Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs in Vermont

Vermont has many responsibilities when it comes to criminal justice, safety, and societal equality. Vermont residents clearly deserve safety and freedom in their communities, but this is also a very small state. The legal and political decisions made in Vermont directly influence safety and livability in other New England states.

What Can I Do With My Master’s in Criminal Justice in Vermont?

Do you think you have what it takes to create a rewarding career in criminal justice? Take the next step in your education and learn more about criminal justice graduate programs in Vermont.

Featured Online Criminal Justice Programs

Vermont is a perfect example of how consistent work by professionals can completely change the criminal justice system. When the number of inmates spiked in the late 2000s, the state created a plan for reform (Rutland Herald, 2015). In 2015, the number of prison inmates in Vermont was the lowest it had been since the mid-2000s.

As a leader in this industry, you may be expected to recruit and retain criminal justice professionals. This is especially important in Vermont, where the state has a significant problem finding new police officers and keeping experienced officers in the state (Rutland Herald, 2015).

The future of the criminal justice industry is bright in Vermont. Currently, correctional supervisors earn an average salary of $67,200 per year and probation officers bring in an average of $70,200 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). Job openings are expected to remain steady for correctional supervisors and increase 5% for probation officers, through 2030 (CareerOneStop, 2022).

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

What Will It Take to Earn My Criminal Justice Graduate Degree in Vermont?

As you start looking into different ways to earn a Master of Science in criminal justice in Vermont, you may find that there are lots of options to consider. The amount of money you spend on your education depends on whether you attend a private college or a public college. Your tuition rate may also be affected by your resident status.

In most schools, tuition rates vary between $600 per credit and $1500 per credit. In addition to federal financial aid options, you may explore programs offered by local groups like the Vermont Troopers Association.

To complete your master’s degree in this field, you’ll need to earn 30 credits. In Vermont, these 30 credits are generally divided into 12 core education credits and 18 elective credits. Some of the courses you may take include:

Organizational Procedures
Criminal Behavior and the Family
Capital Punishment
Issues in National Security
Domestic and International Terrorism
Law, Society, and Ethics

In addition to your traditional coursework, you should anticipate an internship. Internships are required at some schools and recommended at others. Internships are often offered at government agencies, correctional institutions, prisoner advocacy groups, legal institutions, and other places that deal with the criminal justice system.

To graduate with your criminal justice master’s degree in Vermont, you may need to prove your knowledge through an exam, capstone project, or research project. The options available to depend on which school you attend and what your career goals are.

With all of the success that the criminal justice industry has experienced in Vermont, this may be the perfect place for you to take the next step in your education. Get started now by requesting information from criminal justice graduate programs in Vermont.