A criminal justice degree seems to be one of the most sought-after degree options in the United States. Universities awarded around 110,000 degrees in 2022, with the number growing each year.
Mow, Virginia happens to be home to many of the leading security agencies and law enforcement institutions in the US. So, which are the best criminal justice schools in Virginia? Let’s find out.
Top 10 Popular Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degrees
Finding a bachelor’s degree right for you comes down to a few key things. First off, the nearest option possible rids you of the need to travel far or move to another city. However, an online criminal justice degree would rid you of this problem altogether.
On the other hand, it’s important that you pursue an in-state degree option, to avoid the out-of-state costs. So, keeping that in mind, let’s show you the 10 best criminal justice schools in Virginia offering on-campus, and online degrees.
5 Online Criminal Justice Programs In Virginia
1: Liberty University
Liberty University in Lynchburg is one of the top universities in the state, and the best one offered in the city. However, the degree option here is ideal for all residents of Virginia, as the online bachelor’s program is accessible from anywhere.
- Program: Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Degree
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Average Cost: $22,000
This program focuses on key elements of the criminal justice system. Therefore, helping you understand the system, law enforcement, and other key areas of the field. You learn the basics of the field and also implement strategies, lead investigations, etc.
You learn these skills through a variety of courses like Introduction to Criminal Justice, Criminal Justice Research & Writing, Juvenile Justice, and Corrections. Therefore, a job opening in local police, investigation bureaus, etc. will all be in your range.
2: Bluefield University
Bluefield University is another top institution that offers an online criminal justice degree. The university itself is quite easy to get into, but the cost might be a bit high for some students. Other than that, you’ll find the online program(s) to be quite alluring.
- Program: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
- Acceptance Rate: 63%
- Average Cost: $29,000
You can pick from either the BS or BA class, but the only difference is secondary or elective courses. The core of either degree focuses on the same principles and ideologies of the field. The curriculum focuses on basic and advanced elements of the CJ system.
You learn these through courses like Criminal Procedure, Minority Issues in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, and Critical Perspectives in Criminal Justice. Therefore, you’ll be looking at entry or mid-level jobs in criminal investigation, forensic labs, or law-making institutions.
3: West Virginia University
West Virginia University is another top institution in the state and offers some of the popular degrees. You also get the best of both worlds, with a high acceptance rate and a very low tuition cost (annual). The program here is BAS, aka Bachelor of Applied Science.
- Program: Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Criminal Justice
- Acceptance Rate: 88%
- Average Cost: $12,000
You can also pursue this degree through the accelerated system. So, you can finish it within 2-3 years, instead of the standard four. The degree itself focuses on law administration but also teaches key essentials of the CJ system.
You will learn specificities through a remarkable curriculum. The courses on offer include White Collar and Economic Crime, Community–Based Corrections, Forensic Techniques, and Current Issues in Criminal Justice.
4: Hampton University
Hampton University is an ideal option, but despite the promising acceptance rate, the tuition cost falls on the higher side. Being near 30k, you’ll be paying around $120k by the time you finish. However, if you can look past that, the degree here is one of the best options you’ll find on this list.
- Program: Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Average Cost: $29,000
The Online BS in Criminal Justice at Hampton focuses on advanced theories and practicals needed in the field. You learn all the basics you’ll need to lead investigations, provide counseling to the victims, and make policies to prevent crime.
The courses that teach you this include Forensics Crime Scene Investigation, Race and Ethnic Relations. Victimology, and Criminalistics of Cybercrime. Thus, leaving you a top professional of the criminal justice system by the time you’re done.
5: Virginia Wesleyan University
Virginia Wesleyan University is another top university that will cost you top dollar for the degree. However, the acceptance rate is quite promising, and the program offered is even better. You’ll get the BA in Criminal Justice Online at VWU.
- Program: Online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Average Cost: $36,000
The program is available in both online and on-campus settings. It will prepare you to tackle various challenges in the field, and help you develop skills to perform necessary and everyday tasks in a CJS setting.
You will learn the basics of this field through courses like Criminology, Introduction to Social Research, Social Problems, Social Psychology, and Criminal Law. So, you’ll be looking at jobs in crime investigation, police, law-making, etc.
3 On-Campus Criminal Justice Colleges In Virginia
1: Virginia State University
If you’re looking for on-campus criminal justice degrees, then there are no better options than Virginia State University. It is the top university in the state and offers the best degree options. Besides, the high acceptance rate and low cost are cherry on top.
- Program: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
- Acceptance Rate: 90%
- Average Cost: $14,000
Here, you’ll find a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree. The degree comprises key details that allow students to grasp the American justice system. Besides, it’ll teach the basics of correction, law enforcement, etc.
You learn this through excellent courses like American Law Enforcement, Court System & Practice, Introduction to Corrections, and Intro to Statistics for Criminal Justice. Therefore, opening doors for jobs in crime investigation, policing, and law-making.
2: The University of Virginia’s College at Wise
The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, simply known as UVA-Wise, is one more top option. A very low average tuition and a promising acceptance rate aside, you get a unique program as well. Even though the bachelor’s degree title is a social science, the focus is on the criminal justice system.
- Program: Bachelor of Science in Social Science with Criminal Justice Specialization
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Average Cost: $9,500
You learn the basics of social behavior, conduct, and psychology that accompany criminal behavior. Thus, making you a master of understanding behavior. So, you’ll learn crime-prevention techniques and the basics of law-making as well.
The courses in focus in this degree include Introduction to Criminal, Cultural Diversity, Abnormal Psychology, and Sociology of Race & Ethnicity. These teach you the basics of different areas of the criminal justice system, to enable you to tackle specific changes in any area of the field.
3: Marymount University
Marymount University is another top university and offers one of the best degree programs on the list. The tuition cost of this university ends up on the higher side, but so does the acceptance rate. And, the program you get here is called Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice.
- Program: Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Average Cost: $37,000
The curriculum includes Juvenile Justice, The Criminal Justice System, Deviant Behavior, and Criminal Justice Management. You learn crucial elements and different areas of the criminal justice system. This includes the ability to perform various tasks needed in law enforcement every day.
However, with programs like Juvenile Justice and Deviant Behavior, you can also look at jobs in correctional facilities.
3 Virginia Criminal Justice Academies
Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy
Central Virginia Criminal Justice Academy
Southwest Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy
Top 10 Criminal Justice Master’s Degrees In Virginia
If you’re not searching for undergraduate programs, then we have some of the most popular criminal justice schools in Virginia for master’s programs. There are plenty of options in the ‘Mother of States,’ but we’ve cherry-picked the best universities from them.
You’ll see some of the names returning in the list below, such as Virginia State University. However, these are the top criminal justice colleges in Virginia, so it only makes sense to mention them again. So, here are the top 10 criminal justice master’s degrees you can find in Virginia today:
| # | Program Title | University Name | Course Highlights |
| 1 | Master of Science in Criminal Justice | Virginia Commonwealth University |
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| 2 | Master of Science in Criminal Justice | Virginia State University |
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| 3 | Master of Arts or Master of Science in Criminal Justice | Radford University |
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| 4 | Master of Science in Criminal Justice | South University |
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| 5 | Master of Science in Criminal Justice | George Mason University |
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| 6 | Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice | Averett University |
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| 7 | Master of Arts in Forensic and Legal Psychology | Marymount University |
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| 8 | Master of Science in Criminal Justice | West Virginia State University |
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| 9 | Master of Arts in Criminal Justice | Norfolk State University |
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| 10 | Master of Criminal Justice | Virginia Union University |
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Now, if you’re wondering which option you should pick, here’s our assessment of how each program fits certain individuals:
- Virginia Commonwealth University’s MS in Criminal Justice is ideal for those looking to climb the career ladder and work in criminal justice leadership roles.
- Virginia State University’s MS in Criminal Justice is made for leadership aspirants, but also those who wish to work in higher-up jobs.
- Radford University’s MA or MS in Criminal Justice is ideal for pursuing management positions within the criminal justice system.
- South University’s MS in Criminal Justice is best suited for current professionals looking to work in higher positions or advance their careers.
- George Mason University’s MS in Criminal Justice is made to help graduates pursue higher-level positions.
- Averett University’s Online MS in Criminal Justice is ideal for those seeking an online master’s degree, but also those who wish to work in investigations or forensic settings.
- Marymount University’s MA in Forensic and Legal Psychology is best for students who wish to master the psychological aspects of law enforcement and the legal system.
- West Virginia State University’s MS in Criminal Justice is best for those working in the field already, but wish to aim to develop skills for higher positions.
- Norfolk State University’s MA in Criminal Justice is made for those looking to deepen their understanding of crime and justice.
- Virginia Union University’s Master of Criminal Justice is ideal for students preparing for advanced or move-up in the criminal justice field.
When Do Criminal Justice Schools In Virginia Open For Admissions?
Much like other institutions in the United States, criminal justice colleges in Virginia also follow the fall and spring calendar. Undergraduate programs in criminal justice are open since mid-September, meanwhile, spring programs open in mid-April.
Criminal Justice Programs in Virginia Requirements
Universities like Virginia Wesleyan University require applicants to submit official documents before enrollment. This includes proof of 12 college credits and a diploma from an accredited high school. Besides, most universities require at least a 2.0 GPA or higher.
So, bearing that in mind, it’s important that you research individual Virginia schools with criminal justice majors. Here’s an example of varying requirements among universities:
| University/School | Degree Title | Requirements |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | BS in Criminal Justice |
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| Virginia Wesleyan University | BA in Criminal Justice |
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| University of Virginia’s College at Wise | BA in Criminal Justice |
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Therefore, go through the list of criminal justice colleges in Virginia, and check specific requirements before applying.
How Much Do Criminal Justice Schools in Virginia Charge?
The tuition fee for criminal justice schools in Virginia averages from $10,000-$15,000, depending on a few things. This includes the quality and reputation of the university, the degree type (online or on-campus), and the credit hours offered.
However, the cost varies, and here’s an example of a few bachelor’s and master’s programs:
| Program | School | Estimated Cost (Annual/In-State) |
| BA in Criminal Justice | Old Dominion University | $10,000 |
| BA in Criminal Justice | Norfolk State University | $8,000 |
| BA in Criminal Justice | Virginia State University | $5,000 |
| MS in Criminal Justice | George Mason University | $12,000 |
| MS in Criminal Justice | Virginia Commonwealth University | $12,000 |
Why Get A Criminal Justice Degree In Virginia?
Virginia is one of the top-paying states for employees in the criminal justice system. According to BLS, the annual mean wage for employees in police or law enforcement is around $105,000 in Virginia. Besides, there are plenty of job opportunities as well.
Here’s what you need to know:
| Job Title(s) | Annual Mean Wage | Job Outlook |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $106,000 | 4% |
| Police & Sheriff Patrol | $65,000 | 3-4% |
Besides, the cost of tuition for a criminal justice degree also hovers around $10,000 in the state. Thus, making it an ideal state to get this degree and start your career.
Conclusion: The Next Step
The next step for you should be to search universities and check their admission requirements, and fee structures. The costs we talked about are average annual costs. Being in or out of state can also add or subtract from that amount.
Besides, you should focus on programs that offer a career path similar to your own aims. Then, if you’re already a graduate, you should look into master’s programs. This applies to those who have CJ degrees or those who wish to switch.
