Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in Michigan (2026)

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Michigan Criminal Justice At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Criminal Justice Salary$84,048
Salary OutlookMichigan offers competitive wages for criminal justice professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyMichigan POST Commission
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online criminal justice degree in Michigan offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Michigan offers competitive wages for criminal justice professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, Michigan students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Criminal Justice Schools in Michigan

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

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

#2

University of Detroit Mercy

Detroit, MI BOC Score 77.6
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 16

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

University of Michigan-Dearborn

Dearborn, MI BOC Score 71.4
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 23

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Alpena Community College

Alpena, MI BOC Score 59.9
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 51%
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$5,250
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$8,010
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 48

Source:Accreditor: Higher Learning CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Michigan

Criminal Justice professionals in Michigan 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 Michigan.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Michigan)
Attorney$130,520
Judge or Magistrate$51,210
Police Supervisor$98,140
Detective or Criminal Investigator$90,650
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$73,730
Correctional Officer$64,020
Probation Officer$79,760
Forensic Science TechnicianN/A
Paralegal or Legal Assistant$62,170
Information Security Analyst$106,230

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Criminal Justice Degree in Michigan?

Choosing a program in Michigan can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Michigan 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 Michigan often align with POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) requirements specific to the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online criminal justice programs in Michigan accredited?

Yes, the programs listed above are accredited by recognized regional or national agencies. For Michigan, 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 Michigan compare to other states?

Michigan offers competitive wages for criminal justice professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes Michigan a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

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

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


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