The Best Degrees, Careers and Resources for Criminal Justice Students
As the state's interest in cracking down on crime begins to take precedence over economic concerns, criminal justice schools in New Mexico may play increasingly significant roles in producing qualified legal and protective service professionals statewide. However, students looking to find the right New Mexico criminal justice school for them may have a hard time figuring out where to begin their educational and professional pursuits. This guide provides numerous tools, lists and resources to help students find quality criminal justice schools in New Mexico and learn about the various criminal justice careers available to them.
DEGREE LEADERBOARD: BEST CRIMINAL JUSTICE SCHOOLS IN NEW MEXICO FOR 2017
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.
New Mexico is home to a variety of different schools where students can get a solid criminal justice education. It's great to have options, but prospective students may have a hard time gauging the quality of the criminal justice schools on their lists. The list below ranks the best criminal justice schools in New Mexico based on a combination of factors, like tuition, acceptance rates, student-to-teacher ratio and total enrollment.
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These rankings include
#1 Criminal Justice Schools in New Mexico
Western New Mexico University
Silver City, NM - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Looking for a premier education to jump-start your career? Consider one of the 38 bachelor’s degrees from Western New Mexico University. Students can choose from 38 in-person bachelor's degree programs and 16 remote programs.
Students gain skills and knowledge through their coursework, and become better prepared for their future careers. Learners can customize their studies by choosing electives and declaring minors and degree concentrations. Enrollees can receive further guidance through academic advising, career services, and other resources.
Students may be eligible for scholarships, fellowships, and other financial aid awards. The college boasts an average financial aid award package of $6,570, with 95% of all enrollees receiving some form of aid.
#2 Criminal Justice Schools in New Mexico
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM - 4 years
- Online + Campus
New Mexico State University supports flexible educational opportunities for undergraduate students. Learners can choose from a variety of degree programs, in person and online. Learners can choose from 89 bachelor's degree programs or opt for remote study across 12 programs.
Learners studying on campus and online benefit from a supportive learning community. Criminal justice students complete field-specific coursework as part of the program curriculum. Enrollees take general and advanced classes and can modify their course load to suit their career goals.
Learners can customize their studies in consultation with an academic advisor, to suit their personal and professional goals. While enrolled, learners can connect with institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising, to receive further guidance.
To manage the cost of education, students can apply for scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities through the financial aid office. The average student receives approximately $8,853 in financial aid, with 99% of all enrollees receiving some form of aid.
#3 Criminal Justice Schools in New Mexico
Eastern New Mexico University
Portales, NM - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Eastern New Mexico University provides premier degree programs suitable for undergraduate students. Of its 46 bachelor's degree programs, 18 are offered online. Enrollees connect with peers, faculty, and staff, either through campus learning environments or virtual classrooms.
Degree-seekers gain skills and knowledge through classes, lectures, and experiential learning opportunities. Students have the option to modify their classes, choose electives, and customize their studies. Learners can access institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising, throughout their program.
Depending on their eligibility, students can apply scholarships, fellowships, and other funding toward their educational expenses. According to the institution, 97% of all enrollees receive financial aid, with the average award amounting to $7,142.
#4 Criminal Justice Schools in New Mexico
New Mexico Highlands University
Las Vegas, NM - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Undergraduate students can benefit from a flexible, thorough education at New Mexico Highlands University. The public institution offers hybrid degree programs at the undergraduate level. The college campus and online learning environment enable students to connect with peers, faculty, and staff during their studies.
Students in the criminal justice program complete industry-relevant coursework and attend lectures, gaining the skills and knowledge needed to succeed. Students complete foundational and advanced coursework, gaining a well-rounded education.
Students have the option to select electives, degree concentrations, and degree minors, and they can pursue other academic modifications. Learners can receive personalized guidance by connecting with career services, academic advising, and other institutional resources.
Students can meet with the financial aid office to determine their eligibility for scholarships and other educational funding. At the college, 95% of all incoming students receive financial aid funding.
#5 Criminal Justice Schools in New Mexico
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Albuquerque, the University of New Mexico provides flexible educational opportunities for learners worldwide. Learners can choose from a variety of degree programs, either in person or online. The college campus and online learning environment enable students to connect with peers, faculty, and staff.
Learners studying in person and online benefit from a supportive learning community. Students in the criminal justice program complete industry-relevant coursework and attend lectures, gaining the skills and knowledge needed to succeed. Degree-seekers can supplement their learning through experiential learning opportunities, such as research projects and internships.
Learners can customize their studies, choose electives, and declare degree concentrations and minors. A leader in student success, the college connects enrollees with career services, academic advising, and other support resources.
The financial aid office can connect students with funding opportunities, to make the cost of college manageable. The average student receives approximately $8,000 in financial aid, with 94% of all enrollees receiving some form of aid.
MOST POPULAR CRIMINAL JUSTICE CAREERS IN NEW MEXICO
There is a ton of variety within the criminal justice field, from supervising law enforcement officers to transcribing court hearings. Students looking to study criminal justice in New Mexico can take a look at the state's most popular legal and protective services careers to help guide them down an educational and career path.
Police, Sheriff & Highway Patrol Officers
- Total Employed in New Mexico4,460
- Median Salary in New Mexico$50,420
- Degree Level Required in New MexicoAcademy Program
Correctional Officer
- Total Employed in New Mexico
4,140 - Median Salary in New Mexico
$33,010 - Degree Level Required in New Mexico
Certification
Compliance Officer
- Total Employed in New Mexico
1,480 - Median Salary in New Mexico
$63,800 - Degree Level Required in New Mexico
Bachelor's
Paralegal and Legal Assistant
- Total Employed in New Mexico
1,600 - Median Salary in New Mexico
$43,230 - Degree Level Required in New Mexico
Varies; up to Bachelor's
Court, Municipal and License Clerks
- Total Employed in New Mexico
1,330 - Median Salary in New Mexico
$33,850 - Degree Level Required in New Mexico
Varies; up to Bachelor's
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
- Total Employed in New Mexico
1,610 - Median Salary in New Mexico
$77,000 - Degree Level Required in New Mexico
Varies; up to Bachelor's
Probation Officer
- Total Employed in New Mexico
780 - Median Salary in New Mexico
$42,000 - Degree Level Required in New Mexico
Bachelor's
EMPLOYER PROFILE: WHERE TO GET HIRED WITH A CRIMINAL JUSTICE DEGREE IN NEW MEXICO
Students pursuing criminal justice careers aren't limited to New Mexico's metropolitan areas; both the state's more populous cities are rural areas see high employment of those in the legal and protective services. The table below notes which parts of New Mexico employ the most criminal justice professionals and the average annual earnings for professionals in these regions.
- Protective Services
Potential Employers
Central New Mexico Correctional Facility; Santa Fe Police Department; New Mexico Department of Game and Fish; Albuquerque Sheriff's Department; Albuquerque Animal Services Department; Penn National Gaming; Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court; Las Cruces Public Schools; Roswell Recreation Department; Albuquerque International Airport
Total Number of Employees in New Mexico: 23,750 - Legal Occupations
Potential Employers
New Mexico Administrative Office of the Courts; Albuquerque Court of Appeals; Santa Fe Supreme Court; Modrall Sperling Law Firm; New Mexico Judicial Court System; Holland Services
Total Number of Employees in New Mexico: 5,360
PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN NEW MEXICO
BUSINESS COMPLIANCE RESOURCES
- New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department – Tax Fraud Investigations Division
This page provides a list of resources and contacts related to tax fraud investigation in New Mexico. - New Mexico Office of the State Auditor
The Office of the State Auditor offers an abundance of information and resources related to the conduction of audits and fraud prevention. - New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department – Audit and Compliance Division
Find resources to help with auditing and compliance practices in New Mexico. - Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce is a membership-based organization that provides businesses advocacy and resources to entrepreneurs in the state. - New Mexico Secretary of State
The New Mexico Secretary of State office is the repository for business licenses and other official documentation for businesses in the state. - New Mexico Small Business Development Center
The NMSBDC offers resources, workshops and information for new and existing businesses.
CORRECTIONAL RESOURCES
- New Mexico Corrections Department – Careers and Employment
Learn about and apply for careers in New Mexico's Corrections Department, including corrections officer, parole officer, human resource and support staff positions. - New Mexico Corrections Department – Probation and Parole
This section of the NMCD website provides information about different parole programs in place throughout the state, parole and probation laws and maps of parole and probation regions. - Santa Fe County Corrections Department
Find information about Santa Fe's adult corrections facility, youth development program, electronic monitoring program, Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), available careers in these facilities and wages of facility employees. - Juvenile Detention Centers, New Mexico Children, Youth & Families Department
This hub page offers information and resources about juvenile detention centers in the state of New Mexico for offenders and their families. - Corrections Reform, American Civil Liberties Union of New Mexico
The ACLU of New Mexico has sought to improve the treatment and conditions of inmates in the state's prisons, including better mental health care, better safety and services, legislation that prioritizes treatment instead of incarceration for nonviolent drug-related crimes, religious accommodations and accountability for prisoner abuse.
COURT & JUDICIAL RESOURCES
- New Mexico Municipal League – Court Clerks
Learn about the New Mexico Municipal League's Court Clerks Association, including bylaws and membership qualifications. - New Mexico Courts – Careers
This page contains current job openings for people interested in working within the New Mexico Judicial System. - Court Resources, New Mexico Courts
This site provides information for New Mexico courts about the kinds of programs that are available for the communities they serve. - New Mexico Court Reporters Association
This useful resource for court reporters provides general information about court reporting, resources for court reporting education, job opportunities and more. - New Mexico Child Advocacy Networks
NMCAN advocates for children in New Mexico have been abused and neglected or are otherwise vulnerable. - Alternative Dispute Resolution Bureau, New Mexico General Services Department
This page provides information about mediation services in the state of New Mexico for people who wish to pursue conflict resolution outside of a courtroom.
LEGAL RESOURCES
- New Mexico Board of Bar Examiners
Law students can get all the information they need about New Mexico's Bar Examination at this website. - New Mexico Trial Lawyers Association and Foundation
This professional association of trial lawyers also has a student chapter that may interest future trial lawyers attending criminal justice schools in New Mexico. - New Mexico Black Lawyers Association
The goal of this professional association is to provide continued legal education to members, improve the judicial selection process and protect the civil rights of the public. - New Mexico Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
The NMCDLA aims to build a united community of criminal defense lawyers, law students, legal assistants and other criminal defense professionals. The association provides its members with legislative representation, a members-only library and other benefits. - Voluntary Bar Associations, State Bar of New Mexico
This directory provides contact information for a diverse range of lawyer associations that are available for membership the state of New Mexico. - State of New Mexico Office of the Attorney General
The Attorney General provides legal counsel to the state's employees as well as information about consumer protection for residents of New Mexico. - Paralegal Division, State Bar of New Mexico
The Paralegal Division serves paralegals throughout the state by providing membership-based resources and networking.
LAW ENFORCEMENT RESOURCES
- New Mexico Department of Public Safety
Access public safety news and laws, and learn about New Mexico's law enforcement agencies, like the state police, transit police and the police academy. - New Mexico Fraternal Order of Police
This state branch of the national organization is New Mexico's largest law enforcement organizations. Members get legislative representation, the Police Officers Survivors Benefit, free tuition to a state university for a child of a member killed on duty and other benefits. - New Mexico State Police
Find information about training and recruiting opportunities, and learn about the job duties and responsibilities of New Mexico State Police officers.New Mexico Sheriffs' Association - The New Mexico Sheriffs' Association connects sheriffs from around the state with membership-based resources, advocacy and events.
- Private Investigations Advisory Board, New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department
The Advisory Board licenses and oversees private investigators and related careers in the state of New Mexico. Their page provides information about licensing requirements, laws, fees, exam schedules and other resources. - New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy
This government page provides information about training opportunities for New Mexico's current and future law enforcement officers.
WILDLIFE & ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES
- Animal Protection of New Mexico
This organization strives to protect and advocate for animals, and actively supports legislation that prevents animal cruelty. The page also includes animal control ordinances. - New Mexico Game and Fish
This government department supplies a variety of information about nature and wildlife protection in New Mexico. Visitors can find enforcement resources on the page, including news, rules and career opportunities. - Conservation Enforcement, New Mexico Game and Fish
This page specifically refers people to information about New Mexico's enforcement efforts to protect the state's wildlife and environment. - City of Albuquerque Fire Investigation/Arson Division
Learn about the roles and responsibilities of Albuquerque's fire investigation and arson department, and get information about becoming a firefighter. - New Mexico Wildlife Federation
The NMWF seeks to protect water, land and wildlife in New Mexico by advocating for state parks and public lands. - Employment, New Mexico State Parks
This page provides information on how to become an employee of New Mexico's state parks, which includes park rangers who enforce the laws around wildlife and visitor protection.