Criminal Justice Schools and Careers in Illinois - IL

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The job outlook for individuals holding a criminal justice degree in Illinois is excellent. Crime is a major state concern in Illinois, just as it is in most states, and efforts continue to find ways to curb criminal activity. Opportunities in Illinois police departments are expanding with the additional funding coming from the state of Illinois. Probation and parole offices in Illinois are hiring officers in response to reform programs. Another area that has become increasingly popular with many avenues for career growth is in private security. Illinois is home to a number of private security agencies that are also hiring talented graduates.

Some of the largest employers of graduates from criminal justice programs in Illinois are the Illinois State Police, Illinois Department of Corrections, Illinois Court Service Departments, Illinois Probation Services, Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Chicago Police and many of the Illinois county and town police agencies.

The paralegal profession has grown significantly in Illinois as the need to contain legal costs at law firms, community legal services, corporate legal departments, health care organizations, and government agencies has increased. Competition for paralegal positions is high due to the salaries, benefits and career potential. Those paralegals with formal training and work experience will have the greatest career opportunities in Illinois. Read about paralegal training and programs in Illinois.

All in all, earning a criminal justice degree from one of the online or campus based schools below will prepare you for employment at one of the many criminal justice related agencies in Illinois. To learn more about career paths, visit our Career Center.

— Featured Schools in Illinois —

Online Criminal Justice Schools in Illinois

= Staff Recommended

Liberty University Online: Liberty University is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The Online Education Database has ranked Liberty University among the top 10 online colleges in the nation for two years in a row.

Associate's in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice

University of Phoenix: University of Phoenix can help prepare you for careers in the field of criminal justice wherever you choose to reside. University of Phoenix is the largest private university in the country and is dedicated to their students.

Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
BS in Criminal Justice
MS in Administration of Justice and Security
Information Systems Security Certificate

Walden University Online: Regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, which is one of six accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

B.S. in CJ - Homeland Security
B.S. in CJ - Management & Administration
B.S. in CJ - Crime and Criminals
B.S. in CJ - Information Systems Security
M.P.A. - Homeland Security, Law and Public Policy, or Local Government Mgmt

Request free information from Walden University to learn more about their programs

American InterContinental University:

Associates in Criminal Justice Administration
BSCJ - Law Enforcement
BSCJ - Forensic Science
BSCJ - Special Populations

Request free information from AIU to learn more about these programs.

Anna Maria College:

Bachelor's in Fire Science
Master's in Emergency Management
Master's in Fire Science

Ashford University:

BA in Social Science - CJ
BA in Organizational Management - CJ
BA in Organizational Management - Public Safety

Boston University: Well known and respected in the law enforcement community as a top tier master's education. Many federal, city, county, and state law enforcement professionals have earned their master's degree from Boston University.

Master's - Criminal Justice

Bowling Green State University:

Master's in CJ

Berkeley College Online:

Associate's in Justice Studies - CJ
Bachelor's in Justice Studies - CJ

Capella University:

BS in Public Safety - CJ
BS in Public Safety - Emergency Management
BS in Public Safety - Homeland Security
MS in Public Safety - CJ, Emergency Management, or Leadership
PhD Programs - CJ, Emergency Management, and Public Safety Leadership

Request free information from Capella University to learn more.

Colorado Technical University Online:

AS in CJ - Stonecliffe College Online
AS in Paralegal Studies
BS in CJ
BS in Financial Forensics
MS in Management - Criminal Justice

Request free information from CTU Online to learn more about their programs.

Creighton University:

Online Master of Negotiation and Dispute Resolution - International Concentration

Eastern Kentucky University:

Bachelor's in Corrections and Juvenile Justice Studies
Master's in Correctional/Juvenile Justice Studies

Globe University:

Certificate in Paralegal
Associate's in CJ
Associate's in Paralegal
Bachelor's in CJ
Bachelor's in Paralegal

Kaplan University:

Certificate - Crime Scene Technician
Certificate - Management and Supervision
AAS in CJ
AAS in Fire Science
Bachelor's in - CJ, Corrections, Computer Crime, Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Psychology, Homeland Security, Juvenile Justice, Law Enforcement, CJ Administration and Management, Fire & Emergency Management, Fire Science, International & Comparative CJ

Keiser University:

Associate's in Criminal Justice
Associate's in Homeland Security
Associate's in Paralegal Studies
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Homeland Security
Bachelor's in Legal Studies

Lincoln College Online:

B.S. in Criminal Justice and the Study of the Criminal Mind
B.S in Information Management and Security

Request free information from Lincoln College to learn more about these programs.

Miller-Motte College Online:

Bachelor of Science in CJ

Minnesota School of Business Online:

Associate's in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice

Northwestern College:

AA in Criminal Justice

Portland State University:

Bachelor's in Criminology and Criminal Justice

Post University Online:

Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Legal Studies

Saint Joseph's University Online:

Certificate in Behavior Analysis
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Master of Science in CJ - Behavior Analysis Specialization
Master of Science in CJ - Homeland Security Specialization

Saint Leo University: Distance Learning

Bachelor's in Homeland Security

Strayer University Online:

Associate's in Criminal Justice
Bachelor's in Business Administration - Legal Studies
Bachelor's Criminal Justice - Computer Security & Forensics
Bachelor's - Criminal Justice Administration
Bachelor's - Homeland Security & Administration
Bachelor's - Homeland Security Technology

Tiffin University:

Bachelor of Criminal Justice - Justice Administration
Master's - Crime Analysis
Master's - Criminal Behavior
Master's - Homeland Security Administration
Master's - Justice Administration

University of Cincinnati:

Master's in Criminal Justice

Virginia College: Virginia College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), which is listed as a nationally recognized accrediting agency by the United States Department of Education. Virginia College is also recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

AA in Criminal Justice
Associate's in Paralegal Studies
Bachelor's in Criminal Justice

Westwood College Online:

Associate Degree - Paralegal
Bachelor Degree - Criminal Justice

Schools Offering On-Campus Criminal Justice Programs in Illinois

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University of Phoenix:

Programs Offered: Associate's, Bachelor's, and Master's | Administration of Justice and Security, Criminal Justice/Administration, Organizational Security& Management

Adler School of Professional Psychology: