Criminal Justice Schools in Missouri

Students in Saint Louis University's criminology and criminal justice program gain insight into criminal behavior and its causes. Curriculum is designed to engage learners in theory, research, and practice to form a well-rounded professional. In addition to studying criminal offending and victimization, students learn about the law and law enforcement, correctional facilities, and court administration. The program includes opportunities for fieldwork, as well as volunteer work placements in hundreds of local social service and criminal justice agencies. Beyond the standard undergraduate program, students can also take honors courses in criminal justice, or pursue a minor in the field while majoring in another subject area.

Missouri Southern State University offers criminal justice students a varied curriculum and a flexible schedule, with day, evening, hybrid, and online course options. If desired, students can complete the program fully online. Class sizes are small, and professors give students individual academic attention. Curriculum imparts the value of community service and an international perspective. As such, those interested in travel or criminal justice outside of the United States can participate in international education opportunities. Criminal justice professionals who are returning to school to enhance their education and career options are encouraged to seek college credit for their work experiences through a portfolio process.

With associate and bachelor's degrees in criminal justice and legal studies, Missouri Western State University has a number of options for students interested in the law, corrections, and justice. Aspiring police officers can enter the school's law enforcement academy, which prepares students to work for area police agencies with full-time day classes or part-time evening classes. Students can access support services through the student success and academic advising center, which connects learners with faculty advisors in the criminal justice and legal studies department and disseminates information on resources across campus. Additional services are provided by the center for academic support, which offers tutoring for most courses.

Park University combines liberal arts classes with professional studies in its criminal justice administration programs to prepare well-rounded professionals. Curriculum includes criminal law and procedure, as well as research and writing courses. Beyond the degree programs, the school also has a certificate program in terrorism and homeland security that centers on problem solving for terrorist threats and the protection of national interests. Learners in this program study emergency management and preparedness for both natural and unnatural threats and events. Students can pursue the school's bachelor's, associate, or certificate programs in numerous locations across the country, or through fully-online programs.

Criminal justice students at the University of Central Missouri are provided with a holistic education that combines classroom work and field experiences. Students learn about management and administration in addition to investigations, forensics, and policing. Many students choose to participate in departmental organizations to round out their educational experience and network with classmates. These organizations include local chapters of the American Criminal Justice Association, the National Criminal Justice Honor Society, and the Pre-Law Students Association, as well as the student chapter of the American Correctional Association. Graduates of the program have a high success rate of job placement with possible positions including security officer, federal police officer, state trooper, and paralegal.