Home > Programs > Criminal Justice > States > Montana


Montana Criminal Justice At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Criminal Justice Salary$73,245
National ComparisonMontana offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 17.3% below the national trend.
Primary Licensing BodyMontana POST Commission
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online criminal justice degree in Montana offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Montana offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 17.3% below the national trend. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, Montana students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Top Online Criminal Justice Schools in Montana

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

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

Blackfeet Community College

Browning, MT In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 3%
Tuition
In‑state$3,610
Out‑of‑state$3,610
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 2

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Montana

Criminal Justice professionals in Montana 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 Montana.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Montana)
Attorney$100,750
Judge or Magistrate$63,260
Police Supervisor$84,110
Detective or Criminal Investigator$95,640
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$69,910
Correctional Officer$49,700
Probation Officer$49,140
Forensic Science Technician$78,610
Paralegal or Legal Assistant$54,230
Information Security Analyst$87,100

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


Why Pursue an Online Criminal Justice Degree in Montana?

Choosing a program in Montana can provide several advantages:

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online criminal justice programs in Montana accredited?

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

Montana offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 17.3% below the national trend. This makes Montana a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

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

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


Browse Other States