Programs, Educational Options and Resources for Kansas Students
In a state that boasts vast open prairie spaces, attending criminal justice school in Kansas can give students a look at both urban and rural crime fighting and prevention. From metropolitan police forces to law enforcement protecting parks and natural ecosystems, Kansas employs over 35,000 professionals in legal and protective service fields associated to criminal justice. This page explores the best criminal justice schools, the variety of degree programs available and includes stats and information on some of the potential careers students can seek after criminal justice school in Kansas.
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Most Popular Criminal Justice Careers in Kansas
Kansas employs a range of people across the criminal justice field, from deputies and patrol officers to forensic scientists, paralegals and trial attorneys. Scroll over the boxes below to check out the most popular career paths for people interested in criminal justice in Kansas. These common careers include state-specific employment and salary statistics, and the degree requirements for each field in Kansas, which can be a good way to for students to check the level of education they need before pursuing a criminal justice degree. Police, Sheriff & Highway Patrol Officers Correctional Officer Compliance Officer Paralegal and Legal Assistant Court, Municipal and License Clerks Detectives and Criminal Investiagors Probation Officer
Side by Side: Comparing Kansas with Criminal Justice Nationally
As students consider attending criminal justice school in Kansas, they should also consider the cost of living in the state, and the return on investment a criminal justice degree can bring in the state. The graphs below pinpoint several careers that students in criminal justice school may consider pursuing, with detailed information about the average salary and job growth projections in Kansas compared to the national average. Each occupation also includes details about the minimum education requirements for Kansas students.
Salary
JOB | National | Kansas |
---|---|---|
Lawyer | 105,790 | 136,260 |
Arbitrators, Mediators, Conciliators | 62,300 | 69,060 |
Forensic Science Technician | 49,640 | 60,090 |
Paralegal | 44,370 | 52,390 |
Fire Inspector, Investigator | 54,590 | 59,800 |
Private Detective | 45,300 | 52,840 |
Gaming Surveillance Officer | 31,970 | 33,880 |
Fish & Game Warden | 43,750 | 54,970 |
Criminal Justice Professor | 47,090 | 64,460 |
Job Growth
JOB | National | Kansas |
---|---|---|
Police, Sheriff, Patrol Officer | 4.2% | 5.0% |
Correctional Officer | 0.2% | 3.7% |
Forensic Science Technician | 10.9% | 26.4% |
Paralegal | 7.6% | 16.9% |
Detective, Criminal Investigator | -1.2% | 1.7% |
Judge, Magistrate | 0.7% | 1.3% |
Court Clerk | 4.5% | 5.4% |
Probation Officer | -4% | 3.6% |
Criminal Justice Professor | 9.9% | 21.3% |
Where to Work after Criminal Justice School in Kansas
For criminal justice program graduates, it may be difficult to decide where in Kansas they can do the most good and meet their career and salary goals. The chart below explores the cities and regions of Kansas that employ criminal justice workers and how their wages vary by their employment location to help interested graduates see which parts of Kansas are most in need of protective service or legal employees.
- Protective Services Potential Employers Newton City Municipal Court; Ellsworth Correctional Facility; Kansas Bureau of Investigation; Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism; Kansas City City Hall; Topeka Police Department; Kansas City Area Transportation Authority; Wichita Animal Control; private detective offices; Wyandotte County School Crossing Guard Program Total Number of Employees in Kansas: 28,010
- Legal Occupations Potential Employers City of Topeka Municipal Court; Elk County District Court; Kansas Office of Administrative Hearings; Kansas Legal Services; Kansas Court of Appeals; Butler County District Court; Leavenworth County District Court; Kansas Land Title Association; Montgomery County District Court Total Number of Employees in Kansas: 7,080
Professional Resources for Criminal Justice in Kansas
Business Compliance Resources
- Association of Corporate Counsel, Mid-America Chapter
Operating in Kansas City and serving Kansas and central to western Missouri, the ACC Mid-America Chapter is a membership organization for business legal counsel professionals - Kansas Business Center
This site includes important regulatory information on starting, maintaining and operating a business in Kansas. - Better Business Bureau, Kansas City
The BBB sets and maintains standards for businesses and charities, and provides a wide range of information, including reviews, reports, directories and listings in Kansas. - Kansas Department of Revenue
A site for registering a business and paying taxes, as well as answering questions on other business tax-related topics. - Small Business/Community Support, Kansas Department of Health and Environment
As a division of the Kansas's environmental health department, this body supervises several aspects of environmental education in Kansas and provides ombudsman services for any small business queries about who to contact in the Department of the Environment.
Correctional Resources
- Kansas Correctional Association
A professional group comprised of correctional professionals in Kansas, the mission of this association is to advance the correctional process for both youth and adult offenders in the state of Kansas. - Kansas Department of Corrections
With informational resources on inmates and new policies and procedures as well as employment information, this website has all public information about Kansas' correctional facilities, community resources and contacts - Reaching Out From Within, Courage to Change
A community group supporting prison rehabilitation programs in Kansas, ROFW provides programs designed specifically to help improve inmate behavior while still in prison with their "Courage to Change" movement.
Court & Judicial Resources
- Kansas Association of Court Services Officers
The primary program for probation services for the State of Kansas, KASCO's programs include adult and juvenile parole and probation, domestic and child welfare services - Kansas Court Reporters Association
A membership group for professional court reporters in the state of Kansas. Learn more about the profession and search careers on this page. - Kansas Judicial Branch
A resource for finding Kansas City, district, appellate and supreme courts, court records and personnel and job application information - Kansas, The United States Department of Justice
Links to appellate and bankruptcy courts; Kansas district, state and local courts; laws and regulations; lawyer resources; state agencies; and various departments that may assist with legal education opportunities or other general information. - United States District Court, District of Kansas
District court information for Kansas, from forms, judges and rules to information for attorneys or those interested in self-representation.
Legal Resources
- American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas
This branch of the national protection group has information on current events, local issues and civil liberties cases in Kansas. - Kansas City Legal Secretary Association
A local branch of the National Association of Legal Secretaries, this professional group is based in Kansas City and promotes a high degree of professionalism amongst legal support workers in the state. They also provide a scholarship program. - Kansas Legal Services
A statewide non-profit working to help low-income Kansans with legal and mediation services. - Douglas County Legal Aid Society
There may be legal aid resources for major cities or various counties in Kansas, such as Douglas County, that interested parties can investigate. - Kansas Bar Association
Use this website to find out more on becoming a lawyer in Kansas, as well as find continuing legal education resources and community engagement programs.
Law Enforcement Resources
- Kansas Bureau of Investigation
This department employs special agents, forensic scientists and clerical workers to collect and disseminate high-quality evidence analysis and crime data. - Kansas Gang Investigators Association
Supporting correctional and law enforcement professionals in Kansas, the KGJA is a group for criminal justice professionals working to combat the rising number of gang related crimes in the state. - Kansas Juvenile Officers Association
A combination of the Kansas D.A.R.E. program and Kansas School Resource Officers Association, the KJOA works with the Kansas Juvenile Justice System, juvenile courts and corrections and school law enforcement. - Kansas Peace Officers Association
This organization seeks to create a community among Kansas peace officers, advance criminal justice sciences and encourage development and improvement in law enforcement standards. - Kansas Law Enforcement Crisis Intervention Team Council
Part of a movement to educate and train first responders to safely engage with individuals experiencing mental health crises, reducing the risk of escalation and violence. - Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center
Information on basic training as well as continuing education, upcoming events and further resources for law enforcement personnel.
Wildlife & Environmental Resources
- Kansas International Association of Arson Investigators
From wildland to community fire inspection and investigation, the KSIAAI focuses on fire-related issues in the state of Kansas, and provides training and scholarship programs for students. - Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism
An informational resource on hunting, fishing, boating, camping and other outdoor activities. There are links to resources about licenses and education and employment opportunities. - Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge
This site has information on hunting and fishing in Kansas' national wildlife refuge. It also has a page on employment as a Federal Wildlife Officer. - Kansas Wildlife Federation
A local affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation, the KWF is an advocate for wildlife, sportsmen and environmental managers across Kansas' ecosystems.
The Best Criminal Justice Schools in Kansas
Many factors determine the best criminal justice schools in each state. For Kansas, this list ranks some of the most important factors for students - like cost, enrollment and student-to-teacher ratios - to rank each criminal justice school in Kansas from top to bottom. Check out the stats each school provides below.
These rankings include
#1 Criminal Justice Schools in Kansas
Washburn University
Topeka, KS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students seeking a flexible bachelor's degree program should consider Washburn University. Of its 61 bachelor's degree programs, nine are offered online. Both modalities support rigorous study and connect students with premier faculty and supportive learning communities.
Degree-seekers gain criminal justice skills and knowledge through classes, lectures, and experiential learning opportunities. Students can work with their academic advisor to customize their degree and study trajectory. Enrollees can access career services, academic advising, and other resources throughout their program.
Students can meet with a financial aid counselor to determine their eligibility for funding and explore scholarships, fellowships, and other forms of aid. The college reports an average financial aid award package of $5,912.
#2 Criminal Justice Schools in Kansas
Newman University
Wichita, KS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Learners seeking flexible study should consider Newman University. Located in Wichita, Kansas, the private institution offers competitive, flexible programs that can be completed in person or online. Students connect with supportive faculty, colleagues, and other staff through in-person and online learning environments.
Students near and far benefit from a supportive learning community. Degree-seekers receive a robust education, completing coursework that familiarizes them with their field of interest. Learners also have the option to pursue experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and research projects.
Learners can customize their studies, choose electives, and declare degree concentrations and minors. Students seeking academic and career guidance can connect with campus resources, such as academic advising and career services.
Depending on eligibility, students can apply for scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities. The institution reports that 97% of all degree-seekers receive some form of financial aid.
#3 Criminal Justice Schools in Kansas
Wichita State University
Wichita, KS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Wichita State University, a public college in Kansas, provides flexible study options for undergraduate students near and far. The public college offers 87 bachelor's degree programs, 10 of which are fully remote. Students benefit from a supportive learning environment and personalized interactions with faculty and staff.
Students complete foundational and advanced coursework, as well as industry-specific lectures. Degree-seekers can work with their academic advisor to modify their coursework, pick electives, and customize their learning to suit their academic and professional goals. Students receive guidance throughout their program through academic advising, career services, and other resources.
Students can meet with a financial aid counselor to determine their eligibility for funding and explore scholarships, fellowships, and other forms of aid. The college notes that 89% of all enrollees receive some form of financial aid.
#4 Criminal Justice Schools in Kansas
Kansas Wesleyan University
Salina, KS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Undergraduate students can benefit from a flexible, thorough education at Kansas Wesleyan University. Undergraduate students can access hybrid learning opportunities, with the option to study in person or online. Undergraduate students connect with peers, faculty, and staff through a supportive learning community.
Remote and campus-based students connect with peers, faculty, and staff through a supportive learning environment. As part of the program curriculum, students complete coursework and attend industry-relevant lectures. Participants take foundational classes, as well as advanced coursework, with the option to modify their schedule and choose electives.
Learners can customize their studies to suit their personal and professional goals. Enrollees can access institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising, throughout their studies.
The college connects students with a variety of funding opportunities to defray educational costs.
#5 Criminal Justice Schools in Kansas
Bethany College
Lindsborg, KS - 4 years
- Campus
Bethany College provides premier degree programs suitable for undergraduate students. To date, the college offers 52 in-person bachelor's programs.
While enrolled, students complete foundational and advanced coursework, gaining skills and knowledge relevant to their subject field. Students have the option to modify their classes, choose electives, and customize their curriculum. While enrolled, students can access institutional resources including career services and academic advising.
The college connects students with numerous funding opportunities, including scholarships and federal financial aid. The college notes that 98% of all enrollees receive some form of financial aid.
#6 Criminal Justice Schools in Kansas
Fort Hays State University
Hays, KS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Undergraduate students seeking competitive study should consider one of Fort Hays State University's 52 bachelor's programs. Of its 52 bachelor's degree programs, 24 are offered online. Enrollees connect with peers, faculty, and staff, either through campus learning environments or virtual classrooms.
Enrollees take foundational and advanced classes, learning the ins and outs of their field. Students can modify their degree depending on their career goals, in consultation with an academic advisor. Students can access institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising, throughout the course of their studies.
Depending on eligibility, students can apply scholarships, fellowships, and other funding toward their educational expenses. The college boasts an average financial aid award package of $5,162, with 96% of all enrollees receiving some form of aid.
#7 Criminal Justice Schools in Kansas
Central Christian College of Kansas
McPherson, KS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Central Christian College of Kansas is a private college offering premier bachelor's-level education to students worldwide. A leader in hybrid education, the private college supports both in-person and online learning. According to the college, undergraduates can access 38 bachelor's degree programs on campus or pursue remote study across seven degree tracks.
Whether learning in person or online, students join a supportive learning community, working alongside peers, faculty, and staff. Students in the criminal justice program build competency through rigorous coursework and industry-relevant lectures. Learners also have the option to pursue experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and research projects.
Learners can customize their studies to suit their personal and professional goals. Throughout their studies, learners can work with career services and academic advising to receive further guidance.
The financial aid office can connect students with funding opportunities to make the cost of college manageable. To date, 98% of all enrolled students receive financial aid awards.
#8 Criminal Justice Schools in Kansas
Sterling College
Sterling, KS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Sterling College supports flexible educational opportunities for students near and far. The school supports hybrid learning opportunities, with in-person and online programs. According to the college, undergraduates can access 34 bachelor's degree programs on campus or pursue remote study across five degree tracks.
Remote and campus-based students connect with peers, faculty, and staff through a supportive learning environment. Criminal justice students take field-specific courses as part of the program curriculum. Students complete foundational and advanced coursework, gaining a well-rounded education.
Learners can customize their studies in consultation with an academic advisor, to suit their personal and professional goals. Throughout their program, learners can work with career services and academic advising to receive further guidance.
Depending on eligibility, students can apply for scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities. The institution boasts that 100% of all enrollees receive some form of financial aid.
#9 Criminal Justice Schools in Kansas
Friends University
Wichita, KS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students looking to jump-start their career should consider a bachelor's degree from Friends University. Students can enroll in one of 47 campus-based bachelor's programs or opt for remote study across five subject areas. Enrollees connect with peers, faculty, and staff, either through campus learning environments or a virtual classroom.
Students gain skills and knowledge through their coursework and become better prepared for their future career. Students can modify their degree depending on their career goals, in consultation with an academic advisor. While enrolled, participants benefit from career and academic counselors, receiving personal and academic guidance.
Prospective students can inquire with the financial aid office about funding opportunities and explore their eligibility for scholarships, fellowships, and other aid. Of all enrollees, 100% receive financial aid awards.
#10 Criminal Justice Schools in Kansas
MidAmerica Nazarene University
Olathe, KS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
MidAmerica Nazarene University provides premier degree programs suitable for undergraduate students. The private college offers 49 bachelor's degree programs, five of which are fully remote. Undergraduate students benefit from skilled faculty, rigorous coursework, and a supportive learning environment.
Enrollees take foundational and advanced classes, learning the ins and outs of their field. Students can work with an academic advisor to customize their degree and declare minors and degree concentrations. Enrollees can access institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising, throughout the course of their studies.
Based on their eligibility, students can receive scholarships, fellowships, and other financial aid awards. The college boasts that 99% of all enrollees receive some form of aid.