Fifteen bachelor’s in criminal justice degree programs in Connecticut are available for New Englanders called to duty to uphold laws in the “Constitution State.”
Connecticut belongs to the New York Metro as America’s fourth most densely populated state with 3.59 million people to protect. Criminal justice majors find that Connecticut’s $229 billion economy has 37,290 law enforcement workers making a mean yearly salary of $52,510. Job opportunities include the Connecticut State Police, CT Drug Control Division, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Police, Bridgeport Park Police, and many more. Diligence from criminal justice majors will help Connecticut remain at 40 percent below the national average for violent offenses. Seven out of 10 Connecticut cities report less than 100 property crimes annually too.
Consider the following accredited criminal justice schools in Connecticut to gather the skills for addressing and deterring illegal behaviors.
Albertus Magnus College
Sociology and Psychology Department
Opened by the Dominican Sisters of St. Mary of the Springs in 1925, Albertus Magnus College is a private, Roman Catholic liberal arts CIC member that’s enrolling 1,470 Falcons full-time on its 50-acre historic campus on Prospect Hill just two miles from Yale in New Haven. Graded A- for diversity as America’s 116th “Best Catholic College” on Niche, Albertus Magnus is ranked the 108th best Northern region school by the U.S. News. The Sociology and Psychology Department houses one of the bachelor’s in criminal justice degree programs in Connecticut with 82 percent freshman retention.
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Currently costing an average net price of $22,171 yearly, Albertus Magnus’ Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice uses action-oriented ethics teaching to study criminal behavior and law enforcement practices from a sociological perspective. The 45-credit major spans courses from multicultural diversity to police administration and juvenile delinquency with at least one guided internship. Undergrads could also take accelerated courses in East Hartford, declare the Honors Program, join the Something Social Club, volunteer at the St. Francis Home, and study in Ireland.
Accreditation
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Contact
Aquinas Hall, Room 304
700 Prospect Street
New Haven, CT 06511
(203) 773-8088
mgeary@albertus.edu
Central Connecticut State University
Carol A. Ammon College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
Directed by President Zulma Toro Ramos, Central Connecticut State University is the Provisions State’s oldest public, co-educational institution that’s educating 12,037 Blue Devils and endowed for $63 million with 165 suburban acres in New Britain just nine miles southwest of Hartford. Proclaimed the 188th best bang for the buck in Washington Monthly, CCSU is ranked the North’s 110th top university and 35th best public school by the U.S. News. The Carol A. Ammon College selectively admits 59 percent of applicants into 18 departments from music to economics.
B.A. in Criminology
Requiring a minor like Peace Studies or Cybersecurity Technology, CCSU’s B.A. in Criminology is one of the bachelor’s in criminal justice degree programs in Connecticut where undergrads gain intensive understanding on the theories involved with studying criminal acts. The 39-credit major includes one 120-credit internship at placements like Families in Crisis, Prudence Crandall Center, West Hartford Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service. Students can also join Alpha Phi Sigma, research in the ISCJ, and participate in the College Police Academy.
Accreditation
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Contact
Vance Academic Center, Room 208
1615 Stanley Street
New Britain, CT 06050
(860) 832-3142
bantleyk@ccsu.edu
Charter Oak State College
Conferring more than 11,000 “Degrees Without Boundaries” since 1973, Charter Oak State College is a public, co-educational distance learning institution directed by President Ed Klonoski to serve 2,278 scholars from its New Britain headquarters in Hartford County. Applauded as America’s second best college for returning adults in Forbes magazine, Charter Oak is placed in the top 1 percent for veteran-friendly liberal arts education by College Factual. Within the ConnSCU system, Charter Oak offers one of the bachelor’s in criminal justice degree programs in Connecticut for $287 in-state or $377 out-of-state per credit.
Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies: Criminal Justice Concentration
Reporting a median starting salary of $39,800, Charter Oak State’s Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies is an online, multidisciplinary degree giving broad liberal arts preparation with concentrations in 12 disciplines, including Criminal Justice and Public Safety Administration. Majoring in CJ adds 36 credits of specialized courses like criminology, civil liberties, constitutional law, and abnormal psychology before a capstone project. Learning could be accelerated by taking the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) or completing the Portfolio Program.
Accreditation
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Contact
55 Paul Manafort Drive
New Britain, CT 06053
(860) 515-3800
info@charteroak.edu
Eastern Connecticut State University
School of Arts and Sciences
Sitting upon 182 suburban acres in Willimantic halfway between Manhattan and Boston, Eastern Connecticut State University is a public, co-educational liberal arts COPLAC member founded in 1889 that’s now serving 5,447 Warriors within the Little East Conference. Deemed America’s 66th “Most Liberal College” on Niche, ECSU is ranked the 85ht best Northern college, 49th best for vets university, and 26th top public school by the U.S. News. The School of Arts and Sciences has an average net price of $16,050 for joining 13 departments from history to performing arts.
Criminology Major
Delivered with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, the Criminology Major at ECSU is another of the traditional bachelor’s in criminal justice degree programs in Connecticut for undergrads to correlate theories on delinquent behavior with a unique emphasis on social inequality. The 120-credit curriculum sequence spans courses from sociology to domestic violence and mental illness with an individual or group supervision internship. Students may also add the Anthropology Minor, join the Phi Alpha Honor Society, and take the Ghana international study trip.
Accreditation
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Contact
Webb Hall, Room 424
83 Windham Street
Willimantic, CT 06226
(860) 465-0163
lugow@easternct.edu
Lincoln College of New England
Formerly called Briarwood College until 2010, Lincoln College of New England is a private, co-educational NEASC-accredited institution charging an average tuition price of $16,400 for around 800 Wildcats studying on its suburban campus in Southington near Castle Craig and online. Graded “B” for diversity and safety on Niche, LCNE is placed among the United States’ top 15 percent for criminal justice, corrections, and homeland security education on College Factual. Online learners find another of the online bachelor’s in criminal justice degree programs in Connecticut offering personalized support 24/7 and internships like COTA/L Access Rehab Centers.
Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree Program
Online audio/visual lectures and threaded discussions help undergrad adult learners finish the Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree Program at LCNE with an engaging 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The 122-credit Bachelor of Science takes a practical approach to teach undergrads the law enforcement and corrections theories to uphold social control and security. Expect logging into courses like juvenile justice, probation, victims’ rights, and correctional counseling. The online degree concludes with a capstone internship and senior research project.
Accreditation
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Contact
2279 Mount Vernon Road
Southington, CT 06489
(860) 628-4751
admission@lincolncollegene.edu
Mitchell College
Law & Justice Policy Studies Division
Admitting 778 Mariners with an acceptance rate of 70 percent, Mitchell College is a private, nonprofit liberal arts institution chaired by Elizabeth Ivey with a $6.1 million endowment and 68-acre waterfront campus on the Thames River in New London. On Niche, Mitchell ranks as America’s 138th “Best Test Optional College” and Connecticut’s 12th “Best Small College.” Reporting 89 percent job placement within six months, the Law & Justice Policy Studies Division has produced alumni for the Coast Guard, Connecticut Judicial Department, Connecticut Department of Corrections, and more.
B.A. Criminal Justice
Organized by Professor Jeffrey Van Kirk, J.D., the B.A. in Criminal Justice is a challenging, four-year prospect for undergrads to build upon the liberal arts core with real-world knowledge on the ins and outs of the legal system. The 120-credit curriculum offers three concentrations for Justice Studies, Programs & Treatment, or Pre-Law with LSAT exam prep. Unlike most bachelor’s in criminal justice degree programs in Connecticut, there’s also a B.A. in Homeland Security double major available. Students are invited to join the Law and Society Association or Criminal Justice Club.
Accreditation
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Contact
Bond House, Room 201
437 Pequot Avenue
New London, CT 06320
(860) 701-7702
vankirk_j@mitchell.edu
Post University
John P. Burke School of Public Service & Education
Started as the Matoon Shorthand School in 1890, Post University is a private, for-profit career-driven institution within the ACE Alternative Credit Consortium that’s enrolling 7,317 Eagles in 25+ programs from 58 acres in Waterbury near the Naugatuck River. Lauded as America’s 79th “Best Online College” on Niche, Post was ranked the 335th top baccalaureate university overall in Washington Monthly. Presently costing $570 per credit, the John P. Burke School also houses some of the country’s 156th best online undergraduate degrees according to the USNWR.
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Conducted 100 percent online or in Waterbury over 48 months full-time, Post’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice develops skills in three concentrations: Correctional Counseling, Law Enforcement, or Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Like most bachelor’s in criminal justice degree programs in Connecticut, the 120-credit curriculum requires a minimum “C” average for courses from forensics to private investigation. Majors may also join Law Club, participate in the E.P.I.C. Project, add the Honors Program, and pursue the Certificate in Paralegal Studies.
Accreditation
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Contact
800 Country Club Road
P.O. Box 2540
Waterbury, CT 06723
(800) 345-2562
admissions@post.edu
Quinnipiac University
College of Arts and Sciences
Headquartered on 600 suburban acres in Hamden at the base of Sleeping Giant with an extension in North Haven, Quinnipiac University is endowed for $388 million under President John L. Lahey’s direction to educate 9,000 Bobcats as a private, nonsectarian NAICU member. Ranked the North’s 11th best college, sixth best for vets school, and 42nd top value by the USNWR, Quinnipiac was placed 169th nationally for helping low-income students in The New York Times. The College of Arts and Sciences maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio for one of the most intimate bachelor’s in criminal justice degree programs in Connecticut.
BA in Criminal Justice
Currently costing roughly $44,420 annually before aid, the BA in Criminal Justice lets Quinnipiac undergrads join the dynamic legal field to enforce laws and protect society from would-be offenders. The 37-credit liberal arts major includes 21st century courses like cybercrime, gang violence, and terrorism with real-world internship experience arranged by the Career Resources Center. Students may also form connections in the Connecticut Juvenile Justice Alliance, join the Criminal Justice Club, study abroad at Stirling University, and hear guest speakers like Lt. Paul Vance.
Accreditation
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Contact
CAS-1 Building, Room 330
275 Mount Carmel Avenue
Hamden, CT 06518
(203) 582-6408
xi.chen@quinnipiac.edu
Sacred Heart University
College of Arts & Sciences
As New England’s second-largest private, Catholic doctoral institution after Boston College, Sacred Heart University occupies 300 suburban acres in Fairfield with satellites from Trumbull to Stamford to educate 5,428 undergrad Pioneers on a $137 million endowment. Named America’s 83rd “Best Test-Optional College” on Niche, Sacred Heart is ranked the 44th best Northern university and 25th most military-friendly campus by the USNWR. The College of Arts & Sciences oversees 48 academic programs and Human Journey Seminars that produce graduates with a median early-career salary of $54,100.
Criminal Justice Major
Selectively admitting 57 percent of applicants, Sacred Heart’s Criminal Justice Major is a 36-credit track within the 120-credit liberal arts curriculum for undergrads to better grasp the nature of crime for prevention. Courses in Fairfield are applied with internship assignments like Norwalk Police Department, Connecticut Office of Adult Probation, and the State Court Support Services Division. Students may also join Gamma Omega Delta, accelerate the M.A. in Criminal Justice, semester abroad in Italy, and take the Horizons Enrichment Program.
3+3 Bachelor’s & JD Program
Aspiring attorneys looking through bachelor’s in criminal justice degree programs in Connecticut could accelerate their Bar Exam pathway by finishing the 3+3 Bachelor’s & J.D. option at Sacred Heart. Partnered with the ABA-accredited Seton Hall University Law School, the six-year curriculum only accepts freshmen with a minimum high school GPA of 3.5 and SAT score of 1300. Seniors springboard into the Juris Doctor program for a formal concentration in Heath Law, Compliance, or Intellectual Property with pro-bono practice in the Center for Social Justice.
Accreditation
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Contact
Humanities Center, Suite 219
5151 Park Avenue
Fairfield, CT 06825
(203) 371-7941
criminaljustice@sacredheart.edu
University of Bridgeport
College of Public and International Affairs
Noted for the country’s 10th most ethnically diverse student population, the University of Bridgeport is a private, nonsectarian ECC member that’s endowed for $34.13 million and teaching 2,897 Purple Knights with 86 urban acres on the Long Island Sound in Fairfield County. Ranked 147th nationally for social mobility in Washington Monthly, Bridgeport was applauded as America’s 227th “Most Liberal College” on Niche. Sending 80 percent of alumni to grad school, the College of Public and International Affairs bestows another of the bachelor’s in criminal justice degree programs in Connecticut with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio.
Criminal Justice and Human Security (B.A.)
Infused with martial arts courses, the Criminal Justice and Human Security (B.A.) suits Bridgeport freshmen or transfers interested in exploring the roots of criminal behavior in domestic and international events. The 39-credit major begins after foreign language proficiency with concentrations in Criminology, Human Security, or Comparative Justice for law enforcement preparation. Students can also pursue the Five-Year B.A./M.A. in Global Development, contribute to the UN Research Forum, intern with the ATF, and join the Criminal Justice Club.
Accreditation
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Contact
Carlson Hall, Room 235
126 Park Avenue
Bridgeport, CT 06604
(203) 576-4966
ward@bridgeport.edu
University of Hartford
College of Arts and Sciences
Linked to prominent alumni like Dionne Warwick, Richard Neal, and Javier Colon, the University of Hartford is a private, nonsectarian NAICU institution that’s educating 7,025 Hawks from 40+ countries on its 350-acre urban campus in the Bloomfield neighborhood of West Hartford, Money magazine’s 55th “Best Small City.” According to the USNWR, Hartford is ranked America’s 188th best university and 220th top high school counselor pick. The College of Arts and Sciences has engaged learning with 72 percent admission for 20 majors, including one of the bachelor’s in criminal justice degree programs in Connecticut.
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
Taught by PhD-level faculty trained at Columbia, Boston College, Notre Dame, Iowa, and more, Hartford’s Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice uses an interdisciplinary approach to broadly examine the social nature of crime patterns. The 40-credit major includes electives in two groups: Perspectives on Human Behavior or Law and the Response to Social Conflict. Undergrads can benefit from taking projects in the Center for Social Research, intern with the Avon Police Department or The Bridge, study abroad in Spain, and join the Mock Trials Club.
Accreditation
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Contact
Hillyer Hall, Room 418
200 Bloomfield Avenue
West Hartford, CT 06117
(860) 768-4321
dichiara@hartford.edu
University of New Haven
Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences
Belonging to the Northeast-10 with 6,400 Chargers, the University of New Haven is a private, nonprofit research institution that’s overlooking the Atlantic from 122 acres in the Allingtown district of West Haven. Ranked America’s 149th “Most Diverse College” on Niche, UNH is proclaimed the 377th best Northeastern bang for the buck in Washington Monthly. Along with one of the bachelor’s in criminal justice degree programs in Connecticut, the Henry C. Lee College is home to the 24th best online graduate criminal justice education according to the USNWR.
Criminal Justice, B.S.
Boasting one of the United States’ largest alumni networks from Border Patrol to the CIA, New Haven’s B.S. in Criminal Justice gives undergrads the mindset to investigate, quickly solve, and bring justice to perpetrators of the law. The 120-credit degree offers six narrowed concentrations: Crime Analysis, Corrections, Victim Services Administration, Law Enforcement Administration, Juvenile & Family Services, and Investigative Services. Majors may also minor in fire science, intern at the Rape Crisis Center, research in the Tow Youth Justice Institute, and study at the Tuscany Campus.
Accreditation
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Contact
South Campus Hall, Room 010
300 Boston Post Road
West Haven, CT 06516
(203) 932-7472
scusano@newhaven.edu
University of Saint Joseph
School of Humanities & Social Sciences
Founded on Roman Catholic values by the Sisters of Mercy in 1932, the University of Saint Joseph sits upon an 84-acre campus designed by the Olmsted Brothers in West Hartford to enlighten 2,467 Blue Jays as a private, nonprofit women’s baccalaureate institution. Deemed America’s 167th “Safest College” on Niche, USJ is ranked the 91st best Northern college and 29th top value by the U.S. News. For current yearly tuition at $36,930, the School of Humanities & Social Sciences nurtures highly-applicable skills in six areas, including one of the bachelor’s in criminal justice degree programs in Connecticut.
Criminal Justice/Restorative Justice, B.S.
Attending this “College of Distinction” lets USJ undergrads pursue the Criminal Justice/Restorative Justice B.S. degree to become meaningful catalysts for change and community betterment by rehabilitating criminal offenders. The 40-credit major’s courses span from social research to victimology in a hybrid on-campus/online format with West Hartford sessions conveniently scheduled during evenings after 5:30pm. Field experience is integrated at sites like York Correctional Institute, CT Juvenile Training Academy, and Hartford Police Department. There’s also a new B.A. in Public Policy and Advocacy.
Accreditation
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Contact
1678 Asylum Avenue
West Hartford, CT 06117
(860) 231-5257
kmullin@usj.edu
Niche ranked criminal justice as the United States’ ninth most popular major producing 64,554 grads each academic year. Studying criminal justice places you in the pathway for protective services and legal occupations poised for 4 percent and 5 percent job growth respectively by 2024. Whether you’re hoping to become a state trooper, fraud investigator, or forensic odontologist, these bachelor’s in criminal justice degree programs in Connecticut can unleash your dreams.
See also: Top 50 Most Affordable Schools for an Online Master’s in Homeland Security 2017-2018
