Wisconsin Criminal Justice Schools
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Wisconsin is home to various criminal justice degree programs, with options at the associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree levels. Specialty areas of study available to students in the state and online include forensic science, evidence technology, emergency management, and criminal justice administration. Such well-known schools as the University of Wisconsin and Viterbo University also offer online criminal justice degrees. Continue reading to learn more about the criminal justice schools in Wisconsin.
Quick Facts
*For not-for-profit colleges and universities with criminal justice degree programs.
Featured Online Programs
Explore program formats, transfer requirements, financial aid packages, and more by contacting the schools below.
Criminal Justice Degree Programs in Wisconsin
Law enforcement jobs in Wisconsin often have a college education requirement. For example, the Milwaukee Police Department requires that new recruits earn at least 60 college credits within five years of hire if they do not already have a college degree. While you may still be hired without a degree, candidates who have college experience are often preferred. Wisconsin's colleges and universities offer many criminal justice degree programs to prepare you for careers in the state and beyond. Options at criminal justice schools in Wisconsin include undergraduate and graduate degrees in diverse fields, from law enforcement to criminal justice administration. Earning a degree can prepare you for success in specialized training programs and lead to higher starting salaries. Holding a criminal justice degree can also qualify you for positions above the entry level and lead to expanded opportunities for promotion in your chosen career track.
Top-Ranked Schools with Criminal Justice Programs in Wisconsin
Kiplinger's Best Values in Public Colleges*
- University of Wisconsin-Madison (#13 in-state, #19 out-of-state)
*Institution-wide ranking.
College Factual's Best Criminal Justice & Corrections Colleges
- University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (#100)
- Carthage College (#102)
- University of Wisconsin-Platteville (#121)
- Carroll University (#152)
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (#192)
Criminal Justice Degree Schools Best Online Bachelor's Programs
- University of Wisconsin-Platteville
US News Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs
- University of Wisconsin-Platteville (#24 tie)
Profiles of Well-Known Schools in Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee: The Helen Bader School of Social Welfare at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee houses the Department of Criminal Justice, where students can earn a Bachelor of Science or a Master of Science in Criminal Justice. The school also has three international programs in Bristol, United Kingdom; Linz, Austria; and Crecia, Costa Rica. Masters students choose from three different professional concentrations: corrections, law enforcement, or administration. Students and faculty conduct research within one or more of six different centers, including the Child Welfare Training Project and the Center for Addiction and Behavioral Health Research.
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh: Students at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh can pursue either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice through the Department of Criminal Justice. 45 credits of coursework in addition to the general curriculum are required for students to complete the criminal justice major. The department has six full-time faculty, all of whom hold PhDs and diverse research interests related to court and correctional operations. An internship opportunity unique to UWO is the Inviting Convicts to College Program, in which students teach classes at local prisons and jails.
Notable Alumni from Wisconsin Universities
- Dane County, WI Sheriff David Mahoney - Mount Senario College, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison Area Technical College
- Madison, WI Chief of Police Noble Wray - University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- Milwaukee County, WI Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr. - Concordia University Wisconsin
- Brown County, WI Sheriff John R. Gossage - Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Police Quote: "The job is simply too important and complex to be left to those without an advanced education. Policing is too important in a democracy such as ours to be left to those who have not had the benefit of a broad liberal arts education."
David Couper, retired police chief in Madison, WisconsinWisconsin Criminal Justice Careers
Criminal justice careers in Wisconsin often offer an attractive level of pay and benefits that are competitive with other professions. The average annual salary for Wisconsin police officers is $54,220.8 First-line supervisors of police earn an average salary of $74,800 per year.6 There are thousands of jobs for correctional officers in Wisconsin, with an average annual salary of $42,920.5 Detectives and criminal investigators in Wisconsin earn an average of $74,390 and paralegals in the state earn an average of $46,970.7,9
Within the public sector, you may find positions at the local, state, or federal level. The Wisconsin Department of Justice employs individuals in positions such as forensic scientists, special agents, legal secretaries, and paralegals. Other public sector criminal justice careers in Wisconsin include working for the FBI, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), or Transportation Security Administration (TSA). There are also opportunities for private sector careers for security guards, paralegals, and computer forensics and security professionals.
Wisconsin Criminal Justice Salary and Jobs
| Occupation | Number Employed | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | 7,130 | $42,920 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | 1,770 | $74,800 |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | 1,280 | $74,390 |
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | 12,040 | $54,220 |
Data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2015.5,6,7,8
Wisconsin's Criminal Justice Employment Outlook
As of May 2016 Wisconsin had an unemployment rate of 4.2,%, slightly below the national average of 4.7%.10 The state experienced a 10-year peak unemployment rate in January 2010 at 9.2%.10 Government-related employment is a good proxy for criminal justice jobs in Wisconsin, and Projections Central includes the following job estimates:
- Police and Sheriff Patrol: 410 annual openings; 46% in these positions report completing at least some college, with 24% holding an associate's degree.11,12
- Correctional Officers: 220 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: 30 annual openings; 37% in these positions report completing at least some college, with 21% holding an associate's degree.11,14
- Security Guards: 210 annual openings; 4% in these positions report completing at least some college.11,15
- Paralegals and Legal Assistants: 120 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 both employment growth and replacements.
The Mercatus Center, a conservative think tank, rated and analyzed the long-term solvency of each state government. Based on an analysis of the state's budgeting process, cash/tax collection, and pensions, Wisconsin was ranked 29th in the nation.17 This means that new hires can be relatively confident in the state's ability to fulfill its employee pension obligations.
Wisconsin Criminal Justice Career Interviews
- David Couper, Retired Madison Chief of Police
Featured Online Programs
Explore program formats, transfer requirements, financial aid packages, and more by contacting the schools below.
Directory of Not-for-Profit Wisconsin Universities Offering Campus-based and Online Criminal Justice Degrees
For students interested in pursuing associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees in the growing field of criminal justice, we recommend an accredited campus-based or online criminal justice program in Wisconsin.
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 (Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois, or Iowa).
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.
Concordia University-Wisconsin (Mequon)
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice Management (online or on-campus)
Lakeland University (Sheboygan)
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice (online or on-campus)
Minor | Criminal Justice
Maranatha Baptist University (Watertown)
Associate of Science | Criminal Justice (online or on-campus)
Minor | Criminal Justice
Marian University (Fond du Lac)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice (online or on-campus)
Bachelor of Science | Forensic Science
Bachelor of Science | Homeland Security (online or on-campus)
Master of Science | Criminal Justice Leadership
Minor | Criminal Justice
Minor | Homeland Security
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh (Oshkosh)
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice (online or on-campus)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice (online or on-campus)
Bachelor of Arts | International Studies: Global and National Security
Bachelor of Science | International Studies: Global and National Security
Minor | Criminal Justice
Minor | Social Justice
University of Wisconsin-Platteville (Platteville)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice (online or on-campus)
Bachelor of Science | Forensic Investigation
Bachelor of Science | Chemistry: Criminalistics
Master of Science | Criminal Justice (online)
Master of Science | Criminal Justice: Criminal Justice Theory (online)
Master of Science | Criminal Justice: Criminal Justice Management (online)
Master of Science | Criminal Justice: Victim and Offender Services (online)
Minor | Criminal Justice
Minor | Forensic Investigation
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Child Advocacy Studies (online)
Student Review: "The University of Wisconsin-Platteville has provided me with the rigorous education needed to succeed. Located in the rolling hills of Southeastern Wisconsin and surrounded by miles of beautiful farmland, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville is the perfect school for the inquisitive student who seeks a superior university education with a small town feel. With 7,000 students in attendance, you will get to know your fellow students and professors on a personal level. Enthusiastic professors have a vested interest in seeing their students excel in their classes and in the real world. The Business Administration degree, which was my major, is well respected but the Engineering and Criminal Justice departments are also highly esteemed. I found many organizations to join on campus and was also able to participate in research studies. There are plenty of internships to take advantage of as well. The campus can be a bit deserted on weekends, but any imaginative student will find something to do. Overall, if you want a great education at an excellent price, then I highly recommend the University of Wisconsin-Platteville."
Student Review: "Overall my experience at the University of Wisconsin Platteville in their criminal justice Program was a positive one. Throughout my time there I almost always felt that the program instructors were knowledgeable and brought real world experience into the classroom. In addition, the University has a very positive reputation around the midwest for the quality of if's criminal justice program. Furthermore, the relatively small size of the program makes the learning experience very collaborative as you frequently have the same peers and classmates. In a time when many individuals struggle to find careers in their chosen field of study, my time at the University of Wisconsin Platteville gave me the requisite skills and knowledge to find a successful career in the criminal justice field."
Viterbo University (La Crosse)
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice Administration (online)
Minor | Criminal 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.
Blackhawk Technical College (Janesville)
Associate Degree | Criminal Justice
Certificate | Law Enforcement
Certificate | Basic Corrections Academy
Certificate | Secure Juvenile Detention Academy
Carroll University (Waukesha)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science | Chemistry: Forensic
Minor | Criminal Justice
Carthage College (Kenosha)
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice
Minor | Criminal Justice
Chippewa Valley Technical College (Eau Claire)
Associate Degree | Criminal Justice
Diploma | Law Enforcement Academy
Edgewood College (Madison)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice: Human Services
Fox Valley Technical College (Appleton)
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice
Associate of Applied Science | Forensic Science
Associate of Applied Science | Security and Asset Protection
Certificate | Child Protection Investigator
Certificate | Corrections
Certificate | Crime Prevention
Certificate | Criminal Investigator
Certificate | Cyber Crime Investigation
Certificate | Evidence Technician
Certificate | Evidence Technician: Advanced
Certificate | Private Investigation Specialist
Certificate | Security
Certificate | Security Management
Technical Diploma | Law Enforcement
Gateway Technical College (Kenosha)
Associate of Applied Science | Law Enforcement
Certificate | Spanish Proficiency for Law Enforcement
Technical Diploma | Law Enforcement Academy
Lakeshore Technical College (Cleveland)
Associate of Applied Science | Law Enforcement
Certificate | Emergency Management Specialist: Basic
Technical Diploma | Security and Corrections
Madison Area Technical College (Madison)
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement
Certificate | Digital Forensics
Certificate | Jail Officer
Marquette University (Milwaukee)
Bachelor of Arts | Criminology and Law Studies
Master of Arts | Public Service Administration: Criminal Justice Administration
Minor | Criminology and Law Studies
Student Review: "I really enjoyed the program at Marquette. Within this program you could specialize in your field of study. I chose the law. I also was able to do a final research project where I had to write a project regarding Domestic Violence. I felt like the professors at Marquette were engaging and helpful, and the program itself taught me a lot about what marginalized persons went through on a daily basis. I feel like the CJ program there really helped develop us as members of society to empathize and understand struggle, and be able to better communities if we so choose."
Mid-State Technical College (Wisconsin Rapids)
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement
Associate of Applied Science | Corrections & Community Advocacy
Milwaukee Area Technical College (Milwaukee)
Associate of Applied Science | Law Enforcement
Certificate | Law Enforcement
Moraine Park Technical College (Fond du Lac)
Associate of Applied Science | Corrections
Nicolet Area Technical College (Rhinelander)
Associate of Applied Science | Law Enforcement
Certificate | Law Enforcement Academy
Diploma | Corrections Specialist
Northcentral Technical College (Wausau)
Associate Degree | Criminal Justice Studies
Diploma | Law Enforcement Academy
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (Green Bay)
Associate Degree | Criminal Justice Professional Studies
Associate Degree | Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement
Certificate | Jail and Juvenile Officer Academy
Certificate | Jail Officer Academy
Certificate | Emergency Dispatch
Diploma | Law Enforcement Academy
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College (Fennimore)
Associate Degree | Criminal Justice Studies
Certificate | Emergency Telecommunications
Certificate | Jail Academy
Certificate | Law Enforcement Academy
Diploma | Security Operations
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (Eau Claire)
Bachelor of Arts/ Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice
Minor | Criminal Justice
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (Green Bay)
Bachelor of Arts | Democracy and Justice Studies: Law and Justice
Certificate | Emergency Management
University of Wisconsin-Madison (Madison)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice: Crime Analysis
Master of Science | Criminal Justice
Master of Science | Criminal Justice: Crime Analytics: Basic track
Master of Science | Criminal Justice: Crime Analytics: Advanced track
Master of Science/ Master of Public Administration | Criminal Justice/ Public Administration (dual degree program)
Master of Science/Master of Social Work | Criminal Justice/Social Work (dual degree program)
Minor | Criminal Justice
Minor | Crime Analysis
Certificate | Death Investigation
Certificate | Forensic Science
Certificate | Forensic Toxicology
Certificate | Peace Studies & Conflict Resolution
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Crime Analysis
Student Review: "My experience at UW Madison was absolutely great. All of my professors were very knowledgeable and truly seemed excited about teaching us. We also had countless guest speakers from various fields to come in and give us first hand accounts on the real world. Starting with my Criminal Justice 101 class, we had lawyers, police, judges, and even an acquitted convict come speak to us. The impact of these speakers can not be put into words." 
Student Review: "I really enjoyed my time in the UW-Madison Criminal Justice department. Being at such a large school makes it really easy to get lost in large lecture halls, however the criminal justice department went out of their way to make the large major seem small and personable. My Criminal justice courses were among my most interesting consistently every semester filled with relevant text, current event applications and knowledge speakers. One of my favorite events hosted by the program was a "speed mentoring" session. At this event, professionals from law firms, criminal justice departments, police and others were available to make quick connections and serve as a fantastic network for jobs down the line as well as provide valuable insights into the industry and career options."
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (Milwaukee)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice: Crime Analysis
Master of Science | Criminal Justice
Master of Science | Criminal Justice: Crime Analytics: Basic
Master of Science | Criminal Justice: Crime Analytics: Advanced
Master of Science/ Master of Public Administration | Criminal Justice/ Public Administration (dual degree program)
Master of Science/ Master of Social Work | Criminal Justice/ Social Work (dual degree program)
Minor | Criminal Justice
Minor | Crime Analysis
Certificate | Death Investigation
Certificate | Forensic Science
Certificate | Forensic Toxicology
Certificate | Peace Studies & Conflict Resolution
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | Crime Analysis
Student Review: "The UWM criminal justice program was a very good program for me to have been a part of. It guaranteed me that I would be ready for a career in the field with lots of hands on training by active and retired professionals. Not only was I able to gain knowledge from textbooks and by doing my studies, but also by talking to people that have already had the experience and done it themselves. I highly recommend the program. It is run by committed professionals for those who want to excel above and beyond in their career goals long after completing the curriculum."
University of Wisconsin-Parkside (Kenosha)
Associate of Arts | Military and Security Studies
Bachelor of Arts | Criminal Justice
Minor | Criminal Justice
Certificate | Conflict Analysis and Resolution
Certificate | Cyber Security
University of Wisconsin-Stout (Menomonie)
Bachelor of Science | Criminal Justice and Rehabilitation
Minor | Applied Peace Studies
Minor | Military Leadership
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (Whitewater)
Bachelor of Science | Criminology
Bachelor of Arts | Criminology
Minor | Criminology
Certificate | Forensic Science
Waukesha County Technical College (Pewaukee)
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement
Certificate | Cyber Security Specialist
Western Technical College (La Crosse)
Associate of Applied Science | Criminal Justice Studies
Diploma | Law Enforcement Academy
Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College (Shell Lake)
Associate Degree | Criminal Justice Studies
Associate Degree | Criminal Justice: Corrections
Associate Degree | Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement
Certificate | Safety Management
Technical Diploma | Law Enforcement Academy
Technical Diploma | Jail Academy
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. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2015 Occupational Employment and Wages, Paralegals and Legal Assistants: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes232011.htm
10. Y Charts 10 Year Unemployment Chart: https://https://ycharts.com/indicators/wisconsin_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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