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Maryland Criminal Justice At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Criminal Justice Salary$106,458
National ComparisonMaryland salaries are approximately 20.2% higher than the national average for criminal justice
Primary Licensing BodyMaryland POST Commission
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online criminal justice degree in Maryland offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Maryland salaries are approximately 20.2% higher than the national average for criminal justice roles. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, Maryland students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Top Online Criminal Justice Schools in Maryland

The following schools offer accredited online criminal justice programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in Maryland.

How we rank schools: Rankings are based on available IPEDS and College Scorecard data including graduation rate, admission rate, program availability, completions, and published tuition. Data is informational only -- always confirm details directly with each school.

#1

Stevenson University

Owings Mills, MD In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 83%
Graduation rate 66%
Tuition
In‑state$39,708
Out‑of‑state$39,708
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 11

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

McDaniel College

Westminster, MD In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 84%
Graduation rate 65%
Tuition
In‑state$49,647
Out‑of‑state$49,647
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 3

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#8

University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Princess Anne, MD In-state option
  • 4 year
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 10

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Maryland

Criminal Justice professionals in Maryland experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for Maryland.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Maryland)
Attorney$143,490
Judge or Magistrate$181,320
Police Supervisor$119,290
Detective or Criminal Investigator$125,630
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$77,440
Correctional Officer$62,380
Probation Officer$72,770
Forensic Science Technician$78,220
Paralegal or Legal Assistant$63,560
Information Security Analyst$140,480

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Criminal Justice Degree in Maryland?

Choosing a program in Maryland can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Maryland offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Licensing Alignment: Programs in Maryland often align with POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) requirements specific to the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online criminal justice programs in Maryland accredited?

Yes, the programs listed above are accredited by recognized regional or national agencies. For Maryland, this includes accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring your degree meets high academic standards.

How does Criminal Justice pay in Maryland compare to other states?

Maryland salaries are approximately 20.2% higher than the national average for criminal justice roles. This makes Maryland a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for criminal justice in Maryland?

The Maryland POST Commission oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in Maryland. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


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