Criminal Justice Schools in Connecticut [2022 Guide]

The University of New Haven offers both AS and BS degrees in criminal justice, a BA degree in forensic psychology, a variety of criminal justice certificates and related minors such as forensic science, fire science and arson/fire investigation. BS students will complete required core courses, and can choose electives with concentrations in corrections, crime analysis, investigative services, juvenile and family services, law enforcement administration and victim services administration, with internship opportunities in their areas of interest. The AS degree can be earned once a student has completed the first two years of either the law enforcement or corrections courses.

Sacred Heart University (SHU) offers a minor, bachelor's or master's degree in criminal justice, along with a five-year accelerated BS-MA degree, which is designed for high school students demonstrating academic performance and an interest in the criminal justice field. BS students will complete an internship with either a public or private agency within the criminal justice system, and master's students will be required to take a comprehensive exam, or produce a thesis if planning to later pursue a PhD. Police, correction, parole and probation officers currently enrolled in the SHU criminal justice master's degree program may be eligible to receive reduced tuition.

Goodwin College has several career-focused degree programs, including associate degrees in criminal justice and homeland security. Criminal justice students can complete general education courses online, while the degree specific courses are on-campus, with day and evening classes available. Students can choose electives concentrated in areas such as homeland security, computer crime, forensics and law enforcement, and are required to complete their degrees with either a research project or an internship, which are chosen and secured by the students themselves. Graduates go on to work in a variety of settings, including law enforcement agencies, corrections, security, customs and border patrol.

The Justice and Law Administration Department at Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) offers a minor in justice law administration and a BS degree with concentrations in law enforcement, corrections, criminology, legal studies and paralegal preparation. The BS typically takes about four years to complete, preparing students to continue to graduate or law school, or for employment in the criminal justice field in areas such as law enforcement, private security, investigation, rehabilitation and paralegal. WCSU resources available to criminal justice students include academic advisement through advisors and faculty, the Ancell Mentor Program, career services for both students and alumni and the Justice and Law Club.

At the University of Bridgeport, students can minor in pre-law or criminal justice, and can also pursue a BA degree in social science with a criminal justice concentration, or a BA or MA degree in criminal justice and human security. These degrees prepare students for careers in the criminal justice field while also providing a foundation for graduate school, depending on students' goals. For completion of the master's degree, students will complete a capstone course, a competency project, an internship and two years of foreign language study. Internships available to students are commonly with local and state city police and federal agencies.

Housatonic Community College's associate in science degree with an emphasis in criminal justice is designed to aid new students and students with previous work experience alike. Administered through both online and in-person courses, all Housatonic Community College classes will provide students with a path to the fulfilling career they hope to achieve. Many classes at HCC are also fully transferrable, giving students the opportunity to relocate or move into a four-year institution after finishing their HCC program. Because earning a college degree is often an intensive pursuit, HCC provides several student services to make sure their learners stay on track to finishing their program.

Manchester Community College offers numerous criminal justice programs, including an associate of science degree and four specialized certificates. Students interested in pursuing a career in criminal justice will be provided with a thorough education administered through specialized classes taught by experienced faculty members. Students interested in finishing their degree sooner may wish to consider MCC's winter and summer courses. MCC allows its students to fill their free time with on campus events, mentoring programs, and student employment. The MCC campus also comes complete with a fully equipped fitness and recreation center, allowing students to regulate their wellness while furthering their education.

A career in the criminal justice field awaits students graduating from Naugatuck Valley Community College with an associate of science degree in criminal justice and public safety. In addition to completing their traditional two-year program, students will be able to concurrently complete one or more of NVCC's specialized certificates. The staff at NVCC is conscious of the fact that earning a degree can cause financial stress; that's why a variety of financial aid packages and flexible payment plans are available to all qualifying students. If a student begins to feel that they are falling behind in their studies, they have the option to catch up with NVCC's tutoring center and advisement center.

Graduates from Tunxis Community College's associate program for criminal justice will find they have received the education necessary to succeed in their future public service careers. Law enforcement classes are taught by faculty members who are familiar with the criminal justice field, and students will be in classes small enough to ensure a personalized experience. Online classes are also an option for students who are looking to spend less time on campus and more time working from a location of their choosing. TCC strives to honor as many transfer credits from outside institutions as possible, helping students to earn their degree in an efficient and timely manner.

At Three Rivers Community College, students are able to pursue their associate degree in various criminal justice fields including enforcement, treatment and criminology studies as well as certificates in criminal justice and security loss prevention. The associate degree programs are designed to prepare students to enter entry-level positions or transfer to a four-year college upon graduation. The school works closely with over a dozen four-year institutions to ensure easy transfer of credits. The Advising and Counseling Center is available for students to learn more about their academic options.