Which Schools Have Criminal Justice Degree Programs in Alaska?

Career and Salary Information for Criminal Justice Professionals in Alaska

One of your career options in the field of criminal justice is law enforcement. Many departments in Alaska, including local police forces and state troopers, only ask for a high school diploma or GED to fill the education requirements for entry-level jobs. However, higher ranking positions, such as police chief, may require a bachelor's degree. Additionally, if you want to be a federal agent, you'll need at least a bachelor's degree.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported in May 2011 that police and sheriff's patrol officers in Alaska earned annual mean wages of approximately $67,000. Detectives and criminal investigators in the state brought in about an average of $98,000 for the same time period. The BLS predicted that between 2010 and 2020, police and detectives could see a seven percent employment increase.

Criminal Justice Bachelor's Degree Programs in Alaska

University of Alaska Anchorage

• Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Justice
• Program Length: 4 years
• Tuition: In-state $5,396 per year, out-of-state $17,036 per year (2011-2012, excluding fees)
• School Type: 4-year, public, about 18,100 total students with nearly 17,100 undergrads
• Address: 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508
• Phone: 907-786-1810

The program at this school is located in the College of Health and Social Welfare's Justice Center. The curriculum was designed to give you leadership, research and analytical skills by teaching you foundations in law enforcement, the court system and corrections. Internships are encouraged, and you can take advantage of this opportunity in your junior or senior year. You'll need at least a 2.5 GPA to participate, and some agencies may require you to undergo criminal background checks prior to acceptance.

University of Alaska Fairbanks

• Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Justice
• Program Length: 4 years
• Tuition: In-state $5,568 per year, out-of-state $17,208 per year (2011-2012)
• School Type: 4-year, public, undergraduate population almost 8,700
• Address: 505 South Chandalar Drive, Fairbanks, AK 99775
• Phone: 907-474-5500

The program at this school is offered through the College of Liberal Arts and also covers law enforcement, the court system and corrections - the three components of the criminal justice system. You can take advantage of internship opportunities at this school once you have the permission of the internship director. Some of the topics you study include gender and crime, juvenile delinquency, comparative criminology, procedural law issues and addiction.

Criminal Justice Master's Degree Programs in Alaska

University of Alaska Anchorage

• Degree: Master of Public Administration
• Specialization: Criminal Justice
• Program Length: Maximum of 13 semesters
• Tuition: In-state $8,928 per year, out-of-state $18,240 per year (2011-2012, excluding fees)
• Requirements: Career goal statement, bachelor's degree, resume, GRE score or 3.0 GPA and completion of introductory government
• Prerequisites: Specific public administration courses
• School Type: 4-year, public, graduate population almost 1,100
• Address: 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508
• Phone: 907-786-1810

This program focuses on the administrative and policy issues of the criminal justice system. It was designed to prepare you for management positions by enhancing your knowledge and skills in areas such as planning, personnel management, program evaluation and budgets. If you don't have experience working in a public administration position, you'll also need to complete a 3-credit internship in addition to a capstone project.

University of Alaska Fairbanks

• Degree: Master of Arts in Administration of Justice
• Program Length: Maximum of seven years
• Tuition: In-state $8,928 per year, out-of-state $18,240 per year (2011-2012, excluding fees)
• Requirements: Resume, bachelor's degree, letter of recommendation, essay, GRE score
• School Type: 4-year, public, graduate population over 1,200, more than 8,700 undergraduates
• Address: 505 South Chandalar Drive, Fairbanks, AK 99775
• Phone: 907-474-5500

The master's program at this Fairbanks school is web-based to accommodate working professionals and distance learners. You can choose to earn your degree through either a capstone project or thesis program. Some of your core courses include studies in criminal justice system management ethics, the media and public relations, enlisting community resources in restorative justice and criminal justice policy.

University of Alaska Southeast

• Degree: Master of Public Administration
• Specialization: Criminal justice
• Program Length: Maximum of 14 semesters
• Tuition: In-state $8,928 per year, out-of-state $18,240 per year (2011-2012, excluding fees)
• Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree, 3.0 GPA, statement of professional objectives
• School Type: 4 year, public, graduate population under 400, undergraduate population nearly 3,000
• Address: 11120 Glacier Highway, Juneau, AK 99801
• Phone: 800-478-9069

The criminal justice concentration is offered through a partnership agreement with the University of Alaska Fairbanks. You take your core Master of Public Administration classes at the University of Alaska Southeast campus, and your three concentration courses are delivered online. Administration and management of criminal justice organizations and community/restorative justice classes are mandatory, but you'll work with your advisor to select a third class that best fits your career goals.