Best Criminal Justice Schools in Mississippi

ASO Staff Writers
By
Updated on May 10, 2023

Academic Programs and Career Paths for Criminal Justice Students

Mississippi has a crime rate 10 percent above the national average, making careers in criminal justice in-demand in the state. Those interested in attending criminal justice school in Mississippi can transition into industries such as criminal investigation and prosecution, correctional facility, judicial and legal work or even wildlife and natural resources law enforcement. This page offers information about Mississippi’s best criminal justice schools, as well as state-specific employment, salary and job growth resources for current or prospective students, and anyone interested in exploring a degree in criminal justice.

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Mississippi’s Best Criminal Justice Degree Programs

With a variety of program options, specializations and criminal justice schools spread across Mississippi, the search for the perfect school can be difficult. The list below provides an analysis of which schools offer the best overall value for criminal justice students. Each criminal justice school is scored and ranked by features like tuition cost, acceptance rates and financial aid availability. These variables can help college-bound students efficiently assess Mississippi’s best criminal justice programs.

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
#1 Best Criminal Justice Schools in Mississippi

Mississippi Valley State University

  • Location-markerItta Bena, MS
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

Students seeking a flexible bachelor's degree should consider Mississippi Valley State University. The Itta Bena-based college supports both in-person and remote bachelor's programs. Students across modalities connect with peers and faculty through a supportive learning community.

Enrollees pursing a bachelor of science in criminal justice gain skills and knowledge through lectures, coursework, and other learning opportunities. Depending on their career goals, students can declare a double major, minor, or degree concentration. Enrollees can access institutional resources including career services and academic advising.

Applicants may be eligible for funding, such as scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid, to defray the costs of education. The college boasts an average financial aid award package of $8,690, with 98% of all enrollees receiving some form of aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$6,726
  • Out-of-state$6,726
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$7,560
  • Out-of-state$7,560
  • Retention Rate61%
  • Acceptance Rate65%
  • Students Enrolled2,147
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment50%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best Criminal Justice Schools in Mississippi

University of Southern Mississippi

  • Location-markerHattiesburg, MS
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

University of Southern Mississippi supports a variety of undergraduate-level degrees. Learners can pursue remote study or learn from the college's campus in Hattiesburg. Students pursuing the bachelor's in criminal justice connect with supportive faculty, colleagues, and other staff through in-person and online learning environments.

Degree-seekers complete general and advanced coursework as part of the program curriculum. Enrollees can also pursue experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and research projects.

Students can modify their coursework, choose electives, and declare minors and degree concentrations. Throughout their studies, learners can work with career services and academic advising to receive further guidance.

Degree candidates can meet with a financial aid counselor to explore funding options. The institution reports that 93% of all enrollees receive some form of financial aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$8,786
  • Out-of-state$10,786
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,786
  • Out-of-state$10,786
  • Retention Rate68%
  • Acceptance Rate97%
  • Students Enrolled14,133
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment70%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Best Criminal Justice Schools in Mississippi

University of Mississippi

  • Location-markerUniversity, MS
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

Students seeking a flexible bachelor's degree can learn at their own pace at University of Mississippi. Undergraduate students can choose from in-person and remote degrees. To date, the school offers 78 bachelor’s programs, with three online degree options.

Enrollees pursuing a bachelor of science in criminal justice can connect with a supportive learning community, whether in person or online. Degree candidates complete general and major-specific coursework. Participants take foundational and advanced classes, with the option to modify their schedule and choose electives.

In consultation with an academic advisor, students can pursue degree concentrations and minors. Learners further benefit from access to institutional resources, such as academic advising and career services.

Students can meet with the financial aid office to determine their eligibility for scholarships and other educational funding. At the college, 86% of all incoming students receive financial aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$8,718
  • Out-of-state$24,990
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,718
  • Out-of-state$24,989
  • Retention Rate87%
  • Acceptance Rate88%
  • Students Enrolled21,617
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment38%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Best Criminal Justice Schools in Mississippi

Jackson State University

  • Location-markerJackson, MS
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

Students seeking a flexible bachelor's degree can learn at their own pace at Jackson State University. Learners can choose from a variety of degrees, either in person or online. Students pursuing a bachelor of science in criminal justice connect with supportive faculty, colleagues, and other staff through in-person and online learning environments.

The college provides students with a competitive education through intensive study. Learners can also pursue internships, research projects, and experiential learning opportunities to supplement their education.

Degree-seekers can modify their coursework, choose electives, and declare minors and degree concentrations. Students can receive guidance through career services, academic advising, and other institutional resources.

When preparing for degree costs, applicants can meet with the financial aid office to explore funding opportunities. The institution boasts that 98% of all enrollees receive some form of financial aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$8,270
  • Out-of-state$8,270
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$8,270
  • Out-of-state$8,270
  • Retention Rate77%
  • Acceptance Rate68%
  • Students Enrolled7,020
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment61%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Best Criminal Justice Schools in Mississippi

Delta State University

  • Location-markerCleveland, MS
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online

Undergraduate students can benefit from a flexible, thorough education at Delta State University. Learners can choose from on-campus and online programs. Students pursuing a bachelor of science in social justice and criminology can connect with peers, faculty, and staff during their program.

Degree-seekers connect with a supportive learning community, whether in person or online. Criminal justice students follow a rigorous program curriculum. These classes equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to advance in their future career.

In consultation with an academic advisor, enrollees can modify their coursework, choose electives, and pursue degree concentrations and minors. A leader in student success, the college connects enrollees with career services, academic advising, and other supportive resources.

Learners can meet with a financial aid counselor to determine their eligibility for scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid. The institution boasts that 94% of all enrollees receive some form of financial aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$7,501
  • Out-of-state$7,501
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$7,501
  • Out-of-state$7,501
  • Retention Rate67%
  • Acceptance Rate94%
  • Students Enrolled3,751
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment49%
  • AccreditationYes

Top Criminal Justice Careers in Mississippi

A degree in criminal justice may lead to many different careers. Take a look at some of the most common occupations for criminal justice school grads in Mississippi below. Before choosing a specialization within criminal justice, college-bound students can get a feel for what each profession looks like in the state of Mississippi, including average salaries and the level of education required for each profession.

Projected Job Growth and Annual Salaries in Mississippi

When choosing a criminal justice school in Mississippi it may also be important to consider the legal and protective service career options available in the state. With crime rates 10 percent higher than the national average, many criminal justice oriented fields show higher than average job growth projections. Compare Mississippi’s numbers on the graphs below and learn about which degree each specialized position within criminal justice requires, from Doctorate to Associate.

Salary

JobNationalMississippi
Criminal Justice Professor63,23064,460
Probation Officer31,64054,080
Bailiff30,65044,900
Court Reporter32,27054,720
Rehabilitation Counselor32,22037,330
Forensic Science Technician51,42060,090
Administrative Law Judge79,28089,970
Gaming Investigators32,04034,790

Job Growth

JobNationalMississippi
Transportation Security-0.090.095
Administrative Law Judge-0.0330.018
Compliance Officer0.0330.055
Correctional Officer0.0370.144
Detectives, Criminal Investigator-0.0120.045
Bailiff0.0470.071
Paralegal, Legal Assistant0.0760.097
Court Reporter0.0150.044

Source: Projections Central, 2015

Highest Employment Areas for Criminal Justice in Mississippi

Before enrolling in criminal justice school, students may want to have a better understanding of the most employable areas in the state. Michigan has many large-population cities with criminal justice career opportunities, examples mapped below. Details on common industry careers and the largest employment areas in the state of Michigan are included-scroll over the map to learn about each region.

Largest areas of employment in descending order

Protective service

  1. Jackson
  2. Gulfport, Biloxi
  3. Northeast Mississippi
  4. Southeast Mississippi
  5. Northwest Mississippi

Legal service

  1. Jackson
  2. Northeast Mississippi
  3. Gulfport, Biloxi
  4. Southeast Mississippi
  5. Northwest Mississippi

Additional Information on Criminal Justice in Mississippi

Business Compliance Resources

Correctional Resources

Court & Judicial Resources

Legal Resources

Law Enforcement Resources

Wildlife & Environmental Resources