Bachelor in Criminal Justice Programs in Maine

If you’re ready to make Maine a little bit safer for everyone, contact the schools below to learn more about bachelor’s degree programs in criminal justice.

There are many facets to a career in criminal justice, which is part of what draws people to it. This field is always improving and growing, giving you plenty of opportunities to make your mark. One of the recent goals of legislators in Maine is to improve how the criminal justice system treats offenders who are mentally ill. By taking special coursework in this area, you may be part of the solution.

The governor of Maine is involved in criminal justice reform efforts, giving educated professionals the opportunity to add their input. One of his goals for the second half of the decade is improving the enforcement of drug laws and even increasing punishments.

Given the size of Maine’s elderly population, it should come as no surprise that a higher than average percentage of crimes are committed against aging residents. A statewide task force has been given the responsibility of minimizing these crimes and protecting the state’s elderly population, giving new and experienced graduates the chance to make a difference.

Earning Your Criminal Justice Degree in Maine

A bachelor’s degree program in Criminal Justice may give you the varied experience and knowledge you need to succeed in this demanding field. Over the course of four years, you complete 120 credits in general education and criminal justice courses. Many of these courses focus on theory, but practical experience is just as important. Once you’ve completed the theory part of your degree, you may complete a short practicum or a semester-long internship. This opportunity may help you start building your professional network and figuring out where you fit in the criminal justice community of Maine.

Your curriculum should help you grow and learn through a variety of classes. Courses you may take include Criminology Theory, Victimology, Cyber Crime, Forensic Science, Crimes Against Children, Evidence Processing, Civil and Criminal Law, and Homeland Security.

One benefit of starting a career in Maine is the solid criminal justice community that serves this area. Quite a few local organizations provide scholarships to criminal justice students. Look into options like the Maine Chiefs of Police Association Scholarship and the FAME Maine Scholarship to get money for school.

Working With Your Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree in Maine

Once you start your career, you may find that salaries differ quite a bit between agencies and different career paths. However, by choosing a career that you are passionate about, you cannot go wrong. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that as of 2022, police officers in Maine earn an average salary of $56,960 per year, while correctional officers earn an average of $44,360 per year. Those who go into the field of criminal investigation make an average of $79,470 per year (BLS, 2022).

If you want to start a career that leaves a legacy and can improve life for all of Maine’s residents, it is time to look into criminal justice careers. Get started by contacting bachelor’s degree programs in Maine that interest you from our listings.

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