Criminal Justice Schools in Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s Best Criminal Justice Schools
Oklahoma has a wide variety of unique opportunities for students looking to graduate from a criminal justice school. Work toward environmental conservation and stop poaching as a game warden in one of the many beautiful start parks; become a legal aid and provide support services for the economically strained; provide crisis management for wildfires and other severe weather conditions as a fire fighter. Wherever your interests lie, there is a criminal justice program in the Sooner state to fit your needs.
Oklahoma’s Top Criminal Justice Schools
Oklahoma City University
Oklahoma City, OK- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$28,094
- Out-of-state$28,094
- In-State$10,620
- Out-of-state$10,620
- Retention Rate83%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled2,687
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment11%
- AccreditationYes
Northeastern State University
- Tahlequah, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,913
- Out-of-state$14,313
- In-State$4,500
- Out-of-state$9,999
- Retention Rate60%
- Acceptance Rate100%
- Students Enrolled7,517
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment66%
- AccreditationYes
University of Oklahoma
- Norman, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,788
- Out-of-state$20,169
- In-State$6,583
- Out-of-state$21,242
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled28,079
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment33%
- AccreditationYes
University of Central Oklahoma
- Edmond, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,686
- Out-of-state$17,573
- In-State$7,000
- Out-of-state$17,008
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance Rate84%
- Students Enrolled14,821
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment38%
- AccreditationYes
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
- Durant, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,240
- Out-of-state$14,880
- In-State$4,716
- Out-of-state$10,872
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance Rate74%
- Students Enrolled5,049
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment80%
- AccreditationYes
Oklahoma Christian University
- Edmond, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$23,450
- Out-of-state$23,450
- In-State$11,250
- Out-of-state$11,250
- Retention Rate71%
- Acceptance Rate67%
- Students Enrolled2,064
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment30%
- AccreditationYes
Cameron University
- Lawton, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,740
- Out-of-state$14,160
- In-State$3,564
- Out-of-state$10,278
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled4,142
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment49%
- AccreditationYes
Northwestern Oklahoma State University
- Alva, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,593
- Out-of-state$13,710
- In-State$4,775
- Out-of-state$9,635
- Retention Rate57%
- Acceptance Rate63%
- Students Enrolled1,970
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- AccreditationYes
Southern Nazarene University
- Bethany, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$24,570
- Out-of-state$24,570
- In-State$20,772
- Out-of-state$20,772
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,239
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment22%
- AccreditationYes
East Central University
- Ada, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,648
- Out-of-state$15,008
- In-State$4,298
- Out-of-state$10,726
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance Rate59%
- Students Enrolled3,613
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
OKLAHOMA’S MOST POPULAR CAREERS IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE FIELD
Make an informed decision when it comes to choosing a criminal justice career in Oklahoma. Get the most out of your investment by comparing popular careers, associated wages and education requirements. Get a sense of how competitive the job market is for different prospects in the criminal justice field by comparing numbers around the state. For students focused on a specific career, knowing the degree requirements will help determine which program is the best fit.
OKLAHOMA CRIMINAL JUSTICE CAREERS VS. THE NATIONAL AVERAGE
Despite reporting slightly lower than average income, Oklahoma is a great place for people looking to start a criminal justice career. With a lower cost of living than many places and a booming job market, Oklahoma has a lot of opportunities for students looking to take the first steps into a great career.
Salary
| Job | National | Oklahoma |
|---|---|---|
| Private Detective | 52,930 | 53,530 |
| Lawyers | 123,510 | 139,880 |
| Firefighters | 42,490 | 50,520 |
| Fish and Game Warden | 49,870 | 54,760 |
| Fire Inspectors and Investigators | 61,660 | 65,340 |
| Police, Sheriff’s Patrol Officers | 44,650 | 62,760 |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | 33,950 | 46,750 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2015
Job Growth
| Job | National | Oklahoma |
|---|---|---|
| Private Detectives and Investigators | 0.052 | 0.102 |
| Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary | 0.178 | 0.214 |
| Lawyers | 0.056 | 0.086 |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigator | -0.012 | 0.096 |
| Judges | 0.007 | 0.046 |
| Court, Municipal, and License Clerk | 0.045 | 0.126 |
| Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers | 0.05 | 0.146 |
| Crossing Guards | 0.064 | 0.07 |
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | 0.086 | 0.102 |
Source: Projections Central, 2015
OKLAHOMA EMPLOYERS LOOKING TO HIRE CRIMINAL JUSTICE GRADUATES
In Oklahoma, a criminal justice degree can be the start to a wide variety of careers. Work as a legal professional specializing in reservation law, and aid tribes facing legal issues. Perhaps you are looking for the dynamic world of private investigation, or want to make a difference in the lives of others as a corrections officer. No matter what your interests, a criminal justice degree in Oklahoma can be the start of unique opportunities.
Protective Services
Potential Employers
Tulsa County District Court; Dick Conner Correctional Center;Red Rock Canyon State Park; Oklahoma City Police Department; Oklahoma Highway Patrol; Tulsa Police Department; Oklahoma City Animal Welfare; Sulivant & Sulivant Investigations; Harmon Security Group; Tulsa International Airport
Total Number of Employees in Oklahoma: 36,440
Legal Occupations
Potential Employers
Lindsey Law Firm; Oklahoma Supreme Court; Office of Disability Adjudication and Review; Oklahoma Mediation Arbitration; U.S. Justice Department; Attorney General Oklahoma; Oklahoma City VA Health Care System; Oklahoma Indian Legal Services, Inc.
Total Number of Employees in Oklahoma: 12,480
PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN OKLAHOMA
BUSINESS COMPLIANCE RESOURCES
Focused on community development and trade, the chamber of commerce offers internships, news, events and other resources meant to facilitate the growth of Oklahoma’s state economy.
Dedicated to training and elevating the work of chamber professionals, the Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce Executives offer education, training, news and events for its members.
The Oklahoma Bankers Association provides legal resources for banking professionals looking to comply with state and federal law.
The ACC is a nationwide membership-based organization that connects corporate law professionals and provides job listings and information.
This site is a place for entrepreneurs to find information about starting and growing their businesses in the state of Oklahoma.
The Oklahoma Secretary of State provides business services to entities including certificate filing, forms and fees and additional resources.
The SBA offers information about starting and managing a business as well as connections to business financing for qualified applicants.
CORRECTIONAL RESOURCES
The Oklahoma Corrections Professionals (OCP) provides its members with a network of corrections professionals from around the state. Explore news and resources that affect professionals working in the field.
Search for jobs, resources, training opportunities, current events and information about the corrections department in Oklahoma.
The National Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) is promoted by this organization, which provides training and support for working professionals trying to prevent sexual abuse in the prison system. They provide webinars, training seminars, and a network for the many organizations and working professionals involved in the corrections process.
The OJA provides programs for youth who are in need of supervision, providing justice services including residential treatment centers.
OK CURE, the local chapter of a national non-profit, seeks to end mass incarceration and advocate for correctional reform in the state of Oklahoma.
COURT & JUDICIAL RESOURCES
Welcome to the state court system! Their website offers valuable tools for legal research, news, and links to other court and judicial resources.
The Oklahoma state legislature website is a great resource for keeping up to date on state legislation, a valuable resource for any legal professional looking to stay at the top of the field.
Browse through links to the federal and local courts and glean information about the justice department. Keep up-to-date with news, and explore the different resources the justice department has to offer.
The OCRA is a membership-based organization that connects court reporters with professional resources, networking and career opportunities.
The OMJA offers workshops that help municipal judges maintain their continuing legal education requirements as well as find jobs and networking opportunities.
The Oklahoma chapter of the national organization CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) provides court advocacy for children who have been abused or neglected. Their ultimate mission is to secure children in safe, permanent homes.
This organization seeks to make Oklahoma’s justice system more effective, reduce the prison population, save money and make communities safer.
LEGAL RESOURCES
Based on the belief that everyone deserves good legal representation, Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma is a non-profit that offers legal help to low-income residents. Search for jobs, news or other resources available for lawyers.
Before you pass the bar, check out the Oklahoma Bar Association. They provide resources for lawyers, as well as news, information and training to keep professionals at the top of their field.
For legal professionals interested in serving the many federally recognized tribes in the state of Oklahoma, Oklahoma Indian Legal Services, Inc. (OILS) provides information dedicated to education and advocacy such as legal resources, and sheds light on issues concerning reservations.
Affiliated with the National Association of Legal Assistants, the Oklahoma Paralegal Association is a membership-based group that connects paralegals with continuing education, information about professional standards and networking opportunities.
This site provides information about the Oklahoma Bar exam, including frequently asked questions.
Part of the Oklahoma state government, the OAG office provides legal help and representation for state agencies, employees and consumers.
LAW ENFORCEMENT RESOURCES
The Oklahoma Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) is dedicated to raising the professional standards for state and local law enforcement by providing training and other resources that improve the techniques of crime prevention and the practices of law enforcement.
The Oklahoma Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association (OSPA) prides itself on being Oklahoma’s oldest law enforcement organization, offering training, literature, scholarships, and many other resources for law enforcement in the Sooner state.
Oklahoma Private Investigators Association (OPIA) is an organization that provides private investigators working in Oklahoma with a network of investigative professionals, training seminars, newsletter and other resources. Dedicated to education and the raising of professional standards of the field, the OPIA is an invaluable resource for those seeking to be a competitive investigator working in Oklahoma.
Search for careers and other opportunities with the Oklahoma County Sheriffs Department (OCSD). OCSD provides law enforcement, resources, information and news for law enforcement as well as the community.
This site serves as a recruiting portal for future Oklahoma troopers as well as a place for information and communication with the public.
Information about what’s covered at the academy as well as recruiting contact information can be found here.
WILDLIFE & ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES
Put your criminal justice degree to work in the capital working for the Parks and Recreation Department! Search for jobs, news and information about the capital city and its nature reserves.
Search for careers, internship opportunities, education and training with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. Stay updated on news and information that affects game wardens and the wildlife reserves around the state.
The National Parks Service oversees many of the parks in Oklahoma, offering training, education, employment opportunities and other resources for those interested in working for the parks service.
Public communications, contact information and job opportunities for the Oklahoma Forestry Services can be found on this site, which services to protect and enforce forest preservation.
