Criminal Justice Schools in Alabama

Programs, Paths and Resources for Alabama Students

The State of Alabama Law Enforcement Agency reported a 5 percent decrease in overall crime in 2014, however the FBI ranked five Alabama cities in their top 100 for violent crimes in 2015. These stats imply an ever-present need for legal and protective service professionals, and Alabama’s colleges and universities offer many educational choices for aspiring criminal justice students. Find a list of the best programs or search general criminal justice schools to find out more about the many specialization options available in the field below. From work as a paralegal or police officer to careers as forensic specialists and fish and game wardens, students can also learn more about the opportunities after criminal justice school in Alabama right here

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

With various academic and training programs to choose from, criminal justice students in Alabama have plenty of post-secondary educational options. But who is the best? This list shows the best criminal justice schools in Alabama, ranked on common essential factors, such as cost and graduation rates. Although specializations within the field and areas of study differ from program to program, these schools provide the best combination of major factors below. Prospective students can see how each stacks up to help narrow their school search.

As students narrow down their criminal justice school options, they should also consider the specific careers that they’d like their degree to lead to, and whether or not they plan to pursue those careers in Alabama. Understanding interests within the field of criminal justice can help students determine what type of school they need to attend, and what degree level to earn. Take a look at the most popular criminal justice careers in Alabama below to better understand earning potential and educational requirements specific to the state.

In addition to seeing how potential careers might pan out in Alabama specifically, aspiring criminal justice students should also consider how their degree will serve their careers measured against the national average, both in salary and potential growth. Some careers post higher numbers in Alabama, while others show more promising options elsewhere. As students explore their criminal justice school options in the state, they can also reference this graph for Alabama-specific degree requirements by job.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2015

Source: Projections Central, 2015

Students graduating from criminal justice schools in Alabama have a number of in-state options as they begin to pursue careers. Potential criminal justice professionals can look at the amount of earning potential in their field of specialization, and note how many other people are in those jobs by location with the map below.

Potential Employers

Covington County Courthouse; Butler County Jail; City of Mobile Police; Alabama Game & Fish Division; University of Alabama; Birmingham Police Department; Alabama Transit Links; Columbus Animal Care and Control; private detectives and Investigations firms; Auburn University; Hoover City Schools; Huntsville International Airport

Total Number of Employees in Alabama: 42,380

Potential Employers

Mobile District Attorney’s Office; Jefferson County Courthouse; Alabama State Supreme Court; Alabama Center for Dispute Resolution; Mobile County District Court; Madison County District Attorney’s Office; Madison County Courthouse

Total Number of Employees in Alabama: 9,690

Alabama Association of Nonprofits

A great networking system for compliance officers in the nonprofit world, this member-based organization holds high standards for the state’s nonprofit sector. The benefits of this membership include increasing resources, learning leadership and fostering collaboration, among many others.

Alabama Department of Revenue

A one-stop-shop for all things related to starting a business in Alabama and maintaining standards of compliance with the state. It has a web application for taxes, sections for business and individuals and a practitioner section for pros.

Business and Legal Resources-Alabama OSHA

Complying with the Occupational Safety and Health Act is an important step for businesses to meet full operating standards. Each state’s standards are a bit different, so professionals should be aware of the specific regulations for Alabama.

Small Business Resource Guide

From the U.S. Small Business Administration, this guide includes a feature article, advice and counseling on starting up a business, and information on capital and advocacy. Compliance officers should familiarize themselves with this information as it may come in handy during their work.

Alabama Correctional Organization

This non-profit was formed with the goal of identifying and lobbying for the interests and concerns of correctional organizations in Alabama. Its second focus, listed under Section 2 in its constitution, is to provide an opportunity for active participation in professional development for those employed in the field. It is member based, and provides a network for those professionals.

Alabama Department of Corrections Employment Opportunities

Those interested in becoming corrections officers for the State of Alabama have a hub of resources here at the DOC. This site has instructions on how to apply, listing details on qualifications, requirements and career advancement.

Alabama Municipal Court Clerks and Magistrates Association

A member-based organization, AMCCMA was formed in 1989 to promote education and professionalism within the municipal courts. This site provides network opportunities abound, as well as employment and continuing education information.

Administrative Office of the Courts

A quick-link resource for the judicial circuits of the state, including contact information. This page also includes information for appellate, municipal and specialty courts, as well as an online portal for assistance.

Supreme Court of Alabama

This resource has everything a young judge would want to know about the highest court in the state. Contact information is listed for each of the nine judges, as well as all appellate courts’ information. Find details on rule changes and recent articles on decisions the court is making here as well.

Alabama Association of Paralegals

There are more than 200 members of this organization across the state, creating a large network of professionals with similar backgrounds, challenges and goals. This non-profit serves to promote the profession through awareness and education.

Alabama Board of Pardons and Parolees

Future parole officers will take a great deal away from this site. It has a wealth of information on how prisoners are paroled, and how they are rehabilitated to return to the community.

Alabama Center for Dispute Resolution

ADR is a non-profit that was organized to manage alternative dispute resolution in the courts, neighborhoods, educational facilities and government agencies within Alabama. It operates under the supervision of the Alabama Supreme Court Commission on Dispute Resolution, as well as in conjunction with the Alabama State Bar Dispute Resolution Section.

American Civil Liberties Union Alabama

Each state has a chapter of this national group, and this page covers Alabama. Legal professionals can find and build an outstanding network of lawyers and activists, as well as find volunteer and advocacy opportunities.

Alabama Association of Chiefs of Police

AACOP promotes excellence in law enforcement, and has since 1972. The organization has continuing education and scholarship information for students entering the field. Trainings and events are also available through this page.

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency

This is the primary site for public use, and prospective law enforcement professionals can find a lot of information on trainings, activities, special events and communications that come from the agency here.

Alabama Peace Officers Association

The “grandfather of law enforcement agencies in the state”, the APOA is a member-based organization that looks out for the interests of all in law enforcement. Police officers, corrections officers, troopers, etc., can all find benefits from an APOA membership, and find more information on pay out benefits for families of officers killed in the line of duty.

Alabama Private Investigators Association

A member-based organization, APIA focuses on continuing education for Alabama PI’s through conferences, meetings and additional courses. It is open to any licensed investigator, even those from other states and countries.

Alabama Conservation Enforcement Officer Association

ACEOA is a member-based nonprofit founded by conservation officers. The organization represents five divisions: wildlife and freshwater fisheries, marine police, marine resources, state lands and state parks. It also offers member- and non-member scholarships.

Alabama Department of Environmental Management

A resource for all environment-related information, ADEM has certification programs, permitting authority and information on compliance. It lists all rules and regulations for the state’s environment, and has special publications that it periodically releases.

Law Enforcement Section-Outdoor Alabama

This is the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, more amiably shortened to Outdoor Alabama. It includes information to fish and game wardens, as well as contact information for each district in the state.