Which Tennessee Colleges Offer Criminal Justice Degree Programs?

Are you seeking more information about where to go in Tennessee to get a degree in criminal justice? You have quite a few choices, so this article can help you sort through criminal justice program options available at four schools in the state.

What You Need to Know

Criminal justice degree programs are available at the associate's, bachelor's and master's degree levels. Associate's and master's degree programs usually take two years, and bachelor's degree programs take four years to complete. Undergraduate admission requirements include a high school diploma or GED. Associate's degree programs may require a background check. Bachelor's degree programs may require SAT or ACT scores. Master's degree programs may require a bachelor's degree, minimum GPA and GRE scores.

You can choose a career-oriented associate's degree track or one that will prepare you for transfer to a bachelor's degree program. Field visits and internships are available. Some bachelor's degree programs allow greater flexibility for you to design a curriculum in line with future employment in corrections or law enforcement. Master's degree programs may offer thesis and non-thesis options. A practicum may be offered. You may be able to prepare for a teaching or research-oriented career through a master's degree program. Keep reading to see if one of these public school programs is right for you.

Associate Degree Criminal Justice Programs in Tennessee

Volunteer State Community College

This community college offers two programs for criminal justice. The Associate in Science program is tailored to prepare you for baccalaureate studies, and the Associate in Applied Science option is geared toward preparing you for entry into the workforce. To participate in field visits or internships, you may need to pass a criminal background check. Both programs allow you to choose electives that meet your career goals in corrections or law enforcement.

• Degree: Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice
• Program Length: 2 years
• Tuition and Fees: $4,522 for in-state students and $16,810 for out-of-state students (2018-2019)
• Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED with score of 45 or higher
• School Type: 2-year, public; 9,154 students (all undergrads)

Bachelor's Degree Criminal Justice Programs in Tennessee

East Tennessee State University

The Social and Behavioral Science concentration is only offered for the Bachelor of Science program. Although the school doesn't offer specific tracks in corrections or law enforcement, through your elective choices you can design your curriculum to prepare you for either career choice. This school also allows you to participate in a field experience class for credit.

• Degree: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology
• Specialization: Social and Behavioral Science
• Program Length: 4 years
• Tuition and Fees: $8,935 for in-state students and $27,199 for out-of-state students (2018-2019)
• Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED and either SAT or ACT tests
• School Type: 4-year, public; 14,317 students (11,268 undergrads)

Tennessee State University

You'll learn about the three foundations of the system - the courts, law enforcement and corrections - through guest lectures, field trips and labs. Along with your regular courses, you'll also complete an internship.

• Degree: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
• Program Length: 4 years
• Tuition and Fees: $8,792 for in-state students and $21,512 for out-of-state students (2018-2019)
• Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED and corresponding SAT or ACT test scores
• School Type: 4-year, public; 7,774 students (6,121 undergrads)

Master's Degree Criminal Justice Programs in Tennessee

University of Memphis

You can take this program in a thesis or non-thesis format. The program includes a research practicum and coursework in theoretical approaches to criminology and victimology. To remain in this program, you'll need to maintain a GPA of at least 3.0.

• Degree: Master of Arts in Criminal Justice
• Program Length: 30-33 semester hours
• Tuition: $9,054 for in-state students and $17,838 for out-of-state students (2018-2019)
• Prerequisites: Bachelor's degree from approved program and 3.0 GPA
• School Type: 4-year, public; 21,458 students (about 4,225 graduate students)

East Tennessee State University

This program is available in thesis and non-thesis formats; both require coursework in theory and research of the criminal justice system. This program was created to prepare you for advanced research in criminal justice and for teaching positions.

• Degree: Master of Arts in Criminal Justice and Criminology
• Program Length: Maximum time limit of six years
• Tuition: $8,460 for in-state students and $23,598 for out-of-state students (2018-2019)
• Prerequisites: Based on assessment of GRE and GPA in undergrad program
• School Type: 4-year, public; 14,317 students (about 3,049 graduate students)

With options ranging from the associate to master's degree levels, Volunteer State Community College, East Tennessee State University, Tennessee State University and University of Memphis are four Tennessee schools that offer degree programs in criminal justice.