Criminal Justice Schools in Wisconsin
Criminal justice students in Wisconsin have a diverse range of choices for a degree program or certificate. The state has programs from varying institutions; large and small, public and private, bachelor’s degrees and certificates, there are many options from which to choose. Before entering a degree or certificate program, criminal justice students should research the career fields in which they’re interested to see what education level is recommended.
This site can be used as a launch pad for students to begin their research. Below, one can: read about the leading criminal justice schools, search according to criteria that are important to them, and get information on and compare potential career outcomes.
The Best Criminal Justice Schools in Wisconsin
Students should consider potential criminal justice schools carefully. While some attributes mean more to some people than to others, there are certain traits in these programs that all potential applicants should consider. Below, we’ve ranked criminal justice in Wisconsin according to the following important characteristics: costs, total enrollment, class size, and acceptance rate. Read on for the rankings and descriptions of each.
Oklahoma City University
Oklahoma City, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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.
- In-State$28,094
- Out-of-state$28,094
- In-State$10,620
- Out-of-state$10,620
- Retention Rate77%
- Acceptance Rate70%
- Students Enrolled2,550
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment20%
- AccreditationYes
Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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.
- In-State$6,623
- Out-of-state$15,743
- In-State$4,802
- Out-of-state$10,697
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance Rate99%
- Students Enrolled6,409
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment78%
- AccreditationYes
University of Oklahoma-Norman
Norman, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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.
- In-State$5,070
- Out-of-state$22,140
- In-State$8,034
- Out-of-state$23,820
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled29,166
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment51%
- AccreditationYes
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Weatherford, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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.
- In-State$6,585
- Out-of-state$13,695
- In-State$6,516
- Out-of-state$13,188
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled4,777
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment81%
- AccreditationYes
University of Central Oklahoma
Edmond, OK
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
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.
- In-State$7,026
- Out-of-state$17,913
- In-State$7,356
- Out-of-state$17,364
- Retention Rate64%
- Acceptance Rate70%
- Students Enrolled12,250
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
Wisconsin’s Most Popular Criminal Justice Careers
Once a student has discovered an interest in the criminal justice field, they should research potential careers to which their education can lead them. The table below gives potential students an illustration of specific careers in the criminal justice field, as well as how many people hold those jobs, how much they make, and the education level required to apply.
How Wisconsin Compares for Criminal Justice Careers
As Wisconsin’s criminal justice students make their way toward their career goals, they will likely want to see the earning potential of that career, as well as how it stacks up in Wisconsin compared to the national average. In the tables below, researchers can get a visual of the careers in which they’re interested. They’ll get an idea of the salary they can earn, how its growth compares to the national average, and again, will see what the degree requirement is.
Job | National | Wisconsin |
---|---|---|
Transportation Security Screeners | 40,050 | 40,210 |
Detectives, Criminal Investigators | 73,280 | 81,490 |
Police, Sheriff’s Patrol Officers | 58,050 | 62,760 |
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers | 93,140 | 108,290 |
Court Reporter | 56,940 | 60,280 |
Animal Control Workers | 34,420 | 36,600 |
Paralegals and Legal Assistants | 48,120 | 53,180 |
Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers | 45,850 | 51,490 |
Bailiffs | 29,740 | 45,740 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2015
Job | National | Wisconsin |
---|---|---|
Compliance Officer | 0.033 | 0.073 |
Detectives and Investigator | -0.012 | 0.001 |
Fish and Game Warden | 0.019 | 0.051 |
Probation Officers | 0.011 | 0.052 |
Lawyers | 0.033 | 0.056 |
Police, Sheriff’s Patrol Officers | 0.006 | 0.05 |
Bailiffs | 0.004 | 0.047 |
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary | 0.16 | 0.214 |
Source: Projections Central, 2015