Signing up for bachelor’s in criminal justice degree programs in Illinois can provide the skill development for keeping the Prairie State’s 12,801,539 citizens safe.
Illinois is the 21st safest state according to the USNWR, but the Disaster Center reports that Illinois had a crime index of 318,160, including 1,054 murders, in 2016. Chicago is experiencing a violence epidemic, recording 58 percent more homicides than 2015. Other crime-prone Illinois cities needing criminal justice grads include Rockford, Springfield, Peoria, Champaign, and Aurora. Studying criminal justice could lead to work at 877 Illinois law enforcement agencies, such as the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office, DuPage County Forest Preserve Police, Metra Police Department, Chicago Housing Authority Police, and more.
Here is the second section (H-Q) of accredited undergrad criminal justice programs in Illinois for future public servants. (For the first part of our list, see: Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Programs in Illinois (A-G))
Illinois State University
College of Applied Science and Technology
Noted for its 2005 American Forensic Association Championship, Illinois State University is a public, coeducational teaching school that’s located atop 1,000 Tree Campus USA award-winning acres in the Bloomington-Normal Metro to educate 20,784 Redbirds and employ 3,563 academic staff. ISU is ranked America’s 275th best value on Forbes, 432nd top university by Times Higher Education, and 90th best big university on Niche. The College of Applied Science and Technology grants one of the bachelor’s in criminal justice degree programs in Illinois with funding like the Ed Wells Memorial Scholarship.
Criminal Justice Sciences Major
Reporting an average four-year cost of $106,000 on PayScale, Illinois State’s Criminal Justice Sciences Major admits undergrads until January 15th and August 1st yearly to study the social science principles related to illegal behaviors in the law enforcement system. Chaired by Dr. Dawn Beichner, the B.A./B.S. program includes 51 major credits like contemporary policing and family violence. Students might also pledge Alpha Phi Sigma, join Breaking Barriers, present at the Research Symposia, intern at Champaign County Jail, and volunteer with YWCA Stepping Stones.
Accreditation
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
441 Schroeder Hall
Campus Box 5000
Normal, IL 61790
(309) 438-7626
CriminalJustice@illinoisState.edu
Judson University
School of Adult Professional Studies
Given LEED Gold certification, Judson University occupies 90 main acres along Elgin’s Fox River with extensions in Rockford and online as a private, nonprofit Baptist theological school that’s named after missionary Adoniram Judson and endowed for $8.4 million to serve 1,231 Eagles. Featured on the “Colleges of Distinction,” Judson is ranked America’s 136th best baccalaureate institute in Washington Monthly and 103rd most religious college on Niche. The School of Adult Professional Studies accommodates individuals aged 21 or older with one of the bachelor’s in criminal justice degree programs in Illinois emphasizing ethics.
Criminal Justice Management Major
Guided by Christian values, Judson’s Criminal Justice Management Major was flexibly designed by law enforcement experts to support transferring adults who study online or travel to Elgin one night weekly to rise through agency ranks toward legal leadership. The 46-credit major currently charges $14,204 each semester before aid for courses like public budgeting, urban policing, and emergency management. Students could also study at Rockford’s Pennock Family YMCA, declare Honors, benefits from partnerships with corporations like Awana International, and venture to The Netherlands.
Accreditation
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
1151 North State St.
Elgin, IL 60123
(847) 628-1500
cynthia.kollar1@judsonu.edu
Lewis University
Justice, Law and Public Safety Studies Department
Led by President David J. Livingston, PhD, Lewis University is a private, Roman Catholic five-school teaching institution upholding Lasallian values and its “Signum Fidei” motto to instruct 4,613 undergrad Flyers from its 410-acre Romeoville campus off the Chicagoland’s brand-new Interstate-355 extension. Lewis is ranked America’s 259th best college in MONEY Magazine and 476th top master’s university by Washington Monthly. Selectively admitting 59 percent, the Justice, Law and Public Safety Studies Department was also declared the 109th best criminal justice school nationally on Niche.
Criminal Justice, B.A.
Known for producing 40+ Midwest police chiefs like Phil Cline and Charles H. Ramsey, Lewis’ Criminal Justice B.A. is the traditional, four-year program currently charging $29,040 yearly for undergrads to learn the sociological aspects of crime for protecting communities. The 128-credit degree integrates 39 major credits, including probation systems, criminal procedure, and juvenile delinquency. Majors could also pursue the Fast-Track Master’s, join the Fellowship of Justice, compete on the Mock Trial Team, minor in Paralegal Studies, and study in Prague.
Criminal Justice, B.A. (Accelerated)
Structured with eight-week online courses, the Criminal Justice B.A. (Accelerated) is among the fastest bachelor’s in criminal justice degree programs in Illinois where sworn police officers, active-duty military, and other adults finish their training for community protection. Described as “ultra-practical,” the 128-credit degree accepts credits from various accredited schools like Joliet Junior College and Harold Washington Community College. Accelerated students can also obtain the State of Illinois Employee Discount, benefit from the MVCC Partnership, or minor in Information Security and Risk Management.
Accreditation
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
West Hall 107D
1 University Parkway
Romeoville, IL 60446
(815) 836-5342
megami@lewisu.edu
Lincoln College
Division of Language, Humanities, and Social Sciences
Established on President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday in 1865, Lincoln College is a privately chartered, nonsectarian liberal arts school with rolling admission for 1,100 undergrad Lynx studying atop its main Logan County campus near Bloomington and off-site in Normal. Lincoln is ranked America’s 622nd hardest college to get into on Niche and 234th best master’s university in Washington Monthly. The Division of Language, Humanities, and Social Sciences confers another of the bachelor’s in criminal justice degree programs in Illinois with 92 percent job placement and a median mid-career salary of $51,800.
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Directed by Dr. Katie Culotta, Lincoln’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice offers three concentrations in Corrections, Law Enforcement, or Pre-Law for undergrads to primarily pursue public sector jobs where critical thinking skills and knowledge of legal protocol are requisite. Presently priced at $16,700 annually, the 120-credit curriculum uses its 16:1 student-faculty ratio for interactive courses like victimology and judicial processes. Students may also join Criminal Justice Club, intern at the Logan County Sheriff’s Office, attend the Lynx Learning Lab, and take LSAT prep.
Accreditation
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Gehlbach Hall B2
300 Keokuk St.
Lincoln, IL 62656
(217) 735-7275
kculotta@lincolncollege.edu
Loyola University Chicago
College of Arts & Sciences
Affiliated with legal alums like Anita Alvarez, William M. Daley, and Thomas R. Fitzgerald, Loyola University Chicago is applying 450-year-old Jesuit traditions started by Ignatius of Loyola as a private, Catholic ACCU member that’s teaching 11,129 undergrad Ramblers from its 105 combined acres in Rogers Park and the Gold Coast Historic District. Loyola is ranked America’s 53rd best university in Washington Monthly and the globe’s 433rd top college by the CWUR. Reporting 85 percent retention, the College of Arts & Sciences is also recognized for the 81st best criminal justice department on Niche.
BS in Criminal Justice & Criminology
Originally created in 1975, Loyola’s BS in Criminal Justice & Criminology promotes a 14:1 student-faculty ratio for undergrads to closely interact with experienced instructors from the United States Courts, Chicago Police Department, Cook County Sheriff’s Office, and more. The 36-credit major delivers courses like corrections and criminal law at the Water Tower or Lake Shore campuses. Students could also pursue the Five-Year BS/MA, minor in Sociolegal Studies, intern with Senator Franken, take field trips to Stateville Prison, and join the Criminal Justice Organization.
BS in Forensic Science
Currently costing $20,860 per full-time semester, the BS in Forensic Science stands out among bachelor’s in criminal justice degree programs in Illinois for claiming FEPAC accreditation to give undergrads the scientific expertise to analyze criminal evidence for court proceedings. The 88-credit, lab-based major is structured with the Forensic Chemistry and Forensic Biology/DNA concentrations. Majors may also receive the Dr. Paul Mundy Award, join Alpha Phi Sigma, intern with the Chicago Crime Commission, gain ACS membership, and study abroad in Rabat.
Accreditation
• Forensic Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC)
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Mundelein Center 807B
1032 West Sheridan Rd.
Chicago, IL 60660
(773) 508-8505
dstemen@luc.edu
MacMurray College
Criminal Justice and Homeland Security Department
Belonging to the Illinois Great Rivers Conference of the Methodist Church, MacMurray College is a private, nonprofit Christian professional school founded in 1846 that’s enrolling 570 undergrad Highlanders who are 26 percent ethnically diverse on its 60-acre Jacksonville campus in Morgan County. MacMurray is ranked America’s 175th safest college on Niche, 197th top value in The Economist, and 68th best baccalaureate institution in Washington Monthly. The Criminal Justice and Homeland Security Department uses Moodle to add flexibility into one of the bachelor’s in criminal justice degree programs in Illinois with 57 percent admission.
Criminal Justice Major (Bachelor’s Degree)
Mandating a 2.5 high school GPA, MacMurray’s Criminal Justice Major (Bachelor’s Degree) confers a B.A./B.S. for roughly $25,145 per year to on-campus and online undergrads who seek a well-rounded introduction to all law enforcement disciplines. Taught by master’s-level professors trained at Western Illinois and Illinois-Springfield, the 120-credit degree spans topics from cyber crime to critical incident management. Students could also attend the Justice Administration Career Fair, intern with the U.S. Federal Probation Department, double major in Homeland Security, and study in Merida.
Accreditation
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
447 East College Ave.
Jacksonville, IL 62650
(217) 479-7171
Bruce.liebe@mac.edu
North Park University
School of Professional Studies
Endowed for $72 million, North Park University is a private, Evangelical Covenant theological school organized by President David L. Parkyn that’s attracting 3,136 Vikings and employing 125 full-time faculty from its 33-acre North Shore Channel campus. Profiled by Crain’s Chicago Business, NPU is ranked America’s 115th best standout college on Niche, 188th best master’s university in Washington Monthly, and 516th top value by MONEY. The School of Professional Studies unlocks a median starting salary of $41,400 after one of the accelerated bachelor’s in criminal justice degree programs in Illinois with 92 percent placement.
Criminal Justice Major
Chaired by Dr. Lori Scrementi, the SPS Criminal Justice Major at North Park is one of the fast-paced options where B.A./B.S. students at the Chicago and Grayslake campuses or online can prepare for law enforcement leadership in as little as 2.5 years. The 120-credit curriculum presently costs $27,990 annually for intriguing seven-week courses like restorative justice and victim advocacy. Undergrads might also intern with the Illinois State Police, join the Catalyst 606 initiative, and engage with the Conflict Transformation Student Association.
Accreditation
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Sohlberg Hall 022
3225 West Foster Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 244-5570
lmscrementi@northpark.edu
Northeastern Illinois University
School of Arts and Sciences
Celebrating its 150th birthday in 2017, Northeastern Illinois University has admitted 8,412 undergrad Eagles with an average ACT score of 18 as a public, coeducational Hispanic-serving research institution that’s endowed for $8.2 million and holding 67 acres in Chicago’s North Park neighborhood near Skokie Boulevard. NEIU is ranked America’s 235th most liberal college on Niche, 800th top university in Times Higher Education, and 618th best value by The Economist. Graded “A” for safety, the School of Arts and Sciences conveys another of the bachelor’s in criminal justice degree programs in Illinois for an average net price of $15,413 yearly.
Justice Studies, B.A.
Chaired by Dr. Cris E. Toffolo, a three-time Student of Color Ally Award winner, the Justice Studies B.A. draws from diverse social sciences to systematically study the successes and failures of today’s legal system, especially in disenfranchised communities. Declaring the 39-credit major will involve courses like social inequality and justice ethics along with practicum in the Tenant’s Rights Clinic. Students can also win the Mohammad Mossadegh Leadership Scholarship, declare Pre-Law, minor in Child Advocacy Studies, and intern with Cook County Courts.
Accreditation
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Lech Walesa Hall 4064
5550 North St. Louis Ave.
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 442-4761
c-toffolo@neiu.edu
Olivet Nazarene University
School of Life and Health Sciences
Noted for Kankakee County’s largest 3,059-seat theatre, Olivet Nazarene University is a private, nonprofit evangelical Christian school chartered under A.M. Hills in 1909 that’s now teaching liberal arts to 3,000 undergrad Tigers from a 250-acre CCAC campus in Bourbonnais just 31 miles south of Joliet. ONU is ranked America’s 53rd most conservative college on Niche, 92nd best engineering school by the U.S. News, and 400th top master’s university in Washington Monthly. The School of Life and Health Sciences presently prices one of the bachelor’s in criminal justice degree programs in Illinois at $33,940 annually for criminalistics practice.
B.S. Degree in Criminal Justice
Adhering to ACJS standards, the B.S. Degree in Criminal Justice is chaired by Dr. Craig Bishop, a Richard M. Jones Award for Teaching Excellence winner, to encourage undergrads into public service jobs where keeping citizens safe is paramount. Devoted to Psalm 119:105, the 120-credit degree marries Christ-centered courses with 270+ practicum hours with placements like the ATF and Chicago Police Department. Students can also join the Army ROTC at Fortin Villa, practice at the mock crime scene, and volunteer at the Community Resource Center.
Accreditation
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
1 University Ave.
Bourbonnais, IL 60914
(815) 939-5011
cbishop1@olivet.edu
Quincy University
School of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Conferring 32 majors for 1,044 undergrad Hawks, Quincy University is a private, coeducational Catholic ACCU teaching institution upholding the motto “Praeco Sum Magni Regis” and Franciscan roots since 1860 from its 70-acre urban campus on the Illinois-Missouri border overlooking Bayview Bridge. Quincy is ranked America’s 290th best college athletics on Niche, 147th top master’s university in Washington Monthly, and 562nd best value by MONEY. The School of Behavioral and Social Sciences reports a 20-year net ROI of $54,200 on PayScale after six degrees from history to forensic psychology.
Criminal Justice Major (B.S.)
Accepting $25 applications on a rolling basis, the Criminal Justice Major (B.S.) costs Quincy undergrads approximately $26,540 for yearly tuition to advance their understanding of legal proceedings and become capable, ethical enforcers of laws. Bringing real-world trials to the classroom, the 12-course major offers courses like white-collar crime, community corrections, and global terrorism. Other opportunities include interning for the Eighth Judicial Circuit, joining the St. Clare’s Living Community, pledging Alpha Phi Omega, volunteering at Quanada, and taking certain courses on Moodle.
Digital Forensics Major (B.S.)
Building on the Bonaventure Program, Quincy’s Digital Forensics Major (B.S.) is one of the most unique bachelor’s in criminal justice degree programs in Illinois where undergrads with a minimum 2.0 GPA gather the investigative skills for finding criminal evidence in technological devices. Teaching C++ and Java, the 15-course major blends computer science with criminal justice before an interdisciplinary capstone project. Students might also intern in Adams County Government, access databases from Brenner Library, declare Honors, and study abroad in Rome.
Accreditation
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC-NCA)
Contact
1800 College Ave.
Quincy, IL 62301
(217) 222-8020
admissions@quincy.edu
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that Illinois employs 153,090 brave men and women in protective service occupations for an average salary of $51,370. While not lucrative, criminal justice is an in-demand field expected to hit 14 percent job growth overall by 2024. For example, CareerOneStop shows that the United States will add 2,130 jobs annually for probation officers and 2,830 positions each year for criminal investigators. Your marketability for openings could greatly expand when you choose one of the accredited bachelor’s in criminal justice degree programs in Illinois that produce agency-ready graduates.
Continue here: Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Programs in Illinois (R-Z)
