Online Criminal Justice Degrees in Wisconsin
A criminal justice major prepares graduates to work in fields such as protective services, the court system, and corrections. Criminal justice professionals work as criminal investigators, police officers, and forensic science technicians. In Wisconsin, criminal justice majors enter the academy to join the Wisconsin State Patrol, hold Department of Corrections jobs, or work for the Department of Justice. A graduate degree in the field helps professionals advance their careers and increase their salaries.
With a strong economy and an unemployment rate below 3%, Wisconsin serves as a great place to pursue a career in criminal justice Bureau of Labor Statistics
With a strong economy and an unemployment rate below 3%, Wisconsin serves as a great place to pursue a career in criminal justice. After earning a criminal justice degree, graduates who pursue protective services careers earn an annual mean wage of nearly $45,000 a year.
Schools make earning a criminal justice degrees easier by offering online criminal justice programs. Students can benefit from the flexibility and accessibility of online programs, which let busy students arrange their schooling around work and family obligations. Online degrees from accredited institutions qualify graduates for careers in law enforcement, legal services, corrections, and other criminal justice professions.
Earning an Online Criminal Justice Degree in Wisconsin
Many students prefer the flexibility and accessibility of a Wisconsin online criminal justice degree. In contrast to on-campus programs, many online degrees provide online access to class materials at any time, from any location. Online students arrange classes around their other obligations. Students earning an online criminal justice degree in Wisconsin also save money on commuting and on-campus housing costs. Many colleges and universities also offer a tuition discount for online classes. Some programs offer multiple start dates throughout the year, so students don’t need to wait until fall to begin coursework.
With more top criminal justice programs offering online degree options, students can receive an education wherever they live. Online students benefit from the resources, networking opportunities, and faculty at the best institutions from their own homes. Wisconsin employers treat online students the same as those attending on-campus programs.
Earning criminal justice degrees in Wisconsin proves easier than ever thanks to online programs. However, prospective students should always consider the program’s accreditation status before enrolling.
Accredited Criminal Justice Programs in Wisconsin
Independent accreditation agencies review colleges, universities, and academic programs to ensure they meet standards of excellence. Higher education institutions voluntarily participate in the accreditation process, which involves independent evaluations, self-evaluation, and a plan for improvement. However, institutions may hold several types of accreditation granted by regional, national, and specialized accrediting agencies. While regional and national accrediting agencies evaluate entire academic institutions, specialized accreditation focuses on particular programs, such as a nursing or teaching program.
While regional and national accrediting agencies evaluate entire academic institutions, specialized accreditation focuses on particular programs, such as a nursing or teaching program
Regional accreditation remains the highest standard for colleges and universities. Many institutions only accept transfer credits earned at a regionally accredited college or university, and some graduate programs, licensing boards, and certifications only recognize regionally accredited degrees. Regional accreditation also qualifies students for federal financial aid. In Wisconsin, the Higher Learning Commission confers regional accreditation.
Criminal justice programs in general do not rely on a specialized accrediting agency. However, some programs do hold specialized accreditation. For example, law schools receive accreditation from the American Bar Association. When evaluating criminal justice programs, prospective students should research their accreditation status. The U.S. Department of Education provides a database of accredited colleges and programs.
Education and Training Requirements for Criminal Justice Professionals in Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s education and training requirements vary depending on the field. A Wisconsin online criminal justice degree prepares graduates for a variety of careers, including in law enforcement, corrections, or the legal field — each with its own requirements. For example, Wisconsin law enforcement officers need a high school diploma or GED in addition to a minimum of 60 college credits. An associate degree meets the educational requirement. Some criminal justice jobs require additional education, like certain federal corrections officer positions that require a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, lawyers must complete a JD before practicing law in Wisconsin.
On top of the educational requirements, many Wisconsin criminal justice jobs require additional training. Law enforcement officers, for example, attend a police training academy. Paralegals, who can practice with an associate or bachelor’s degree, may also need specialized training or certification. As with many other professions, candidates with advanced degrees qualify for higher-level job opportunities. A master’s degree in criminal justice allows graduates to apply for management-level positions that offer higher salaries.
Because education and training requirements vary greatly, prospective criminal justice students should research their intended field’s guidelines. Learning more about bachelor’s programs in criminal justice and master’s programs in criminal justice also helps future criminal justice professionals find a program that meets their needs.
Licensing, Registration, and Certification Requirements in Wisconsin
Criminal justice professionals work in law enforcement and corrections, the legal system, and in protective services jobs. Some criminal justice jobs require specific licenses through government or independent agencies. The licensing requirements vary by state and position, so criminal justice majors need to research the requirements for their specific field.
For example, security guards, police officers, and other professionals who carry weapons need to register with a government agency. In Wisconsin, the Department of Safety and Professional Services issues firearm permits and licenses private detectives. Wisconsin attorneys also apply for a license with the Wisconsin Court System. Lawyers submit an application and questionnaire with information about their law degree and the bar exam.
Wisconsin law enforcement professionals also receive certification through the state’s Training and Standards Bureau, a division of the Department of Justice
In addition to licenses, Wisconsin criminal justice professionals can earn certifications that qualify holders for advanced positions or higher salaries. A certification issued by an independent agency demonstrates the professional’s skills. Addiction counselors can earn the criminal justice addictions professional (CCJP) credential by showing advanced knowledge in their field. By passing a detailed exam, paralegals can earn a certified paralegal credential from the National Association of Legal Assistants.
Wisconsin law enforcement professionals also receive certification through the state’s Training and Standards Bureau, a division of the Department of Justice. The bureau issues certification for law enforcement and corrections officers, training instructors, and police academies. In addition to certification, law enforcement professionals may also need a state permit to carry a weapon.
Criminal justice licenses and certifications may not transfer across state lines. Students earning an online criminal justice degree Wisconsin need to verify the requirements as part of their job search.
Career and Salary Expectations
After graduation, Wisconsin criminal justice majors pursue careers in protective services, the legal field, and other related areas. According to the BLS, Wisconsin boasted a 2.9% unemployment rate in March 2018 — lower than the national average. The BLS also reports that protective service professionals in the state earn a mean hourly wage of $21.50 and an annual mean wage of $44,720. The field also employs nearly 55,000 workers in the state.
In addition to protective services, Wisconsin criminal justice majors pursue careers in legal services as lawyers, judges, paralegals, and corrections officers. These professionals earn a mean hourly wage of $43.29, which translates to an annual mean wage of over $90,000 a year. A law degree serves as the entry-level education requirement for some of these positions.
Graduates who earn a criminal justice degree online in Wisconsin pursue a variety of career paths. The earning potential for each varies, from security guards, who average just over $13.00 an hour, to lawyers and judges making nearly $60.00 an hour. Prospective criminal justice majors can research the salary potential and employment statistics using the following data from the BLS.
Protective Services Occupations in Wisconsin
| Occupation | Employment | Average Hourly Wage | Average annual Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighters | 9,420 | $20.13 | $41,870 |
| Fish and Game Wardens | N/A | $23.21 | $48,280 |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | 1,370 | $36.16 | $75,220 |
| Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers | 12,410 | $29.23 | $60,800 |
| Private Detectives and Investigators | 320 | $20.57 | $42,790 |
| Transportation Security Screeners | 490 | $19.42 | $40,400 |
| Security Guards | 11,220 | $13.57 | $28,230 |
Court and Corrections Occupations in Wisconsin
| Occupation | Employment | Average Hourly Wage | Average annual Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | 1,410 | $23.45 | $48,770 |
| Lawyers | 7,540 | $59.42 | 123,600 |
| Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates | 150 | $59.37 | $123,490 |
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | 4,720 | $23.47 | $48,820 |
| Court Reporters | 100 | $27.38 | $56,950 |
| Bailiffs | 200 | $14.77 | $30,710 |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | 7,230 | $21.17 | $44,040 |
Other Criminal Justice Occupations in Wisconsin
| Occupation | Employment | Average Hourly Wage | Average annual Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forensic Science Technicians | 210 | $25.19 | $52,400 |
| Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers | 190 | N/A | $68,870 |
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Wisconsin criminal justice students qualify for multiple national and state-specific scholarships. These funding sources help cover the cost of a degree, and they can provide thousands toward an online criminal justice degree Wisconsin.
Criminal Justice Scholarships
Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Award $1,000
National Black Police Association Scholarships Varies
My Alarm Center Scholarship $1,000
Out to Protect Scholarship $1,000
Women in Federal Law Enforcement Scholarship $2,500
Scholarships for Wisconsin Residents
Wisconsin Academic Excellence Scholarship $2,250
Wisconsin Grant $3,000
Midwest Student Exchange Program Varies
Wisconsin Women’s Alliance Foundation Scholarship $1,000
Della Van Deuren Memorial Scholarship $1,000
Resources for Criminal Justice Students in Wisconsin
Law Enforcement Agencies in Wisconsin
- Wisconsin Department of Corrections
- Wisconsin Department of Justice
- Wisconsin State Patrol
- Milwaukee Police Department
- Wisconsin Division of Law Enforcement Services
Professional Organizations
Criminal justice professionals connect through a variety of local and national associations. These organizations offer several key benefits. Members access professional resources and publications, receive benefits such as discounts or continuing education support, and network with other members. These organizations also provide job centers and other employment resources, and many offer scholarships for criminal justice students.
American Jail Association
This organization advocates for professionals working in jails across the country. The AJA provides training, access to resources, and an annual conference.
American Society of Criminology
Specializing in the prevention, control, and treatment of crime, the ASC supports professionals working in the criminology space through professional resources and research.
American Academy of Forensic Science
A professional society for forensic science professionals, the academy promotes education and collaboration. The group also advocates for science and its role in the legal system.
American Correctional Association
Founded in 1870, the ACA offers resources for members such as publications, networking opportunities, and an annual conference.
American Criminal Justice Association
With chapters across the country, the ACJA provides resources for professionals and students, including an annual scholarship.
National Association of Police Organizations
A coalition of local police unions and associations, the NAPO connects law enforcement officers and advocates for the police.
Find Criminal Justice Jobs in Wisconsin
- Wisconsin Department of Corrections Careers
- Wisconsin State Patrol Jobs
- Wisconsin Department of Justice Jobs