Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in Missouri (2026)

Updated May 3, 2026 Table of Contents

Missouri Criminal Justice At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Criminal Justice Salary$82,353
National ComparisonMissouri offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 7.0% below the national trend.
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 entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 7.0% below the national trend. 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.

Top 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: 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

Southeast Missouri State University

Cape Girardeau, MO In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 78%
Graduation rate 56%
Tuition
In‑state$9,496
Out‑of‑state$9,496
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 16

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Missouri State University-Springfield

Springfield, MO In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 91%
Graduation rate 58%
Tuition
In‑state$9,024
Out‑of‑state$17,928
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 29

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

William Woods University

Fulton, MO In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 74%
Graduation rate 54%
Tuition
In‑state$28,860
Out‑of‑state$28,860
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 8

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Webster University

Saint Louis, MO In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 58%
Graduation rate 60%
Tuition
In‑state$30,730
Out‑of‑state$30,730
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 21

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Southwest Baptist University

Bolivar, MO In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 100%
Graduation rate 47%
Tuition
In‑state$28,320
Out‑of‑state$28,320
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 9

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#6

Saint Louis Community College

Bridgeton, MO In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 18%
Tuition
In‑state$3,660
Out‑of‑state$6,990
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 51

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege 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$124,210
Judge or Magistrate$156,210
Police Supervisor$91,150
Detective or Criminal Investigator$78,670
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$60,720
Correctional Officer$41,310
Probation Officer$45,390
Forensic Science Technician$64,700
Paralegal or Legal Assistant$58,730
Information Security Analyst$102,440

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2024 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 entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 7.0% below the national trend. 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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