Criminal Justice Schools in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s Best Criminal Justice Schools, Programs and Student Resources
Pennsylvania’s buzzing metro areas and scenic natural landscapes offer a wealth of career opportunities for those interested in a criminal justice career. Legal and protective services professionals are in high demand in metro areas including Philadelphia Pittsburgh, in cities with college campuses, at state parks, in high-traffic tourist and entertainment destinations, and in the capital city of Harrisburg. This page provides resources for students or graduates who are interested in pursuing a career in the criminal justice field in Pennsylvania.
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PENNSYLVANIA’S BEST CRIMINAL JUSTICE SCHOOLS
OUR METHODOLOGY +
To be considered for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria:
- Accredited at the institutional level
- Private nonprofit or public school
- Minimum of 1 bachelor’s or master’s degree in subject area for 4-year schools
- Minimum of 1 associate degree or certificate program in subject area for 2-year schools
Schools were then scored on factors such as:
- Cost & Financial Aid
- Number and variety of program offerings
- Student-teacher ratios
- Graduation rates (4-year schools only)
- Placement and support services offered
- Academic/Career counseling services
- Employment services
- Loan default rates
These factors were assembled for each school and rated using a peer-based-value (PBV) calculation. PBV compares the cost of a program to the cost of other programs with the same (or similar) qualitative score and cost. PBV denotes the overall value or “bang for your buck” of a college or degree program.
Exploring different educational opportunities and criminal justice schools in Pennsylvania can take some time. It’s important to review degree programs, training options and tuition rates to make the most informed decision. Use the ranking list below to narrow down the wealth of options in this state and compare schools by acceptance rate, enrollment and more.
POPULAR CRIMINAL JUSTICE CAREERS IN PENNSYLVANIA
Fighting crime and protecting Pennsylvania residents requires a certain level of training and dedicated efforts by law enforcement officials, probation officers, lawyers, judges, and other legal and protective services professionals. Some career paths require completing a certificate program while others may require an advanced degree. Use the tool below to compare attractive criminal justice careers in Pennsylvania.
Police, Sheriff & Highway Patrol Officers
- Total Employed in Pennsylvania26,490
- Median Salary in Pennsylvania$66,790
- Degree Level Required in PennsylvaniaAcademy Program
Correctional Officer
- Total Employed in Pennsylvania16,480
- Median Salary in Pennsylvania$49,670
- Degree Level Required in PennsylvaniaCertification
Compliance Officer
- Total Employed in Pennsylvania11,040
- Median Salary in Pennsylvania$62,860
- Degree Level Required in PennsylvaniaBachelor’s
Paralegal and Legal Assistant
- Total Employed in Pennsylvania10,860
- Median Salary in Pennsylvania$50,660
- Degree Level Required in PennsylvaniaVaries; up to Bachelor’s
Probation Officer
- Total Employed in Pennsylvania4,180
- Median Salary in Pennsylvania$51,720
- Degree Level Required in PennsylvaniaBachelor’s
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
- Total Employed in Pennsylvania2,880
- Median Salary in Pennsylvania$74,870
- Degree Level Required in PennsylvaniaVaries; up to Bachelor’s
Court, Municipal and License Clerks
- Total Employed in Pennsylvania2,030
- Median Salary in Pennsylvania$34,490
- Degree Level Required in PennsylvaniaVaries; up to Bachelor’s
PENNSYLVANIA CRIMINAL JUSTICE CAREERS COMPARED WITH NATIONAL AVERAGES
From Philadelphia to Lancaster, Pennsylvania’s major cities have an ongoing demand for government workers, legal professionals and protective service officers. District courthouses, correctional facilities and private investigation firms are a few places to explore job opportunities after completing a training or degree program. The table below highlights the different criminal justice career options compared to national averages.
Salary
| Job | National | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | 46,750 | 50,380 |
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | 53,180 | 53,380 |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | 81,490 | 82,660 |
| Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers | 62,760 | 65,130 |
| Security Guards | 26,270 | 29,730 |
| Private Detective | 46,290 | 53,530 |
| Judicial Law Clerk | 44,410 | 59,840 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2015
Job Growth
| Job | National | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Security Guards | 0.051 | 0.077 |
| Compliance Officers | 0.033 | 0.04 |
| Crossing Guards | 0.035 | 0.064 |
| Fish and Game Wardens | 0.019 | 0.019 |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Team Specialists | 0.002 | 0.036 |
| Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary | 0.176 | 0.214 |
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | 0.086 | 0.09 |
| Lawyers | 0.055 | 0.056 |
| First-line Supervisors of Correctional Officers | 0.008 | 0.031 |
Source: Projections Central, 2015
PENNSYLVANIA EMPLOYERS IN NEED OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE STUDENTS
Philadelphia, Pittsburg and Eerie boast the highest homicide rates in Pennsylvania, according to the latest reports from Keystone Crossroads. Demand for law enforcement officers, private investigators and security guards may be higher in these cities, opening a large selection of job opportunities. The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections or the Pennsylvania State Police Department may be a few places to start the job hunt. Below, find highlights of the largest areas of employment and wages for legal and protective services professionals across the state.
Protective Services
Potential Employers
Bailiffs at the Superior Court; Correctional Officers and Jailers with Pennsylvania Department of Corrections; Detectives and Criminal Investigators for ; Fish and Game Wardens for Pennsylvania Game Commission; Parking Enforcement Workers for The Philadelphia Parking Authority; Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers with the Pennsylvania Sheriff’s Association; Transit and Railroad Police for PA Department of Transportation; Animal Control Workers; Private Detectives and Investigators for Magnum Investigations; Gaming Surveillance Officers and Gaming Investigators for SugaHouse Casino; Security Guards for state hospitals, colleges, universities and retail stores; Crossing Guards city governments; Lifeguards, Ski Patrol and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers for city government; Transportation Security Screeners for Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
Total Number of Employees in Pennsylvania: 42,380
Legal Occupations
Potential Employers
Lawyers; Judicial Law Clerks at the Court of Judicial Discipline; Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators and Hearing Officers at Pennsylvania Courts; Arbitrators, Mediators and Conciliator at Pennsylvania Courts; Judges, Magistrate Judges and Magistrates for the Pennsylvania Court System; Paralegals and Legal Assistants at Pennsylvania Law Firms; Court Reporters at the Superior Court of Pennsylvania; Title Examiners, Abstractors and Searchers at Pennsylvania Law and Real Estate Firms; Legal Support Workers at Pennsylvania Law Firms
Total Number of Employees in Pennsylvania: 42,490
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EXPERT ADVICE ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN MICHIGAN: EILEEN M. AHLIN, PHD
Dr. Eileen M. Ahlin is an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice in the School of Public Affairs at Penn State Harrisburg. Dr. Ahlin earned her PhD in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland, College Park. Her research and teaching interests include corrections, violence, neighborhood effects, and criminological theory. Her research has been published in journals such as Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice, Journal of Youth and Adolescence, Journal of Community Psychology, Journal of Interpersonal Violence, Journal of Experimental Criminology, and American Journal of Public Health.
Some students may be interested in a criminal justice career because they are fans of shows like “CSI” and “Law & Order.” What would you tell those prospective students about the realities of the criminal justice field?
Just as we’ve seen a CSI effect among jurors who expect quick sophisticated DNA-type evidence in every case, there is a bit of a crime show effect on some prospective students who are interested in the criminal justice field. While many aspects of work within the criminal justice field mirrors what is seen on television, they must remember that the pace of action can be much slower in real-life than reflected in a one-hour show and not every crime is solved. However, there is quite a bit of opportunity to do good in the community that is not as frequently depicted on television that often surprises students new to the field.What kinds of courses can criminal justice students expect to take in a degree program?
Students can expect to take courses that will introduce them to the core elements of the criminal justice system, including policing, courts, and corrections. Depending on their program, they may be required to take research methods courses, statistics and other math classes, and electives that deepen their understanding of different aspects of the field such as juvenile delinquency, victimology, and drug use.What makes someone a good candidate for a criminal justice career?
Students who are curious, critical thinkers with a desire to make the community a better place by serving citizens in various capacities (such as probation officer, social worker, police officer, corrections guard) make stellar criminal justice practitioners. Many criminal justice programs are also preparing students to be successful in graduate school for those seeking to earn a master’s or doctoral degree in criminal justice or a related field or pursue law school.What makes the criminal justice profession unique in Pennsylvania?
One unique aspect of Pennsylvania in the realm of criminal justice, particularly in terms of policing, is its governance structure. Much discretion is left to the local municipalities (e.g., townships, boroughs, cities), many of which are small. This means that much of the decision-making on community safety related issues reflects local interests, while also resulting in a large number of small municipality police departments that often need to interact and cooperate with the larger departments such as the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), Pittsburgh and Philadelphia Police Departments, and local Sheriffs’ Offices which may hold competing priorities. Also, much of Pennsylvania is suburban and rural, rather than urban. This impacts not only the terrain, much of which is mountainous and situated away from large urban areas and cities, but it can also affect interactions between correctional officers (most of whom are rural residents) and inmates (many are from urban areas, such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh). Such demographic differences can add stress to an already difficult job.PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN PENNSYLVANIA
BUSINESS COMPLIANCE RESOURCES
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection – Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee
This section of the site features information for small business owners, including the by-laws and latest meeting details. It outlines important safety standards, waste management protocol and air quality rules to keep residents of Pennsylvania safe.
This organization provides resources for small business owners, mentoring opportunities, and volunteer positions. It also includes information about compliance issues relevant to small business owners throughout the state.
Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers
This organization provides services and resources for business owners looking to start or expand their business. Includes a list of upcoming events, centers and essential resources for startups.
Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry
Founded to create a voice for business, the PA Chamber provides advocacy for its members so that they feel represented on the political stage. It also offers resources to support innovation and growth for businesses.
Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development
The mission of the Pennsylvania DCED is to help businesses grow and succeed by providing connections and resources for entrepreneurs.
Greater Philadelphia Chapter, Association of Corporate Council
The ACC is a membership-based organization that supports professionals in the corporate law profession.
CORRECTIONAL RESOURCES
Pennsylvania Department of Corrections – Employment
This section of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections website features employment opportunities for those who want to work in one of the state’s correctional institutions. It also lists internships for undergraduates and internships for those looking to satisfy their postdoctoral internship requirements.
Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association
This organization brings together state corrections officers and other professionals working in protective services. The website features member information, benefits, resources, and contracts.
Philadelphia Department of Prisons
Managed by the City of Philadelphia, this organization work to promote programs offered to inmates and manages resources for inmates. The website includes information for visitors, latest updates and inmate location services.
Pennsylvania Association on Probation, Parole and Corrections
This association promotes best practices and professional standards for officers who work with juveniles and adults who are under community supervision.
This page provides a directory of prison justice and advocacy groups based in Philadelphia.
COURT & JUDICIAL RESOURCES
Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania
The website for Pennsylvania’s Unified Judicial System includes public access records, docket sheets, and information about cases of public interest. It also has a careers section with latest listings for deputy court administrator, district court administrator and similar jobs.
Pennsylvania Juvenile Justice System
This organization is dedicated to balanced and restorative justice by serving juvenile offenders, victims, and the community at large. The website includes a listing of the latest cases, leadership, and upcoming events.
Pennsylvania Association for Justice
This organization serves as a trial lawyer association to protect citizens’ rights and provide its members with access to valuable resources. The website includes membership information, upcoming events, and information about legislative advocacy.
Pennsylvania Court Reporters Association
The PCRA offers networking and professionals resources to its members.
United States District Court Western District of Pennsylvania Alternative Dispute Resolution
This government site provides information about how to use the state’s alternative dispute resolution program.
Pennsylvania Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
Pennsylvania CASA is a statewide non-profit whose mission is to advocate for neglected and abused children the in the Pennsylvania court system with the end goal of securing a safe, permanent home for them.
LEGAL RESOURCES
American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania
The ACLU of Pennsylvania is dedicated to defending citizens’ liberties. The website features the latest news, an area to submit legal complaints, resources explaining your rights, and job openings.
Pennsylvania Civil Service Commission
This organization is responsible for administering Pennsylvania’s merit system for dozens of state agency that empty 57,000 civil service employees. This section of the website includes online resources for those who want to submit an application.
Pennsylvania Legal Aid Network
Designed to provide leadership, funding and support to improve the quality and availability of civil legal aid for low income residents and victims of domestic violence, this organization is the place to offer pro bono services as a legal professional and find provider resources.
The PBA is a membership-based group that connects lawyers around the state, providing them with professional resources and opportunities to network.
Legal Services in Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
This government page is a directory of organizations that help low-income Pennsylvanians find affordable legal assistance.
The office of the Attorney General webpage provides public information about legal protection for consumers, criminal prosecutions, cases involving police officers and more in the state of Pennsylvania.
Keystone Alliance of Paralegal Associations
A nonpartisan, non-profit organization, this group provides resources to state paralegals in the form of networking, professional standards and communication about developments in the industry.
LAW ENFORCEMENT RESOURCES
Pennsylvania State Police Department – Employment Opportunities
Those looking for employment with the Pennsylvania State Police Department can explore available opportunities on this website. Listings include opportunities for state troopers, liquor enforcement officers, police communications operators and forensic specialists.
Pennsylvania Chief of Police Training
Police officers looking for training programs to advance in their careers can explore training programs from the Pennsylvania Chief of Police. The training network includes resources out those who want information about certification, special programs, and the curriculum.
Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association
This organization provides resources and support for law enforcement professionals in Pennsylvania. The website includes details about training programs and upcoming events, executive board information and jobs opportunities.
Pennsylvania State Troopers Association
The PSTA serves Pennsylvania state troopers by providing professional resources and opportunities to connect with other state troopers.
WILDLIFE & ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
This organization is dedicated to protecting Pennsylvania’s air, land and water from toxic waste and pollution. The website serves as a resource center with information about upcoming events, the latest news, and data and tools.
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources – Employment Opportunities
Individuals looking for information about state parks and forests, conservation efforts and grants will find a wealth of resources on this website. The DNC also hires for civil service and non-civil service jobs and maintains up-to-date listings on its website.
Pennsylvania Commission Careers and Volunteer Opportunities
This government page provides information about how to become a wildlife conservation officer, as well as guides to the application and training process.
The Pennsylvania Wildlife Federation
This organization is dedicated to educating Pennsylvanians about the environment and inspiring residents to protect and conserve resources. The organization serves as the educational arm of the Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs and the website features information about upcoming projects.
Wildland Fire, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry
The Bureau of Forestry works to investigate the causes of wildfires. This page provides information about getting involved with forestry enforcement efforts.