Criminal Justice Schools in Oklahoma

The criminal justice major at Oklahoma City University prides itself on its hands-on internship program. Students have worked in juvenile facilities, police departments, rehabilitation programs, state bureaus and victim resource centers. Further, professionals in the area speak to students, and students learn through classroom discussions and current events. There are also opportunities to visit correctional facilities and work on research projects. Students who are interested in a career in forensic science are encouraged to major in chemistry and minor in investigative/analysis criminal justice.

At Northeastern State University, students can choose from multiple criminal justice bachelor's degrees: criminal justice, legal studies or homeland security. A minor may be earned with one of the three programs, as well. Students will be prepared to work in courts, corrections, police and juvenile sectors of law enforcement. Further examples of where graduates work include courthouses, the Department of Corrections and local, state, tribal and federal enforcement and administration agencies. Graduates will have soft skills in leadership, ethics and communication. Students learn about law enforcement procedures, theory, research, analysis and diversity.

The Bachelor of Science Program in Criminal Justice at the University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus provides a well-rounded ethical and theoretical understanding of issues in criminal justice. The program is completed 100 percent online. However, there are also onsite options for students who want in-person course options. Students learn about drugs and society, comparative justice systems, forensic science and statistics in criminal justice, as some examples. Courses come in an accelerated format. Students must complete courses in both liberal studies and criminal justice for a well-rounded education, including elective courses.

A criminal justice bachelor's degree through Southwestern Oklahoma State University includes a bachelor of arts degree and a minor. Students can choose to major and minor in criminal justice or choose another area to minor in. Graduates go on to work in law enforcement, probation and parole, juvenile treatment and correctional institutions. The program covers topics like law enforcement, juvenile justice, criminal law, victimology and the criminal mind. The program also has an internship course so students can get real-world experience, as well as a fundamentals of research component. Students must also take elementary Spanish. Students also have access to the Criminal Justice Student Association, which helps foster speaker events and fellowship within the program.

The bachelor's program at the University of Central Oklahoma allows students to focus on general criminal justice, police or corrections. Students are assigned a student success advisor and an undergraduate career advisor. Goals of the program include fostering communication skills, knowledge of processes and issues within the criminal justice field and research opportunities. Students also learn specific skills like writing for criminal justice professionals. Other issues explored include victimology, cyber crime and terrorism. Students are required to take general education courses, as well as two semesters of a second language requirement.