Criminal Justice Schools in West Virginia

The criminal justice schools in West Virginia include both an associate and bachelor degree program as well as an option to minor in the area.
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Updated May 10, 2023

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Academic and Professional Information for Current and Prospective Students

A degree in criminal justice can help individuals begin or advance career in West Virginia. From big cities like Charleston to villages such as Windsor Heights, employers in the field of criminal justice are looking for qualified new hires and for current employees continuing their education. A degree in criminal justice can provide an invaluable stepping stone for someone interested in joining a wide variety of West Virginia occupations such as private investigator, court reporter, correctional officer, and beyond. Start the journey today and continue reading to learn more about criminal justice schools in West Virginia and the doors a degree can open.

Top 10 Criminal Justice Schools in West Virginia 4-Year College

#1 West Virginia University Institute of Technology Montgomery, WV
#2 Fairmont State University Fairmont, WV
#3 Marshall University Huntington, WV
#4 West Virginia State University Institute, WV
#5 Glenville State College Glenville, WV
#6 Ohio Valley University Vienna, WV
#7 West Virginia Wesleyan College Buckhannon, WV
#8 Wheeling Jesuit University Wheeling, WV
#9 Bluefield State College Bluefield, WV
#10 West Virginia University Morgantown, WV

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TOP CRIMINAL JUSTICE SCHOOLS IN WEST VIRGINIA

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.

Look below to find a list of 2017's best criminal justice schools in West Virginia. These schools were picked and ranked based on up-to-date statistics such as tuition cost, total enrollment, student-to-teacher ratios, and acceptance rates. With hours of research condensed down to a streamlined list, you can start on the road to a degree or certificate in criminal justice faster.

  1. West Virginia University Institute of Technology
    Location

    Montgomery, WV

    To give students real experiences in criminal justice before graduation, WVU Tech includes a 300-hour practicum completed in courtrooms, police department's, juvenile centers and the Department of Natural Resources among other settings, as part of the course curriculum. The bachelor degree program at WVU Tech in criminal justice is malleable to fit individual needs, allowing students to choose an emphasis, minor or double major in areas such as political science and sociology. The program is designed for future careers in corrections and law enforcement, homeland security and in courtrooms ranging from the local to federal level.

  2. Fairmont State University
    Location

    Fairmont, WV

    Fairmont State University's modernized lab facilities enable criminal justice students to better understand and analyze fingerprinting, crime scenes and weaponry. Establishing a base education in research and active learning, students can enter a courtroom on campus and participate in mock trial classes. Offering a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice, the program readies students for careers as correctional officers, detectives, DEA agents and other opportunities. Moreover students may be employed in the privatized security industry or at any level of government office. Internship opportunities are available through the program but are competitive.

  3. Marshall University
    Location

    Huntington, WV

    For careers in criminal justice, students at Marshall University begin with a bachelor of arts degree program that emphasizes public service leadership, research, forensics and multicultural sensitivity. The BA in criminal justice and criminology can be applied to employment in courtrooms, prisons, justice departments and social services and is also the stepping block for entrance into law or graduate school. Students at Marshall have the unique opportunity to study forensics with a number of courses centered on crime scene investigation. Additionally internships can be arranged for course credit through speaking with an advisor. An online minor in criminal justice is available as well.

  4. West Virginia State University
    Location

    Institute, WV

    The department of criminal justice at West Virginia State University endeavors to teach students the reasons for crime in society and profile those who commit crimes. The department offers a criminal justice bachelor degree program and a cornucopia of specialized certificate programs designed for career enhancement. Law enforcement, corrections, investigation and general criminal justice studies are areas in which bachelor and associate degree holders can earn a specialization certificate. To obtain baccalaureate honors, students complete 120 credit hours that form the foundation of criminal justice education. Additionally WVSU has an online degree program for students and a master's program in criminal justice administration.

  5. Glenville State College
    Location

    Glenville, WV

    Located in the heart of West Virginia, Glenville State College is a small university offering intimate class sizes. Glenville's criminal justice programs include both an associate and bachelor degree program as well as an option to minor in the area. The criminal justice department has a permanent ñcrime scene houseî, a real house in fact, located on campus that is used for conducting forensic investigations. These simulations are especially useful for students concentrating their criminal justice BS in field forensics. Students may also choose an administration of justice concentration within the criminal justice major.

  6. Ohio Valley University
    Location

    Vienna, WV

  7. West Virginia Wesleyan College
    Location

    Buckhannon, WV

  8. Wheeling Jesuit University
    Location

    Wheeling, WV

  9. Bluefield State College
    Location

    Bluefield, WV

  10. West Virginia University
    Location

    Morgantown, WV

Top 2-Year Criminal Justice Schools in West Virginia

#1 Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College Logan, WV
#2 Blue Ridge Community and Technical College Martinsburg, WV
#3 Mountwest Community and Technical College Huntington, WV
#4 West Virginia Northern Community College Wheeling, WV
#5 New River Community and Technical College Beaver, WV
#6 Pierpont Community College Fairmont, WV
#7 BridgeValley Community & Technical College South Charleston, WV

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  1. Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College
    Location

    Logan, WV

    Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to offer an associate of applied science degree in criminal justice. The two-year program requires students to complete a minimum of 60 credits. After completion of the general education requirements and introductory criminal justice courses, students may choose between three specializations: corrections, homeland security, and law enforcement. Southern WV also offers a criminal justice certificate program. Southern WV uses Blackboard as its learning management system, students may communicate with professors and submit assignments through Blackboard. Financial aid is available for eligible students.

  2. Blue Ridge Community and Technical College
    Location

    Martinsburg, WV

    A two-year associate of applied science degree program in criminal justice is offered at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College. Upon completion of the program's core education requirements and major requirements, students may choose to pursue a specialization in forensic science, homeland security, or law enforcement and corrections. Criminal justice courses at Blue Ridge are transferable to various four-year colleges. Blackboard is the learning management system used at Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge offers various student services that include career coaching, tutoring and counseling. FAFSA financial aid is available to eligible students at Blue Ridge, along with scholarships and grants.

  3. Mountwest Community and Technical College
    Location

    Huntington, WV

    Mountwest Community and Technical College (MCTC) offers an associate of applied science degree in criminal justice. Both MCTC students and law enforcement officers may enroll in the program, however MCTC requires that law enforcement officers have previously attended an approved academy. The program requires that students take a minimum of 60 credit-hours in general education and criminal justice-related coursework. MCTC uses Blackboard as its learning management system, students may communicate with professors and submit assignments through Blackboard. A writing center, mental health services and disability resources are among the student services available at MCTC. Financial aid is offered through FAFSA.

  4. West Virginia Northern Community College
    Location

    Wheeling, WV

    Students interested in pursuing an associate of applied science degree in criminal justice may choose to enroll at West Virginia Northern Community College (WVNCC). WVNCC requires that all students complete a minimum of 62 credit-hours in order to obtain an associate of applied science degree in criminal justice. Students may take a variety of courses that include the following: terrorism and homeland security, criminology, and speech communications. Blackboard is the learning management system used at WVNCC, students may submit assignments as well as communicate with professors and classmates. Financial assistance and scholarships are available to eligible students at WVNCC.

  5. New River Community and Technical College
    Location

    Beaver, WV

    New River Community and Technical College offers an associate of science degree in criminal justice, law enforcement. The 60-credit program is four semesters long, and students may choose one of three specializations: corrections, law enforcement, and forensic investigations. History and science courses are among the classes in the criminal justice curriculum at New River. New River uses Blackboard as its learning management system, students may communicate with professors and submit assignments through Blackboard. Testing and tutoring resources are offered at New River's student success center. Financial aid and scholarships are available to eligible students.

  6. Pierpont Community College
    Location

    Fairmont, WV

  7. BridgeValley Community & Technical College
    Location

    South Charleston, WV

POPULAR CRIMINAL JUSTICE OCCUPATIONS IN WEST VIRGINIA

Armed with a degree or certificate in criminal justice, graduates are well on their way to improved job performance or even a new career in the field. Of course, different jobs have different requirements, so look below to see what some popular criminal justice careers in West Virginia require as well as what their employment numbers and median salaries are.

Police, Sheriff & Highway Patrol Officers

  • Total Employed in West Virginia3,750
  • Median Salary in West Virginia$41,100
  • Degree Level Required in West VirginiaAcademy Program

Correctional Officer

  • Total Employed in West Virginia3,250
  • Median Salary in West Virginia$28,830
  • Degree Level Required in West VirginiaCertification

Paralegal and Legal Assistant

Court, Municipal and License Clerks

  • Total Employed in West Virginia1,290
  • Median Salary in West Virginia$30,910
  • Degree Level Required in West VirginiaVaries; up to Bachelor's

Compliance Officer

  • Total Employed in West Virginia1,100
  • Median Salary in West Virginia$50,120
  • Degree Level Required in West VirginiaBachelor's

Probation Officer

  • Total Employed in West Virginia810
  • Median Salary in West Virginia$36,370
  • Degree Level Required in West VirginiaBachelor's

Detectives and Criminal Investigators

  • Total Employed in West Virginia360
  • Median Salary in West Virginia$41,290
  • Degree Level Required in West VirginiaVaries; up to Bachelor's

CRIMINAL JUSTICE CAREERS IN WEST VIRGINIA IN COMPARISON TO THE NATIONAL AVERAGE

West Virginia has a fast-growing economy; in 2014, for example, West Virginia tied with Wyoming for the third largest increase in GDP in the United States. Criminal Justice and other closely related fields are no exception for this economic growth. Recent Criminal Justice graduates are not facing a shrinking job market, but rather one that is growing in a variety of ways.

Salary

JobNationalWest Virginia
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers73,18093,140
Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers51,49053,440
Crossing Guards27,22029,190
Transportation Security Screeners38,58040,050
Security Guards25,75029,730
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers73,18093,140
Court Reporters52,12056,940
Bailiffs26,23045,740

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2015

Job Growth

JobNationalWest Virginia
Court Reporters0.0150.026
Detectives and Criminal Investigators-0.0120.033
Police, Sheriff's Patrol Officers0.0070.05
Transportation Security Screeners-0.090.19
Judicial Law Clerks-0.0630.007
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers-0.0360.008
Judges, Magistrates, and Magistrates0.0060.014
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary0.0490.214

Source: Projections Central, 2015

WEST VIRGINIA EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE GRADUATES

A degree in criminal justice can help provide dozens of opportunities in West Virginia. While some careers may not directly require a degree, many West Virginia employers appreciate the initiative, training, and skills that come with a criminal justice degree. A student of criminal justice can put their education to work in fields such as law enforcement, fish and game, courthouse administration, private law practices, and many more.

  • Protective Services
    Potential Employers

    Kanawha County Court Bailiff; Salem Correctional Center Corrections Case Manager; Huntington Police Detective, Family Crimes Unit; West Virginia Natural Resources Police Officer; Morgantown Parking Authority Officer; Harpers Ferry K9-Unit Patrol Officer; InvestiGate Private Detective; Wheeling Island Casino Enforcement Officer; G4S Secure Solutions Security Guard; Monongalia County Schools Crossing Guard; Pipestream Resort State Park Lifeguard; Yeager Regional Airport Security Screener

    Total Number of Employees in West Virginia: 16,430
  • Legal Occupations
    Potential Employers

    Personal Injury Attorney for Gitras Law Firm; Law Clerk for 5th Circuit Judge; Point Pleasant Department of Transportation Hearing Officer; Supreme Court of West Virginia Family Court Mediator; Barbour County Magistrate; Masters Law Firm Litigation Paralegal; Streski Certified Realtime Reporter; G&P Oil and Energy Title Examiner; Warner Law Offices Legal Secretary

    Total Number of Employees in West Virginia: 5,580

LARGEST AREAS OF EMPLOYMENT IN DESCENDING ORDER

Protective service

Charleston

Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area

Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area

Huntington

Beckley

Legal service

Charleston

Northern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area

Huntington

Wheeling

Morgantown

PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN WEST VIRGINIA

BUSINESS COMPLIANCE RESOURCES

West Virginia Department of Revenue

The West Virginia Department of Revenue's website operates as a hub of information for the student or practitioner of business compliance; the website includes links to related agencies and news important to local and national business.

West Virginia Secretary of State Business and Licensing Division

Here the Secretary of State's office provides useful links and resources for anyone practicing business compliance in West Virginia, such as information on how to obtain the West Virginia Laws for Business and Licensing Code Book 2014 and forms necessary to start and maintain a business.

United States Small Business Association, West Virginia District Office

While the SBA's resources are largely geared towards small business owners themselves, someone who works closely with these businesses such as a compliance officer or consultant will also benefit from the information here. The SBA WV district office in Clarksburg and branch office in Charleston additionally host workshops that can be used for networking and furthering education.

West Virginia Chamber of Commerce

The West Virginia Chamber of Commerce advocates for business interests in the state and provides resources for business owners.

West Virginia Department of Commerce, Business and Workforce

This groups promotes the economic development of West Virginia by attracting new businesses and growing established businesses.

Business Division, West Virginia Secretary of State

This government webpage provides resources and information for entrepreneurs who need to file business documents with the state.

CORRECTIONAL RESOURCES

West Virginia Division of Corrections

This website for the West Virginia Division of Corrections provides resources for both the public and corrections officers themselves, including information on careers and opportunities for additional education and training.

National Coalition of Public Safety Officers - CWA: Local 2055

The National Coalition of Public Safety Officers, Local 2055, is a West Virginia organization of correctional officers and supporting staff who advocate for the officers and their needs.

West Virginia Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority

The Jail and Correctional Facility Authority provides contact information for the multiple facilities within its umbrella as well as information about employment opportunities.

West Virginia Division of Juvenile Services

The DJS webpage provides information about juvenile correctional facilities as well as parent and family resources.

Parole Services, West Virginia Division of Corrections

This WVDOC page provides information and resources specifically for offender reentry.

COURT & JUDICIAL RESOURCES

West Virginia Association for Justice

This organization is dedicated to improving and maintaining the quality of the West Virginia court system. The Association for Justice provides multiple opportunities to continue education for those in legal professions.

West Virginia Court Reporters Association

Court reporters in West Virginia can use this association and its website to network with other court reporting professionals, learn about opportunities to continue their training, and find information on court reporting certification exams.

West Virginia State Law Library

Through the state law library, criminal justice students and those in the legal professions can conduct research and attend workshops.

West Virginia CASA

The Court Appointed Special Advocates group provides assistance to help place neglected and abused children in secure, permanent homes.

Mediator Search

Users can search for qualified alternative dispute resolution professionals in the state of West Virginia through this mediator search tool.

LEGAL RESOURCES

West Virginia Bar Association

The West Virginia Bar Association enables lawyers and other legal professionals to engage with others involved in their fields. Additionally, the association hosts events and publishes relevant news from the national and state level.

Law Library of Congress: West Virginia

West Virginia-specific Library of Congress page provides access to extensive information on the West Virginia constitution and government offices as well as other legal resources.

Legal Aid of West Virginia

Legal Aid of West Virginia provides assistance to individuals and groups in need, from self-help resources to grants that can cover the costs of representation.

Legal Assistants Paralegals of Southern West Virginia

LAPSWV connects legal assistants and paralegals from around the state to provide networking and continuing education opportunities.

The West Virginia State Bar

The West Virginia State Bar is the official authority on attorney licensing in the state.

The Office of the West Virginia Attorney General

The Attorney General provides consumer protection for West Virginians and legal counsel for state entities and employees.

LAW ENFORCEMENT RESOURCES

Private Investigator and Security Professionals of West Virginia

This organization provides networking opportunities for private investigators and security professionals in West Virginia as well as resources for continuing education.

West Virginia Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety - Division of Justice and Community Services

The Division of Justice and Community Services focuses primarily on regulating and training law enforcement workers in West Virginia; as a result, it includes a variety of links to certification exams and training opportunities. The website also has a directory of organizations and resources relevant to law enforcement workers.

West Virginia Sheriffs' Association

The West Virginia Sheriffs' Association provides opportunities to meet and network with other law enforcement professionals. The organization also promotes community outreach with emphasis on local at-risk groups.

West Virginia State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police

The Fraternal Order of Police lodge for West Virginia is an organization of law enforcement professionals from any and all law enforcement agencies in the state. The organization promotes the interests of professionals in the field and provides networking opportunities.

West Virginia Troopers Association

This non-profit supports the state police troopers of West Virginia, providing membership-based networking and resources.

The Academy, West Virginia State Police

Information about recruiting, training and professional development for West Virginia state police officers can be found on this page.

WILDLIFE & ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES

West Virginia Division of Natural Resources

The DNR provides information on Fish and Game events and news in addition to an extensive directory that can be used to research licensing and the state parks in West Virginia.

West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection

The DEP's website includes a vast directory of its offices, points of contact, West Virginia environmental events, and news.

West Virginia Conservation Agency

The Conservation Agency is an organization that promotes environmental education, protection, and recovery. The Conservation Agency has fourteen offices throughout West Virginia and hosts a variety of programs.

West Virginia Environmental Council

The Environmental Council promotes cooperation between West Virginia communities and government agencies. The council also encourages environmental legislation and connects members with extensive information on West Virginia environmental issues.

West Virginia Division of Forestry

This department maintains West Virginia's forests and investigates potential arson cases.

Natural Resources Police Officer Employment

Individuals who are interested in a career as a police officer who protects West Virginia's natural resources can find recruiting and training information on this page.

Popular Resources

Whether you’re looking to earn your online degree or you’re a parent looking for answers, you can find all of your questions covered here. Explore these resources to help you make informed decisions and prepare for whatever is thrown your way.

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AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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