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Mississippi Criminal Justice At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Criminal Justice Salary$55,059
National ComparisonMississippi offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 37.8% below the national trend.
Primary Licensing BodyMississippi POST Commission
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online criminal justice degree in Mississippi offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Mississippi offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 37.8% below the national trend. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, Mississippi students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Top Online Criminal Justice Schools in Mississippi

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

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

University of Mississippi

University, MS In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 98%
Graduation rate 68%
Tuition
In‑state$9,412
Out‑of‑state$26,980
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 19

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Mississippi College

Clinton, MS In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 49%
Graduation rate 63%
Tuition
In‑state$21,698
Out‑of‑state$21,698
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 19

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Jackson State University

Jackson, MS In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 91%
Graduation rate 34%
Tuition
In‑state$9,090
Out‑of‑state$10,110
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 6

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Mississippi Valley State University

Itta Bena, MS In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 51%
Graduation rate 24%
Tuition
In‑state$7,912
Out‑of‑state$7,912
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 5

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Rust College

Holly Springs, MS In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 35%
Graduation rate 25%
Tuition
In‑state$13,840
Out‑of‑state$13,840
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 2

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#7

University of Southern Mississippi

Hattiesburg, MS In-state option
  • 4 year
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 15

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Mississippi

Criminal Justice professionals in Mississippi 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 Mississippi.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Mississippi)
Attorney$92,610
Judge or Magistrate$49,900
Police Supervisor$58,470
Detective or Criminal Investigator$56,310
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$45,610
Correctional Officer$36,710
Probation Officer$32,500
Forensic Science Technician$54,720
Paralegal or Legal Assistant$39,120
Information Security Analyst$84,640

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


Why Pursue an Online Criminal Justice Degree in Mississippi?

Choosing a program in Mississippi can provide several advantages:

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online criminal justice programs in Mississippi accredited?

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

Mississippi offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 37.8% below the national trend. This makes Mississippi a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

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

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


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