Top-Rated Criminal Justice Colleges Offering Degrees in Wisconsin
If you're passionate about law enforcement, legal studies, public safety, or criminology, Wisconsin offers strong academic programs in criminal justice. Whether you're looking to become a police officer, criminal investigator, probation officer, or continue on to law school, choosing the right college is key to starting a successful career in criminal justice.
Below, you’ll find a list of top criminal justice schools in Wisconsin based on curriculum strength, graduation outcomes, affordability, and access to internships. These programs support your professional goals by blending theoretical learning with practical experience.
Why Study Criminal Justice in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin provides aspiring criminal justice professionals with a strong mix of urban, suburban, and rural environments. This diversity offers real-world learning opportunities in criminal law, forensic psychology, corrections, and public policy.
Top benefits of studying criminal justice in Wisconsin include:
- Access to major metropolitan areas like Milwaukee and Madison
- Opportunities for internships with state and federal agencies
- Diverse options for associate, bachelor's, and graduate degrees
- Strong connections between universities and law enforcement agencies
Best Universities for Criminal Justice and Criminology Degrees in Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin–Madison
The University of Wisconsin–Madison offers a top-ranking Legal Studies program through the College of Letters & Science. While it doesn’t offer a standalone criminal justice degree, students can major in Legal Studies and explore courses in criminology, constitutional law, criminal procedure, and sociology related to crime.
- Top Public Research University
- Prepares you for law school or graduate studies in criminal justice
- Opportunities to conduct undergraduate research in law and society
University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
UW–Milwaukee has one of the most established criminal justice programs in the state. Its Helen Bader School of Social Welfare offers programs in criminal justice at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Courses cover policing, juvenile justice, corrections, and crime analysis.
- Home to the nationally respected Criminal Justice and Criminology Department
- Located in an urban setting with partnerships with Milwaukee law enforcement agencies
- Offers a Bachelor's and an online Master’s in Criminal Justice
University of Wisconsin–Platteville
UW–Platteville offers a highly regarded Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. The program combines classroom instruction with field experiences like internships and job shadowing.
- Specializations available in Law Enforcement, Corrections, and Forensic Investigation
- Strong employer connections throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest
- Offers online criminal justice programs for working professionals
Marquette University
A private university in Milwaukee, Marquette offers a Criminology and Law Studies major through its College of Arts and Sciences. Students benefit from small class sizes and access to expert faculty members.
- Strong liberal arts foundation prepares graduates for law school
- Not affiliated with police academies, but offers solid criminological theory and justice topics
- Emphasis on ethics, justice reform, and social responsibility
University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh
UW–Oshkosh offers both in-person and online Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in Criminal Justice. The school works closely with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections and area police departments.
- Flexible program formats for traditional and adult learners
- Faculty possess real-world criminal justice experience
- Internships and job placement support offered
Other Notable Criminal Justice Programs in Wisconsin
Several other colleges in Wisconsin have strong two-year associate degree programs or certificates in criminal justice and law enforcement. These institutions support students looking to start their careers quickly or transfer to four-year schools later.
- Milwaukee Area Technical College – Associate degrees in Criminal Justice–Law Enforcement
- Fox Valley Technical College – Offers training with a focus on public safety
- Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College – Hands-on forensic training and police academy integration
What Should You Look For in a Criminal Justice Degree?
When you’re comparing criminal justice programs, consider these important factors:
- Accreditation and reputation in legal and criminal justice education
- Faculty credentials and law enforcement experience
- Internship and networking opportunities with agencies
- Job placement rates after graduation
- Courses in criminal law, forensics, victimology, and constitutional law
Job Outlook for Criminal Justice Graduates in Wisconsin
Wisconsin employers hire graduates for a wide range of roles in criminal justice. These include:
- Police officers and sheriff’s deputies
- Parole and probation officers
- Corrections officers
- Victim advocates and rehabilitation specialists
- Crime analysts and forensic technicians
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for detectives and criminal investigators was $91,610 in 2023. Paralegals, probation officers, and forensic technicians also earn competitive salaries in Wisconsin.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Justice Programs in Wisconsin
What is the best college in Wisconsin for criminal justice?
Several universities offer strong criminal justice programs, but UW–Milwaukee and UW–Platteville are commonly chosen for their specialized degrees and strong partnerships with law enforcement agencies.
Can I study criminal justice online in Wisconsin?
Yes. Schools like UW–Platteville and UW–Oshkosh offer online criminal justice degree programs, making it convenient for adult learners and working professionals to earn a degree without attending full-time, in-person courses.
Do Wisconsin colleges offer internships in criminal justice?
Most criminal justice programs in Wisconsin include internships as part of the curriculum. Students often work with police departments, court systems, corrections centers, or victim advocacy organizations.
