Criminal Justice Schools in North Carolina
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Updated May 10, 2023
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North Carolina Education Options, Employment Possibilities and Resources for Students
Although the violent crime rate in North Carolina is five percent below the national average, a large selection of local employment opportunities are available for students who earn a degree in criminal justice. A criminal justice degree is applicable to several fields of state-funded employment, including local policing, wildlife protection services, and corrections. In addition, students may also go on to achieve private employment in security or as a detective. Continue reading below to learn about available schools and academic programs that will be best fitted for students interested in pursuing a criminal justice-based career in North Carolina.
Best Criminal Justice Schools in North Carolina for 2017
A quality program in criminal justice will teach students the field-specific information while providing hands-on experience. Comparing North Carolina’s best criminal justice schools allows students to develop a sense of what qualities are desirable in a criminal justice program. In the ranking list below, students will be able to find institutions with reasonable tuition costs, low student-teacher ratios, and high graduation rates, helping them to find the program that best fits their needs. Explore North Caorlina’s top criminal justice schools and programs for 2017 below.
#1 Criminal Justice Schools in North Carolina
Pfeiffer University
Misenheimer, NC- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Tuition
- In-State$29,800
- Out-of-state$29,800
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance Rate64%
- Students Enrolled1,277
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
#2 Criminal Justice Schools in North Carolina
East Carolina University
- Greenville, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Tuition
- In-State$4,452
- Out-of-state$20,729
- Retention Rate82%
- Acceptance Rate79%
- Students Enrolled28,651
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment48%
- AccreditationYes
#3 Criminal Justice Schools in North Carolina
North Carolina Central University
- Durham, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Tuition
- In-State$3,728
- Out-of-state$16,435
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate68%
- Students Enrolled8,011
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment47%
- AccreditationYes
#4 Criminal Justice Schools in North Carolina
Fayetteville State University
- Fayetteville, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Tuition
- In-State$2,982
- Out-of-state$14,590
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled6,551
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment70%
- AccreditationYes
#5 Criminal Justice Schools in North Carolina
Greensboro College
- Greensboro, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Tuition
- In-State$18,500
- Out-of-state$18,500
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled1,021
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment1%
- AccreditationYes
#6 Criminal Justice Schools in North Carolina
Western Carolina University
- Cullowhee, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Tuition
- In-State$1,000
- Out-of-state$5,000
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled12,167
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment41%
- AccreditationYes
#7 Criminal Justice Schools in North Carolina
Methodist University
- Fayetteville, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Tuition
- In-State$34,148
- Out-of-state$34,148
- Retention Rate58%
- Acceptance Rate63%
- Students Enrolled1,968
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment10%
- AccreditationYes
#8 Criminal Justice Schools in North Carolina
Saint Augustine's University
- Raleigh, NC
- 4 year
- Campus
Average Tuition
- In-State$12,890
- Out-of-state$12,890
- Retention Rate57%
- Acceptance Rate73%
- Students Enrolled899
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment19%
- AccreditationYes
#9 Criminal Justice Schools in North Carolina
North Carolina Wesleyan College
- Rocky Mount, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Tuition
- In-State$31,500
- Out-of-state$31,500
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance Rate62%
- Students Enrolled1,886
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment35%
- AccreditationYes
#10 Criminal Justice Schools in North Carolina
Campbell University
- Buies Creek, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Average Tuition
- In-State$32,380
- Out-of-state$32,380
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled6,185
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment15%
- AccreditationYes
#11 Criminal Justice Schools in North Carolina
Rockingham Community College
- Wentworth, NC
- 2 year
- Campus
Average Tuition
- In-State$1,824
- Out-of-state$6,432
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled2,013
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment48%
- AccreditationYes
#12 Criminal Justice Schools in North Carolina
Coastal Carolina Community College
- Jacksonville, NC
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Average Tuition
- In-State$2,432
- Out-of-state$8,576
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled3,797
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
#13 Criminal Justice Schools in North Carolina
Wayne Community College
- Goldsboro, NC
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Average Tuition
- In-State$2,432
- Out-of-state$8,576
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled2,948
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
#14 Criminal Justice Schools in North Carolina
Forsyth Technical Community College
- Winston-Salem, NC
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Average Tuition
- In-State$1,824
- Out-of-state$6,432
- Retention Rate61%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled7,695
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
#15 Criminal Justice Schools in North Carolina
Southwestern Community College
- Sylva, NC
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Average Tuition
- In-State$2,128
- Out-of-state$7,504
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled2,324
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
#16 Criminal Justice Schools in North Carolina
Guilford Technical Community College
- Jamestown, NC
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Average Tuition
- In-State$2,128
- Out-of-state$7,504
- Retention Rate55%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled11,070
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment45%
- AccreditationYes
#17 Criminal Justice Schools in North Carolina
Catawba Valley Community College
- Hickory, NC
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Average Tuition
- In-State$2,128
- Out-of-state$7,504
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled4,693
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
#18 Criminal Justice Schools in North Carolina
Durham Technical Community College
- Durham, NC
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Average Tuition
- In-State$2,094
- Out-of-state$7,570
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled5,665
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment46%
- AccreditationYes
#19 Criminal Justice Schools in North Carolina
Pitt Community College
- Winterville, NC
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Average Tuition
- In-State$1,824
- Out-of-state$6,432
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled8,237
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment49%
- AccreditationYes
#20 Criminal Justice Schools in North Carolina
Isothermal Community College
- Spindale, NC
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Average Tuition
- In-State$1,824
- Out-of-state$6,432
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled2,086
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
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Careers in Criminal Justice Available in North Carolina
Whether students are interested in becoming a patrol officer or a forensic scientist, North Carolina’s criminal justice programs may help students to achieve their career goals. The table below lays out a selection of career paths typically available to students who graduate with a criminal justice degree. This table will also allow students to compare employment rates and average salaries of criminal justice employees in North Carolina.
Police, Sheriff & Highway Patrol Officers
- Total Employed in North Carolina: 20,400
- Median Salary in North Carolina: $45,280
- Degree Level Required in North Carolina: Academy Program
Correctional Officer
- Total Employed in North Carolina: 15,850
- Median Salary in North Carolina: $34,310
- Degree Level Required in North Carolina: Certification
Compliance Officer
- Total Employed in North Carolina: 6,390
- Median Salary in North Carolina: $68,400
- Degree Level Required in North Carolina: Bachelor’s
Paralegal and Legal Assistant
- Total Employed in North Carolina: 8,920
- Median Salary in North Carolina: $47,910
- Degree Level Required in North Carolina: Varies; up to Bachelor’s
Court, Municipal and License Clerks
- Total Employed in North Carolina: 2,440
- Median Salary in North Carolina: $32,290
- Degree Level Required in North Carolina: Varies, up to Bachelor’s
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
- Total Employed in North Carolina: 2,830
- Median Salary in North Carolina: $57,900
- Degree Level Required in North Carolina: Varies, up to Bachelor’s
Probation Officer
- Total Employed in North Carolina: 2,890
- Median Salary in North Carolina: $40,240
- Degree Level Required in North Carolina: Bachelor’s
Expert Advice on Criminal Justice in North Carolina: Michael G. Turner, Ph.D
Michael G. Turner, PhD is Chair and Professor of the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology at UNC Charlotte. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Cincinnati. His research is centered on understanding the causes of delinquency and crime over the life course.
Q. What should prospective criminal justice students look for in a school?
Students should seek out a school where they feel comfortable. There is not much difference between curricula from school to school. So, find a school where they are comfortable with the environment.
I think what makes any program unique is what the faculty bring to the table in terms of their research expertise. Our faculty have expertise in delinquency, theory, law enforcement, courts, corrections, etc. In addition, our curriculum has a specialty concentration area in Crime Analytics, which is basically using data to answer researchable questions in criminal justice and criminology.
Q. How can criminal justice programs prepare students specifically to work in North Carolina?
I don’t think schools prepare student to specifically work in North Carolina. Rather, schools prepare students to work wherever they may live.
Q. If there are readers who are not sure whether or not criminal justice is the right degree for them, what would you tell them?
I would tell them to take a course or two and identify if they enjoy the material and can foresee working in the criminal justice system.
Q. What makes someone a good candidate for a criminal justice career?
Good candidates are those individuals who want to work with people and to make a difference in the lives of those people.
Professional Resources for Criminal Justice in North Carolina
Business Compliance Resources
This division of the state department of labor conducts business inspections and ensures that businesses comply with state regulations.
Information for businesses and corporations about North Carolina regulations and taxes, as well as scheme alerts and forms. There is also information about online services that the state provides.
Links to tax forms for individuals and businesses in North Carolina, along with online service information.
This chapter of the ACC services 450+ members in eastern North Carolina, including Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill and surrounding areas.
The North Carolina Chamber provides business advocacy services for business owners on issues that include education, talent supply, infrastructure, growth leadership, entrepreneurship and innovation.
The SBA provides resources and connections to financing for small business owners in the U.S. This page provides North Carolina-specific information.
The EDPNC offers free small business support to business owners and entrepreneurs in North Carolina.
Correctional Resources
Information on staff employment, development, and training for correctional facilities in North Carolina.
North Carolina has one of 122 federal security prisons nation-wide. The Federal Bureau of Prisons seeks to provide more progressive and humane care for federal inmates, professionalize correctional facility employees, and ensure consistent and centralized prison administration.
This North Carolina branch of the national nonprofit works with criminals reentering society as well as people with mental illnesses who are involved in the justice system. They work to reduce spending in correctional facilities, investing instead in strategies that decrease crime and strengthen communities.
The NCPPA is a membership-based group that connects officers from around the state to network and share knowledge and training.
The organization advocates for such issues as ending the death penalty, raising the juvenile age and reducing the use of prisons and jails.
Court and Judicial Resources
Information on North Carolina’s courts and potential careers in this field. There is also a link to current judicial branch employment needs within the state.
A links page to information on North Carolina’s court system, including various courts and facilities and a portal to employment opportunities.
Links to appellate and bankruptcy courts; North Carolina’s district, state, and local courts; laws and regulations; lawyer resources; state agencies; and various departments that may assist with legal education opportunities or other judicial system information within Idaho.
Provides continuing education resources to court reporters throughout the state of North Carolina.
A nonpartisan organization of legal professionals who aim to protect individual rights in North Carolina.
Learn more about how to become a Guardian ad Litem advocate for abused and neglected children.
A statewide alliance of advocacy groups and individuals who aim to help people with criminal records reintegrate into life after incarceration.
Legal Resources
The North Carolina branch of the ACLU provides news and blogs on current events and local issues as well as information on how to get involved with local civil liberties cases.
A statewide organization dedicated to providing free legal help to low-income citizens.
This society has information on military legal assistance and military-specific legal programs, pro bono work, and lawyer referral programs in North Carolina.
An organization for lawyers and legal professionals. It has information on publications, events, and further education as well as leadership and advocacy opportunities in North Carolina.
A membership-based, not-for-profit organization that connects paralegals to provide continuing education and help with professional networking.
This committee provides resources to minorities who serve in the legal profession in North Carolina.
The NCDOJ serves the state by assisting with fighting crime in North Carolina and prosecuting cases. It also provides training and standards to law enforcement, enacts consumer protection standards and provides legal representation to state agencies.
Law Enforcement Resources
With information on the state highway patrol, capitol police, and bureau of investigations, this site has plenty of resources on the various law enforcement careers in North Carolina.
This law enforcement and criminal justice training organization offers online as well as on-site trainings that range from basic training to specialized classes in areas such as narcoterrorism.
A membership organization of law enforcement officers. They organize conferences and work to ensure North Carolina officers are well-trained and well-educated in criminal justice.
This association’s mission is to strengthen the professional law enforcement services that North Carolina sheriffs provide.
This group’s mission to support the betterment of criminal justice and provide advocacy for law enforcement officers in North Carolina. They also connect members and provide communication about legislation that affects officers in the state.
An organization that connects and provides continuing education and ethics standards to private investigators in North Carolina.
Wildlife and Environmental Resources
Information on how to pursue a career as a wildlife enforcement officer in North Carolina.
This page provides resources on how to get in touch with the appropriate officials for different county wildlife offices.
Protecting New England’s environment, the CLF uses law and science to market initiatives that protect Vermont’s natural resources. Learn more about how the CLF makes an impact and how to take action on this site.
This local branch national organization hires employees to help protect North Carolina’s natural resources.
The National Park Service employs rangers and other people interested in conserving national parks, and there are employment opportunities in the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains.
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