Top Criminal Justice Schools in America for 2010 & 2011

What are the top criminal justice schools in America? It’s a question I get in my mailbox at least once a week. The truth is, it’s not University of Pheonix, Everest College, or Westwood College as you probably found other sites claiming a list of “10 Best Criminal Justice Schools” to be. Come on! Here’s the real deal.

In my opinion, some of the best criminal justice colleges in the US include:

• CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
• Michigan State University
• Northeastern University
• Pennsylvania State University at University Park
• University of Albany (SUNY)
• University of California at Irvine
• University of Cincinnati
• University of Maryland at College Park Campus

These are just my recommendations, and rightfully so, as USNews.com has it’s own list of Top Criminal Justice Schools in America. Many of the schools I had in mind they listed, too.

Best Criminal Justice Schools in America for 2010 & 2011

• American University
• Arizona State University
• CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
• Florida State University
• George Mason University
• Indiana University
• Michigan State University
• Northeastern University
• Pennsylvania State University (University Park)
• Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey (Newark campus)
• Temple University
• Sam Houston State University
• Washington State University
• University of Albany – SUNY
• University of California (Irvine campus)
• University of Cincinnati
• University of Delaware
• University of Florida
• University of Illinois (Chicago campus)
• University of Maryland (College Park campus)
• University of Missouri (St. Louis campus)
• University of Nebraska (Omaha campus)
• University of Pennsylvania (Ivy League School)

sources: US News and Criminal Justice Degree, College, and Career Blog

This is a list of the Top Criminal Justice Schools in America without the fluff.

More than half of these schools have online Criminal Justice degree programs – a great alternative to on-campus education.

No matter what you’ve heard before, be aware that the name of the school and/or program ranking matters; it can make a big difference between being accepted for a career position or getting promoted. We, as society, have preconceived notions, expectations for high standards, and the understanding of what’s real and what’s not – the people and organizations that will be hiring you or looking over your grad school application will look at the program and the school your graduated from.

And one more thing… your college grades and GPA matter, especially when applying for highly sought after career positions, and of course, graduate study. Just thought you should know.

Wait… When picking schools that have multiple locations be aware that a program from one campus location – for example – may be OR may not be better than the program from the other campuses. Take University of California (a.k.a. UC). This educational system has quite a few university campuses, but UC Irvine reigns supreme in Criminal Justice/Criminology over UC Davis (example).

Even if you can’t get into a great college or university, which doesn’t hurt to apply, remember that when researching your criminal justice schools make sure to take the accreditation, tuition, and time investment into consideration. Now, go share this great resource with someone! Thanks for reading.

Do you think there are criminal justice schools that should make the list, but didn’t? Share them with us and tell us why.

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