Are you seeking a rewarding career in the field of criminal justice? Wisconsin is home to some of the nation’s top criminal justice schools in Wisconsin, offering a variety of programs and degree levels to prepare you for a fulfilling future. Dive into this comprehensive guide to discover the best criminal justice programs, specializations, faculty experts, job prospects, and essential tips to make an informed choice for your education and career.
What you’re about to learn in this guide:
Explore Wisconsin’s criminal justice schools and programs, ranging from associate to doctoral degrees.
Gain insight into faculty expertise, hands-on learning opportunities, career support services & more when choosing a program.
Benefit from competitive job prospects with an average salary of $63,740 annually plus financial aid and scholarship options for students.
Exploring Wisconsin’s Criminal Justice Programs
Wisconsin boasts a diverse range of criminal justice schools, with top institutions such as the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and University of Wisconsin-Platteville providing comprehensive education and hands-on experience. From associate’s to doctoral degrees, Wisconsin has criminal justice programs catered to your career interests. As a criminal justice major, you can prepare for a myriad of careers in law enforcement, corrections, and court-related agencies at local, state, and federal levels.
Internships and collaborative research opportunities in the criminal justice field are available at institutions like UW-Eau Claire. These experiences can add great value to your education, equipping you with practical skills and industry insights.
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
The criminal justice bachelor’s degree, specifically the Bachelor of Science program at UW-Eau Claire, focuses on preparing students for careers in law enforcement and corrections. The program offers internships and research opportunities, allowing students to gain invaluable real-world experience. Internships can be found at local organizations such as the Eau Claire County District Attorney’s Office, the Eau Claire Police Department, the Wisconsin State Patrol, and the Eau Claire Restorative Justice Center.
Dr. Justin Patchin, a renowned expert in cyberbullying, is a notable professor in UW-Eau Claire’s criminal justice program. His expertise and research contributions have been recognized at the White House, FBI Academy, and national media outlets. The net cost of attending UW-Eau Claire, which includes tuition for general education and criminal justice program courses, is $15,713.
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
UW-Platteville offers criminal justice programs with online and on-campus options, an emphasis on corrections or law enforcement, and minors in criminal justice. The annual Criminal Justice Career Day provides opportunities to network with nearly 100 tri-state agencies, explore graduate school options, and discover potential careers. UW-Platteville’s Criminal Justice program offers a great opportunity to those who have completed a law enforcement academy in Wisconsin. They will receive 15 credit hours of lower level transfer credits which can be counted towards earning a bachelor’s degree..
Criminal justice majors at UW-Platteville have the option to supplement their program with minors in related fields. Examples of these areas include:
Psychology
Sociology
Political science
Safety
Accounting
Chemistry
Biology
Business
Ethnic studies
Computer science
These minors can provide additional skills and knowledge beneficial to your future career in criminal justice.
Criminal Justice Degree Types and Specializations
Criminal justice degrees in Wisconsin cover various specializations to cater to diverse career interests. Some of the areas of study include:
Forensic science
Evidence technology
Emergency management
Criminal justice administration
These disciplines help us understand crime dynamics and behavior. Obtaining a criminal justice degree in Wisconsin can lead to specialized training programs, higher starting salaries, and qualifications for positions above entry-level.
A degree in forensic science offers courses in crime scene investigation, evidence collection, crime scene documentation, and research methods in forensic investigation. Additionally, obtaining a forensic science certificate can further enhance one’s expertise in the field. Emergency management degrees focus on disaster management, emergency operations plans, resource management, communication concerns, and strategic emergency management. These degrees prepare students for various careers within the criminal justice system, ensuring a strong foundation for success.
Enhancing Your Criminal Justice Education
To derive the most benefit from your criminal justice education, it is advisable to partake in the following experiences offered by Wisconsin universities:
Internships
Networking events
Study abroad programs
Research opportunities
These experiences are beneficial in gaining practical skills, enhancing your resume, and exploring various career options.
Internships within the criminal justice field in Wisconsin offer a multitude of advantages including acquiring on-the-job experience, networking opportunities, skill development, and the chance to explore potential career paths. Networking events present opportunities to engage with industry professionals, utilize work-related resources and foster professional relationships. Study abroad programs expose students to international criminal justice systems, enriching their education through prison tours, museum visits, and cultural exchange.
Faculty Spotlight: Notable Professors and Researchers
Wisconsin’s criminal justice programs are home to some notable professors and researchers who contribute significantly to the field. Dr. Ming Li Hsieh is a distinguished professor in Wisconsin’s criminal justice programs, with publications such as the book ‘Digital Robbery’ and the textbook ‘Women in Criminal Justice’ co-authored with Marilyn McShane. Dr. Hsieh’s work provides invaluable insights and expertise to students pursuing a career in criminal justice.
Other esteemed professors and researchers affiliated with Wisconsin’s criminal justice programs include:
Prof. Findley
Kimberly D. Hassell
Jonathan Scharrer
Dr. Staci Strobl
Rebecca Konkel
These experts help shape the learning experience, offering guidance, mentorship, and networking opportunities to students.
Job Prospects for Criminal Justice Graduates in Wisconsin
Graduates of criminal justice in Wisconsin have the advantage of competitive job prospects in fields of law enforcement, corrections, and positions within the private and public sectors, including the Wisconsin Department. With a low unemployment rate of 4.2% and ample government job opportunities, Wisconsin is an ideal place to start your criminal justice career.
A degree in criminal justice opens up a range of employment opportunities including positions such as:
Police officer
Case manager
Detective
Investigator
Probation officer
Parole officer
The average hourly salary for a criminal justice job in Wisconsin is $28.63, and the annual median salary is $63,740, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Criminal Justice Students
Criminal justice students in Wisconsin have access to financial aid and scholarships, making education more accessible and affordable. Some scholarships available to support students in their academic journey include:
Winnebago Countywide Crime Stoppers scholarship
Wisconsin Professional Police Association scholarship
Officer Craig Birkholz Scholarship in Police Science or Criminal Justice
Pitman Scholarship
Wisconsin Fraternal Order of Police scholarship
Graduate criminal justice students can also benefit from financial aid options such as university scholarships, federal loans, and grants. Additionally, financial aid and scholarships specifically for minorities or women studying criminal justice in Wisconsin are available.
Tips for Choosing the Right Criminal Justice Program
In the process of selecting the right criminal justice program in Wisconsin, it’s important to take into account factors including the reputation of the program, the expertise of the faculty, opportunities for hands-on learning, and the availability of career support services. A reputable program will have accreditation, qualified faculty, ample internship opportunities, alumni success, a comprehensive curriculum, and quality resources and facilities.
Faculty expertise plays a crucial role in the quality of education and learning experience. Professors with real-world knowledge and experience can provide:
Invaluable insights
Practical skills
Guidance
Mentorship
Networking opportunities
All of these, including general education courses, are essential for a career in criminal justice and obtaining a criminal justice certificate, covering criminal justice management, criminal justice studies, and understanding criminal justice theory.
Online vs. On-Campus Criminal Justice Programs
In making the decision between online and on-campus criminal justice programs in Wisconsin, factors such as your learning style, schedule, and career goals should be taken into consideration. Online programs often provide the same content and structure as on-campus programs, with added flexibility and potential cost savings.
However, online programs may have some drawbacks, such as limited networking opportunities, less interaction with professors, and the need for self-motivation and time management skills. Reputable online criminal justice programs in Wisconsin are offered by institutions like the University of Wisconsin and Viterbo University.
Summary
In conclusion, Wisconsin offers an array of top-notch criminal justice programs, catering to various degree levels and specializations. By considering factors such as program reputation, faculty expertise, hands-on learning opportunities, and career support services, you can make an informed decision for your education and future career. Whether you choose an online or on-campus program, Wisconsin’s criminal justice schools provide the foundation for a fulfilling and successful career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Wisconsin have a criminal justice program?
Yes, Wisconsin has criminal justice programs available at the associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree levels.
Is criminal justice a good college major?
Criminal justice is a solid college major that provides job security, high potential earnings and varied work opportunities. Graduates can pursue roles in court systems, police departments and private security.
Can criminal justice be done online?
Yes, criminal justice can be done online, as it offers a balance of theoretical and practical aspects of crime control with classes that can be completed 100% online, making it suitable for busy students or working professionals.
What careers can I pursue with a criminal justice degree in Wisconsin?
With a criminal justice degree, you can pursue careers in law enforcement, corrections, and court-related agencies at local, state, and federal levels in Wisconsin.
Are there any scholarships available for criminal justice students in Wisconsin?
Yes, there are several scholarships available for criminal justice students in Wisconsin, such as the Winnebago Countywide Crime Stoppers scholarship and the Wisconsin Professional Police Association scholarship.