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Tennessee Criminal Justice At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Criminal Justice Salary$84,999
National ComparisonTennessee offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 4.0% below the national trend.
Primary Licensing BodyTennessee POST Commission
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online criminal justice degree in Tennessee offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Tennessee offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 4.0% below the national trend. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, Tennessee students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Top Online Criminal Justice Schools in Tennessee

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

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.

#2

The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

Chattanooga, TN In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 77%
Graduation rate 53%
Tuition
In‑state$10,144
Out‑of‑state$18,208
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 12

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Tennessee Wesleyan University

Athens, TN In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 59%
Graduation rate 47%
Tuition
In‑state$29,264
Out‑of‑state$29,264
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 10

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Tennessee

Criminal Justice professionals in Tennessee 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 Tennessee.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Tennessee)
Attorney$130,570
Judge or Magistrate$178,730
Police Supervisor$72,220
Detective or Criminal Investigator$72,800
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$59,410
Correctional Officer$51,490
Probation Officer$58,010
Forensic Science Technician$70,500
Paralegal or Legal Assistant$55,270
Information Security Analyst$100,990

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


Why Pursue an Online Criminal Justice Degree in Tennessee?

Choosing a program in Tennessee can provide several advantages:

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online criminal justice programs in Tennessee accredited?

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

Tennessee offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 4.0% below the national trend. This makes Tennessee a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

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

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


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