Wisconsin Criminal Justice Degree Programs

Overview

Wisconsin, also known as “America’s Dairyland” is home to nearly six million people. As the population grows, the rate of violent crime is also rising. In hopes of decrcliceasing that number, the Wisconsin legislature continues to push through anti-crime legislation bundles that aim to increase penalties for repeat offenders and impose stricter sentencing on those who illegally possess firearms, for starters.

By starting a career in law enforcement in Wisconsin, you could be part of a team that helps halt the rising tide of violent crime in the state.

Criminal Justice Education in Wisconsin

With CriminalJusticePrograms.com, you can easily view listings of the criminal justice degrees that help Wisconsin students advance in the field. Read more about pursuing your criminal justice education and earning your degree. Use our comprehensive directory to contact accredited universities that can help you qualify for top positions in criminal justice!

Concordia University, St. Paul offers flexible online criminal justice programs aligned with the set of skills the Wisconsin Department of Health Services identifies as essential for criminal justice professionals. Lean more about the criminal justice, forensic behavioral health, CJ leadership, and other related programs available online through CSP Global.

A criminal justice degree can lead to a broad range of jobs, so a general education is often used. Some universities will offer programs with specialties or concentrations that focus on a certain area of law enforcement, such as juvenile corrections or the courts system. Other career paths in Wisconsin include working for a community police department, the FBI or as a security guard. Associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs can help students enter almost any criminal justice career.

Most universities will offer a four-year program that covers a general overview of the criminal justice system. Along with basic education requirements, students will gain a well-rounded knowledge of:

• Criminal Law
• American Crime and Justice Systems
• Criminal Justice History
• Racial Relations and Ethics
• Research and Reporting

Depending on the precise career plans the student has, the university or trade school they are attending may be able to help them get an internship. Criminal justice internships can help students gain connections and get a real world understanding of their career. This is crucial for those who plan on working in the field, rather than simply conducting research. Since several schools will offer introductory classes online, this is becoming a practical substitute for some lab classes.

If you are pursuing a criminal justice degree in Wisconsin and require funding, you may want to look into the Robert L. Stonek Award and the Katherine Prichard Benz Award. The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives also provides scholarships.

You can also find criminal justice scholarship opportunities by clicking here.

Outlook for Criminal Justice in Wisconsin

With more than 50,000 people that work in a criminal justice-related field, not including lawyers and paralegals, Wisconsin has plenty of opportunities for a criminal justice graduate. The field refers to many professional and entry-level positions. Almost 12,000 people in the field are police and sheriff patrol officers. The degree is also easily incorporated into other majors, allowing some people to get into an incredibly specific position if they so desire. This means that some may take on the position of a patrol officer or private investigator but may have a highly specific duty if there is a need for it.

A police or sheriff patrol officer in Wisconsin earns on average $60,800, while a detective or criminal investigator earns $75,220. Legal assistants in Wisconsin earn a mean annual salary of $48,820, according to 2017 data collected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Some of the lower paying salaries are typically filled by those with two-year degrees. In Wisconsin, this doesn’t necessarily mean a large cut in pay. Bailiffs are typically the lowest pay, with a mean hourly wage of $14.77. This is below the national average, but well-above Wisconsin minimum wage. The average salary for all protective service positions in Wisconsin is nearly $44,720.

If you’re ready to step up and make an impact in the field of criminal justice, contact our featured schools to learn more about their programs!