Oklahoma Criminal Justice Schools
Are you ready to find a school that's aligned with your interests?
Whether you're looking for an undergraduate or graduate program, chances are good that Oklahoma is home to the right criminal justice degree program for you. Oklahoma's colleges and universities offer a wide variety of opportunities to study criminal justice specialties such as corrections, homeland security, law enforcement, and forensic science. Several schools, including Cameron University and the University of Oklahoma, also offer online criminal justice programs.
Quick Facts
*For not-for-profit colleges and universities with criminal justice degree programs.
Criminal Justice Degree Programs in Oklahoma
The colleges and universities in Oklahoma offer opportunities to earn associate's, bachelor's, and advanced degrees in criminal justice that can jump-start your career. A growing number of schools are also offering criminal justice degrees online. Many employers are now requiring applicants to have at least an associate's degree in criminal justice or a related area of study. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol requires prospective state troopers who do not have military experience to hold an associate's degree; military applicants must have at least 32 semester hours of college credit. It is becoming more common for local police departments to hold similar requirements. Having your degree can also lead to higher salaries as well as expand your opportunities for promotion.
Featured Online Programs
Explore program formats, transfer requirements, financial aid packages, and more by contacting the schools below.
Top-Ranked Schools with Criminal Justice Programs in Oklahoma
Kiplinger's Best Values in Public Colleges*
- Oklahoma State University (#81 in-state, #85 out-of-state)
- University of Oklahoma (#52 in-state, #49 out-of-state)
*Institution-wide ranking.
College Factual's Best Criminal Justice & Corrections Colleges
- University of Oklahoma (#66)
US News Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs
- University of Oklahoma (#7 tie)
Profiles of Well-Known Schools in Oklahoma
University of Oklahoma: Students at the University of Oklahoma have the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice through the College of Liberal Studies. This is one of the many programs that OU offers completely online, an option that can be a great fit for students who work full time. Though the college only has five full-time faculty, over a hundred adjuncts contribute their expertise to the academic programs. Criminal justice students are required to complete 39 major credit hours with courses such as Deviance and Social Control, Statistics in Criminal Justice, and Theories of Criminal Behavior. The College of Liberal Studies has several scholarships for its undergraduate students, such as the Startup Scholarship and the Outstanding Senior Award.
Oklahoma City University: The Department of Sociology and Justice Studies at Oklahoma City University offers a BA and a BS in Criminal Justice and a Master of Science in Criminology. The department has numerous partnerships with state agencies, providing students with career-advancing internship opportunities, while Alpha Phi Sigma creates a peer-based social environment for Justice Studies majors. The 10 full-time faculty teach specialized courses like Juvenile Delinquency and Social Construction of Identities. MS Criminology students enroll in an accelerated program that enables them to complete their degree within one year.
Notable Alumni from Oklahoma Universities
- Oklahoma County Oklahoma Sheriff John Whetsel - Southwestern College, University of Central Oklahoma
- Tulsa County Oklahoma Sheriff Stanley Glanz - Oklahoma City University, Tulsa University
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Police Chief William Citty - Oklahoma State University
- Tulsa, Oklahoma, Police Chief William Citty - University of Phoenix, Tulsa University
Police Quote: "A successful gang investigator has to be able to know the streets and think on his feet. If you get out here and try to work in and around these gangsters, and don't know their language, who they align with, bang against etc.they will not talk to you or show you any respect."
Tim Hock, President of the Oklahoma Gang Investigators AssociationOklahoma Criminal Justice Careers
Oklahoma provides many opportunities for graduates with a degree in criminal justice. Oklahoma has had steady population growth since the 1960s. With a relatively low cost of living, low income taxes, and a business-friendly environment, the state is home to many growing industries. For criminal justice professionals, there are a significant number of career opportunities in corrections, law enforcement, and law firms.
In addition to local law enforcement jobs, the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety and the US government also provide job opportunities for graduates of criminal justice programs. Federal government agencies that hire criminal justice professionals in Oklahoma include the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and others.
The average annual salary for Oklahoma police officers is $43,710 while first-line supervisors earn an average salary of $70,280 per year.6,8 Correctional officers in Oklahoma earn an average of $35,160 and detectives earn an average of $68,240.5,7 Those who work at law firms or in other settings as paralegals or legal assistants in Oklahoma earn an average of $43,400.9
Oklahoma Criminal Justice Salary and Jobs
| Occupation | Number Employed | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | 4,840 | $35,160 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | 2,330 | $70,280 |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | 840 | $68,240 |
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | 7,050 | $43,710 |
Data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2015.5,6,7,8
Oklahoma's Criminal Justice Employment Outlook
As of May 2016, Oklahoma's unemployment rate was 4.7%, equal to the national average and well below the state's 10-year unemployment peak in December 2009, with a rate of 7.3%.10 The most recent unemployment low was 3.2% in April of 2008.10 Government employment is a good indicator of criminal justice jobs in Oklahoma. Projections Central includes the following criminal justice job projections for the state:
- Police and Sheriff Patrol: 400 annual openings; 46% in these positions report completing at least some college, with 24% holding an associate's degree.11,12
- Correctional Officers: 260 annual openings; 37% in these positions report completing at least some college, with 15% holding a post-secondary certificate.11,13
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators: 50 annual openings; 37% in these positions report completing at least some college, with 21% holding an associate's degree.11,14
- Security Guards: 310 annual openings; 4% in these positions report completing at least some college.11,15
- Paralegals and Legal Assistants: 110 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.11,16
Estimates for open positions are based on replacements and jobs growth.
The Mercatus Center is a conservative think tank that analyzed and ranked the long-term solvency of each state government. After an analysis of the state's budgeting process, cash and tax collection, and pensions, Oklahoma was ranked 8th in the nation.17 This is a good sign for new hires, as it is likely the state will be able to fulfill its employee pension obligations.
Oklahoma Criminal Justice Career Interviews
- Tim Hock, President of the Oklahoma Gang Investigators Association
Directory of Not-for-Profit Oklahoma Universities Offering Campus-based and Online Criminal Justice Degrees
If you are interested in earning an Oklahoma criminal justice degree, you should pursue an accredited campus-based and online criminal justice program for your 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 (New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, or Texas).
Schools with Online and On-Campus Criminal Justice Programs
Cameron University (Lawton)
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice (online or on-campus)
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice: Corrections
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice (online or on-campus)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice: Corrections
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement
Minor | Criminal Justice
Mid-America Christian University (Oklahoma City)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice and Ethics (online or on-campus)
Bachelor of Science | Psychology: Criminal Justice Concentration
Northeastern State University (Tahlequah)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science | Homeland Security
Master of Science | Criminal Justice (online or on-campus)
Minor | Criminal Justice
Minor | Homeland Security
Minor | Collegiate Officer Program
Undergraduate Certificate | Emergency Management and Planning (online or on-campus)
Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences (Tulsa)
Master of Science | Forensic Science (hybrid online or on-campus)
Master of Science | Forensic Science: Death Scene Investigation (hybrid online or on-campus)
Master of Science | Forensic Science: Forensic Biology/DNA (hybrid online or on-campus)
Master of Science | Forensic Science: Forensic Chemistry (hybrid online or on-campus)
Master of Science | Forensic Science: Forensic Psychology (hybrid online or on-campus)
University of Oklahoma (Norman)
Bachelor of Arts | Sociology: Criminology
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice (online or on-campus)
Master of Science | Criminal Justice (online or on-campus)
Master of Arts | Sociology: Criminology and Deviance
Graduate Certificate | Corrections Management
Graduate Certificate | Restorative Justice
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.
Bacone College (Muskogee)
Associate of Science | Criminal Justice Studies
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice Studies
East Central University (Ada)
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice: Adult Corrections
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice: Juvenile Justice
Student Review: "I loved being a part of the criminal justice program. I liked how the professors were caring and understanding. They courses were challenging but I appreciated that because it taught me how to work hard for something you want. The criminal justice program also taught me how to be the best possible person moving forward while I pursue my career in criminal justice. There isn't anything I disliked or would change about this program or department. All in all it was a great experience and I wouldn't want to of went to any other school to achieve this degree. The program is still going strong so that must be a good thing since ECU has had to cut a few programs."
Eastern Oklahoma State College (Wilburton)
Associate of Science | Criminal Justice
Associate of Science | Criminal Justice: COP option
Langston University (Langston)
Associate of Science | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science | Corrections
Bachelor of Science | Corrections: Criminal Justice
Murray State College (Tishomingo)
Associate of Science | Criminal Justice
Associate of Science | Criminal Justice: COPs option
Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (Miami)
Associate of Arts | Criminal Justice
Northwestern Oklahoma State University (Alva)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice: Corrections
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement
Minor | Corrections
Minor | Law Enforcement
Student Review: "I attended NWOSU and graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice. The degree program was a four-year program and it was crucial for preparing me for my chosen career. Currently, I am a state probation officer and the skills I learned while attending college served to prepare me for my chosen career. I found the classes entertaining and challenging. While obtaining my degree I established several friendships that have carried over to my career and as a result, I have a network of professors, co-workers, acquaintances, and friends that I can call upon to assist with my chosen career. The entire program was well developed and translated well into the 'real'(?) world. The only 'dislike' I had about the program was that, at times, it failed to challenge me academically."
Oklahoma City University (Oklahoma City)
Bachelor of Arts/ Science | Criminal Justice
Master of Science | Criminology
Certificate | Collegiate Officer Programs (COPs)
Minor | Criminal Justice
Minor | Investigative/ Analysis
Minor | Leadership/ Administration
Minor | Corrections
Oklahoma State University (Oklahoma City)
Associate of Applied Science | Police Science
Associate of Applied Science | Police Science (with CLEET)
Certificate | Crime Scene Investigation
Oral Roberts University (Tulsa)
Bachelor of Arts | Social Justice
Redlands Community College (El Reno)
Associate of Applied Science | Collegiate Officer Program
Associate of Applied Science | Corrections
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice
Rogers State University (Claremore)
Associate of Arts | Criminal Justice Studies: Collegiate Officer Program (COP)
Associate of Arts | Criminal Justice Studies: Law/ Justice
Bachelor of Science | Justice Administration
Bachelor of Arts | Military History
Minor | Justice Administration
Minor | Criminal Justice-Collegiate Officer Program (COP)
Rose State College (Midwest City)
Associate of Arts | Criminal Justice
Associate of Arts | Police Science
Southeastern Oklahoma State University (Durant)
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice
Minor | Criminal Justice
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (Weatherford)
Associate of Science | Criminal Justice: Corrections
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice
St. Gregory's University (Shawnee)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice
Tulsa Community College (Tulsa)
Associate of Arts | Criminal Justice
University of Central Oklahoma (Edmond)
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice: General
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice: Police
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice: Corrections
Master of Arts | Crime and Intelligence Analysis
Master of Arts | Criminal Justice Management and Administration
Western Oklahoma State College (Altus)
Associate of Applied Science | Corrections
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice
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.php
3. 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/rankings
5. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2015 Occupational Employment and Wages, Correctional Officers and Jailers https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333012.htm
6. 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.htm
7. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2015 Occupational Employment and Wages, Detectives and Criminal Investigators: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333021.htm
8. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2015 Occupational Employment and Wages, Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes333051.htm
9. Y Charts 10 Year Unemployment Chart: https://https://ycharts.com/indicators/alabama_unemployment_rate
10. Y Charts 10 Year Unemployment Chart: https://https://ycharts.com/indicators/oklahoma_unemployment_rate
11. Projections Central Long Term Occupational Projections: https://www.projectionscentral.com/Projections/LongTerm
12. O*Net OnLine, Police Patrol Officers: https://www.onetonline.org/link/details/33-3051.01
13. O*Net OnLine, Correctional Officers and Jailers: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/33-3012.00
14. O*Net OnLine, Police Detectives: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/33-3021.01
15. O*Net OnLine, Security Guards: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/33-9032.00
16. O*Net OnLine, Paralegals and Legal Assistants: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/23-2011.00
17. Mercatus Center, George Mason University, Ranking the States by Fiscal Condition 2016 Edition: https://www.mercatus.org/statefiscalrankings
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