying opinions as to which make up the "best list" but according to U.S. News, for 2010-2011, its top criminal justice colleges are:

• American University
• Arizona State University
• CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice (New York)
• Florida State University
• George Mason University
• Indiana University
• Michigan State University
• Northeastern University (Massachusetts)
• Pennsylvania State University (University Park)
• Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey (Newark campus)
• Temple University
• Sam Houston State University (Texas)
• Washington State University
• University of Albany - SUNY
• University of California (Irvine Campus)
• University of Cincinnati
• University of Delaware
• University of Florida
• University of Illinois (Chicago campus)
• University of Maryland (College Park campus)
• University if Missouri (St. Louis campus)
• University of Nebraska (Omaha campus)
• University of Pennsylvania (Ivy League School)

Which Criminal Justice Colleges Offer Online Courses?

Among those claiming to be the best criminal justice universities with online programs are:

• University of Phoenix (Arizona)
• Kaplan University (with campuses in Pennsylvania, Goergia, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Ohio, Indiana, Nevada, Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Maine)
• Walden University (all programs via online)
• Everest University (with campuses in Arizona, Florida, California, Texas, Oregon, Virginia, Utah, Washington)
• Rasmussen University (with campuses in Minnesota, Illinois, North Dakota, Wisconsin
• American Intercontinental University (with campuses in Florida and Georgia)

They offer online criminal justice degree programs, both general or specializations like Forensic science, in several of their campuses. Whether you are working towards a criminal justice certificate or a criminal justice associate degree, these schools have the program you are aiming to complete.

Although hands-on training is still essential to harnessing skills on the job, people have the added convenience provided through distance learning, which (as long as these are accredited programs) are as credible as the degrees earned on campus.

School Reputation Matters

It is important to remember that where you earned your education still matters, even in the field of criminal justice. Employers still give weight to candidates who came from the top or better know criminal justice colleges, especially at the city or state levels. Yet you can always show the stuff you are made of, given the training and education you earned. Criminal justice colleges may not be created equal, but it is up to you to prove that you are serious in becoming a professional in this field.

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