This page was developed to help you find the right Maryland criminal justice degree program to fit your career goals. Maryland's colleges and universities host a number of competitive criminal justice programs in such specialized areas as cybercrime, forensics, intelligence analysis, and homeland security. A growing number of schools in Maryland are offering online criminal justice degrees, including Towson University and the University of Maryland University College. Continue reading to learn more about your options and find the right program for you.
Quick Facts
There are 143 schools offering criminal justice degrees in Maryland (see below).1
14 colleges and universities offer associate's degrees in criminal justice.*1
13 colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in criminal justice.*1
10 colleges and universities offer master's or doctoral degrees in criminal justice.*1
4 colleges and universities offer criminal justice degree programs online.*1
4 schools ranked in Kiplinger's Best Values in Public Colleges in 2018.2
3 schools ranked in College Factual's Best Criminal Justice & Corrections Colleges in 2018.3
1 school ranked in Criminal Justice Degree Schools Best Online Bachelor's Programs in 2018.4
No schools ranked in US News Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs in 2018.5
*For not-for-profit colleges and universities with criminal justice degree programs.
Criminal Justice Degree Programs in Maryland
Earning your criminal justice degree in Maryland can support success throughout your career. Options for earning your degree at the associate's, bachelor's, and graduate levels are found throughout the state. A growing number of criminal justice employers are requiring college credit or showing preference towards applicants who have attended college. Although a four-year degree is not technically required to become a Maryland State Trooper, it can assist in the extremely competitive selection process. Similarly, while the Baltimore Police Department does not require that applicants have a college degree, it does give additional consideration – including pay incentives – to those who do. Earning your degree in criminal justice can also lead to greater chances at promotion.
Top-Ranked Schools with Criminal Justice Programs in Maryland
Kiplinger's Best Values in Public Colleges*
Salisbury University (#98 in-state, #77 out-of-state)
St. Mary's College of Maryland (#78 in-state, #61 out-of-state)
University of Maryland-Baltimore County (#60 in-state, #53 out-of-state)
University of Maryland-College Park (#10 in-state, #16 out-of-state)
*Institution-wide ranking.
College Factual's Best Criminal Justice & Corrections Colleges
University of Baltimore (#74)
Stevenson University (#93)
Towson University (#96)
Criminal Justice Degree Schools Best Online Bachelor's Programs
University of Maryland University College
Profiles of Well-Known Schools in Maryland
University of Baltimore: The College of Public Affairs at the University of Baltimore has both undergraduate and graduate programs in criminal justice and was the second higher education institution in the US to have both program levels certified by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences. Upper-level bachelor students pursue their own research projects in the Advanced Criminal Justice Studies course while graduate students further build upon their expertise. The School of Criminal Justice in the College of Public Affairs has a traditional Master of Science in Criminal Justice as well as a Joint MS/JD program. Students have the luxury of choosing from an extensive database of internship opportunities within the categories of Criminal Justice, Forensic Studies (Forensic Science or Police Science), and Government and Public Policy.
University of Maryland: Students admitted to the University of Maryland's main campus in College Park have several options for earning a criminal justice degree. The Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice (CCJS) offers a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice. 36 credit hours of the degree program are devoted to courses within the major field of study. Electives include Advanced Juvenile Delinquency; Crime and Delinquency Prevention; and Contemporary Criminological Theory. The CCJS department also offers a master's and a doctoral program in criminology and criminal justice. For those looking for careers in digital crime prevention and investigation, the university's Department of Computer Science offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a specialization in cybersecurity.
Notable Alumni from Maryland Universities
Maryland Police Commissioner Frederick H Bealefeld III – University of Maryland University College
Montgomery County Police Chief J. Thomas Manger – University of Maryland
Baltimore County Sheriff R. Jay Fisher – University of Baltimore
Anne Arundel County Sheriff Ron Bateman- University of Baltimore
Police Quote:
Maryland Criminal Justice Careers
[hen-ui-text variant="b4" data-ek="hen-ui-text:27"]If you are interested in working for a city police department, the Baltimore Police offer a starting salary of $48,971 and bachelor's degree holders receive extra pay through the Baltimore PD Educational Incentive Program.5 The generous benefits package includes the opportunity for retirement after just 20 years of service. Of course, the monetary compensation is just a bonus to the intrinsic benefits of self-fulfillment and excitement. Upon hire, Maryland State Trooper recruits receive a base salary of $35,000, which increases to $46,000 after successful completion of the academy.6 The Maryland Department of Public Safety & Correctional Services is also hiring for a number of positions. In some cases, criminal justice coursework can be substituted for required on-the-job experience. Protective service professionals, which includes police officers, working in the state of Maryland earn an average annual salary of $46,860.7[/hen-ui-text data-ek="hen-ui-expert-quote:0"]During the period from 2014 to 2024, positions in a number of related fields are expected to grow. Security guard employment is expected to increase by 5%, while police officer and management positions are expected to grow by 4%.16 Positions for correctional officers are expected to grow 4% through 2024, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.16
Maryland Criminal Justice Salary and Jobs
| Occupation | Number Employed | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | 7,100 | $45,520 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | 3,590 | $90,360 |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | 980 | $96,410 |
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | 13,790 | $61,610 |
Data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2015.8,9,10,11
Maryland's Criminal Justice Employment Outlook
Maryland's unemployment rate as of May 2016 was 4.5%.12 This is below the 10-year state-level peak unemployment rate of 8% in March 2010, though still above the unemployment low of 3.7% from March of 2008.12 Government-related employment is a good proxy for criminal justice jobs in Maryland. Projections Central includes the following criminal justice jobs in its estimates for Maryland through 2024:
Police and Sheriff Patrol: 530 annual openings; 46% in these positions report completing at least some college, with 24% holding an associate's degree.13,14
Correctional Officers: 210 annual openings; 37% in these positions report completing at least some college, with 15% holding a post-secondary certificate.13,15
Detectives and Criminal Investigators: 30 annual openings; 37% in these positions report completing at least some college, with 21% holding an associate's degree.13,16
Security Guards: 1,060 annual openings; 4% in these positions report completing at least some college.13,17
Paralegals and Legal Assistants: 210 annual openings; 86% in these positions report completing at least some college, with 30% holding an associate's degree and 44% holding a bachelor's degree.13,18
Available positions are a result of growth and replacement.
The Mercatus Center, a conservative think tank, analyzed and rated each state government's long-term solvency. After an analysis of the state's budgeting process, cash/tax collection, and pensions, Maryland was ranked 41st in the nation.19 This is an indicator that new hires should keep a close eye on the state's ability to fulfill pension obligations.

Directory of Maryland Universities Offering Campus-based and Online Criminal Justice Degrees
To learn more about earning a Maryland criminal justice degree, we recommend contacting an accredited campus-based or online program to find out about pursuing an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree in the growing field of criminal justice.
Tip: If you don't live near a campus-based school that offers a program of interest, consider an online degree or a university in an adjacent state (Pennsylvania, Delaware, Washington D.C., Virginia, and West Virginia).
Schools with Online and On-Campus Criminal Justice Programs
Note: Student Reviews are based on the experiences of a few individuals and it is unlikely that you will have similar results. Please review the "Data, Student Reviews and Other Information" section in our Terms of Use and Disclaimers.
Frederick Community College (Frederick)Associate of Arts | Criminal Justice (transfer degree)Associate of Arts | Emergency Management (online or on-campus)Associate of Applied Science | Police ScienceAssociate of Applied Science | CybersecurityCertificate | Addictions CounselingCertificate | CorrectionsCertificate | Emergency ManagementLetter of Recognition | Emergency Management
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Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore)Master of Arts | Global Security Studies (online or on-campus)Master of Science | Geospatial Intelligence (online)Master of Science | Government Analytics (online or on-campus)Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Science, Technology, and International Security (online or on-campus)
Towson University (Towson)Bachelor of Science | Sociology: Criminal JusticeBachelor of Science | Forensic ChemistryMaster of Science | Forensic ScienceMaster of Science | Integrated Homeland Security Management (online)Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Security Assessment & ManagementProgram | Army ROTCProgram | Air Force ROTC
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University of Maryland University College (Adelphi)Bachelor of Science | Computer Networks and Security (online)Bachelor of Science | Cybersecurity Management and Policy (online)Bachelor of Science | Investigative Forensics (online)Bachelor of Science | Public Safety Administration (online)Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice (online)Master of Science | Homeland Security Management (online)Master of Science | Information Assurance (online)Master of Science | Criminal Justice Management (online)Master of Science | Emergency Management (online)Master of Science | Homeland Security Management (online)Master of Science | Intelligence Management (online)Master of Science | Air and Space Strategic Studies (online; for military students)Master of Science | Army Operations and National Security (online; for military students)Master of Science | Joint Military Strategy (online; for military students)Master of Science | Marine Corps Operations (online; for military students)Master of Science | Naval Operations and National Security (online; for military students)Minor | Cybersecurity (online)Minor | Criminal Justice (online)Minor | Emergency Management (online)Minor | Forensics (online)Minor | Homeland Security (online)Minor | Public Safety Administration (online)Minor | Terrorism and Critical Infrastructure (online)Certificate | Homeland Security Management (online)
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Schools with On-Campus Criminal Justice Programs Only
Note: Student Reviews are based on the experiences of a few individuals and it is unlikely that you will have similar results. Please review the "Data, Student Reviews and Other Information" section in our Terms of Use and Disclaimers.
Allegany College of Maryland (Cumberland)Associate of Science | Criminology (transfer degree)Associate of Applied Science | Criminal JusticeAssociate of Applied Science | CybersecurityAssociate of Science | Computer Science: Cybersecurity/Information SystemsCertificate | Criminal Justice/CorrectionsCertificate | CybersecurityLetter of Recognition Program | CorrectionsLetter of Recognition Program | Peace and Conflict Studies
Anne Arundel Community College (Arnold)Associate of Applied Science | Homeland Security ManagementAssociate of Applied Science | Homeland Security Management: Transportation and Border SecurityAssociate of Applied Science | Homeland Security Management: Intelligence AnalysisAssociate of Applied Science | Law Enforcement and Criminal JusticeAssociate of Applied Science | CybercrimeAssociate of Applied Science | Juvenile JusticeAssociate of Applied Science | Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice, Police AcademyAssociate of Applied Science | Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice, Social JusticeAssociate of Applied Science | Forensic Studies: Forensic ScientistAssociate of Applied Science | Forensic Studies: Forensic Police ScienceAssociate of Applied Science | Information Assurance and Cybersecurity: Cyber ForensicsCertificate | Law Enforcement and Criminal JusticeCertificate | CybercrimeCertificate | Intelligence AnalysisCertificate | Cyber ForensicsCertificate | Advanced Cyber ForensicsCertificate | Science Laboratory ManagementLetter of Recognition | Law Enforcement Evidence Technician
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Baltimore City Community College (Baltimore)Associate of Applied Science | Law EnforcementAssociate of Applied Science | Correctional AdministrationAssociate of Applied Science | Community PolicingAssociate of Applied Science | Cyber Security and AssuranceCertificate | Addiction CounselingCertificate | Cyber Security and Assurance
Carroll Community College (Westminster)Associate of Applied Science | Law EnforcementAssociate of Applied Science | Cyber SecurityAssociate of Arts | Criminal JusticeCertificate | Cyber Security
Cecil College (North East)Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice: CorrectionsAssociate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice: Law EnforcementAssociate of Applied Science | Cyber SecurityCertificate | Cyber Security
Chesapeake College (Wye Mills)Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice: CorrectionsAssociate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice: Crime Scene TechnicianCertificate | Law EnforcementCertificate | Crime Scene Technician
College of Southern Maryland (La Plata)Associate of Arts | General Studies: Criminal JusticeAssociate of Arts | General Studies: Forensic StudiesAssociate of Arts | Forensic StudiesAssociate of Applied Science | Homeland SecurityAssociate of Applied Science | CyberSecurityCertificate | Criminal JusticeCertificate | Alcohol and Drug CounselingCertificate | CyberSecurity TechnologyCertificate | Security ManagementLetter of Recognition | Criminal JusticeLetter of Recognition | Security Management
Coppin State University (Baltimore)Bachelor of Science | Criminal JusticeMaster of Science | Criminal JusticeMaster of Education | Correctional EducationMinor | Criminal JusticePost-Baccalaureate Certificate | Policing StrategiesPost-Baccalaureate Certificate | Investigative SciencesCertificate | Forensic InvestigationsProgram | Army ROTC
Frostburg State University (Frostburg)Bachelor Degree | Law and Society: Criminal JusticeBachelor Degree | Information Technology: Computer Security
Garrett College (McHenry)Associate of Applied Science | CybersecurityCertificate | Cybersecurity
Harford Community College (Bel Air)Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice: Legal StudiesAssociate of Applied Science | Information Assurance and CybersecurityAssociate of Arts | Criminal JusticeCertificate | Information Assurance and Cybersecurity
Montgomery College (Rockville)Associate of Applied Science | Criminal JusticeAssociate of Applied Science | CybersecurityCertificate | Cybersecurity
Mount St. Mary's University (Emmitsburg)Bachelor of Arts | Criminal JusticeBachelor of Arts | Accelerated Criminal JusticeBachelor of Arts | Dual Sociology/Criminal JusticeMinor | Conflict, Peace, and Social JusticeMinor | Criminal JusticeMinor | Cyber SecurityProgram | Military Science: Army ROTC
Prince George's Community College (Largo)Associate of Applied Science | Criminal JusticeAssociate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice: Correctional ServicesAssociate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice: Police ScienceAssociate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice: Cybercrime InvestigationAssociate of Arts | Criminal Justice (transfer degree)Associate of Science | Forensic ScienceCertificate | Criminal Justice TechnologyCertificate | CybersecurityCertificate | Cybersecurity Management
Salisbury University (Salisbury)Bachelor of Arts | Conflict Analysis & Dispute ResolutionMaster of Arts | Conflict Analysis & Dispute Resolution
Stevenson University (Stevenson)Bachelor of Science | Criminal JusticeMaster of Science | Forensic StudiesMinor | Criminal Justice
University of Baltimore (Baltimore)Bachelor of Science | Criminal JusticeBachelor of Science | Forensic Studies: Forensic ScienceBachelor of Science | Forensic Studies: Police ScienceBachelor of Arts | JurisprudenceBachelor of Arts | Community Studies and Civic EngagementMaster of Science | Criminal JusticeMaster of Science/Juris Doctor | Criminal Justice (dual degree)Master of Science | Forensic Science: High Technology CrimeMaster of Arts | Global Affairs and Human SecurityMaster of Public Services | Justice Leadership and ManagementMaster of Science | Negotiations and Conflict ManagementMaster of Science/Juris Doctor | Negotiations and Conflict Management (dual degree)Certificate | Crime Scene InvestigationCertificate | Forensic Document AnalysisPost-Baccalaureate Certificate | Forensic Accounting
University of Maryland Baltimore County (Baltimore)Master of Professional Studies | Cybersecurity
University of Maryland Eastern Shore (Princess Anne)Bachelor of Science | Criminal JusticeMaster of Science | Criminology & Criminal JusticeMaster of Science | Criminal Justice: Criminology and ResearchMaster of Science | Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement and CourtsMaster of Science | Criminal Justice: Corrections and Delinquency PreventionMinor | Criminal Justice
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Wor-Wic Community College (Salisbury)Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice: CorrectionsAssociate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice: Forensic ScienceAssociate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice: Law EnforcementAssociate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice: CorrectionsAssociate of Applied Science | Chemical Dependency CounselingCertificate of Proficiency | Chemical Dependency CounselingCertificate of Proficiency | Forensic ScienceCertificate of Proficiency | Investigative ForensicsCertificate of Proficiency | Law EnforcementCertificate of Proficiency | Law Enforcement TechnologyDiploma | Police/Corrections AcademyLetter of Recognition | Correctional Technician
References:1. National Center for Education Statistics: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/2. Kiplinger's Best Values in Public Colleges: https://www.kiplinger.com/tool/college/T014-S001-kiplinger-s-best-values-in-public-colleges/index.php3. College Factual Best Criminal Justice & Corrections Colleges: https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/protective-security-safety-services/criminal-justice-and-corrections/rankings/top-ranked/4. US News Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs: https://www.usnews.com/education/online-education/criminal-justice/rankings5. Baltimore Police Department: https://www.baltimorepolice.org/careers/sworn-careers6. Maryland State Police: https://mdsp.maryland.gov/Careers/Pages/SalaryBenefitsTrooper.aspx7. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2015 Occupational Employment and Wages, Protective Service Occupations (Major Group): https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes330000.htm8. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2015 Occupational Employment and Wages, Correctional Officers and Jailers https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333012.htm9. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2015 Occupational Employment and Wages, First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes331012.htm10. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2015 Occupational Employment and Wages, Detectives and Criminal Investigators: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333021.htm11. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2015 Occupational Employment and Wages, Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333051.htm12. Y Charts 10 Year Unemployment Chart: https://ycharts.com/indicators/maryland_unemployment_rate13. Projections Central Long Term Occupational Projections: https://www.projectionscentral.com/Projections/LongTerm14. O*Net OnLine, Police Patrol Officers: https://www.onetonline.org/link/details/33-3051.0115. O*Net OnLine, Correctional Officers and Jailers: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/33-3012.0016. O*Net OnLine, Police Detectives: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/33-3021.0117. O*Net OnLine, Security Guards: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/33-9032.0018. O*Net OnLine, Paralegals and Legal Assistants: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/23-2011.0019. Mercatus Center, George Mason University, Ranking the States by Fiscal Condition 2016 Edition: https://www.mercatus.org/statefiscalrankings

