Exploring Alaska's Criminal Justice Programs and Career Opportunities
Professionals working in criminal justice in Alaska work against a unique backdrop. The Bureau of Land Management controls 22 million acres in the southern half of the state alone - this amount of land, in combination with borders to Canada and proximity to Russia, means there is more opportunity for officers, troopers, border patrollers and land wardens in Alaska than in many other states. The U.S. Census Bureau also reports Alaska to have the 12th highest rate of violent crime in the nation, requiring a higher number of law enforcement and legal professionals to maintain legal standards. Students who are interested in filling these positions can explore Alaska's criminal justice educational options here, as well as find program rankings and degree requirements for potential careers.
The Best Criminal Justice Schools in Alaska
| #1 | University of Alaska Fairbanks Fairbanks, AK |
| #2 | University of Alaska Anchorage Anchorage, AK |
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The Best Criminal Justice Schools in Alaska
OUR METHODOLOGY +
To be considered for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria:
- Accredited at the institutional level
- Private nonprofit or public school
- Minimum of 1 bachelor's or master's degree in subject area for 4-year schools
- Minimum of 1 associate degree or certificate program in subject area for 2-year schools
Schools were then scored on factors such as:
- Cost & Financial Aid
- Number and variety of program offerings
- Student-teacher ratios
- Graduation rates (4-year schools only)
- Placement and support services offered
- Academic/Career counseling services
- Employment services
- Loan default rates
These factors were assembled for each school and rated using a peer-based-value (PBV) calculation. PBV compares the cost of a program to the cost of other programs with the same (or similar) qualitative score and cost. PBV denotes the overall value or "bang for your buck" of a college or degree program.
Criminal justice is a diverse field, and students pursing a criminal justice degree in Alaska should carefully research and consider the programs that are available to them in-state. This list ranks the best criminal justice programs available in Alaska, and can help students differentiate among schools by factors like tuition, graduation rates and student-teacher ratios.
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University of Alaska FairbanksLocation
Fairbanks, AK
Graduation Rate33%
Through the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), students from all over can earn a bachelor's degree in justice, with online, hybrid and on-campus programs available. Reduced tuition may be available for those in the military and for high school students, and through various partnerships with colleges not offering criminal justice programs, courses from UAF may be available through the school's Small Campus Initiative. UAF also offers a master's degree in administration of justice, which focuses on the management side of the criminal justice field. The master's program is only offered online, with a one week campus visit required towards the end of the program.
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University of Alaska AnchorageLocation
Anchorage, AK
Graduation Rate26%
The University of Alaska Anchorageæ(UAA) Justice Center has several justice and legal studies undergraduate degree options, including a major or minor in justice, a bachelor's degree in legal studies and an AAS degree in paralegal studies. UAA also offers a legal nurse consultant certificate and a post-bachelor's certificate in paralegal studies, along with accelerated bachelor's and law degrees available through partnerships with universities in Washington and Oregon. UAA's Justice Center is an established research and academic unit by the Alaska Legislature, and houses the Alaska Justice Statistical Analysis and Alaska Justice Information Centers, giving students the opportunity to be involved in legal and justice research.
Most Popular Criminal Justice Careers in Alaska
As students consider degree and certification programs, they should look ahead to careers that may become available to them after they finish. The table below may be helpful for prospective students as it will clearly illustrate some popular careers in the field. Additional information included outlines the total number of people in the field in Alaska, what they make, and what education they need.
Correctional Officer
- Total Employed in Alaska1,250
- Median Salary in Alaska$57,700
- Degree Level Required in AlaskaAcademy Program
Police, Sheriff & Highway Patrol Officers
- Total Employed in Alaska1,090
- Median Salary in Alaska$77,900
- Degree Level Required in AlaskaVaries; up to Associate
Compliance Officer
- Total Employed in Alaska730
- Median Salary in Alaska$72,170
- Degree Level Required in AlaskaBachelor's
Paralegal and Legal Assistant
- Total Employed in Alaska600
- Median Salary in Alaska$60,610
- Degree Level Required in AlaskaAssociate
Court, Municipal and License Clerks
- Total Employed in Alaska560
- Median Salary in Alaska$45,040
- Degree Level Required in AlaskaVaries; up to Associate
Probation Officer
- Total Employed in Alaska300
- Median Salary in Alaska$61,170
- Degree Level Required in AlaskaBachelor's
Detectives and Criminal Investiagors
- Total Employed in Alaska90
- Median Salary in Alaska$118,190
- Degree Level Required in AlaskaAssociate
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2015
Side by Side: How Alaska Compares to Criminal Justice Nationally
Students who are considering applying to criminal justice programs in Alaska will want to think about which specialization or field of study they would like to focus on. The field of criminal justice is diverse, and some specific careers require a higher level of education than others. Students will likely have a goal of an annual salary, and they need to know what they need to do to achieve that goal. The tables below illustrate some potential careers, in terms of both mean salary and potential growth, and compares them with the national average.
Salary
| Job | National | Alaska |
|---|---|---|
| Supervisors: Patrol Officers | 85,810 | 102,910 |
| Corrections Officers | 45,320 | 59,100 |
| Detectives, Criminal Investigators | 79,620 | 112,000 |
| Admin Law Judges, Adjudicators | 93,140 | 107,380 |
| Judges, Magistrates | 116,100 | 161,880 |
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | 52,390 | 66,470 |
| Title Examiners, Abstractors | 49,840 | 59,790 |
| Supervisors: Fire and Prevention | 74,970 | 81,020 |
| Police, Sheriff and Patrol Officers | 61,270 | 77,230 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2015
Job Growth
| Job | National | Alaska |
|---|---|---|
| Fish and Game Wardens | 0.016 | 0.054 |
| Corrections Officers | 0.022 | 0.033 |
| Detectives, Criminal Investigators | -0.012 | 0.058 |
| Forest, Conservation Technician | -0.055 | 0.022 |
| Compliance Officers | 0.016 | 0.033 |
| Firefighters | 0.046 | 0.053 |
| Foresters | 0.02 | 0.084 |
| Supervisors: Police, Patrol Officers | 0.015 | 0.043 |
| Probation Officers | 0.022 | 0.036 |
Source: Projections Central, 2015
Where to Get Hired After Criminal Justice School in Alaska
Some students may be interested in the general field of criminal justice, but can't know for sure until they learn about how the degree might translate into a career in the real world. When choosing a focus or specialization during school, criminal justice students in Alaska should also think about the location they'd eventually like to work. To get an idea about where the criminal justice jobs are in Alaska, take a look at the map below, which includes salary data by area and a list of potential employers.
Protective Service
Potential Employers
Nesbett Courthouse; Fairbanks Correctional Center; Juneau Police Department; Alaska Wildlife Troopers; University of Alaska; Fairbanks Police Department; Bethel Police Department; Anchorage Animal Control; private detectives and investigator firms; Alaska Department of Commerce; Fairbanks North Star Borough School District; Alaska Recreational Protective Service Alyeska Ski Resort; Juneau International Airport
Total Number of Employees in Alaska: 7,640
Legal Occupations
Potential Employers
Alaska Department of Law; Boney Courthouse; Alaska Department of Administrative Hearings; Falmouth Institute; Alaska Association of Paralegals; private practice law firms; ACLU Alaska; State of Alaska; Alaska Department of the Interior
Total Number of Employees in Alaska: 2,140
Professional Resources for Criminal Justice in Alaska
BUSINESS COMPLIANCE RESOURCES
Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
The DCCED is the resource hub for people who are looking to start a business and stay in compliance with state regulations throughout the process. There are also links to related organizations and corporations, including banking and securities, economic development and insurance.
Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office
A division of the DCCED, the AMCO assists the DCCED with its mission of control of alcohol and marijuana commerce to address the public health and safety concerns of Alaskans. The office is made up of several business registration examiners, investigators, a program director and a program coordinator.
From sponsoring events and helping businesses interact with their communities to working on business legislation, the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce is a resource for local business regulation and reform. Their Young Professionals group is one of the largest in the nation.
Regulatory Commission of Alaska
The RCA regulates utilities and pipeline carriers throughout the state. It also monitors active certificates for public utilities and pipelines. A wide range of activities are covered under these active certificates, from small village water and waste water systems to fully regulated telecommunications companies.
This website is a posting place for government jobs in Alaska. Those interested in business compliance, legal or protective service positions currently available within state and local governments can use this online database as a jumping off point.
CORRECTIONAL RESOURCES
Alaska Correctional Officers Association
The ACOA is an advocating organization that promotes the safety and enhancement of the profession. This is an independent labor organization that holds officers returning to their family safely at the end of each shift as its primary goal.
Alaska Division of Juvenile Justice
For information on juvenile treatment, detention and justice programs, visit this Alaska Division of Juvenile Justice website. Along with providing youth-related justice reports and statistics, the DJJ offers resources for community youth programs, families and individuals, and lists information for prospective employees.
Job Opportunities, Alaska Department of Corrections Officer Recruitment
Active job postings are listed here for the correctional centers throughout the state. Correctional officers aren't the only ones who can find a job here; posting are also available for administrative assistants, criminal justice technicians and education coordinators.
COURT & JUDICIAL RESOURCES
Through the website, professionals can search for job opportunities for law clerks and other positions that are open across the state. It has specific links for judges, and also provides information on the state Supreme Court.
Alaska Department of Law, Civil Division
The Civil Division of the ADL handles court counsel for cases including the State of Alaska, providing legal advice to the governor and executive branches of state government. The site includes information on criminal justice as well as law resources and employment opportunities.
The AJC is the regulating body for judges in the state of Alaska. It makes decisions on judicial applicants and evaluates judges' performance, making its findings available to the votes who elect them.
National Center for State Courts - Alaska
NCSC is the hub of information that courts turn to on a national basis, and its page on Alaska details the specifics of the Alaska courts. It details the funding principles, the steps the state has taken to address recessions and how much of the state's budgets come from state and federal grant appropriation.
LEGAL RESOURCES
Alaska Association of Collaborative Professionals
A collection of lawyers and counseling professionals offering out-of-court legal resources for divorce litigation and resolving disputes respectfully. A portion of services are offered for free, and the organization connects professionals to families in need.
Alaska Association of Legal Administrators
A member-based organization, the Alaska ALA is the state level of the national group. The members share the goal of increasing professionalism in the field. Legal administrators gain a large support network and meet monthly, allowing them to exchange information and resources and set further goals for the group.
As lawyers in Alaska pass the bar exam and become certified, they gain entrance into the Alaska Bar Association. Member benefits include discounts on banking and communications companies, a gym membership and research software.
An extension of the University of Alaska Anchorage, the "Alaska Justice Forum" is a publication that compiles research and other articles on the justice system and legal issues facing the state and people of Alaska.
Alaska Legal Services Corporation
ALSC is a non-profit organization of lawyers that provides legal service to low income and disadvantaged people and communities. The organization has job opportunities, hosts legal training and posts volunteer openings on this page.
American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska
The ALCU of Alaska is a local branch of the national group with a mission of coalition-building, grassroots advocacy and legislation. This is a great site to stay up to date on current civil liberties issues and to find out how to get involved.
LAW ENFORCEMENT RESOURCES
Alaska Association of Chiefs of Police
The AACOP is an organization made up of the state's leaders in the police force. It has great influence over the state's legislative process as its members lobby for the interests of law enforcement.
Alaska Peace Officers Association
The APOA is a member-based organization consisting of police officers, corrections officers, security professionals and prosecutors. A non-profit, the group advocates for its members through involvement with the legislature, and also lobbies for improvements in the justice system.
Division of Alaska State Troopers
Criminal justice students who are interested in law enforcement will likely consider the Alaska State Troopers. The goal of these professionals is to preserve the peace, enforce the law, prevent and detect crime and protect life and property. Divisions of the Troopers include Bureau of Investigation, Judicial Services and Bureau of Highway Patrol.
WILDLIFE & ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES
Alaska Conservation Foundation
A public organization, ACF's goal is to protect Alaska's natural environment. They use tools of philanthropy, leadership and direct resources to organizations and initiatives. Internships are available to students and prospective professionals in this arena.
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Professionals looking to get involved with wildlife conservation should consider volunteering with the AWCC. The non-profit is committed to preserving the state's wildlife through public education efforts. Memberships are available, and AWCC provides a network for criminal justice professionals in the environmental arena.
The goal of the Troopers is to protect natural resources through wildlife enforcement. Alaska has a stunning natural landscape, and this is the group responsible for protecting it. This site has all the information one needs for learning about a career as Alaska Wildlife Trooper, including job requirements, opportunities and details on their academy.