Criminal Justice Schools in Virginia
Updated June 5, 2024
The U.S. criminal justice system has many parts, including corrections, law enforcement, and courts. Careers in these fields may require a relevant degree. Over half of Virginia higher education institutions offer a criminal justice program.
Graduates can pursue in-state roles as police officers, forensic science technicians, and legal secretaries. Individuals interested in criminal justice can read below to find the best criminal justice schools in Virginia and popular career paths.
Quick Facts
- In 2022, Virginia had the ninth lowest violent crime rate in the U.S., according to the Council of State Governments Justice Center.
- According to the Prison Policy Initiative, 0.749% of Virginia's population is incarcerated.
- The Virginia Center for School and Campus Safety helps provide annual school safety audits, promotes school safety, and assists with new safety legislation.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Overview of Criminal Justice Education in Virginia
Higher Education in Virginia
92
Total nonprofit postsecondary schools
48
Schools that offer criminal justice degrees and certificates
The best criminal justice schools in Virginia may offer bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in criminal justice and related programs. Most criminal justice schools offer undergraduate programs while graduate programs have fewer options. Students can choose among various majors, including criminal justice, criminology, and forensic science.
Some Virginia schools combine criminal justice with another subject, including philosophy and sociology. Combination programs attempt to give a unique perspective into the criminal justice system. Standalone criminal justice degrees and combination programs can be completed within the same timeframe.
Students may also have the option to add a criminal justice minor to their program, including crime analysis, forensic studies, and conservation law enforcement. Degrees and minors may be available on-campus, online, or as hybrid programs. Attendees should check their program to ensure it offers their ideal format.
Criminal Justice Schools in Virginia
This section highlights schools in Virginia that offer criminal justice degrees. The schools are unranked and presented alphabetically by institution name. To qualify for inclusion on this list, the school had to be nonprofit, be accredited, and offer at least one bachelor's degree in criminal justice.
Averett University
Four-year | Private, nonprofit | Danville, VA | On-campus and online options
Bachelor's degrees:
- BS in sociology and criminal justice
Master's degrees:
- MS in criminal justice
George Mason University
Four-year | Public | Fairfax, VA | On-campus and online options
Bachelor's degrees:
- BA in Criminology, Law and Society
- BS in Criminology, Law and Society
Master's degrees:
- MA in Criminology, Law and Society
- MS in Criminal Justice
Doctoral degrees:
- Ph.D. in Criminology, Law and Society
Hampton University
Four-year | Private, nonprofit | Hampton, VA | Online program
Bachelor's degrees:
- BS in criminal justice
Visit Hampton's Programs . External link
Longwood University
Four-year | Public | Farmville, VA | On-campus program
Bachelor's degrees:
- BS in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Visit Longwood's Programs . External link
Mary Baldwin University
Four-year | Private, nonprofit | Staunton, VA | On-campus and online options
Bachelor's degrees:
- BA in criminal justice
Visit Mary Baldwin's Programs . External link
Marymount University
Four-year | Private, nonprofit | Arlington, VA | On-campus and hybrid options
Bachelor's degrees:
- BA in criminal justice
Visit Marymount's Programs . External link
Old Dominion University
Four-year | Public | Norfolk, VA | On-campus and online options
Bachelor's degrees:
- BA in criminal justice
- BS in criminal justice
Doctoral degrees:
- Ph.D. in criminology and criminal justice
Radford University
Four-year | Public | Radford, VA | On-campus and online options
Bachelor's degrees:
- BA in criminal justice
- BS in criminal justice
Master's degrees:
- MA in criminal justice
- MS in criminal justice
Randolph-Macon College
Four-year | Private, nonprofit | Ashland, VA | On-campus program
Bachelor's degrees:
- BA in criminology
Visit Randolph-Macon's Programs . External link
University of Lynchburg
Four-year | Private, nonprofit | Lynchburg, VA | On-campus programs
Bachelor's degrees:
- BA in criminology
- BA in criminology-philosophy
Visit Lynchburg's Programs . External link
Virginia Commonwealth University
Four-year | Public | Richmond, VA | On-campus programs
Bachelor's degrees:
- BS in criminal justice
Master's degrees:
- MS in criminal justice
Virginia State University
Four-year | Public | Virginia State University, VA | On-campus programs
Bachelor's degrees:
- BS in criminal justice
Master's degrees:
- MS in criminal justice
Virginia Union University
Four-year | Private, nonprofit | Virginia Union University, VA | On-campus programs
Bachelor's degrees:
- BA in criminal justice
Master's degrees:
- MS in criminal justice
Virginia Wesleyan University
Four-year | Private | Virginia Beach, VA | On-campus and online options
Bachelor's degrees:
- BA in criminal justice
Visit Virginia Wesleyan's Programs . External link
Criminal Justice Careers in Virginia
Virginia offers many criminal justice career paths, including police officers, attorneys, and transportation security screeners. Some Virginia careers, including forensic science technician and administrative law judge, have some of the highest employment in the U.S.
According to Projections Central, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, most Virginia criminal justice careers may grow between 2020-2030. These jobs may add hundreds or thousands of positions over the next decade. However, some positions may decrease in size. Legal secretary positions may decrease over 30% within 10 years.
Criminal justice professionals can earn over $100,000 annually through careers as a first-line supervisor of police or attorney. Virginia-based criminal justice employees may earn more than their average U.S. counterpart. Detectives and criminal investigators received a median annual wage of $98,590 in Virginia while the average U.S. detective earned $91,100.
| Job | Employment (2023) | Median Annual Wage (2023) | Projected Job Growth (2020-30) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police officers and sheriff's patrol officers | 17,870 | $61,980 | +7.7% |
| Detectives and criminal investigators | 3,420 | $98,590 | +1.2% |
| Fish and game wardens | 190 | $60,030 | -4.5% |
| First-line supervisors of police and detectives | 3,660 | $100,890 | +5.4% |
| Public safety telecommunicators (police and fire dispatchers) | 2,980 | $45,810 | N/A |
| Transportation security screeners | 1,720 | $48,070 | +2.7% |
| Forensic science technicians | 700 | $64,280 | +11.9% |
| Correctional officers and jailers | 10,390 | $47,010 | -6.2% |
| First-line supervisors of correctional officers | 2,210 | $58,990 | -3.2% |
| Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists | 2,780 | $51,6700 | +2.4% |
| Bailiffs | 390 | $53,020 | +4.3% |
| Administrative law judges, adjudicators, and hearing officers | 580 | $87,460 | +0% |
| Lawyers | 17,040 | $159,550 | +0% |
| Paralegals and legal assistants | 9,460 | $59,580 | -1.7% |
| Legal secretaries | 2,280 | $47,940 | -31.8% |
| Municipal, license, and court clerks | 2,890 | $40,370 | +3.3% |
| Court reporters and simultaneous captioners | 270 | $38,570 | N/A |
| Security guards | 33,600 | $38,790 | +15.5% |
| Private investigators and detectives | 610 | $59,690 | +17.2% |
| Emergency management directors | 430 | $81,220 | +7.4% |
| Postsecondary criminal justice teachers | 200 | $72,850 | +14.6% |
How to Choose the Best Criminal Justice School in Virginia
Schools offer various benefits, including price, format, and curriculums. Students should weigh the pros and cons of their prospective institutions. However, applicants should always check whether their school received accreditation.
Prospective students should ensure their future school has received institutional accreditation. Accreditation agencies provide institutional accreditation to schools that offer a certain standard of learning.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges provides accreditation to Virginia institutions. Graduates of unaccredited institutions may have difficulty pursuing a graduate degree or career, or getting financial aid.
Virginia criminal justice program costs depend upon the institution's prestige, class sizes, and whether the school is public or private. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average Virginia undergraduate program costs $10,737 annually, including tuition and fees. The average U.S. school has a lower cost of $8,445 annually.
The best criminal justice schools in Virginia offer multiple program formats. Students can choose among online, in-person, part-time, and full-time programs. Online and part-time programs offer additional flexibility, allowing enrollees to work and study simultaneously. However, in-person programs allow attendees to network while full-time programs offer additional structure. Applicants should consider which program format best suits their needs.
Criminal justice schools may provide different curriculums that focus on criminal behavior, research methods, or criminal justice theories. The programs may also offer various hands-on experiences, including a mandatory capstone project or internship. Students should consider which curriculum intrigues them, aligns with their learning style, and helps advance their career goals.
The best criminal justice schools in Virginia can offer various student support services, including counseling support, health services, and career services. These support services may be included in tuition fees.
The level of support differs by school. For example, career services may offer resume reviews, career expos, or internship connections. Students should confirm their future school provides the services they require.
Financial Aid for Criminal Justice Students in Virginia
Many enrollees rely on financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and loans, to assist paying for postsecondary tuition. According to Education Data Initiative, Virginia provided $844 million in financial aid, the sixth highest amount in the country.
Federal Financial Aid
Attendees can submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for grants, loans, and other federal financial aid. Many federal student aid programs require demonstrating financial need. The FAFSA must be completed by the end of June.
Criminal justice graduates that work for government or nonprofit organizations may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. The PSLF forgives remaining loan balances for qualified individuals that made 120 monthly payments towards their loan.
State Financial Aid
Virginia offers financial aid for residents enrolled in undergraduate or graduate degrees. Students in public or private nonprofit schools can qualify for state aid. Private schools must participate in the program.
Most aid programs require proof of financial need, while others require enrollment in specific full-time programs. Popular Virginia financial aid programs include the Virginia Commonwealth Award, Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program, and Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant Program.
Criminal Justice Scholarships for Virginia Students
- Virginia Sheriffs' Institute Scholarship
- Thurgood Marshall Scholarship
- National Technical Investigators' Association Captain James J. Regan Memorial Scholarship
- Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program
- The Melissa Linville Criminal Justice Scholarship
- The Association of Firearm and Toolmark Examiners Scholarship
- The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors Scholarship Program
Criminal Justice Resources in Virginia
- Virginia Community Criminal Justice Association
- Virginia Association of Directors of Criminal Justice Training
- Virginia Association of Criminal Justice Educators
- Virginia Trial Lawyers Association
- Virginia State Police Association
- Virginia Correctional Association
- Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Criminal Justice Schools in Virginia
Does the University of Virginia have a good criminal justice program?
The University of Virginia does not offer an undergraduate criminal justice program, but does offer a residential program in criminal justice command for law enforcement leaders. Applicants must be mid- or upper-level law enforcement officers and receive a letter of nomination from a commanding officer. The 10-week program includes five courses. Graduates receive 15 credits that can be transferred to certain University of Virginia programs.
Does VCU have a criminology major?
No, VCU does not offer criminology as a major, but has undergraduate and graduate degrees in criminal justice. The BS in criminal justice program includes a concentration in forensic crime scene investigation. The MS in criminal justice program focuses on current issues, policies, and relevant theories.
Does Virginia Tech have a good criminology program?
Yes, Virginia Tech offers a good BS in criminology program. Attendees learn about social inequality, research methods, and systems of justice. Students can request an internship, independent study, or research project count as an elective. The program's internship coordinator can assist attendees find a relevant internship.
Does ODU offer criminology?
ODU offers multiple criminal justice and criminology degrees, including a bachelor's in criminal justice and Ph.D. in criminology and criminal justice. The Ph.D. program discusses social inequality, public policy, and advanced research methods. Attendees must keep a GPA above 3.25, not receive any grade lower than a B, and may retake core courses only twice.
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