Bachelor in Criminal Justice Programs in Iowa

From the streets of large cities like Des Moines two the quiet streets of Iowa’s many rural areas, it’s important for state residents and visitors to be kept safe. That is the main goal of the criminal justice field in the state: to keep residents safe by preventing and solving crime.

Are you ready to look into a career field that allows you to make a difference and serve your community? Contact the schools listed below to learn more about criminal justice programs in Iowa.

Featured Online Criminal Justice Programs

Becoming a criminal justice professional may give you the chance to work in exciting initiatives taking root all over Iowa. Legislators recently introduced the Safe At Home program, which would offer domestic violence victims protection from ex-partners. With this law, victims could have their address and contact information kept secret. The training you receive at the undergraduate level may permit you to contribute to programs like this.

Earning your Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice in Iowa

As a criminal justice student, you’ll learn about a variety of crimes and how they are inflicted on victims. As technology adapts, so do crimes. That is why Iowa legislators recently moved to make GPS stalking illegal, thereby keeping victims of domestic violence safe from their aggressors.

When you begin your career in this field, part of your job duties may involve learning how to prevent and minimize crime. Iowa Core, a program that helps school-age kids complete their education and prepare for the workforce, is expected to help minimize crime, especially amongst at risk youths.

When you begin studying for your criminal justice degree, you should spend some time becoming familiar with your curriculum and learning goals. The learning goals outline the specialties in which you will get experience and what you should know by the time you graduate. Schools in Iowa aim to develop your critical thinking skills, help you use social science research in your job, and understand theories of crime and victimization.

As you work toward these goals, you may take dozens of courses in criminal justice. After completing an introductory course, you may move on to higher-level courses like Criminology Theory, Victimology Theory, Justice Administration, Justice Planning and Leadership, and Crime Policy Analysis. These courses give you the theoretical background you need to gain practical experience in an internship or practicum course, which is typically required for graduation from a criminal justice program.

Like many students, you probably wonder what financial aid options are available to you when you enter this field. Many schools have dedicated financial aid programs for criminal justice students, and there may also be community resources to keep in mind. One Iowa scholarship is the La Porte County Sheriff’s Scholarship.

Working With Your Criminal Justice Degree in Iowa

Job growth rates in this industry vary between job titles. Job growth rates may vary between 2%, for criminal investigators, to 12%, for police officers (CareerOneStop, 2022). Salaries also differ between professions. Average salaries in the state range from $50,580 per year for correctional officers to $81,930 per year for criminal investigators, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics for 2022.

A completed undergraduate degree can help you prepare for a long and fulfilling career in criminal justice. Take a look at our school listings below and contact criminal justice baccalaureate programs in Iowa for more information.

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Iowa contained here reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2023.