Illinois Criminal Justice Degree Programs
(found 83 schools)

Listed below are all of the accredited schools in Illinois that offer Criminal Justice programs.

Overview

In the 1920s, Chicago was home to some of the most famous law enforcement officers and infamous gangsters of the Prohibition years. Soon after the 18th Amendment was passed, Al Capone and his Chicago Outfit set up shop in the Windy City, running booze, gambling and prostitution rings. After years of the gangsters, the Justice Department sent Elliot Ness to shut them down. Honest law enforcement officers are still in demand in Chicago and throughout Illinois today.

Criminal Justice Education in Illinois

With almost 90 schools to choose from, criminal justice students in Illinois have many options. Specializations are varied and degrees range from certificates and associate degrees to PhDs, though the number of doctoral programs is limited. Scholarships for criminal justice are widely available and have a variety of eligibility requirements. For example students aspiring to work for the Chicago Police Department can look into the Chicago Police and Firefighter Training Academy Scholarship.

Outlook for Criminal Justice in Illinois

Illinois offers law enforcement officers a range of work environments from the large urban areas in and around Chicago to small farming communities. It is also among the top five best paying states for police officers and corrections officers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. They can expect a mean annual wage of around $66,000 and $51,500 respectively. Illinois detectives earn more at over $83,000, according to 2010 data.