Criminal Justice and Law Degrees

What Is a Criminal Justice Degree?

Students can earn a degree in criminal justice at several educational levels, from undergraduate to graduate degrees. Criminal justice degree programs are often available with different concentration options, including public administration, forensic psychology, homeland security, and crime scene investigation. Students not only develop an understanding of the justice system and its many facets, but they also improve their communication, research, and critical thinking skills.

Criminal justice degree programs include courses that focus on the criminal justice system, the Constitution, social issues, juvenile justice, corrections, and criminology. Some programs require or offer internship opportunities while others incorporate a criminal justice capstone project into the curriculum. Graduates of criminal justice degree programs can apply their skills to a variety of fields, including social services and law enforcement.

Criminal Justice Associate Degree

An associate degree in criminal justice can usually be completed within two years of regular full-time study. These 2-year criminal justice degree programs may lead to an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice, Associate of Science in Criminal Justice, Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice, or a similarly titled degree. These programs provide students with foundational knowledge of laws, criminal tendencies, court systems and key roles, social justice topics, and criminal behavior theories.

Criminal justice AA degree programs don't typically offer concentration options. Instead, they are composed of general education courses in mathematics, communication, and English, as well as program-specific classes and electives. Courses that can be included in criminal justice associate degree programs are:

• Criminal justice ethics
• Administration of justice
• The U.S. court system
• Criminology
• Criminal and Constitutional law

Criminal Justice Bachelor's Degree

Students can earn a bachelor's degree in criminal justice in four years or less of full-time study, and many programs allow students to take courses part-time if desired and extend their overall program time. Students who have already completed an associate degree or some college coursework may be able to earn their criminal justice bachelor's degree in around two years. Some criminal justice bachelor's degree programs include internship or practical opportunities, which allow students to practice and improve their understanding of criminal justice topics.

Bachelor's degree in criminal justice programs often offer concentration options that enable students to take more courses that relate to their specific interests. Some of the concentration options that are available for criminal justice bachelor's degree programs are:

• Juvenile Justice
• General Criminal Justice
• Criminal Psychology/Criminology
• Public Administration
• Corrections
• Homeland Security
• Crime Scene Investigation
• Human Services

Although the courses included in criminal justice bachelor's degree programs vary by concentration (when applicable), these programs usually include some general education classes as well as foundational criminal justice courses. In addition to those within associate degree programs, criminal justice bachelor's degree programs may include some of the courses listed below.

• The judicial system
• Criminal investigations
• Forensic psychology
• Ethics in criminal justice
• Culture in criminal justice
• Criminal justice administration
• Criminal justice technology

Master's Degree in Criminal Justice

Criminal justice master's degree programs are available to students who have earned a bachelor's degree (or higher), although some schools offer five-year programs that lead to both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in criminal justice. Students studying full-time can typically finish their programs in two years or less while part-time students may spread their courses out over three to six years. Some master's degree in criminal justice programs include a thesis or capstone project.

While not available at all schools, criminal justice master's degree programs sometimes have concentration options. These can include general criminal justice, public administration, cybercrime, and homeland security. The courses included in criminal justice master's degree programs vary by concentration, and most involve research. Some of the courses you might take in a master's program include:

• Criminal justice management
• Ethical leadership
• Multicultural criminal justice issues
• Corrections and policing
• Criminal justice processes and institutions

Doctorate in Criminal Justice

Doctoral degree in criminal justice programs are less common than undergraduate and master's degree programs, but they are available through several schools throughout the United States. Criminal justice PhD programs, as well as similarly titled doctoral programs (such as a Doctor in Criminal Justice) usually take students three to five years of full-time study to complete. Students who already have a master's degree with applicable coursework may be able to have some of the required classes waived and finish their programs even sooner.

PhD in criminal justice programs can offer concentration options, such as leadership or homeland security, but are more commonly available with a general criminal justice focus. Courses in criminal justice doctoral programs can include some of those listed below.

• Juvenile justice
• Criminal justice research methods
• Advanced topics in criminal justice
• Criminological theory

Criminal Justice Degree Requirements

Although it varies by level, many criminal justice degree programs offer concentration options, such as homeland security and crime scene investigation. These concentrations allow students to focus more of their required coursework on topics that are relevant to their career goals. Programs leading to a degree in criminal justice typically include foundational criminal justice courses, such as

• Criminal justice fundamentals
• Criminology
• Criminal law
• Crime prevention
• Public safety
• Public policy
• Conflict resolution

Within criminal justice degree programs, students gain an understanding of criminal law, court systems, important roles within the justice system, and criminal behavior.

Criminal justice degree programs can include hands-on experiences, often called practicums and/or internships. These experiences give students an opportunity to further develop their knowledge of criminal justice topics and practice some of the skills that they have learned. Students may also conduct and present research relating to criminal justice procedures and events, depending on their specific program.

Online Criminal Justice Degrees

While bachelor's and master's programs are the most common, online criminal justice degree programs are plentiful at all degree levels. Most online criminal justice degree programs can be completed fully online, but some students may be required to attend one or more on-campus components during their programs.

Online courses may be offered in standard, 16-week lengths, or in shortened terms, such as 5-week, 8-week or 10-week. Students are provided a portal to access courses, complete assignments, communicate with other students, view lectures, and view other resources. For some courses, students might use additional websites and/or programs to complete lab and other assignments.

The 50 Best Criminal Justice Degrees (2020-2021 School Year)

After doing a great deal of research, the staff at Learn.org have devised this list of the best 50 criminal justice schools in the country. We took into account the programs offered at each school, resources offered to students, and statistics from the United States Department of Education. But we also looked for schools that offer a great range of programs in criminal justice and hands-on experiences within the field - such as at local police departments or at on-campus forensic lab facilities. These schools all offer at least a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, and many of them offer additional concentration options where you can focus your degree to match your career goals! All of the schools mentioned in this article would be excellent choices for anyone interested in the criminal justice field.

1. CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice

The number one school on our list is CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice, which is located in New York, NY. Students here can choose from a variety of fantastic criminal justice degrees, like a dual Bachelor of Science/Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Management, Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice - Crime Control and Prevention, Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science, and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology. If students want a well-rounded college experience, they can join some of the many criminal justice student organizations offered here, like the Forensic Science Society, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, or the Law Society.

2. Columbia College

Based in Columbia, South Carolina, students at this top-notch school can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice (with an optional forensic track) or complete a 100% online Master of Arts in Criminal Justice. The school has many distinguished faulty members, which include the FBI National Academy's president-elect and a forensic consultant for CNN. Past graduates of the master's degree program have found wonderful jobs in organizations like the South Carolina Highway Patrol, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Connecticut State Police.

3. Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University is home to a College of Criminal Justice which provides opportunities for students to earn a vast number of degrees, a few of which include an online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, Master of Arts in Criminal Justice and Criminology, PhD in Criminal Justice, and Bachelor of Arts in Victims Studies. This school, which is located in Huntsville, Texas, provides a selection of outstanding student organizations like the Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honor Society, Crime Victim Services Alliance, and the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice. Students in the College of Criminal Justice will be able to apply to over 50 different scholarships to help make this fantastic education more affordable.

4. Westfield State University

The Criminal Justice Department at Westfield State University offers more than 75 internship experiences every semester for criminal justice majors, allowing students to gain experience working in the local, federal, or state levels. Some of the criminal justice programs offered at this school in Westfield, Massachusetts, include an online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Master of Science in Criminal Justice, and an accelerated dual Bachelor of Science/Master of Science in Criminal Justice. Students looking for a great extracurricular activity can join the Criminal Justice Club.

5. Chaminade University of Honolulu

Honolulu, Hawaii, is home to Chaminade University, which offers fantastic criminal justice degree options like an Associate of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice, Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration, and Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. The university provides students with many unique learning opportunities - such as crime scene re-enactments and classes in underwater recovery of evidence. The school will award up to 18 credits to students that are already employed in the field of law enforcement, and all students have access to internship experiences and programs for career development.

6. Culver-Stockton College

Culver-Stockton College allows students the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Criminal Justice Administration or a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a specialization in either forensic accounting or forensic science. To add to their excellent education experience, criminal justice students will have the option to join the Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honors Society or take part in the Fallen Officer Project. This school in Canton, Missouri, gives students the opportunity to complete an internship before graduation, and the majority of Culver-Stockton criminal justice graduates go on to become police officers or corrections officers.

7. Western Illinois University

Students looking for a top-quality criminal justice school may want to consider attending the School of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration at Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL, for their Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement and Justice Administration program. The school also offers minors in areas like homeland security, corrections, criminalistics, justice administration, and legal studies. Incredibly, the school has over 1,400 organizations and businesses as partners where students can complete internships, and all of the faculty members have real-world experience in the criminal justice field. Those enrolled here are free to join the exceptional Criminal Justice Society as well.

8. Elizabeth City State University

Elizabeth City State University offers students the option to earn an exemplary Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. This degree program allows students to choose a minor in criminal justice, juvenile justice, or pre-law, and past graduates have secured careers in organizations like the United States Secret Services, National Parks Services, and the United States Customs Border Patrol. To add to these fabulous programs, students at this university in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, will also have the freedom to join the Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honors Society or the ECSU Criminal Justice Club.

9. University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Offering programs that include a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and a minor in criminal justice, the University of North Carolina in Pembroke would be a wonderful option for individuals looking for a degree in this field. There are options for students to join the APS National Criminal Justice Honor Society or the Criminal Justice Club. The Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice offers fantastic scholarship opportunities to help students lower their tuition - a few of the scholarships include North Carolina Sheriff's Association Undergraduate Criminal Justice Scholarship and the Eagle Claw Service Club Scholarship.

10. Grambling State University

Those enrolled in the fantastic Department of Criminal Justice at Grambling State University can earn a Master of Science in Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, or a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in paralegal studies. This university is based out of Grambling, Louisiana, and it has a number of extracurricular activities available for criminal justice students - ranging from the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice to the Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honor Society. Department of Criminal Justice students will have the luxury of taking classes in a building dedicated to their studies.

11. Claflin University

Clafin University's School of Humanities and Social Sciences offers students the chance to earn an impressive Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice or Master of Science in Criminal Justice. Students who want to add to their future resumes can join extracurricular activities like the Criminal Justice Society at this school in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Those taking part in this program will be free to choose from a broad range of fantastic elective courses in topics like cybercrime, criminal justice, and community policing.

12. Wiley College

Located in the town of Marshall, Texas, Wiley College is home to the exceptional Lee P. Brown Criminal Justice Institute. This institute provides students with access to internships, top-notch classrooms, and study abroad experiences. The school boasts that the professors teaching here are experts in their fields, and there are 13 great staff members teaching criminal justice students. The fantastic degrees offered here include an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration.

13. Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix

Arizona State University's Downtown Phoenix campus has a School of Criminology and Criminal Justice where students can earn a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, or PhD degree in criminology and criminal justice. Students in the bachelor's degree program will have the opportunity to complete an internship at one of over 200 organizations the school works with. Other opportunities available to criminal justice students include online course options, study abroad trips, and accelerated programs.

14. Madonna University

Students that attend Madonna University can complete amazing programs that result in a Private Investigation Certificate, Associate of Science in Criminal Justice, or a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Incredibly, 90 students that have graduated from one of these criminal justice programs have reached careers as police chiefs or public safety directors! This school in Livonia, Michigan, also gives students the chance to gain experience and meet other criminal justice majors by joining the Criminal Justice Club.

15. Lake Superior State University

Individuals looking for a school with an excellent criminal justice program can consider Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, for either their Associate of Science in Criminal Justice or Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with concentration areas like corrections, law enforcement, and homeland security. The school boasts that their faculty are current and former police officers, lawyers, and corrections officers, meaning they have extensive experience in the fields that they are teaching. The John Weir Sault Police Department Scholarship is available just to criminal justice students, which can help to make their education more affordable.

16. Texas A&M International University

Texas A&M International University offers three fantastic degree options: a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Political Science, and an online Master of Science in Criminal Justice. This school is based in Laredo, Texas, and criminal justice students will be able to complete their language requirement while studying and living in a foreign country for four weeks. Those enrolled here will be able to join the amazing TAMIU Criminal Justice Association where they can complete unique research projects and work with the Texas A&M community.

17. University of Maryland Eastern Shore

The Department of Criminal Justice at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore offers students the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice or a minor in criminal justice. These programs can help students gain a great deal of first-hand experience through field opportunities, laboratory experiences, and seminars. Located in Princess Anne, Maryland, this university provides students with the chance to become a part of the well-recognized Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honor Society.

18. Western Oregon University

Based in Monmouth, Oregon, this school offers both a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Criminal justice classes at Western Oregon University have a fantastic average class size of only 21 students, making professors more accessible. Incredibly, all students in this field will be given multiple advisors that will help them to achieve success in their academic careers.

19. Olivet College

Olivet College in the town of Olivet, Michigan, offers exceptional programs that include a Criminal Justice Degree Completion Professional Program, a criminal justice minor, and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice (which has tracks in law enforcement and corrections). The Department of Social Sciences, which is where this program is offered, provides students with the opportunity to complete an internship in incredible organizations like branches of local government and social service groups before they graduate. Students will also have the chance to travel to wonderful destinations as a part of a study abroad trip, such as Rome, Greece, Ireland, or India.

20. Citadel Military College of South Carolina

Students that attend Citadel Military College of South Carolina can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice or a Master of Arts in Social Science (which they can customize to their career goals) through its Department of Criminal Justice. The staff that teach criminal justice courses here hold PhDs in their field, meaning they are well qualified and are able to provide students with a wealth of knowledge. Those attending this school in Charleston will also have the freedom to join the Criminal Justice Society or the Alpha Phi Sigma honor society.

21. University of Wisconsin - Parkside

The University of Wisconsin - Parkside in Kenosha houses a Department of Criminal Justice that offers student the choice to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice or a criminal justice minor. If they want something extra to add to their resume, students may join the fantastic Criminal Justice Association. To create a well-rounded learning experience, the school provides students with the opportunity to complete internships, conduct research, and apply for criminal justice scholarships.

22. Thomas College

This school in Waterville, ME, offers an array of degree options for prospective criminal justice students, such as their Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration, Master of Science in Criminology, or a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (which has concentration options in corrections, law enforcement, homeland security, and conservation law). Criminal justice students at Thomas College will get to take part in classes that are taught by exemplary faculty that have worked in the field themselves. Those enrolled in one of these classes will have the opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree in as little as three years, and students will have the chance to complete an internship prior to graduation.

23. Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University offers a plethora of criminal justice programs, including an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, Master of Science in Criminal Justice (with six specialization options), and Doctor of Criminal Justice. Individuals in one of these programs will get to take part in a field placement experience or internship at places like the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, United States Secret Service, or the Drug Enforcement Administration. This university in Saint Leo, Florida, also offers first hand learning experiences though role-playing experiences, and students can join the Alpha Phi Sigma criminal justice honor society.

24. Fayetteville State University

The Department of Criminal Justice at Fayetteville State University impressively has the first criminal justice program to be certified by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences in the state! Some of the fantastic programs offered here include a Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice, Master of Science in Criminal Justice, and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Criminal justice students at this school in Fayetteville, North Carolina, have the ability to complete a top-notch internship, join the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice, or be inducted into the Alpha Phi Sigma criminal justice honor society.

25. Florida Memorial University

Located in Miami Gardens, Florida, this school has a Department of Social Sciences that offers both a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice - Criminology; there's also an option with a pre-law focus. The programs include experimental learning opportunities, such as internships and service learning, and graduates will be prepared for a variety of careers at the local, state, and federal levels.

26. Waynesburg University

Offering a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration, Waynesburg University would be a great option for someone looking for a top-quality criminal justice school. The school also offers related programs, like bachelor's degrees in forensic science and cybersecurity as well as a MA in Criminal Investigations. To help their students enhance their education and find jobs in the field, the Department of Criminal Justice Administration and Social Sciences at this school in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, holds a Job & Internship Fair every year. Other fantastic learning experiences available to those in this program include a CSI Camp, workshops with mock crime scenes, and internships at places like the local sheriff's office, police departments, and the coroner's office.

27. University of Wisconsin - Platteville

The University of Wisconsin in Platteville has fantastic Master of Science in Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, and Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice programs that all include small classes and expert professors. Those enrolled in one of these programs can apply for incredible scholarships like the Gary Apperson Memorial Scholarship or the Distance Education Alumni Board Scholarship. There are a variety of student organizations that would be of interest to criminal justice students, including the Criminal Justice Association, Defense Intelligence & Counter-Terrorism group, Platteville Community Restorative Justice group, and the Alpha Phi Sigma Criminal Justice National Honor Society.

28. Western Connecticut State University

Students at Western Connecticut State University in the town of Danbury can earn a Bachelor of Science in Justice and Law Administration through the Ancell School of Business - while the program has a slightly different name than others on our list, it includes many of the same courses and prepares students for jobs in local, state, and federal law enforcement. The program also allows students to choose a focus in law enforcement, corrections, paralegal, criminology, or legal studies. Those that choose to enroll here will have access to the Career Success Center, which offers a virtual experience, where students can go to get help with finding an internship or landing a job.

29. Fairmont State University

Based in Fairmont, West Virginia, this university provides students with the chance to earn an amazing Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice or a Master of Science in Criminal Justice. Criminal justice majors can also join the Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honor Society. Fairmont State University offers its criminal justice students access to top-quality firearms simulation lab, and students will also have the chance to practice fingerprinting and experiencing the process of a criminal trial in a mock trial class.

30. Virginia State University

The Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice at Virginia State University offers many wonderful degree options, such as a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice. These programs are available through the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, which offers students study abroad opportunities and access to a computer lab and forensic lab designated just for criminal justice students. Students will also have the chance to complete internships with a variety of different organizations - ranging from government facilities to private companies.

31. Worcester State University

Worcester State University houses a Department of Criminal Justice which helps student to secure internships and experiential learning opportunities where they can practice essential skills in real settings, like police labs, courtrooms, and corrections departments. Criminal justice students here in Worcester, Massachusetts, also gives students the option to enter into the Alpha Phi Sigma honor society in criminal justice. Those interested in the field can earn a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from this school.

32. Pennsylvania State University - Penn State Altoona

Someone looking for an amazing criminal justice school may want to consider enrolling at Pennsylvania State University - Penn State Altoona to earn an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, or a criminal justice minor. The BA programs emphasizes a foreign language, while the BS program allows students to focus their courses on their area of interest. To further enhance their learning experience, students can join Mock Trial, the Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honor Society, or the Criminal Justice Organization. Even more incredibly, students can experience internships, study abroad trips, and research experiences as well.

33. Central Methodist University - College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Central Methodist University - College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has wonderful programs that include a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, and a criminal justice minor. This school in Fayette, Missouri, provides many fantastic opportunities for students to gain hands-on experiences in places like prisons, courtrooms, and crime scene areas. If individuals in the criminal justice program want to take part in extracurricular activities, they can join the Lambda Alpha Epsilon chapter of the National Association of Criminal Justice.

34. University of Pittsburgh - Bradford

Based in Bradford, Pennsylvania, the University of Pittsburgh - Bradford allows students the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. To provide students with a realistic learning experience, the school created a Crime Scene Investigation House and Lab specifically for its criminal justice students. Another factor that helps to make this program at the University of Pittsburgh - Bradford exceptional is the study abroad opportunities in places like France, Denmark, Ireland, and Jordan.

35. Bethune-Cookman University

Offering a number of degrees, including a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Bethune-Cookman University would be a good option for someone interested in the criminal justice field. Great organizations available to those that enroll in these programs include the Criminal Justice Association, Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, Alpha Phi Sigma Honor Society, and the International Organization of Black Security Executives. The Justice and Society Studies Department has exceptional faculty, the majority of which hold a terminal degree in their field.

36. Lock Haven University

Students at Lock Haven University in Lock Haven, PA, can earn either an Associate of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. The programs include both classroom study and hands-on experimental learning experiences, and the BS program has a unique concentration option in conservation law enforcement. Students can earn as many as 15 credits from internships at amazing places like the PA Game Commission, State College Police Department, and Clinton County Children and Youth Services.

37. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania

Those in attendance at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania can earn a Certificate in Rehabilitative Justice or a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. Many of the criminal justice faculty members have practice experience in criminal justice and law professions as well as serve as experts for local and national media! Showing how well these programs prepare students, of the five people hired by the Ocean City Police Department in 2018, three of the, were students that graduated from this school!

38. Ferris State University

The fantastic programs offered at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan, include a minor in criminal justice, Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice, Master of Science in Criminal Justice - Criminal Justice Administration, and Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with concentration options in corrections, generalist, and law enforcement specialist. The School of Criminal Justice gives students the chance to gain hands-on experience in the field at places like corrections facilities, private investigators, and police departments. Students here will also have the ability to take part in the Lambda Alpha Epsilon Criminal Justice Fraternity.

39. Farmingdale State College

Farmingdale State College offers an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a focus on either law enforcement technology or police, courts, and corrections. Some of the amazing opportunities presented to criminal justice students at this school in Farmingdale, NY, include the chance to take part in mock investigations of crime scenes and computerized/digital investigations. Individuals in one of the above programs will learn from instructors that have impressive experience in their field, some of which have even aided the National Institute of Justice.

40. University of North Texas at Dallas

The University of North Texas at Dallas offers both an amazing Master of Science in Criminal Justice and a great Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. This school boasts that criminal justice classes are small, allowing students to get individual attention from staff and professors. Students will also be able to take part in internships and the Criminal Justice Career Expo.

41. Bridgewater State University

There are six criminal justice program options offered at Bridgewater State University, which include a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, a criminal justice minor, and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Crime and Corrections. The Department of Criminal Justice at this school in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, helps criminal justice students to land exceptional internships with places like the Department of Corrections, the Department of Youth Services, and police departments. Students at Bridgewater State University have the freedom to join the Criminal Justice Student Organization as well.

42. Keystone College

With a location in La Plume, PA, Keystone College has an array of great programs that could be of interest to anyone considering a career in law enforcement or criminal justice, including an Associate of Science or Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, a Criminal Justice Investigation minor, an online Master of Criminal Justice, and a Bachelor of Science with a dual major in criminal justice and psychology. The school has a unique Inside Out Prison Exchange Program where criminal justice students and those in the prison system can study criminal justice together, creating a one-of-a-kind experience. Criminal justice students can also enroll in internships or take part in the Criminal Justice/Psychology Club.

43. Montana State University - Northern

Montana State University - Northern boasts that their criminal justice faculty are top-notch and hold experience working in places like courtrooms and law enforcement. The programs offered at this school in Havre, Montana, include a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a criminal justice minor. Students will also have the option for dual enrollment if they are still high school students, and these programs listed above cover a broad range of topics from psychology to crime prevention.

44. SUNY College at Plattsburgh

Someone looking for an amazing criminal justice school may consider attending SUNY College at Plattsburgh, New York, to earn either a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice or a minor in criminal justice. This school employs faculty members that are experts in their fields - and all of them hold a PhD or other terminal degree in their areas of expertise. To further enhance their student's education, this school offers them incredible opportunities to join the Criminal Justice/Sociology Club, take up positions as research assistants, or become teaching assistants while working to earn their degree.

45. Longwood University

Longwood University offers student the opportunity to earn either a minor or a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Some of the fantastic student organizations that may be of interest to criminal justice students at this institution in Farmville, Virginia, include the Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honor Society and the Lambda Alpha Epsilon American Criminal Justice Association. Impressive internships are also available to criminal justice students, and some of the places that have offered internships in the past include local law offices, parole offices, law enforcement agencies, and federal agencies.

46. University of Pittsburgh - Greensburg

This university in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, has an amazing Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program that combines a strong liberal arts foundation with professional courses in law enforcement, justice, criminology, and corrections. Criminal justice students at this University of Pittsburgh campus have the option to join the Alpha Phi Sigma Criminal Justice Honor Society or the Criminal Justice Club if they are interested in taking on extracurricular activities and meeting other CJ majors. These students can also embark on an adventure to complete a study abroad experience/internship at one of more than 60 different organizations.

47. University of Nebraska at Omaha

The University of Nebraska at Omaha offers another option for those seeking criminal justice training - it has a minor in criminology and criminal justice, a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice, a Doctor of Philosophy in Criminology and Criminal Justice, Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice, and a Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Criminology and Criminal Justice! If students want to join extracurricular activities, this school offers both the Criminal Justice Student Organizations and the Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honor Society. To add to the great programs offered, students will have the ability to complete research projects, work with both local and federal agencies, and interact with people that are already professionals in criminal justice.

48. California State University-Stanislaus

Students at California State University - Stanislaus (which is located in Turlock, California) can enter into an accelerated program to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, a standard Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, or a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice. The school has five concentration options for its bachelor's degree program, and it is the only school in the state that offers a concentration in juvenile justice!. The criminal justice department also has an excellent mentoring program that allows students to network and connect with current criminal justice professionals.

49. William Paterson University of New Jersey

William Paterson University of New Jersey has a fantastic Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice that provides students with the chance to earn either a minor or a bachelor's degree in criminology and criminal justice. Those choosing to take one of these programs at this school in Wayne, NJ, will have the opportunity to join the Sociology/Criminal Justice Club to add to their college experience. All criminal justice students will get to complete an internship at places like police departments, municipal courts, and county courts where they will accumulate 120 hours of work experience.

50. Florida Gulf Coast University

Located in the beach town of Fort Meyers, Florida Gulf Coast University provides students with the classes necessary to earn a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice or a Master of Science in Criminal Justice. The bachelor's program can be completed through distance learning, and the school offers exceptional technical support for these students. There are also related bachelor's degree options in forensic studies, forensic science, and legal studies. To create a well-rounded academic experience, students can join organizations such as the Lambda Alpha Epsilon co-ed fraternity for criminal justice students.

What Can You Do with a Criminal Justice Degree

Jobs with a criminal justice degree vary based on the different industries. The specific things you can do with a criminal justice degree depends on previous experience, degree obtained, and interests. Various average and high-paying jobs with a criminal justice degree might include:

Pre-Law & Law Degrees

There are law degree programs at every level for students of all educational and career backgrounds. Undergraduate law degree options include those in paralegal studies, political science, and pre-law. Graduate students have more law degree options, which are available to non-lawyers as well as aspiring and practicing lawyers. Master's degrees in law and legal studies enable non-lawyers to gain expertise in laws that apply to their field and allows lawyers to add an area of specialization to their existing skillset. Students interested in becoming practicing lawyers will need to complete a doctoral degree program to earn a Juris Doctor.

Bachelor's Degrees in Legal Studies

There are several criminal law bachelor's degree programs for students interested in law. Graduates can pursue several career options or use their degree to get into law school or another graduate program. There are three key types of bachelor's programs, including political science, paralegal studies, and pre-law degrees.

• Political Science - Political science bachelor's degree programs provide students with an understanding of national and global politics as well as the relationship between politics and other fields. Courses in political science programs vary by school but can include classes on domestic and foreign policy, political systems, and global relations.
• Paralegal Studies - Paralegal studies bachelor's degree programs provide students with an understanding of legal practices, policies, and theories in preparation for a variety of careers. Some schools allow students to select concentrations within their program, such as criminal law and civil law. Courses in paralegal studies programs can include legal research, family law, and business law.
• Law - Students interested in an undergraduate degree for law school may benefit most from earning a bachelor's degree in law, public policy, or pre-law. Many of these programs include courses on legal foundations and practices and prepare students to take the law school entrance exam (LSAT). Some schools offer opportunities for internships during and after students' programs, as well as options for pursuing additional studies in an area of specialization, such as business.

Master's Degrees in Legal Studies

There are a few different types of master's degree in legal studies and related programs aimed toward students' learning objectives. Master of legal studies cater to non-lawyers, those in pursuit of legal professions, and those simply looking to improve their knowledge. There are also master's degrees for practicing lawyers who want to specialize in a field of law or improve their expertise. Legal studied master's degree programs typically take one to three years to complete and include the following:

• Juris Master (JM) - Juris Master programs enable professionals from a variety of industries to advance their understanding of legal policies and practices related to their field. Many schools offer concentration areas within their JM programs, such as financial and human resource compliance, healthcare, and legal studies.
• Master of Legal Studies (MLS) - Like JM programs, MLS programs enable students to improve their understanding of legal topics relating to their fields. While concentration options vary by school, students may be able to choose from concentrations such as criminal law, business, human resources, and conflict resolution.
• Master of Science in Legal Studies (MSLS) - MSLS programs are for business professionals and other non-lawyers who want a better understanding of relevant legal topics. Depending on their school and program, students can often customize their education using several elective courses or by selecting a concentration, such as business law or tax law.

Master of Laws Degree

Master of Laws (LLM) programs are open to students who have previously completed a Juris Doctor (or international equivalent). These programs enable lawyers to develop an understanding of legal topics for specific fields, like human rights or international law. While length varies by school and program, Master of Laws requirements include about one year of full-time study. Some of the concentrations/focus areas available to LLM students are:

• U.S. Law - The master of constitutional law is designed for lawyers from other countries to familiarize themselves with U.S. legal topics and prepare for practice within the United States.
• Taxation - Students study federal taxation policies, practices, and theories, and develop an understanding of legal procedures of taxation and related operations.
• Human Rights - In this program, students review human rights laws and how they are used in society and the judicial system, as well as their relationship to criminal law.
• International Law - This program provides students with an understanding of international laws and policies for government, business, organizations, and society.
• Business Law - Master of business law programs give attorneys an extensive overview of business laws that apply to different industries and operations.

Juris Doctor (J.D.) Law Degree

J.D. law degrees prepare students for careers as attorneys and typically take around three years of full-time study to complete. However, part-time law degrees are also available but extend the completion time. Law degree students usually complete significant practicum experiences and other hands-on components that help to prepare them for practice. Juris Doctor law degree programs are open to students who have completed a bachelor's degree and have earned a qualifying score on the LSAT (law school entrance exam).

Getting a law degree requires completing first-year courses with a specific GPA and proceeding onto upper-level courses that are more catered to students' concentration areas. First-year courses generally cover criminal law, contracts, legal fundamentals, civil law, and torts. Upper-level courses can include those in legal analysis, constitutional law, estates, and practical skills. Students also take courses related to their concentrations (where available), such as:

• Business Law
• Criminal Law
• International Law
• Contract Law

To sit for the state bar exam, students must complete an American Bar Association (ABA) approved program and complete all law degree requirements, including an internship, externship, or practicum requirement.

Certificates in Law & Legal Studies

Students who are ready to begin their careers in the legal field but don't want to wait to complete an entire degree program can first earn a certificate in law. Certificate in legal studies programs are available for undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral students.

At the undergraduate level, you can find law and legal studies certificates that provide students with foundational knowledge of legal topics. While admissions requirements vary by school, some programs are open to all high school graduates while others may be open to students who are also enrolled in degree programs. These certificate programs can often be completed in one year or less of full-time study. Specific certificates include:

• Certificate in Legal Studies - This certificate program covers legal basics, such as business law, international laws, and criminal law.
• Paralegal Certificate - Students prepare for paralegal roles and/or further legal education by taking courses on civil law, legal research, and writing and legal foundations.

At the graduate level and post-graduate level, certificates require a bachelor's degree or more for admission. Completion takes less than one year to more than two years to complete, depending on the required coursework and student course load. Graduates of these programs may choose to utilize their developed knowledge in their current careers and fields or apply it to future law studies. Many students can complete graduate certificate in legal studies programs online and on-campus. Programs include:

• Paralegal Certificate - Catered to students with non-law bachelor's degrees, this program focuses on legal practice, research, and ethics.
• Specialized Compliance Certificates - These certificate programs that focus on compliance in specific fields, such as healthcare and business.
• Business Law Certificate - This program provides attorneys with a fundamental understanding of operations of various businesses and the laws that affect them.
• Environmental Law Certificate - Students explore laws relating to natural resources and the environment to effectively address environmental, energy and related legal issues.
• International Law Certificate - This program provides students with an understanding of international laws affecting businesses, disputes, the public, and more.
• Tax Law Certificate - Through this program, students gain an understanding of federal tax laws and practices, including those that apply to estates, corporations, individuals, and other organizations.

The 50 Best Law Degrees (2020-2021 School Year)

We've done our research, complied our findings, and are ready to present our arguments - or list, we should say - of the best law schools in the country. We took into consideration a number of factors, including data from the Department of Education, tuition costs, bar passage rates, and graduation rates, to compile this raking. We also looked at unique program features, the legal specialization options offered, and the range of practical training experiences available to law students. All of the schools are accredited by the American Bar Association and/or their state board of regents or state bar association. Below, you can explore our list that includes that best law schools that will help jumpstart your legal career.

1. CUNY School of Law

Topping our list is the outstanding CUNY School of Law, which offers an full-time Juris Doctor (JD), an evening/part-time JD, and several dual-degree programs that pair the JD with master's degrees in areas like forensic psychology, international affairs, or public accountability. Students at this law school in Queens, New York can grow their legal skills beyond the classroom through participation with the student-run CUNY Law Review where they hone their legal analysis chops, and/or by working for one of several social justice initiatives, such as the Center for Latinx Rights and Equality's (CLRE) and the Center for Urban Environmental Reform (CUER). CUNY School of Law is also dedicated to serving the public, and law students can choose to work with several clinics in the areas of family, health, and immigration law, so that they receive real-world, first-hand law experience.

2. Massachusetts School of Law

Located in Andover, MA, the Massachusetts School of Law has a top-notch Juris Doctor (JD) program where students can choose concentrations in such areas as litigation, family law, labor law, criminal law, and more. As they earn their JD degree, students can also build important relationships and enhance their law skills by participating in the Diversity Alliance, which is an LGBT community outreach program, or joining the Massachusetts School of Law International Law Students Association. The JD program at this law school has no LSAT requirement for admissions and also offers flexible attendance options, such as a 3-year full-time program, a 4-year part-time program, and day or evening classes.

3. Southwestern Law School

Southwestern Law School has the distinction of being the only American Bar Association (ABA)-approved institution that offers four different amazing Juris Doctor options, including a:

• Full-time day JD
• Part-time evening JD
• PLEAS JD
• SCALE 2-year JD

The PLEAS JD is a unique program that is designed for students who must balance child or elder care with their law school education, and it is designed with a lighter curriculum and classes that take place during public school hours. Additionally, the SCALE JD program is an excellent accelerated program that features small class sizes and flexible classes. This Los Angeles, California, law school also offers a notable and fully customizable Master of Laws (LLM) program that is prefect for those who already have a law degree but want to expand their knowledge in one area of law, and students can choose a course of study in such areas as entertainment/media law, international human rights, technology and law, and more.

4. New York Law School

New York Law School, situated in New York City, provides students several options for earning a notable law degree, including a full-time JD, a part-time JD, and dual degree options that pair the JD with master's degrees in forensic psychology or business administration. Students at this law school can benefit from a range of experiential learning experiences, including simulation courses where students practice law skills through exercises, field placements that could take place in law offices or the courts, and competition teams. New York Law School also offers a noteworthy Master of Laws in Taxation program that offers full- and part-time attendance options and helps students become experts in tax law.

5. The John Marshall Law School

The preeminent Juris Doctor program at the John Marshall Law School (which has a campus in Chicago, Illinois) offers students part- and full-time attendance formats and features optional concentrations in intellectual property law, international human rights, sustainability, and trail advocacy. Law students also have incredible clinical and externship opportunities where they can pursue positions with judges and non-profits and participate in clinics in such areas as fair housing, intellectual property trademarks, and pro bono litigation. This law schools also offers several excellent Master of Laws programs and a Master of Jurisprudence (MJ) program that feature concentrations in such areas as estate planning, tax law, and employee benefits and are a great choice for professionals who want to advance or specialize their careers.

6. Michigan State University

The Juris Doctor program at the East Lansing-based Michigan State University - College of Law allows students to explore multiple areas of the law, offering 140 elective courses each year and customizable focus areas that range from indigenous law to tax and estate planning law. Students have plenty of opportunities to hone their law skills outside the classroom, including an optional semester in DC where they gain real-world experience working for top government agencies and a variety of clinics that center on animal welfare, housing, immigration, and more. Michigan State University - College of Law also has suburb programs for non-lawyers and current lawyers alike, including Master of Laws and Master of Jurisprudence programs in global food law, intellectual property, and the American legal system.

7. Thomas Jefferson School of Law

Located in San Diego, California, Thomas Jefferson School of Law offers an exceptional Juris Doctor program where students can choose a specialization in such areas as entertainment and sports, criminal law, and mediation among others. The JD program has unique opportunities for law students, including study abroad and exchange programs that have taken students to France and China and an externship program where students are placed in such settings as United States Attorney's Offices or biotech corporations. Thomas Jefferson School of Law also has several other brilliant graduate-level law programs, such as an online Master of Laws program that has concentrations in taxation, financial services, and financial compliance and a distinguished Doctor of Juridical Science (JSD) program that prepares students for law professor and scholarly positions.

8. St. Mary's University

St. Mary's University's law school provides students several pathways for earning a law degree, including a fantastic Juris Doctor program that features a 3-year, full-time attendance option and a part-time evening option for working professionals as well as a great online Master of Jurisprudence program that is especially for non-lawyers and features several concentrations, such as education, environmental, and commercial law. This San Antonio, Texas, school also has an incredible Master of Laws program that can be completed in only two semesters and features focus areas in international/comparative law and international criminal law. Law students also benefit from this school's international perspective, and they can take part in study abroad programs that take place in Mexico, China, and Austria. Further, the Warrior Defense Project allows students to offer pro bono legal aid to US military service members.

9. Lewis & Clark College

The Lewis & Clark College's remarkable JD program offers part- and full-time attendance options as well as optional additional certificates in area such as animal law, criminal law, public interest law, and much more. Law students can take advantage of several of the school's law centers and institutes, including the Green Energy Institute where they can work to promote renewable energy and the National Crime Victim Law Institute, which has a mission of victim-centered legal advocacy. This Portland, Oregon, college has the distinction of having the only animal law Master of Laws (LLM) program in the world, and students get to serve as editors of the prestigious Animal Law Review and may join the Lewis & Clark Animal Legal Defense Fund Student Chapter. Additionally, the school's wonderful LLM in Environmental Law, Natural Resources Law, and Energy Law has an on-campus or online format and prepares students for careers in policy-making or energy law.

10. Loyola University New Orleans

Loyola University New Orleans' outstanding full-time Juris Doctor program has two tracks: one in civil law for students aiming to practice in Louisiana and one in common law for students who want to practice in other states. Also offered here is a convenient and unique evening JD program that is designed for nontraditional students and working professionals and several top-notch Master of Laws programs. Students in these law programs can take experiential learning courses, such as the environmental policy lab where they work with practiced attorneys, and can also work with the Advocacy Center where they develop their law skills in the realms of dispute resolution and legal research. This school also provides students who aren't sure about becoming a lawyer the opportunity to earn a Master of Arts degree in either environmental law or health law and administration, and both programs are flexible with a hybrid format, don't require the LSAT for admittance, and can be completed in as little as one year of study.

11. Stetson University

With a location in DeLand, Florida, Stetson University offers a number of first-rate law programs, including a terrific Juris Doctor program that has evening, part-time and full-time formats as well as a number of unique optional Certificate of Concentration areas, such as elder, international, or business law, that students can earn along with their JD degree. The brilliant Master of Laws programs focus on advocacy or elder law and can be completed in an online format in less than two years of study, and there is also an on-campus 1-year LLM in International Law. Additionally, non-lawyers can earn a tremendous Master of Jurisprudence degree in the field of international/comparative business law, healthcare compliance, or aging law and policy. Outside of the classroom, Stetson University offers more than 350 externships and clinics for law students in the Florida court system and public defenders offices, and it also publishes four prestigious law journals, including the Stetson Law Review and the Journal for International Wildlife Law and Policy.

12. California Western School of Law

California Western School of Law in San Diego strives for innovation with enhanced programs that compliment a traditional law school curriculum, including the STEPPS Program where students learn professional responsibility, ethics, and legal case management skills through simulated cases with real actors and study abroad programs in Chile and New Zealand where students study international law. Along with a phenomenal Juris Doctor that includes optional concentrations in business, labor, or international law, this school also offers a truly unique Master of Laws in Oral Litigation program and a Master of Laws in Trail Advocacy program that are both taught completely in Spanish. After graduation, students can participate the Bar Review Program that gives them further practice for passing the bar.

13. University of North Texas at Dallas

The University of North Texas at Dallas' law school is dedicated to diversity and has a 2019 entering class that is 56% female and 54% students of color. The law school also has a mission of giving back to the community through the Community Lawyering Center where students can work pro bono to offer legal advice and assistance to local residents. The eminent Juris Doctor program has a full-time and evening option and features a modern way of learning that includes formative and summative assessments, which are quizzes, written assignments, and tests, instead of formal final exams. Law classes also have a learn-by-doing model where students hone practical skills through Trial Advocacy, clinics, and externships. Students can also work at the Joyce Ann Brown Innocence Clinic where they examine innocence claims in Texas.

14. St. Thomas University

Along with a traditional and illustrious Juris Doctor program, St. Thomas University offers a variety of cutting-edge joint JD options where students can earn their law degree as well as a master's degree in sports administration, international business, accounting, marriage and family counseling, or criminal justice. Law students at this Miami Gardens, Florida-based law school get plenty of opportunities to develop their lawyering skills through externships that could take place at the Florida Supreme Court and or in the fields of civil practice as well as a study abroad program in Spain where they study transnational litigation or international human rights. Current lawyers can further their education by earning a notable Master of Laws in Cybersecurity Law & Policy through a 100% online format or an on-campus Master of Laws in Intercultural Human Rights that can be completed in only one year.

15. Samford University

Founded in 1847, Samford University's Cumberland School of Law is one of the oldest law schools in the nation and boasts small class sizes that average just six students. The notable Juris Doctor program offers several areas of concentrations, such as family, health, and sports law, and students can participate in the Student Success Mentoring Program (SSMP) where they are paired with alumni in order to make important professional connections and hone their soft skills. This Birmingham, Alabama, law schools offers several other distinguished graduate programs as well, including a customizable Master of Studies in Law (MSL) program for non-lawyers who want to study legal operations or compliance and a wonderful Master of Laws program that can be completed in two years and offers concentrations in health law compliance, higher education law/compliance, financial services compliance, and legal operations.

16. Drake University

Located in Des Moines, Iowa, Drake University offers an excellent JD program that prioritizes practical, hands-on learning - and that's why first-year students participate in a one-of-a-kind trail practicum where they work through the entire trial process from jury selection to the final verdict. All law students also get the chance to work at the Drake Legal Clinic that has real office space and includes clinics in children's rights and elder law among others. This law school also offers students the chance to study agricultural law in Cuba or comparative and international law in France. Further, with a commitment to diversity and inclusion, students who have overcome a significant disadvantage can apply to the Law Opportunity Fellow Program where they are guaranteed a paid internship and leadership training.

17. Marquette University

Marquette University, which can be found in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has an exceptional Juris Doctor program that features a part-time attendance option and lets students choose from several course streams (or specializations) in areas like water law, dispute resolution, health law, or intellectual property. In the realm of experiential learning, students can work and learn at the Marquette Law and Entrepreneurship Clinic (LEC), which is an in-house, independent law office that provides various legal services to entrepreneurs and businesses, and also offered are numerous internships that can take place in appellate courts or federal courts. For students looking to study other academic areas, this university has outstanding joint JD programs in the fields of sports business, political science, and philosophy.

18. Oklahoma City University

The School of Law at Oklahoma City University provides law students with plenty of real-world legal experience that goes beyond classroom learning. The American Indian Law and Sovereignty Center allows students to provide legal services to tribal communities and the Pro Bono Housing Eviction Legal Assistance Program (HELP) connects students to families facing eviction so that can offer legal aid and assistance. This school's amazing Juris Doctor program aims to fit a student's life with full- and part-time options. Students who are pursuing a joint JD/master's degree in business, sociology, or public administration not only benefit from interdisciplinary courses of study but also benefit from reduced credit-hour requirements for both degrees. Further, students can practice their legal skills at the American Indian Wills Clinic, which provides wills and estate planning for indigenous people, or the Oklahoma Innocence Clinic, which is the only innocence project in the state.

19. Arizona State University

The Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University has the #1 bar passage rate in the state and offers a preeminent Juris Doctor program that features focus areas in everything from patent practice to Indian law as well as optional certificates in sports law, Indian law, science and technology, and sustainability. This Tempe-based law school has a strong commitment to public service and pro bono work with over 90% of students participating in community-focuses externships and clinics. Students can also pursue opportunities beyond Arizona with special externships programs that could take them to Washington, DC, to gain federal agency or non-profit experience or to Los Angeles. Other law degree programs at this school include a remarkable Master of Laws program that features focus areas in criminal, business, international law, and much more and a Master of Legal Studies that allows students to study such areas as tribal self-governance, Indian gaming, or patent practice.

20. Capital University

Located in downtown Columbus, Ohio, Capital University's law school is mere blocks away from the Ohio Supreme Court and the Ohio Attorney General's Office, and law students can complete externships that offer over 200 legal setting options, such as courts, corporate law departments, and legal aid organization. The superb Juris Doctor at this school offers a full-time, day program and a part-time program with day and evening options, and students can choose from a range of concentrations, such as litigation, regulatory law, or transactional law--to name a few. This school also offers awesome programs for those who want a non-lawyer legal career, including a terrific paralegal program that is ABA approved and a Master of Legal Studies that has concentrations in criminal justice, healthcare, and other areas.

21. Elon University

With a location in Elon, North Carolina, Elon University has a law school that takes an innovative approach to educating future lawyers by pairing them with an attorney mentor, offering a small 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and including team-based legal projects where students put their legal education into practice. The noteworthy JD program also features unique residencies-in-practice where students are placed in courts or with working attorneys and spend a trimester gaining real-world experience. Students can also serve as editors at the Elon Law Review or participate in a moot court program where they compete and practice their legal skills. This university also offers a joint JD/MBA program where students can earn these two degrees at a lower cost and in a shorter time frame then earning them separately.

22. University of Detroit Mercy

University of Detroit Mercy's law school prides itself on helping students develop practical skills and knowledge for their legal careers. Their excellent Juris Doctor program provides students plenty of opportunities to experience what being a lawyer is really like with a law firm program that consists of a series of courses that mimic the structure of a real law office and a Urban Law Clinic, one of the oldest in the nation, where students take classes that focus on substantive law and practical skills. This Michigan-based law school supports students in their journey to passing the bar with the Academic Success and Bar Preparation Department that offers a range of services to current students and recently graduates. Additionally, this school offers a unique Canadian & American Dual JD program that has the special benefit of preparing students to practice law in both the US and Canada.

23. Seattle University

Juris Doctor students at the eminent Seattle University get the opportunity to work with real clients in their first year in the program in either a clinic or a non-profit setting, where they also complete a project and present their legal findings or research. But the opportunities for training beyond the classroom don't stop there, as JD students can also participate in the Business Boot Camp where they develop professional business skills or can spend a semester in Alaska studying legal issues related to that state. This university also offers the premier Master of Laws program for Indian and tribal law in the Pacific Northwest and an outstanding LLM in Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship that takes advantage of Seattle's technology industry. Non-lawyers can also earn a legal degree here with a Master of Legal Studies program that features career-shaping tracks in tribal law, health law, and technology law.

24. Gonzaga University

The law school at Gonzaga University has produced a number of the leading legal figures in its Spokane, Washington, community - including the entire bench of the Spokane County Superior Court! Along with its traditional Juris Doctor program, this law school also has a 2-year JD program that is especially designed for driven professionals who want to earn their degree in an accelerated format. Also offered here is a fantastic joint JD program that pairs the legal degree with a master's degree in business, taxation, or accountancy where students can waive a total of nine credits between each program. Law students get plenty of room to stretch their legal wings by working with the Center for Law, Ethics & Commerce, which focuses on transactional law, or the Center for Civil and Human Rights.

25. Loyola Marymount University

Based in Los Angeles, CA, Loyola Marymount University offers students several amazing pathways for earning a legal degree, including a:

• Juris Doctor program
• Master of Science in Legal Studies program
• Master of Laws in Tax program
• JD/LLM in Tax program
• JD/MBA program
• Doctor of Juridical Science (JSD) program

This school is dedicated to producing lawyers and legal experts who are committed to the public interest, and it was the first ABA-school in the state to require pro bono work for graduation. Students in the notable JD program can choose from diverse concentrations in such fields as immigrant advocacy, intellectual property law, and cybersecurity, and the LLM program offers career-enhancing specializations in criminal justice, entertainment law, and civil litigation. This law school also runs a range of legal centers that students are able to participate in, including the Center for Juvenile Law and Policy that promotes juvenile delinquency representation and the Fashion Law Project that focuses on legal issues in the fashion industry.

26. University of Baltimore

The University of Baltimore's School of Law has a long history dating back to 1925, and the school now offers a thoroughly modern Juris Doctor program where law students can gain a competitive edge by choosing a concentration in public service, real estate practice, family law, and more. JD students can explore several areas of law and advocacy by working and studying at the Center on Applied Feminism where legal practice is done through a feminist perspective or participate with the Center for Sport and the Law, which was founded in connection with the Baltimore Orioles major league baseball team in order to explore the field of sports law. Law students can also hone their legal writing and editing skills with the school's Law Review journal. This Maryland-based law school also has learning opportunities for current lawyers, including a wonderful Master of Laws in Tax program and a career-enhancing Post-J.D. Certificate in Family Law.

27. Creighton University

Juris Doctor students at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, are afforded ample opportunities to round out their excellent academic classes with real-world experiences, such as a summer program that can take them to Germany to study the law side of the Nuremberg war crimes trials after World War II or an immersion trip to the Dominican Republic where they complete service projects and learn about international law. This outstanding JD program offers a range of flexible attendance formats, including a traditional full-time, a 2-year accelerated, and a reduced schedule, part-time option. JD students interested in supplementing their law education can choose the dual degree program that pairs the JD with a master's degree in business, government organization and leadership, or negotiation/conflict resolution. This law school is also home to the Werner Institute, which is dedicated to conflict resolution

28. University of Richmond

In Virginia, the University of Richmond's illustrious Juris Doctor program is one of a few programs in the nation that requires two full years of skills training for law students, which means students get more practical education here than in other programs. Students take a semester of trial advocacy where they study the ligations process, and third year students are then able to earn a Third-Year Practice Certificate that lets them appear before administrative agencies and local courts. This JD program also has a special focus on international studies, and students can participate in the London Clinical Placement Program where they study British common law or can study abroad in such places as Italy, China, or Spain. On the academic side, JD students have great choices for earning a Certificate of Concentration, including in the fields of intellectual property and family law.

29. University of Wyoming

For 100 years, the University of Wyoming's College of Law has been educating future lawyers, and now, students in its eminent Juris Doctor benefit from one of the lowest tuitions in the nation, small class sizes, and personalized attention. Along with a traditional JD option, this Laramie, WY, law school also offers several noteworthy joint degree programs that allow JD students to also earn a master's degree in environment and natural resources, business administration, or public administration. Hands-on training is paramount in this program, and student can gain real-world experience through practicums that allow them to practice estate planning or business law and work with actual clients. The rural aspect of Wyoming influences this JD program as well, and it boasts the Rural Law Center that helps prepare students for practicing law in rural communities.

30. Santa Clara University

Located in California's Silicon Valley, the law school at Santa Clara University takes full advantage of its proximity to the technology industry by offering the Tech Edge Juris Doctor program, which has a special focus on intellectual property, business law, and tech law, and students are paired with practicing attorney mentors and do real legal work, advising startup business at the Entrepreneurs' Law Clinic. This law school also offers a notable traditional JD program that offers a part-time scheduling option and joint programs that pair the JD with a master's in business administration or information systems. Students in the traditional JD can also incorporate the study of technology-focused law through the High Tech Law Institute or can participate in other skill-enhancing clinics, such as the Northern California Innocence Project or the Immigration Appellate Practice Clinic.

31. Ohio Northern University

Founded in 1885, the Pettit College of Law at Ohio Northern University boasts one of the lowest law school tuition in the Midwest, small classes with a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and a guaranteed clinic and externship placement rate of 100%. The incredible Juris Doctor program features several optional certificate tracks in such areas as corporate law, civil ligation, taxation, and criminal law. This Ada, Ohio, law school boasts that its rural location means that students don't have to compete for clinics and externships, and offered opportunities include in-house clinics that focus on corporate transactional law and civil litigation and externships that place students in non-profit environmental groups, governmental agencies, or with a state or federal judge. Students can also earn joint JD/Master of Laws degree or an outstanding stand-alone LLM in Democratic Governance and Rule of Law.

32. University of Iowa

The law school at the University of Iowa in Iowa City offers a superb Juris Doctor program, which prides itself on providing students a personalized, hands-on law education with a low student-faculty ratio, an open-door faculty policy, and a collaborative learning environment. The Citizen Lawyer Program lets law students do pro bono work and learn about the law in connection with public service, and the International and Comparative Law Program offers courses on international law topics and opportunities to participate in the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition. This law school has a helpful and extensive field placement program that aids students in finding legal placements in state and federal judges' chambers, defense offices, and elsewhere. Also offered at this school is a noteworthy Master of Studies in Law program that is for those not in the legal field who want to hone their skills and knowledge and a truly amazing Doctor of Juridical Science program for those want to conduct extensive legal research.

33. Widener University

Located in Chester, Pennsylvania, Widener University has two distinguished law schools: Delaware Law and Widener Law Commonwealth. Delaware Law is the only ABA-accredited law school in the state of Delaware, and it offers several excellent law degrees, including online Master of Jurisprudence degrees in health law and corporate law, on-campus and online Master of Laws programs, and a Juris Doctor program that features a full- and part-time attendance options. Delaware Law has a number of signature programs where students study one area of law, such as the Environmental Rights Institute that focuses on climate change and sustainability and the Institute of Delaware Corporate and Business Law. The second law school, Widener Law Commonwealth, also has signature programs, including the Business Advising Program where students take courses related to business law and then gain real-world experience by advising artists and arts organizations on business legal topics. In addition to an amazing Juris Doctor program, Widener Law Commonwealth offers joint JD programs that pair the law degree with a Master of Library Science or an MBA degree.

34. University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky's J. David Rosenberg College of Law has been producing outstanding lawyers since 1908 through its illustrious Juris Doctor program that also offers students the opportunity to earn joint degrees in business administration, public administration, health administration, or diplomacy and international commerce. Students at this Lexington-based law school can forge important relationships and connection to peers through a range of student organizations, such as the Black Law Students Association, Latino Law Student Association, and the Women's Law Caucus. Additionally, student get to move beyond the classroom with the help of the Legal Clinic that offers opportunities for representing real clients and a pro bono program where students can offer legal services to the community. For those interested in legal writing and publishing, the Kentucky Law Journal offers editorial opportunities.

35. Western New England University

With a campus in Springfield, Massachusetts, Western New England University School of Law has a focus on community-based legal education, which can be seen in the Center for Social Justice where law students can engage with the community and hone their skills in the realm of social justice scholarship and advocacy. The notable Juris Doctor program at this law school features great concentration options in gender/sexuality law, public interest practice, criminal law, and more. Also offered here is a part-time JD option as well as terrific Master of Science and Master of Laws in Elder Law and Estate Planning online programs that have a unique focus on how to advocate for elders and their families.

36. University of Dayton

The University of Dayton's School of Law is one of very few schools in the nation that offers an innovative online, hybrid ABA-accredited Juris Doctor program where students can complete their degree in four years through online, interactive classes and on-campus in-person learning sessions. This Ohio-based law school also offers a traditional 3-year JD and an accelerated 2-year JD that lets students take summer classes in order to complete their degree quickly. With clinics in criminal, immigration, and civil law, students can also hone their legal skills through the school's partnership with the Hanley Sustainability Institute (HSI), which allows students to concentrate in law and sustainability and summer fellowships and externships in the field of environmental law. Lawyers and non-lawyers can earn a master's degree in government contracting and procurement law that can be completed online or on-campus and lets students expand their skills in contracting and procurement.

37. Rutgers University - Camden

New Jersey's Rutgers University - Camden offers a fantastic Juris Doctor program that allows students to customize their degree with a certificate in business, criminal, immigration, or family law. Students in the JD program get plenty of opportunities to practice their legal skills outside of the classroom through judicial externships and field placements that could be set in non-profits, private practices, or government agencies. This JD program also features a one-of-a-kind Law Associates Fellowship Program where recent graduates take part in a 1-year residency where they offer legal services to real clients, manage a case docket of their own, and continue learning through various seminars. Rutgers University - Camden has numerous dual degree opportunities where students can earn a JD along with a master's degree in public affairs, medicine, criminal justice, and more.

38. University of Oklahoma - Norman Campus

The law students at the University of Oklahoma - Norman Campus not only get a prime legal education but they do so with the aid of a technological-driven law school that provides students with an iPad at no cost, offers extensive digital training in the latest technologies used in law firms, and has the Inasmuch Foundation Collaborative Learning Center (CLC) that has virtual reality stations and multimedia study rooms. The amazing Juris Doctor program lets students choose from unique certificates in everything from American Indian law to oil/gas/natural resources law, and it also focuses hands-on legal training with simulation courses that bring courts to life and externships at courts and law offices. This law school offers other degrees as well, including a notable Master of Legal Studies program and a Master of Laws program that has unique concentrations in energy and natural resources or indigenous peoples law.

39. Mercer University

Located in Macon, Georgia, Mercer University's law students benefit from a small close-knit community of peers and faculty but also have close proximity the city of Atlanta and its expansive legal world. The exceptional Juris Doctor program at this school even offers third year students the chance to spend a semester in Atlanta. Law students are able to further perfect their legal skills with other externship opportunities and an experiential program that could include pro bono work, mock trails and courts, and a clinical course where students can appear in court. Along with their JD, students can also choose to earn a Certificate in Advanced Legal Writing, Research, and Drafting or various business-related certificates. Additionally, this law school offers a joint JD/MBA program where students can earn both degrees in only three years.

40. University of San Diego

The California-based University of San Diego offers a remarkable Juris Doctor program that features full- and part-time options and career-enhancing concentrations in children's rights, health law, environmental/energy law, and many more areas. This law school has a number of institutes and scholastic centers that focus on various areas of law, and students can conduct research and hone their legal skills at the Center for Intellectual Property Law and Markets (CIPLM), where they learn about intellectual property (IP) rights, and at the Children's Advocacy Institute (CAI), where they are trained to be child advocates in the legal field. Also offered here are an incredible Master of Science in Legal Studies degree, which is for non-lawyers who want to increase their legal skills and knowledge, and a Master of Laws program that focuses on taxation, international law, or business law.

41. University of South Dakota

The University of South Dakota in Vermillion boasts a law school that offers students a first-rate legal education at an affordable price. This law school provides students with a phenomenal Juris Doctor program as well as joint degree programs that pair the JD with a master's degree in business administration, adult higher education, English, history, psychology, and more. The experiential learning opportunities can take law students near and far and include a summer program that takes place in China, externships closer to home that place in students in courts, and opportunities for pro bono work. Students who want to expand into the editorial and writing side of legal studies can also sit on the board of the school's legal journal, the South Dakota Law Review.

42. University of St Thomas

The law school at the University of St Thomas has a history of educating lawyers that will be well-equipped to change the world, and to aid law students in connecting their education to community work, students are required to completed 50 hours of public service, which could have them working for the Housing Preservation Project or the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota. This St. Paul, Minnesota, law school also strives to provide their full- and part-time Juris Doctor students plenty of hands-on learning as well with mentorship externship where students work with a judge or attorney or in one of 14 clinics that span specialties ranging from bankruptcy litigation to immigration law. Also offered at this university is Master of Laws () program in the field of organizational ethics and compliance, which can be complete 100% online.

43. Duquesne University

The law school at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, boasts an Ultimate Bar Pass rate of 93.16%, and the 2019 pass rate for first-time test takers was 87.88%. The reason for those high rates is that the superb Juris Doctor program includes an academically rigorous curriculum that is built on the cornerstone of clinical education and students can participate in various clinics that include a veterans clinic (which was the first of its kind in the nation), as well as externships that could take place at the Pennsylvania Innocence Project. This impressive JD program features full- and part-time options in addition to an evening program, and students can choose to earn a joint JD/master's degree in such areas as healthcare ethics, divinity, philosophy, and more.

44. University of Kansas

Founded in 1878, the University of Kansas' law school fosters a personal, intimate learning environment where most upper-level classes have 25 students or fewer and the faculty serve as mentors. Along with an excellent traditional Juris Doctor program, this Lawrence, KS, law school offers 14 amazing joint degree options where students can earn a JD and master's in fields like journalism, social work, and indigenous studies. The JD program offers extensive hands-on learning to every student, including intensive simulation workshops where students practice deposition skills and master witness examinations, clinics where they work with real clients, andr work for the Project for Innocence & Post-Conviction Remedies. Students can also serve their community by participating in the pro bono program where they can work at the Willow Domestic Violence Center or the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

45. Belmont University

Located in Nashville, Tennessee, Belmont University offers a preeminent Juris Doctor program as well as an outstanding dual degree program that combines the JD with an MBA degree where students can earn both degrees in only three years at a reduced tuition cost. Belmont University's law school is dedicated to legal research and writing, and students can hone their legal editorial skills by managing the Belmont Law Review or can contribute to the Entertainment Law Journal. To help law students gain practical legal skills beyond the classroom, the JD program offers a range of interesting field placements that could take place at the US Department of Justice or the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Also, in addition to their JD, students can earn a certificate in criminal, health, or entertainment/music business law.

46. University of Mississippi

The Oxford-based University of Mississippi has an incredible Juris Doctor program where first year students jump right into practical legal training with an innovative 2-week Skill Session program that they take before the spring semester, and second and third years students can choose from over 20 Skills Session courses in everything from public service lawyering to sports law. Other types of practical training at this law school include externship placements that could take students to district attorney offices or non-profits and a study abroad program where students can study in the historic English city of Cambridge. The University of Mississippi is also a leader in the area of air and space law and offers a JD concentration in that field as well as a graduate certificate for non-lawyers and a Master of Laws program for non-lawyers and lawyers alike.

47. Indiana University - Bloomington

Indiana University - Bloomington's Maurer School of Law, founded in 1842, has the distinction of being the ninth oldest law school in the nation. Their phenomenal Juris Doctor program lets students choose from almost unlimited areas of focus, including family law, labor law, civil rights, and property law - just to name a few. JD students can also further tailor their legal education to their interests with seven in-house clinics in the areas of conservation law, family mediation, and more and with externships that place them in the courts or in private practice. The Maurer School of Law has several research centers where students can work, research, and learn, such as the Center for Law, Society & Culture. Also offered here are a number of terrific legal graduate degree programs, including a Master of Laws program where students can specialize in business, intellectual property, or cybersecurity law.

48. Illinois Institute of Technology

Illinois Institute of Technology's Chicago-Kent College of Law offers a first-class Juris Doctor program with part- and full-time attendance options and a range of career-enhancing, specialized certificates. JD students get plenty of practical skills training starting in their very first year, such as the unique 1L Your Way Program. Other practical opportunities include externships and clinics in areas like entrepreneurial, family, or immigration law. This Chicago-based law school also offers a notable Doctor of the Science of Law for advanced students who want to specialize in legal research and writing and a Master of Laws program where students can specialize in legal innovation or financial services law.

49. Campbell University

The law school at Campbell University, which is located in Buies Creek, North Carolina, prides itself on creating a community where law students can thrive, and that's why each first-year JD student is part of a peer mentoring group made up of second- and third-year students. This distinguished JD program features concentration options in areas ranging from health law to intellectual property, and the JD can also be combined with a master's degree in accounting, business administration, or public health. The law school has a number of practical opportunities for JD students, including advocacy programs where students hone their ligation skills and clinics that focus on restorative justice, senior law, and more. There are a number of student publications as well, such as the Campbell Law Review as well as the 'Campbell Law Reporter' podcast where students can build their legal writing and editorial skills.

50. College of William and Mary

The historic legacy of the College of William and Mary's law school dates back all the way to

1779 when the school was founded at the recommendation of Thomas Jefferson. This incredible law school offers a Juris Doctor program that was built on the ideal of the citizen lawyer, and first year students take standard legal courses as well as complete a Legal Practice Program where they practice real-world legal skills, such as interviewing clients and drafting memos. This Williamsburg, Virginia, law school offers unique clinic experiences for students, including clinics that focus on coastal legal polices and domestic violence and externships that could place them in US Attorney offices or could take them to Washington, DC, for a semester.

What Can You Do with a Law Degree?

There are several types of jobs you can get with a law degree, both inside and outside of the legal system. For example, a student who obtained a law degree focusing on taxation may choose to work in accounting or a related field. The careers discussed below are those within the legal field that law degree graduates often pursue.

• Paralegals and Legal Assistants - Paralegals and legal assistants assist attorneys with various operations and tasks, such as gathering and reporting information. The requirements for these positions vary by employer; some positions only require an associate degree, but many positions can require a bachelor's degree in paralegal studies (or a postbaccalaureate certificate).
• Arbitrators, Mediators and Conciliators - These professionals help to facilitate conflict resolution and communication between disputing individuals, businesses, and other parties. Educational requirements vary drastically by position and employer, but many positions require applicants to have a bachelor's degree or higher.
• Lawyers - Lawyers represent organizations and individuals in legal activities and provide them with legal advice. They may work in specific fields, such as criminal law, tax law and intellectual law, and can work for government or private organizations. Lawyers need to have a Juris Doctor as well as a license to practice, which can be obtained by passing their state bar exam.
• Judges and Hearing Officers - Judges and hearing officers oversee courts and various legal activities, such as negotiations and administrative disputes. They also apply current law to court rulings and write decisions and opinions for disputes and court cases. These professionals typically need to have a Juris Doctor and several years of experience as lawyers.
• Postsecondary Law Teachers - Postsecondary law teachers provide instruction on legal topics to students at universities and other postsecondary institutions. Their duties vary by position and employer, but may include creating course structure and learning objectives, grading and conducting scholarly research. Postsecondary law teachers typically have a doctoral degree in law and some legal work experience.

Online Law Degrees

Many schools throughout the country offer online law degree and certificate programs. Undergraduate law programs and master's degree programs are more commonly offered online, with little to no on-campus requirements. Juris Doctor programs typically require practical experiences throughout the curriculum and are usually offered on-campus or primarily on-campus.

To get a law degree online, students may be able to complete assignments and other components of the program at their convenience, though some may be scheduled for specific times for things like live lectures and course discussions. Some online law degree programs offer opportunities for students to gain experience through internships, law review, moot court competitions, and other opportunities. Students who complete their law degree programs fully online can greatly benefit from these experiences as they allow students to solidify their developing understanding of law.

Accreditation for Criminal Justice & Law Degrees

For a school to gain accreditation, it must meet a set of standards that are determined by the accrediting agency. Institutional accreditation can be either national or regional. While both types of accreditation indicate that a school has met quality criteria regarding things like graduation rates, curriculum, and faculty experience, regional accreditation is a more vigorous process.

Programmatic accreditation, sometimes called specialized accreditation, applies to specific programs or departments. This type of accreditation also requires academic standards to be met or exceeded, but those standards apply directly to the program being accredited. The accreditations available for criminal justice and law degree programs include:

• Criminal Justice Programmatic Accreditation - The U.S. Department of Education does not currently recognize any specific organizations for accredited criminal justice degree online programs. However, the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) has certified/approved some criminal justice programs at the graduate and undergraduate levels.
• Law Program Accreditation - Any accredited on-campus or online law degree is certified through the American Bar Association at the graduate level. Students who intend on becoming lawyers need to earn their Juris Doctor through an ABA approved program. Those who want to earn their LLM first may benefit from attending an ABA approved program, as they may have better chances of transferring courses into their JD program.

All statistical information is provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).