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Justice Administration Degree Overview

A degree in justice administration typically is obtained at the associate or bachelor level. A program in law enforcement administration prepares individuals with the skill and knowledge to take on leadership positions within a law enforcement administration. Law enforcement professionals generally pursue the degree when seeking promotion within a given agency or department.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$138,190

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

73.18%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

632,940

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Law and Justice Administration Degree

It was in the year 1839 where the history of Boston of University first took its plunge towards the Higher Learning System of America through the dedication of the United Methodist Church. It operates today as a top and leading research university with comprehensive courses and academic offers in the state of Massachusetts.

Boston University is a leader in advocating justice and a fair legal system in the country. Through their highly respected MET College, BU’s offers comprehensive courses in Law and Justice, including a Bachelor’s and Master’s program in the field. The curriculum for the Bachelor program consists of 32 courses with a total of 128 credits requirement while its Master of Science program consists of 32 required credits. Criminal Justice degree at Boston University focused on building methods and theories while acquiring profound knowledge on the fundamentals of the course.

Acceptance Rate

18.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

At Averett University Non-Traditional Programs students are led to become catalysts for impactful and positive change. It thrives off by following its core values which circulate on a student's agility, openness, imagination, and inclusivity.

Averett University Non-Traditional Programs students of criminal justice focus on studying court processes and procedures, police procedures and criminal law. The institution advises students of forensic science, law school and detective work to take up criminal justice as their major course. In this program learners of criminal justice are taught and trained for a direct entry into careers and professional opportunities in Criminal Justice. Averett’s law and justice degree is also open for students who have received associated degrees from other equally accredited colleges.

Acceptance Rate

23.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

As a research university, the University of Georgia is a top provider of research activities and opportunities for learners and scholars. It is the historical symbol of the oldest existing public university in the United States.

There are plenty of opportunities awaiting individuals who wish to study law and criminal justice at the University of Georgia. The institution’s justice program for Criminal Justice Studies is taught and provided at their School of Arts and Sciences along with their School for Public and International Affairs. In this course, students will explore an interdisciplinary course that will enable students to master general education, while other courses will explore theories and research in the field of criminal law and judicial systems.

Acceptance Rate

45.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Texas Christian University is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to providing independent ideas for Texas students to serve through its liberal arts courses and become moral leaders. TCU is affiliated with the Disciples of Christ.

At TCU’s College of Liberal Arts, students interested in criminal justices and law will find a home in their department of Criminal Justice. The criminal justice courses offered by the department are developed through a deep understanding of the criminal justice system to have a lifelong impact on the community and the legal system itself. Ensure that students have a solid foundation in research, critical thinking, reasoning, and become career-oriented individuals after graduation. 

Acceptance Rate

47.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

The San Diego State University is a member of the California State University system and currently the oldest among its members. SDSU is regarded as one of the nation’s top-performing and prestigious universities to offer a comprehensive list of studies and academic programs for students across the globe.

There is a rigorous process of learning waiting for learners at San Diego State University. At the School of Public Affairs, a thoroughly and thoughtfully designed curriculum for Criminal Justice Program which aims to explore the criminal justice systems methodology and premises. This is a bachelor of Science program made solely for individuals with the interest and perversion in law enforcement, probation and parole, correction service and the law itself. In addition, SDSU has affected the course, which only accepts students who have passed its established criteria (including a cumulative average score of 2.8 or higher).

Acceptance Rate

34.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

27:1

Located in the state of New Jersey, the College of New Jersey is a premier institution recognized as a public university. It prides itself with its excellent seven colleges and schools which focuses in providing bachelor programs and selected master’s degrees.

Found at the heart of TCNJ’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences, a degree in law and justice is offered for students with the natural inclination towards criminal justice. This course on criminal justice is cited as one of the top-tier and excellent departments for criminology students all over the state of New Jersey and in the nation. In this department, students are closely taught and mentored by its faculty who are all experts and masters of the fields and the subjects ensuring a life-long and quality education. With its unique teaching methods and carefully crafted courses, TCNJ ensures that the future of students in any selected field can be guaranteed.

Acceptance Rate

49.28

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Marist College is a private school dedicated to promoting global competence and traditional and first-class humanities education. It is located in one of the most historical landmarks of New York, Hudson River, the Marist College is the state’s leader of liberal arts education and higher learning system.

The School of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Marist College provides an excellent program in Criminal Justice program and majors for students interested in the field. In this course, students will learn to use critical thinking and criminology to pay attention to and solve many persistent problems in society and the current judicial system. Furthermore, students can extend their learning by availing and enrolling in Marist College’s other related course in Law and Procedure, Law and Society, Race and Crime, and Juvenile Justice System Delinquency.

Acceptance Rate

49.23

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

The University of San Diego is a Roman Catholic institution guided and influenced by the Church as reflected in their mission statement. More than 80 degrees of programs are available and offered at USD in many levels including bachelor, master and doctor levels. 

An accessible online degree in Justice Administration and Law Enforcement is open for professionals and graduate students. This is a high-ranking program which has been recognized as the nation’s top programs in law enforcement. USD’s online class for Law Enforcement was launched in 2015 with over 500 students who have received an impressive 95% graduation rate. Students receive rigorous education that thrives off from multiple workshops and series of researches and online activities.

Acceptance Rate

48.69

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The University of South Florida is a public research institution established in 1956 and is currently known as the fourth largest university in South Florida.  Its mission is to cultivate quality education that is in line with lifelong success by cultivating well-educated alumni. 

The Department of Criminology at the University of South Florida offers a Master of Arts in Law and Justice Management. The course’s focus is built on two main subjects which are contemporary issues on the criminal justice system and equipping students with a sophisticated skill in analyzing and creating solutions. Moreover, the advantage of this program for students enrolled at the department equates to highly functional faculty staff, long-standing reputable name of the department in criminology courses, traditional semestral format, and a total of 10 courses requirement without the need for thesis completion.

Acceptance Rate

47.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

The Temple University is classified as a state-related institution which directly receives state-funding but is not under the state’s leadership. As a university, Temple University is akin to the creation of new knowledge and promoting vibrant education to its learners.

Temple University’s program in Criminal Justice is committed to deepening the acquired knowledge and understanding of Governance, Crime, and Social Justice in the country and to the rest of the world. Through its Liberal Arts College, Temple University administers a broad opportunity of learning the field of Criminal Justice with offerings in various levels including graduate, undergraduate, and certificate degrees. The curriculum is concentrated on practical experience, intelligible engagements, and a chance to work alongside with different criminal justice agencies and law firms.  

Acceptance Rate

60.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Rockhurst University has a wide variety of degrees and degree programs, offering more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs. It is a private Jesuit institution founded in the state of Kansas in the 1910.

Designed based on the institution's profound liberal arts foundation, the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice at Rockhurst University gives students the introduction to many complex topics of the country’s criminal justice system. The learning outcomes of the program expect students to create effective research projects, improve key skills, and identify and master the three main elements of the criminal justice system. The program also includes diploma certificates for individuals who want to pursue a career as a paralegal.

Acceptance Rate

63.67

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The University of St. Francis started as a secondary school and a Sister’s normal institute in 1865. It was established by the Sisters of St. Francis of the Immaculate Conception and has been operating as a private institution under the same congregation for many years.

The University of St. Francis has established its own curriculum in the criminal justice curriculum and has documented the uniqueness and diversity of the students participating in the course. It aims to prepare learners in all aspects and topics of criminology, law enforcement, courts, forensics and other research fields. In addition, they will be taught to investigate and learn techniques and methods that are used and important to criminal justice.

Acceptance Rate

45.62

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

As a leading Catholic University, the Sacred Heart University fosters education rooted in the intellectual foundation of Catholic church together with its identification as a private liberal arts institution. Founded in 1963, SHU is among the largest and most respected Catholic institutions in the country.

A Master of Arts in Criminal Justice is offered at SHU. The program stands out for its commitment to providing a much deeper understanding of the basic principles of the criminal justice system. It is a combination of blended learning formats including online, on-campus, and the hybrid of the two. Students acquire liberty in choosing their schedules so they can choose if they want to take the course on full-time or part-time format.

Acceptance Rate

63.92

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The Hampton University has a humble beginning of being an originally black research university in Virginia and founded after the civil war by white and black leaders of a missionary association in America. Today, Hampton University operates as a comprehensive research university serving the higher education of America with the best learning outputs.

Hampton University offers an online course in Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. This online accelerated bachelor of science program is built to ready learners to become active in participating in the development of knowledge in many fields of Criminal Justice. In addition, it directly benefits students who are genuinely interested in the criminal justice system and its professional fields. There is a total of 120 credit hours included in its designed curriculum.

Acceptance Rate

36

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Mount Mary College is known for its defining character as a general degree college with an affiliation with Nagaland College.  The institution vowed to encourage students to accept effective leadership, a strong sense of integrity and a deeper sense of social justice.

Mount Mary College provides students with comprehensive undergraduate courses in criminal justice through its College of Arts and Sciences. This course is dedicated to making connections and exploring human achievements through careful research and understanding of the ways and methods of diverse communities. It prepares students as a whole to become capable people who are capable of serving the country's social and criminal justice system.

Acceptance Rate

57.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

The Brigham Young University is an excellent research university identified as R2: Doctoral University. In addition, BYU students observe and abide by the institution's highly regarded honor code.

The history of BYU’s program in Law Enforcement Education programs started early in the 1970. It was established solely to prepare learners of law enforcement and criminal justice for a life-long career as law enforcers and catalysts for positive change in the criminal justice system. Administered by the best trained faculty of the department, students are expected to become the best in the field and become future leaders.

Acceptance Rate

67.49

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

Monroe College is one of the confidential colleges located in New York. It started as a business school in 1933 with the goal of providing quality education and career-oriented education for men and women. 

An undergraduate study in Criminal Justice is waiting for learners at Monroe College’s School of Criminal and Social Justice. It prides itself on learning in the real world, which provides students with basic and important tools that enable them to understand and solve real-world problems in society and the criminal justice system. In addition, students will have the advantage of using the most advanced tools and techniques to enhance their learning experience.

Acceptance Rate

47.99

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Thomas Jefferson University is a leader of an innovative higher education curriculum in America. It aims to promote and launch more 21st century curriculum through their partnerships with its community.

Students with the inclination to understand and examine the criminal justice system of the country can learn a lot at TFU’s program in Law and Society. It is a superior program built to accommodate the learning needs of students in every aspect of criminal justice. In this program students express their political beliefs and opinions while learning to lead current issues and discussions related to the field. The Law and Society program in TFJ amounts to a total of 122 – 124 credit hours.

Acceptance Rate

65.88

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

With seven different satellite campuses, the University of South Carolina is a leader in excellence and sustainability education in the higher education system. Its campus in Columbia is considered as the country’s among of the top-tier universities with a strong focus in research. 

USC’s Criminal Justice program fosters state-of-the-art instruction and research in fields related and crucial to advocating an orderly working society and community. Students can expect to learn theories and actions related to social deviations, legal systems and law enforcement. USC’s Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice requires courses in corrections and criminal service, policing, criminal procedure, research methods in criminal justice, and sociology of crime.

Acceptance Rate

68.65

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Mississippi College is a private institution and is identified as the Baptist College. It is the oldest private institution in the United States and is located in Clinton, Mississippi. It was established on January 24, 1826, when the governor of Mississippi signed the first charter.

Mississippi’s College program in Administration Justice has been an excellent source of exceptional learning, faculty, and curriculum. Since its establishment in 1984, the program promotes learning by helping students acquire important critical thinking skills to become competent individuals in the field of criminal justice. Its faculty and staff are full of certificates and reputable names in the field.

Acceptance Rate

42.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Michigan State University is a public research institution that founded a land-grant university in 1855. Its mission is simple: it seeks to advance the condition of human lives through meaningful transformation.

Michigan State University offers undergraduate courses in criminal justice for law students and individuals with a strong interest in the criminal justice system. The program is a Bachelor of Arts degree that is outlined to provide students with the training and education that will make them qualified for an entry level. Provide students with a basic understanding of the different institutions and methods of the criminal justice system.

Acceptance Rate

71.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

It is a private institution, operating as a non-profit university in the state of Illinois. Bradley University is a recognized top-tier university with a wide offering of nearly 6000 programs in both undergraduate and graduate levels.

At Bradley University, students can advance their knowledge in criminal law if they enroll in the institutions’ major program in criminal justice. It introduces and orients students to become adept in the many facets and complex ideas of criminal justice and the law. Furthermore, upon the completion of this program, students shall be able to attain an internship with the nation’s Marshall Office, carry out collaborative research with peers and faculty, and receive a wide network and career opportunities.

Acceptance Rate

70.21

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

It is a leader of high-quality liberal arts education in the state of Chicago. It functions as a private college which focuses on pursuing both learner’s intellectual and personal growth under their supervision and care.

For students who plan to pursue a career in teaching, law enforcement, and law, Elmhurst major program in Criminal Justice meets a learner’s desire to be employment ready. It comprises 11 different required courses that tackles theories of Criminology, introduction of Criminal Justice System, and capstone seminars. In addition, students can practice the flexible options offered by Elmhurst College. Students shall maintain a grade of C- or a better grade in order to maintain admission in the program.

Acceptance Rate

67.78

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The Fresno Pacific University has a mission to prepare students for wise and faithful service through Christian higher education while also improving the society through service and scholarship. It is a private university founded in 1944 and offers unlimited opportunities for ethical, personal, and professional growth. 

The university also has an undergraduate program that concentrates on criminology and the pressing issues of the local and global communities. Students will gain a broad understanding of environmental crimes, human behavior, and conflict resolution. The law and justice degree allows students to participate in various academic research, internships, and projects that provide networking opportunities with professionals who are highly respected in the criminal justice field. Students who completed this program will not only be prepared for employment but also for admission in law schools.

Acceptance Rate

66.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Located in Los Angeles, California, Azusa Pacific University is a Christian institution that provides world-class education to more than 5,000 students. It was established in 1939 and currently offers more than 150 graduate and undergraduate degree programs.

The university offers a criminal law and justice program designed to develop the leadership skills needed for personal and professional growth. Throughout the program, students will understand contemporary and traditional criminology theories, as well as theoretical perspectives on how the judicial system responds to criminals, victims and crimes. In addition, students enrolled in this program are taught by supportive professors who push them to become better by providing an excellent curriculum that covers law enforcement and corrections.

Acceptance Rate

67.48

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Justice Administration Requirements

Study in law enforcement administration will require individuals to learn management techniques, budgets, and other administrative tasks that may be unique to a law enforcement setting. A curriculum in law enforcement administration may include:

  • Criminal Justice
  • Organization and Administration
  • Ethics
  • Legal Aspects of Homeland Security
  • Criminal Procedure
  • Criminology
  • Constitutional Law
  • Policing and Corrections
  • Forensic Science
  • Crime and Mental Health
  • Homeland Security
  • Database Management
  • Cryptography

Top Online Degrees in Law and Justice Administration

Learning online has become the fastest growing segment within higher education in recent years for many reasons. Colleges and universities have been able to organize quality curriculum at scale and students gravitate to the inherent benefits of learning online. To learn more about online learning, visit our resource page with dozens of articles and resources to help you determine if earning an online college degree is right for you.

Online college degrees in law and justice administration span from associate-level programs through doctorate programs. Examples of specialties in bachelors degree programs, masters degrees and, doctorate programs include such concentrations as in Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity, Homeland Security, Criminology, Security Studies, and Crime & Mental Health.

Many accredited colleges and universities also offer the opportunity for qualified students to earn graduate certificates in programs like domestic violence prevention, leadership & public policy, security studies, victim studies, and forensic criminology. Learn more today by requesting information from the schools below.

Popular Careers in Law and Justice Administration

Criminal Justice

One of the most popular tracks within the law and justice administration college degree program is criminal justice.  In short, criminal justice is the system of policies, practices, and procedures of states and governments to maintain social order, mitigate crime, enforce punishments, and rehabilitate.

Students earning a traditional classroom degree or online degree in criminal justice will have the opportunity to continue their education with an advanced degree or join the workforce in a number of possible sectors.  You will have the opportunity to earn a general degree in criminal justice or elect to earn a degree within a specialization such as corrections, police, crime & mental health, violence, or homeland security.

Security & Cybercrime

A college degree in security and cybercrime is designed to prepare students to defend networks, data, software, and operating systems from nefarious attacks.  Professionals within the security and cybercrime industry can work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, public institutions, as well as private corporations.

Depending on the college or university, you may see these degree programs listed under computer science or cybersecurity with specialized degree tracks in computer forensics, computer systems analyst, information science, information technology, counterterrorism, or homeland security.

Forensics

The forensics college degree track includes the various techniques, procedures, and science-based tools used to analyze and deconstruct a crime scene. The technological advances in the field of forensics has made this degree program a popular choice for students and a very dynamic area of study.

Courses in forensics may include: research methodologies, forensic analysis, forensic psychology, forensic serology, forensic chemistry, forensic medicine, forensic taphonomy, forensic anthropology, forensic entomology, and forensic law.

Human Services

Human services area of study prepares students to be a conduit to help others in a variety of outreach organizations.  Human services graduates are professionals that help direct, plan, and coordinate client activities in conjunction with medical professionals, forensic psychologists, detectives, social workers, and similar specialists to help clients manage challenging situations.  The emphasis of the human services degree is in communication, writing composition, psychology, and leadership.

Homeland Security

The homeland security college degree program is one of the fastest growing programs in the country.  As a robust government agency, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a rapidly growing entity with substantive resources and responsibilities.

The homeland security degree program provides a curricular design to provide students with an understanding of the DHS and its associated laws, directives, agencies, and procedures.  The rigorous coursework in this program typically includes specializations in domestic issues, financial security, international threats, criminal activity detection, crime prevention, disaster management, cybersecurity, and emergency preparedness.

Emergency Management

Students graduating from college with a degree in emergency management will work in public institutions, private corporations, non-profit organizations, or government agencies.  While these organizations have different legal structures, their goals of public service are tightly aligned.  Students will learn to understand the interplay between public policy and leading-edge management practices to develop protection and mitigation preparedness plans for both natural and human-derived threats.

Law & Justice Administration Jobs

After earning a traditional classroom-based degree or an online associate degree in a specialized justice administration field of study from an accredited college or university, you will be prepared to launch a career in several industry sectors. These jobs will vary from state to state but may include a police officer, corrections officer, security officer, or firefighter.

A bachelors degree in justice administration and graduate degree may open additional career opportunities given the extra academic preparation involved in these programs. Examples of jobs you may qualify with a bachelors degree in a field of justice administration may encompass:

  • Homeland Security Officer (DHS)
  • ATF Agent (ATF)
  • Cryptographer
  • State Parole Officer
  • Homeland Security Officer
  • Digital Forensic Specialist
  • Probation Officer
  • Private Investigator
  • Air Marshal
  • Systems Security Analyst
  • FBI Agent
  • Customs Agent (USC)
  • Risk Analyst
  • Sheriff's Deputy
  • Secret Service (USSS)
  • Border Patrol Agent (USBP)
  • Industrial Control Systems
  • International Terrorism Analyst
  • Immigration and Customs Enforcement Officer (ICE)
  • Criminologist
  • Drug Enforcement Agent (DEA)

Justice Administration Careers

Careers in law enforcement administration are expected to grow steadily over the next decade as the demand for law enforcement in various forms increases. Many positions will open due to the retiring of professionals and the expanding of responsibilities within a department or agency. Law enforcement administrators will require previous experience in law enforcement, and a degree is not necessarily required in order to be promoted, though the likelihood for promotion, especially at the state and federal level increases with a degree.

Individuals pursuing a career in law enforcement administration will be responsible for officers and agents. As such, and individual pursuing such a position should understand the methods for maintaining morale, fostering an atmosphere of cooperation, have a strong background in law enforcement, and demonstrate leadership ability. Due to the administrative nature of the position, individuals will also be required to have a deeper understanding of the law, bureaucracy, and the criminal justice system.

The average salary of a law enforcement administrator will vary based on agency or department, years of experience, and employer. For example, federal law enforcement typically makes more than local law enforcement, though administrative positions in a large city may offer more than those at the federal level in a smaller city. Individuals interested in law enforcement administration may also be interested in criminal justice, policing, or criminology.

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