Florida has become a hotbed for criminal justice education and careers. The state boasts over 80 accredited colleges and universities that provide quality degree programs in criminal justice, criminology, law enforcement, and related fields. Students have their choice of associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs, with curriculum focused on developing the skills needed for justice system careers.
Both online and on-campus options exist, allowing learners to choose the format that best fits their schedule. Internships and field experiences at police departments, courts, jails, forensic labs, and other agencies provide invaluable real-world training. With so many schools to choose from, finding the right fit requires research. This guide will explore the top colleges for criminal justice degrees in Florida.
Overview of Criminal Justice Degrees in Florida
Criminal justice encompasses the study of laws, crime prevention, law enforcement, legal systems, and societal responses to crime. Degree programs in Florida cover everything from introductory criminal justice concepts to specialized fields like homeland security, corrections, juvenile justice, and cybercrime.
Course curriculum provides a mix of theoretical education and practical application. Students take foundational classes in criminal law, police administration, criminal investigations, statistics, and ethics. Electives allow for customization based on interests in fields like forensic psychology, emergency management, and conflict resolution.
Florida schools facilitate excellent internship and field experience opportunities. Partnerships with police departments, courts, jails, probation offices, and other agencies let students gain hands-on training under supervision. This experiential learning is invaluable preparation for future careers.
Both traditional on-campus and flexible online programs exist. Online degrees allow working professionals to advance their career while remaining in their current jobs.Accelerated and hybrid formats also accommodate busy lifestyles. When researching schools, students should look for respected programs that provide the focus and learning format that best fits their goals.
Top Florida Schools Offering Criminal Justice Degrees
Several Florida colleges and universities stand out for their high-quality programs in criminal justice and criminology. The schools below represent some of the top public, private, online, and traditional campus-based programs in the state.
Florida International University
Florida International University (FIU) earns strong marks for its undergraduate and graduate criminal justice programs. The school offers:
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice
- Doctor of Philosophy in International Crime and Justice
FIU provides the unique Law Enforcement Advanced Program (LEAP) which combines specialized law enforcement training with internships. Undergraduate students can pursue the Fast Track program to earn their bachelor???s and master’s degrees in just 5 years.
As one of Florida’s preeminent public research universities, FIU attracts top faculty and students. Small class sizes and accessible professors provide personalized attention. FIU has a beautiful main campus in Miami along with other locations. Both in-person and online options exist.
Florida State University
Florida State University (FSU) provides respected on-campus and online degree programs including:
- Bachelor of Arts or Science in Criminology & Criminal Justice
- Online Bachelor of Arts or Science in Criminal Justice Studies
- Master of Science in Criminology & Criminal Justice
- Doctor of Philosophy in Criminology & Criminal Justice
Undergraduates can pursue interdisciplinary studies through the Criminology, Law, & Society certificate. FSU provides scholarships specifically for criminal justice majors along with research and internship opportunities.
The online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Studies degree allows flexible learning for students unable to attend classes on-campus. Courses take place in accelerated 7-week sessions. FSU is recognized nationally for its strong criminology and criminal justice programs.
University of Florida
As one of Florida???s major public universities, the University of Florida offers respected campus-based programs including:
- Bachelor of Arts in Criminology
- Master of Arts in Criminology, Law, and Society
Undergraduates take foundational courses in criminal justice as well as specialty electives. The degree culminates in a capstone research project. Many students complete internships with local agencies like the Gainesville Police Department and District 8 Medical Examiner???s Office.
Graduate students pursue advanced studies through thesis and non-thesis tracks. Faculty members represent experts from UF???s renowned C.A. Pound Human Identification Laboratory. Small class sizes encourage student-faculty collaboration.
University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida provides a full slate of criminal justice degree options:
- Bachelor of Arts or Science in Criminal Justice
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice
- Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice
The school houses the renowned Institute for Public Policy which conducts extensive criminal justice research. Undergraduates can pursue concentrations in fields like legal studies, homeland security, and crime analysis.
Internships placements are facilitated with local, state, and federal agencies. In-person and online courses suit different learning needs. Scholarships like the Regalf Scholarship assist current law enforcement officers seeking degrees.
Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University (NSU) offers respected programs including:
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice
- Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice
Undergraduates take a core curriculum covering criminal justice administration, law, security management, and research methods. Electives allow for focus areas like forensic studies, substance abuse, and family violence.
NSU provides renowned graduate programs in fields like conflict analysis and resolution, national security affairs, and criminal justice. Faculty possess experience across all sectors of the justice system. Online and on-campus options provide flexible learning.
Criminal Justice Careers in Florida
Professionals with the right criminal justice degree can qualify for many sought-after careers in Florida. Opportunities exist at the local, county, state, and federal levels. Jobs are found within law enforcement, the courts system, legal offices, corrections, forensics, private security firms, regulatory agencies, and more.
Police officers work in municipal police departments to protect public safety and enforce laws. Daily tasks involve patrolling neighborhoods, responding to calls, making arrests, interviewing witnesses, and preparing reports. A high school diploma is required to enter the police academy for on-the-job training and certification. Many pursue a bachelor???s degree as well to increase skills and earn promotions to detective or supervisor roles.
Correctional officers maintain security and order within jails and prisons. Duties involve supervising inmates, conducting searches, enforcing rules, inspecting facilities, and managing entry/exit of people. Most facilities provide paid on-the-job training. A high school diploma or GED is required at minimum but degrees can lead to promotions.
The fast-growing field of cybersecurity focuses on protecting computer networks, programs, and data from unauthorized access. Cybersecurity analysts detect threats, install protective software, research emerging risks, and train others on security measures. Most positions require a bachelor???s degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or a related field.
Forensic science technicians assist in conducting analysis for criminal investigations. They examine evidence from crime scenes, test firearms, process fingerprints, and conduct lab tests on bodily fluids or substances. An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in forensic science, natural science, or criminal justice is generally required.
Private investigators conduct surveillance work, background checks, and investigations for legal, corporate, and individual clients. Duties involve performing records searches, interviewing witnesses, verifying facts, and preparing reports for attorneys, businesses, and others. Requirements vary but many complete criminal justice training or have experience in investigations or law enforcement.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Florida workers in criminal justice occupations earn average annual salaries such as:
- Police Patrol Officers: $58,630
- Detectives: $81,920
- Correctional Officers: $45,850
- Forensic Science Technicians: $52,840
- Private Investigators: $52,180
Entry-level salaries often start around $35,000 but increase with experience, specializations, and supervisory roles. Competitive pay and benefits are offered by most agencies and departments. Candidates with the right education, training, and skills are in high demand across the state.
Finding the Right Program for a Criminal Justice Career
Florida offers many high-quality programs for launching or advancing a criminal justice career. Prospective students should start by deciding on a focus area and preferred degree level. Useful considerations when researching schools include:
- Location – Is attending classes in-person feasible or is an online program a better fit?
- Cost – What tuition rates and financial aid options exist?
- School reputation and accreditation – Does the program carry respected industry credentials?
- Hands-on training – Do internships or field experiences allow practical application?
- Faculty expertise – Do professors have real-world experience in their subject matter?
- Career outcomes – What is the job placement rate for graduates?
Leveraging relationships with local police departments, courts,
corrections facilities, forensic labs, and other agencies can provide invaluable skills training. Programs that facilitate these partnerships through internships or other experiential learning are ideal.
While cost and convenience may factor into school selection, program quality is equally important. Accreditation from organizations like the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences indicates that curriculum meets comprehensive standards. Reputation stems from faculty expertise, cutting-edge resources, successful graduates, and other factors.
By doing thorough research and choosing a program strategically aligned with their career goals, prospective students can maximize their likelihood of securing a rewarding criminal justice position upon graduation. Hands-on training and networking opportunities give graduates a competitive edge in the job market. Florida offers excellent programs for building the skills, experience, and credentials to excel in law enforcement, forensics, corrections, courts, legal offices, regulatory agencies, private security, and many other fields.