Schools, Degrees and Resources for Connecticut Students
The FBI has reported a steady downward trend for crime in Connecticut since 2014, which could be attributed to better security measures and adequate employment of police and law enforcement professionals in major cities and towns. From serving as a detective to working at the court house, there are several rewarding careers to explore in legal and protective fields across Connecticut. Those looking for what to study in criminal justice school can get career information here before receiving the training they need at Connecticut's reputable and accredited criminal justice schools. This guide provides information about the best schools, degree options and career resources available for criminal justice students.
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THE BEST CRIMINAL JUSTICE SCHOOLS IN CONNECTICUT
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.
Searching for criminal justice schools in Connecticut that offer affordable programs, an array of options, and the right degree levels for different legal and protective service career paths can be a challenge. Use the list below to narrow down the search-this details the best programs in the state based on important factors like tuition costs and graduation rates. See who ranks highest below.
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Criminal Justice Schools in Connecticut
University of New Haven
West Haven, CT - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of New Haven supports a variety of undergraduate-level degree options. Undergraduate students can choose from in-person and remote programs. To date, the private college supports 61 bachelor's programs, one of which is online.
Learners studying in person and online benefit from a supportive learning community. Throughout their studies, enrollees in the criminal justice program complete field-specific coursework as part of the program curriculum. Learners can also pursue internships, research projects, and experiential learning opportunities to supplement their learning.
Enrollees work with an academic advisor and customize their degree to meet their academic and career goals. A leader in student success, the college connects enrollees with career services, academic advising, and other supportive resources.
Depending on their eligibility, students can apply for scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities. The school reports that 99% of all enrollees receive some form of aid.
#2 Criminal Justice Schools in Connecticut
Sacred Heart University
Fairfield, CT - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Sacred Heart University is a private college offering premier bachelor's-level education to students worldwide. The institution offers hybrid degree programs at the undergraduate level. To date, the school delivers 37 bachelor’s programs, with one online degree option.
Students near and far benefit from a supportive learning community. Criminal justice students follow a rigorous program curriculum. Degree-seekers can supplement their learning through experiential learning opportunities, such as research projects and internships.
Learners can customize their studies to suit their personal and professional goals. Throughout their program, learners can work with career services and academic advising to receive further guidance.
Students can meet with a financial aid counselor to explore funding opportunities. To date, 100% of all enrolled students receive financial aid awards.
#3 Criminal Justice Schools in Connecticut
University of Bridgeport
Bridgeport, CT - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Bridgeport supports a variety of undergraduate-level degree options. The private institution offers hybrid degree programs at the bachelor's level. Learners can choose from 35 bachelor's degree programs and can opt for remote study across four programs.
The college connects students with peers, faculty, and staff in campus-based and remote learning communities. Criminal justice students complete field-specific coursework as part of the program curriculum. Learners also have the option to pursue experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and research projects.
Students can modify their coursework, choose electives, and declare minors and degree concentrations. A leader in student success, the college connects enrollees with career services, academic advising, and other support resources.
To defray the costs of education, students can apply for scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities. According to the college, 99% of all enrollees receive financial aid.
#4 Criminal Justice Schools in Connecticut
University of Hartford
West Hartford, CT - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The University of Hartford supports a variety of undergraduate-level degree options. Students benefit from hybrid learning opportunities, with the option to study in person or online. The college campus and online learning environment enable students to connect with peers, faculty, and staff during their program.
Learners studying in person and online benefit from a supportive learning community. Criminal justice students follow a rigorous program curriculum. Enrollees complete general and advanced classes, and can modify their course load to suit their career goals.
Students can declare minors and degree concentrations and can further customize their studies in consultation with an academic advisor. Learners can also connect with career services to receive guidance throughout the program.
When preparing for the cost of education, degree-seekers can meet with the financial aid office to explore funding opportunities. To date, 98% of all enrolled students receive financial aid awards.
#5 Criminal Justice Schools in Connecticut
Quinnipiac University
Hamden, CT - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students seeking a flexible bachelor's degree program should consider Quinnipiac University. To date, the college offers 60 in-person bachelor's programs, two of which are fully remote. Students benefit from a supportive learning community, top-ranked faculty, and motivated peers.
Students complete foundational and advanced coursework, as well as industry-specific lectures. Learners can customize their studies by choosing electives and declaring minors and degree concentrations. Students can access institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising, throughout the course of their studies.
Prospective students can inquire with the financial aid office about funding opportunities and can explore their eligibility for scholarships, fellowships, and other aid.
MOST POPULAR CRIMINAL JUSTICE CAREERS IN CONNECTICUT
When exploring different careers in the criminal justice field, it can be helpful to review different degree requirements for in-demand jobs and average salaries in the state of Connecticut. Some of the most popular jobs in the state require training at the Connecticut Police Academy, while others may require gaining work experience at the Connecticut Superior Court and other judicial branches. Review the table below to see some of the most popular criminal justice careers in Connecticut:
Police, Sheriff & Highway Patrol Officers
Paralegal and Legal Assistant
Correctional Officer
Compliance Officer
Court, Municipal and License Clerks
Detectives and Criminal Investiagors
Probation Officer
WHERE TO GET HIRED AFTER CRIMINAL JUSTICE SCHOOL IN CONNECTICUT
Hartford and New Haven are the major cities in Connecticut, parts of the state where there may be a higher demand for law enforcement and legal professionals. The FBI has a federal prison in Danbury, the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Danbury, which is a low-security prison for male inmates. When comparing criminal justice schools in Connecticut, it can also be helpful to review salary information for different types of jobs by area. Use the table below to see the total number of employers by area for legal and protective service jobs in Connecticut:
-
Protective Services
Potential Employers Connecticut Supreme Court; Garner Correctional Institution; Norwalk Police Department; Connecticut State Police; Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection; City of Hartford; Yale University; Manchester Police Animal Control; private detective firms; Connecticut Department Consumer Protection; Southington Public Schools; Bradley International Airport Total Number of Employees in Connecticut: 36,350 -
Legal Occupations
Potential Employers Private law firms; Windham County Courthouse; Hartford County Courts; District of Connecticut; Connecticut Supreme Court; Connecticut Attorney General; Connecticut Secretary of State Office; Connecticut Parole Board; Connecticut Judicial Branch Offices; Derby Superior Courthouse Total Number of Employees in Connecticut: 14,660
LARGEST AREAS OF EMPLOYMENT IN DESCENDING ORDER
Protective service
- Hartford
- Bridgeport, Norwalk
- New Haven
Legal service
- Hartford
- Bridgeport, Norwalk
- New Haven
PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN CONNECTICUT
BUSINESS COMPLIANCE RESOURCES
- Connecticut Department of Revenue Services - Primarily responsible for the collection of taxes in the state of Connecticut, this organization is also a valuable resource for individuals who need to register a business and learn about business requirements.
- Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development - A comprehensive website outlining business development initiatives, small business resources, financing options and the last updates from the commissioner.
- State of Connecticut Department of Labor - Provides information about laws and legislation, minimum wage requirements in the State of Connecticut and employment and training services.
Correctional Resources
- Connecticut Department of Correction - A comprehensive section of the State of Connecticut website with a fugitive tip line,statistics, victim services and employment opportunities.
- Connecticut Parole and Community Services - Those interested in helping inmates after their release from the Department of Corrections can get more information on Connecticut's various parole and community service programs here.
- Community Partners in Action - Providing recovery services for parolees, the Community Partners in Action group advocates for criminal justice reform. This site also includes employment postings.
- Federal Correctional Institution, Danbury - This is a low security federal correctional institution with a minimum security satellite camp nearby. The website provides visiting information as well as job vacancies.
COURT & JUDICIAL RESOURCES
- Connecticut Juvenile Justice Alliance - A combination of several community groups in Connecticut, the CTJJA's mission is to reduce the number of young adults entering the juvenile justice system by providing education programs and criminal justice support for at-risk youth.
- Connecticut Superior Court - The website includes legal fees, information about hours and court closings, a listing of Superior Court Judges and volunteer and job opportunities for qualified candidates.
- Justice Education Center - A Hartford based group focused on court reform and juvenile justice issues in Connecticut. Their efforts include partnerships with government programs, university systems and communities promoting overall public safety.
- State of Connecticut Judicial Branch - The Judicial Branch recruits for a number of positions, including Judicial Marshal trainees, assistant clerks, office clerks and juvenile detention officer trainees. The website includes updates about job openings, the job shadow program and experiential learning programs.
- United States District Court District of Connecticut Courthouses - With offices in New Haven, Hartford and Bridgeport, the United States District Court website for Connecticut includes information about jury services, legal forms and programs and services.
LEGAL RESOURCES
- Connecticut Women's Education and Legal Fund - A public policy and advocacy group providing legal, educational and research information regarding women's equality issues in Connecticut. From legal help to legislative advocacy, the group offers for volunteer and internship positions for students.
- Connecticut Bar Association - Legal resources for lawyers and aspiring lawyers that need information about legal representation in Connecticut, access to legal publications and CLE/Education information.
- Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut - Organization that offers free legal advice for low-income residents of Connecticut. Includes details about offering pro bono services and volunteering with the organization.
- University of Connecticut Thomas J. Meskill Law Library - The University of Connecticut School of Law Thomas J. Meskill Law Library maintains a comprehensive database of legal research guides, an online catalog of legal treatises and a database search tool for easy retrieval of information.
LAW ENFORCEMENT RESOURCES
- Connecticut Department of Labor Police and Sheriff Patrol Officer Jobs - Those searching for police officer and sheriff patrol officer jobs can find new listings and updates about training programs on this website. Includes comprehensive job descriptions, educational requirements and licensing information.
- Connecticut State Fraternal Order of Police - The official police union page for Connecticut officers gives inside information on what it means to be a peace officer in the state. From benefit information to team building and special events, prospective police officers can also find out more on the history of the group on this page.
- Police Association of Connecticut - This website is dedicated to protect and promote the welfare of police officers throughout the state of Connecticut. It includes a membership application, insurance information and resources for police officers at all career levels.
WILDLIFE & ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES
- Department of Energy & Environmental Protection Wildlife Division - The DEEP Wildlife Division provides information about wildlife and habitat management throughout the state of Connecticut, permits, programs, services and the latest reports on different animals and birds.
- Connecticut Association of Conservation and Inland Wetlands - This organization promotes environmental quality through educational programs and conservation efforts. Its plan has been approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The website includes a wealth of resources, tools and educational information.This organization promotes environmental quality through educational programs and conservation efforts. Its plan has been approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The website includes a wealth of resources, tools and educational information.
- Connecticut Land Conservation Council - The CLCC works to increase the pace, quality, scale and permanency of land conservation in Connecticut. Includes information about bylaws and business plans, its annual conference, and training and educational opportunities.