Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in Missouri (2026)

Updated June 11, 2026 BLS data College Scorecard On this page

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Missouri Criminal Justice At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Criminal Justice Salary$75,562
Salary OutlookMissouri offers competitive wages for criminal justice professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyMissouri POST Commission
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online criminal justice degree in Missouri offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Missouri 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, Missouri students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.

Online Criminal Justice Schools in Missouri

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

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.

#1

Truman State University

Kirksville, MO BOC Score 74.7
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 3

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Saint Louis University

Saint Louis, MO BOC Score 74.6
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 20

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Rockhurst University

Kansas City, MO BOC Score 71.0
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 11

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

College of the Ozarks

Point Lookout, MO BOC Score 55.7
  • 4 year
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 10

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Fayette, MO BOC Score 31.0
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 57%
Graduation rate 52%
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$28,260
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$28,260
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 8

Source:Accreditor: Higher Learning CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard

Career Outlook and Salaries in Missouri

Criminal Justice professionals in Missouri 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 Missouri.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Missouri)
Attorney$133,450
Judge or MagistrateN/A
Police Supervisor$94,440
Detective or Criminal Investigator$75,650
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$59,460
Correctional Officer$42,620
Probation Officer$46,840
Forensic Science Technician$62,750
Paralegal or Legal Assistant$61,410
Information Security Analyst$103,440

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

Why Pursue an Online Criminal Justice Degree in Missouri?

Choosing a program in Missouri can provide several advantages:

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online criminal justice programs in Missouri accredited?

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

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

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

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

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