Looking to learn more about online criminal justice programs in Missouri? Look no further!
Missouri has many schools offering online criminal justice degrees. Some of these programs are also available through online learning programs. In this article, we'll talk about the best Missouri colleges and universities offering online criminal justice degrees.
Top Online Criminal Justice Programs in Missouri
Let's take a look at the top five criminal justice programs in Missouri and the schools that offer them.
1. Columbia College
Columbia College is a private school with 35 campuses in 13 different states. It is headquartered in Columbia, MO.
Columbia offers both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in criminal justice. Both degree paths can be completed either online or in person. The online classes are offered in eight–week sessions.
Degrees require 120 credit hours to graduate, and you can transfer in as many as 90 credits from another institution. Both the BS and BA degrees will prepare you to enter a variety of fields in law and justice.
2. Missouri State University
Missouri State University is located in Springfield and is known for having some of the top online degree programs in a variety of areas. The school offers an online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology.
This diverse and flexible program offers a variety of electives for you to choose from, enabling you to customize your degree according to your interests.
With affordable tuition, top–notch instructors, and a flexible online format, this is one of the top criminal justice degree programs in Missouri.
3. Southeast Missouri State University
Southeast Missouri State University is located in Cape Girardeau. This public university offers a wide selection of degree programs, many of which can be obtained online.
This school offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree.
The program offers two tracks:
- university track for those seeking more generalized training
- law enforcement track for those planning a law enforcement career.
The bachelor's degree requires at least 120 credit hours to complete, and all courses can be taken online on your own time.
4. University of Missouri – Kansas City
The University of Missouri – Kansas City is a member of the state's university system. It offers online degree programs through Missouri Online, the state system's shared virtual college.
The school offers a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Criminology. It enables students to seek employment in a variety of fields such as the criminal justice system, law enforcement, and victim services.
Most students complete the program within four years. 120 credit hours are required to graduate, and you can transfer up to 60 of those credits from another institution. All coursework is completed entirely online.
5. University of Missouri – Saint Louis
The University of Missouri – Saint Louis is another member of the University of Missouri System. Similar to the Kansas City campus discussed above, the Saint Louis campus offers virtual degree programs through Missouri Online.
This school offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice. The degree consists of at least 120 credit hours, with a total of 60 potential transfer credits.
Considered one of the top criminal justice degree programs in Missouri, this program encourages internship opportunities and hands–on learning through conducting research projects.
FAQs about Missouri's Criminal Justice Degree Programs
Still have questions about obtaining your criminal justice degree in Missouri? Read on for some answers to commonly–asked questions!
Is a Degree in Criminal Justice Hard?
A criminal justice degree requires you to be self–disciplined and work hard. It requires a lot of critical thinking skills. That said, most students don't find the degree particularly hard.
What Jobs Pay the Most with a Criminal Justice Degree?
Some of the highest paying jobs for criminal justice majors include investigator, magistrate, judge, private detective, and police officer. That said, criminal justice jobs are not particularly high–paying. Average salaries range from $50,000 to $70,000 per year.
Which Is Better, a BA or BS in Criminal Justice?
It all depends on what you're looking for. Bachelor of Arts degrees are broader and more generalized, covering a wide variety of topics. Bachelor of Science degrees are more focused on criminal activity.
Neither one is inherently better than the other. Both of them have pros and cons, and both enable you to pursue a variety of career fields.
Start Your Criminal Justice Degree Program in Missouri
Check out each of the schools above with online criminal justice programs in Missouri to see if any of them offer a program that will work for you. If you have any further questions about these or other online degree programs, reach out to Best Accredited Colleges today!
