Schools, Career Options and Resources for Students in Virginia
The criminal justice field is made up of many rewarding jobs—some of which students can begin training for by obtaining a degree from criminal justice schools in Virginia. From police patrolmen to state Supreme Court justices and everyone in between, each professional plays a role in making the system work, and criminal justice programs can lay the founded students need to fulfill that role. Continue reading this page to find out which careers are popular among graduates, as well as their earning potential and projected job growth.
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VIRGINIA'S TOP-RANKING CRIMINAL JUSTICE SCHOOLS
OUR METHODOLOGY +
Wondering which criminal justice schools in Virginia are among the best? Use the ranking tool below to find out. This resource allows users to find the most reputable programs based on tuition rates, teacher-student ratios, and enrollment numbers. Explore the top criminal justice schools in the state for 2017 below.
These rankings include
#1 Criminal Justice Schools in Virginia
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
George Mason University is a public college offering premier bachelor's-level education to students worldwide. Enrollees can pursue remote study or learn from the college's campus in Fairfax, Virginia. Undergraduate students connect with peers, faculty, and staff.
After enrollment, criminal justice students join a supportive learning community, connecting with peers, faculty, and staff in person and online. The college provides students with a competitive education through intensive coursework. Enrollees complete 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. Students seeking academic and career guidance can connect with campus resources, such as academic advising and career services.
Learners can meet with a financial aid counselor to determine their eligibility for scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid. The average student receives approximately $6,524 in financial aid, with 74% of all enrollees receiving some form of aid.
#2 Criminal Justice Schools in Virginia
Marymount University
Arlington, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Undergraduate students can benefit from a flexible, thorough education at Marymount University. Learners can study from the comfort of their homes, or on the college's Arlington-based campus. To date, the school offers 27 bachelor’s programs, including a BA in criminal justice.
After enrollment, students join a supportive learning community, connecting with peers, faculty, and staff in person and online. While enrolled, students complete general and criminal justice-specific coursework. Learners can also pursue internships, research projects, and experiential learning opportunities to supplement their education.
Learners can customize their studies in consultation with an academic advisor, to suit their personal and professional goals. Students seeking further academic and career guidance can access numerous institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising.
When preparing for the cost of education, degree-seekers can meet with the financial aid office to explore funding opportunities. Of all enrollees, 98% receive some form of financial aid.
#3 Criminal Justice Schools in Virginia
Virginia State University
Petersburg, VA - 4 years
- Campus
Virginia State University provides flexible study for learners seeking a bachelor's-level education. Undergraduate students benefit from hybrid learning opportunities, with the option to study in person or online. To date, the school offers 30 bachelor’s programs, including a sociology and criminal justice program.
Learners across modalities benefit from a robust program curriculum. While enrolled, students complete general and criminal justice-specific coursework. Students gain skills and knowledge through their engagement with foundational and advanced classes.
Enrollees work with an academic advisor and customize their degree to meet their academic and career goals. While enrolled, learners can connect with institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising, to receive further guidance.
The college connects students with a variety of funding opportunities to defray educational costs. The average enrollee receives $5,205 in financial aid.
#4 Criminal Justice Schools in Virginia
Radford University
Radford, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Virginia, Radford University provides flexible educational opportunities for learners worldwide. The public institution offers hybrid degree programs at the undergraduate level. To date, the public college supports 48 bachelor's programs, five of which are online.
Learners across modalities benefit from a robust criminal justice program curriculum. While enrolled, students complete general and criminal justice-specific coursework. These classes equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to advance in their future career.
In consultation with an academic advisor, students can modify their coursework, choose electives, and pursue degree concentrations and minors to suit their career goals. While enrolled, learners can connect with institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising, to receive further guidance.
Learners can meet with a financial aid counselor to determine their eligibility for scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid. The average enrollee receives $8,884 in financial aid.
#5 Criminal Justice Schools in Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Virginia Commonwealth University offers flexible educational opportunities for undergraduate students. The school supports hybrid study from its main campus in Richmond. At present, the college provides 61 bachelor's degree programs, with six programs supporting remote study.
Whether learning in-person or online, students join a supportive learning community, working alongside peers, faculty, and staff. Throughout their studies, enrollees in the criminal justice program complete field-specific coursework as part of the program curriculum. These classes equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to advance in their career.
Enrollees work with an academic advisor and customize their degree to meet their academic and career goals. Students can receive guidance through career services, academic advising, and other institutional resources.
Learners can meet with a financial aid counselor to determine their eligibility for scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid. Typically, students receive an average financial aid package of $10,295.
#6 Criminal Justice Schools in Virginia
Averett University
Danville, VA - 4 years
- Campus
Averett University is a private college offering hybrid education in Danville, Virginia. Students can choose from 52 in-person bachelor's degree programs. Enrollees benefit from rigorous coursework, supportive faculty and peers, and a premier education.
Students in the sociology and criminal justice program complete foundational and advanced classes. Students can work with their academic advisor to customize their degree and study trajectory. While enrolled, participants benefit from career and academic counselors, receiving personal and academic guidance throughout their studies.
Students can explore their eligibility for scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid in consultation with the financial aid office. The college notes that 100% of all enrollees receive some form of financial aid.
#7 Criminal Justice Schools in Virginia
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students seeking a flexible bachelor's degree program should consider Liberty University. Located in Lynchburg, Virginia, the private institution features in-person and virtual programs, enabling students near and far to benefit from top-ranked classes, prominent faculty, and a supportive learning community.
Students gain skills and knowledge through their coursework, and become better prepared for their future careers. Depending on their career goals, students can declare a double major, minor, or degree concentration and select elective courses. Throughout their program, students can access resources such as career services, academic advising, and library services.
Depending on their eligibility, students can apply scholarships, fellowships, and other funding toward their educational expenses. Of all enrollees, 99% receive financial aid awards.
#8 Criminal Justice Schools in Virginia
Roanoke College
Salem, VA - 4 years
- Campus
Roanoke College is a private college offering premier bachelor's-level education to students worldwide. Located in Salem, Virginia, the private institution offers competitive, flexible programs that can be completed in person or online. To date, the school offers 36 bachelor’s programs.
Upon enrollment, criminal justice students connect with a supportive learning community, whether in person or online. While enrolled, students complete general and criminal justice-specific coursework. Students gain skills and knowledge through their engagement with general and advanced classes.
Learners can customize their studies to suit their personal and professional goals. Learners can also connect with career services to receive guidance throughout the criminal justice program.
Depending on their eligibility, students can apply for scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities. Of all enrollees, 100% receive some form of financial aid.
#9 Criminal Justice Schools in Virginia
Longwood University
Farmville, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students seeking flexible study should consider Longwood University. Learners can study from the comfort of their homes or on the college's Farmville-based campus. The college campus and online learning environment enable students to connect with peers, faculty, and staff during their studies.
Enrollees benefit from a supportive learning community. While enrolled, students complete general and criminal justice-specific coursework. These classes equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their future career.
Students have the option to modify their coursework, choose electives, and declare minors and degree concentrations. A leader in students success, the college connects enrollees with career services, academic advising, and other supportive resources.
Students can meet with the financial aid office to determine their eligibility for scholarships and other educational funding. According to the college, 90% of all enrollees receive financial aid, with the average student awarded $7,453 in aid.
#10 Criminal Justice Schools in Virginia
Virginia Wesleyan University
Virginia Beach, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students seeking flexible study should consider Virginia Wesleyan University. Undergraduate students can choose from in-person and remote degree programs. To date, the school offers 35 bachelor’s programs, with five online degree options.
Learners attending the criminal justice program in person and online benefit from a supportive learning community. Throughout their studies, learners in the criminal justice program complete field-specific coursework. Participants take foundational classes, as well as advanced coursework, with the option to modify their schedule and choose electives.
In consultation with an academic advisor, students can modify their coursework, choose electives, and pursue degree concentrations and minors to suit their career goals. While enrolled, learners can connect with institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising, to receive further guidance.
Depending on their eligibility, students can apply for scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities. According to the school, 100% of all enrollees receive some form of aid.
POPULAR CRIMINAL JUSTICE JOBS IN VIRGINIA
Salaries and job opportunities are huge considerations for students earning degrees from criminal justice schools in Virginia. The table below provides that information by outlining how many people are employed in specific criminal justice jobs and the average median salaries for these positions. Also, there is information on the level of education required to obtain employment in different careers.
Police, Sheriff & Highway Patrol Officers
- Total Employed in Virginia17,920
- Median Salary in Virginia$49,860
- Degree Level Required in VirginiaAcademy Program
Correctional Officer
- Total Employed in Virginia13,780
- Median Salary in Virginia$35,030
- Degree Level Required in VirginiaCertification
Paralegal and Legal Assistant
- Total Employed in Virginia8,370
- Median Salary in Virginia$49,520
- Degree Level Required in VirginiaVaries; up to Bachelor's
Compliance Officer
- Total Employed in Virginia7,070
- Median Salary in Virginia$67,990
- Degree Level Required in VirginiaBachelor's
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
- Total Employed in Virginia3,380
- Median Salary in Virginia$86,720
- Degree Level Required in VirginiaVaries; up to Bachelor's
Probation Officer
- Total Employed in Virginia2,930
- Median Salary in Virginia$42,560
- Degree Level Required in VirginiaBachelor's
Court, Municipal and License Clerks
- Total Employed in Virginia1,970
- Median Salary in Virginia$34,000
- Degree Level Required in VirginiaVaries; up to Bachelor's
VIRGINIA VERSUS NATIONAL AVERAGES: CRIMINAL JUSTICE CAREER STATISTICS
Students attending criminal justice schools in Virginia need to have confidence that they'll get a return on their tuition investment. The good news is, some of the most popular careers command salaries that rival national averages and have stronger growth potential. Review the tables below for more information on national and state-specific salary statistics and job growth projections.
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EMPLOYERS IN VIRGINIA LOOKING TO HIRE CRIMINAL JUSTICE GRADUATES
Wondering where the jobs are? Want to know which areas of Virginia pay the highest wages? The table below provides that information. Find out which locations have the most employees and the highest salaries for protective service and legal positions. In addition, there is a list of some organizations where criminal justice graduates may be able to find employment.
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Protective Services
Potential EmployersHanover County Sheriff's Office; Western Virginia Regional Jail; Commonwealth of Virginia; City of Virginia Beach Detective Bureau; Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries; Arlington County Police Department Parking Enforcement Unit; City of Virginia Beach Parking Enforcement; Prince William County Sheriff's Office; City of Portsmouth Police Department; Fairfax County Animal Control; Fairfax County Animal Shelter; Virginia Beach Animal Control Unit; International Counterintelligence Services, Inc.; Blueline Security Services, LLC; Universal Protection Service; Top Guard Security, Inc; Arlington County; City of Norfolk; American Pool Enterprises Inc.; Community Pool Service; Signature Pool Management
Total Number of Employees in Virginia: 102,940 -
Legal Occupations
Potential EmployersPrivate practice law firms; Supreme Court of Virginia; Court of Appeals of Virginia; Alexandria Circuit Court; Bristol Circuit Court; Virginia Sixteenth Judicial District; Virginia First Judicial District; Eastern District Court of Virginia
Total Number of Employees in Virginia: 36,160
LARGEST AREAS OF EMPLOYMENT IN DESCENDING ORDER
Protective service
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News
Richmond
Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Roanoke
Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area
Legal service
Richmond
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News
Roanoke
Charlottesville
Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area
PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN VIRGINIA
BUSINESS COMPLIANCE RESOURCES
This page has step-by-step information on starting an LLC in the state.
Starting a Business in VirginiaBudding entrepreneurs can find information on how to apply for a business license, choose a company structure, and register a business name on this page.
Virginia 2016 Small Business ResourceThe U.S. Small Business Administration provides information to help people begin and operate their companies.
National Capital Region, Association of Corporate CounselThis chapter of the ACC services the commonwealth of Virginia, suburban Maryland and Washington D.C. to provide information and resources to corporate legal professionals.
Virginia Chamber of CommerceThe Virginia Chamber of Commerce is a membership-based entity that provides resources for businesses and advocates for business interests in Virginia government.
Virginia Economic Development PartnershipThis organization offers support for new and existing businesses that want to start in or come to Virginia.
Virginia Business Entity SearchThis page on the Commonwealth of Virginia's State Corporation Commission helps citizens locate registered business entities.
CORRECTIONAL RESOURCES
COURT & JUDICIAL RESOURCES
Serves the needs of court clerks in the state.
Virginia Court Reporters AssociationThe VCRA has been helping court reporters in Virginia enhance their skills since 1967.
Virginia's Judicial SystemThe website for the Virginia judiciary contains information on the different types of courts in the system. In addition, users can find out about the programs run by the judiciary, including mediation, parent education, and drug-treatment courts.
Virginia Association for Community Conflict ResolutionVACCR is a collection of nine non-profit conflict resolution centers that work to help Virginians resolve conflict constructively in their community.
Virginia CASAThe Virginia chapter of the Court Appointed Special Advocates provides assistance and advocacy for abused and neglected children.
Virginia OrganizingThis nonpartisan grassroots organization aims to promote an equal justice system for all communities in Virginia.
LEGAL RESOURCES
This state website allows users to search laws in the Code of Virginia, the Administrative Code, and the State Constitution.
Virginia Legal Aid SocietyLow-income Virginia residents can receive pro bono representation for civil matters through the VLAS.
Virginia State BarMembers of the Bar have access to numerous invaluable resources, such as continuing legal education courses, free dispute resolution services, and help with ethical dilemmas they may face during the course of their careers.
Virginia Alliance of Paralegal AssociationsThis statewide organization connects paralegal networks from around Virginia to share resources, provide information and attend conferences.
Nonprofit Legal Assistance Organizations in VirginiaThis directory provides links to organizations that provide legal assistance to low-income members of the community.
Virginia Attorney GeneralThe AG provides legal counsel and representation to state entities and employees. The AG also works to ensure consumer protections are in place throughout Virginia.
LAW ENFORCEMENT RESOURCES
Promotes high standards among Virginia's private investigators and provides professional development to ensure that they meet these principles.
The Division of Capitol Police Commonwealth of VirginiaAgency provides police staff for state employees and elected officials.
Virginia State PoliceThis site has information on the work of the Virginia State Police.
Virginia Sheriffs' AssociationThe VSA provides information, news, networking opportunities and resources to Virginia's sheriffs.
Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training AcademyThe NVCJA website has information about training opportunities for Virginia's law enforcement professionals.
WILDLIFE & ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES
Jobs from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries are listed on this page.
The Wildlife Center of VirginiaWhen wild animals need medical care, The Wildlife Center of Virginia provides treatment. Since it opened its doors in 1982, the organization has helped 70,000 animals.
Virginia Department of Game and Inland FisheriesDGIF manages wildlife, recreational boating, and inland fisheries around the state.
Careers in Virginia State ParksInformation about law enforcement career opportunities in Virginia State Parks can be found on this webpage.
Virginia Conservation PoliceConservation police officers enforce the laws that are in place to protect wildlife.