Criminal Justice Schools and Programs in Wyoming
The Top Academic Programs, Career Information and Resources for Wyoming Students
Wyoming has eight institutions of higher education that offer degrees and programs in criminal justice. In addition to these on-site options, students may also consider online programs through these or other institutions, especially if they are in a rural area. Once a student has determined that they have an interest in the field, there are many other things to consider before beginning a degree or certificate program. Sorting through possible careers, earning potential, and education requirements should be the priority. Potential students can use this web site as a starting point for their research. They can search school options, learn about actual careers and corresponding salaries in Wyoming, and get access to additional resources to aid in their research.
WYOMING’S TOP 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.Which of Wyoming’s criminal justice programs is the best? The answer to that question will depend on each person’s individual concerns; however, we’ve ranked them here according to useful criteria to help students decipher some from others. Tuition costs, enrollment, class size, and acceptance rates are all considered in the ranking below. Check out 2017’s best criminal justice schools and programs in Wyoming below.
Top 2-Year Criminal Justice Schools in Wyoming
MOST PREVALENT CRIMINAL JUSTICE OCCUPATIONS IN WYOMING
At this point in the research, students may have an idea of a school and career that holds interest for them. In addition, they also need to consider what those careers’ earning potential is, what competition level there is for those jobs, and what educational requirement is necessary for them. The data below is designed to give students a clear idea of what to expect from careers that interest them.
Police, Sheriff & Highway Patrol Officers
- Total Employed in Wyoming1,070
- Median Salary in Wyoming$52,890
- Degree Level Required in WyomingAcademy Program
Correctional Officer
- Total Employed in Wyoming1,010
- Median Salary in Wyoming$39,830
- Degree Level Required in WyomingCertification
Paralegal and Legal Assistant
- Total Employed in Wyoming560
- Median Salary in Wyoming$46,760
- Degree Level Required in WyomingVaries; up to Bachelor’s
Court, Municipal and License Clerks
- Total Employed in Wyoming490
- Median Salary in Wyoming$35,870
- Degree Level Required in WyomingVaries; up to Bachelor’s
Compliance Officer
- Total Employed in Wyoming440
- Median Salary in Wyoming$60,910
- Degree Level Required in WyomingBachelor’s
Probation Officer
- Total Employed in Wyoming190
- Median Salary in Wyoming$47,450
- Degree Level Required in WyomingBachelor’s
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
- Total Employed in Wyoming190
- Median Salary in Wyoming$69,730
- Degree Level Required in WyomingVaries; up to Bachelor’s
SIDE BY SIDE: COMPARING WYOMING WITH NATIONAL STATISTICS
In the tables below, prospective applicants can further explore careers in the criminal justice field. In searching for careers, it’s interesting to note what the annual salary is, how it compares to the national average, and the educational degree required. The second table also lists projected growth for potential careers, both in Wyoming and nationally. It’s important to understand that the listed degree level required is a minimum suggestion; for many highly competitive jobs, students may consider completing a higher level than is suggested.
Salary
| Job | National | Wyoming |
|---|---|---|
| Police, Sheriff’s Patrol Officers | 55,490 | 62,760 |
| Correctional Officer | 42,870 | 46,750 |
| Animal Control Workers | 36,600 | 38,990 |
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | 49,160 | 53,180 |
| Security Guards | 29,730 | 31,400 |
| Crossing Guards | 29,190 | 37,470 |
| Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers | 49,410 | 51,490 |
| Lawyers | 112,710 | 139,880 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2015
Job Growth
| Job | National | Wyoming |
|---|---|---|
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | -0.012 | 0.005 |
| Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary | 0.207 | 0.214 |
| Protective Service Workers, All Other | 0.056 | 0.058 |
| Correctional Officer | 0.007 | 0.037 |
| Compliance Officer | 0.002 | 0.033 |
| Police, Sheriff’s Patrol Officers | 0.028 | 0.05 |
| Probation Officer | 0.005 | 0.011 |
| Court, Municipal, and License Clerks | 0.03 | 0.045 |
Source: Projections Central, 2015
POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS IN WYOMING FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE
To gain an even clearer understanding of possible careers specific to Wyoming, potential criminal justice students can examine the table below. What are the main locations in Wyoming to find these jobs, and in which sectors? Plus, what do they make? Researchers can explore the data below to see what jobs are specific to the state, how many people hold those types of jobs, and where one might be able to find availability.
LARGEST AREAS OF EMPLOYMENT IN DESCENDING ORDER
Protective service
Southwest Wyoming (non-metropolitan)
Central-Southeastern Wyoming nonmetropolitan area
Northwest Wyoming nonmetropolitan area
Cheyanne
Casper
Legal service
Cheyanne
Casper
Southwest Wyoming (non-metropolitan)
Northeast Wyoming nonmetropolitan area
Northwest Wyoming nonmetropolitan area
SPECIALIZED RESOURCES FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN WYOMING
BUSINESS COMPLIANCE RESOURCES
WYOMING STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
CORRECTIONAL RESOURCES
COURT & JUDICIAL RESOURCES
LEGAL RESOURCES
LAW ENFORCEMENT RESOURCES
WILDLIFE & ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES