Criminal Justice Schools in Arkansas
Programs, Degrees and Resources for Arkansas Students
Students interested in land and legal or protective wildlife services should consider attending criminal justice school in Arkansas. With six national parks, over 50 state parks and roughly 2.5 million acres of national forest land in the state, the opportunity for natural resource enforcement officers is greater in Arkansas than in many other places around the country. A criminal justice degree can also open the door to many other law enforcement and legal careers, and many colleges and universities in Arkansas offer different degree levels for aspiring criminal justice students. Explore the educational options and degree requirements for these jobs right here, and see if attending criminal justice school in Arkansas is a good fit for your future.
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Best Criminal Justice Schools in Arkansas
With a number of options to choose from, it can be hard to tell which criminal justice schools in Arkansas offer the best programs. The list below takes the most common denominators, such as tuition costs and graduation rates, into consideration to pinpoint the best overall criminal justice schools in the state. This can be a great jumping off point for deeper research as aspiring criminal justice students begin to narrow down the options.
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Little Rock, AR- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,495
- Out-of-state$18,750
- In-State$5,760
- Out-of-state$13,050
- Retention Rate66%
- Acceptance Rate66%
- Students Enrolled9,581
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment54%
- AccreditationYes
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
- Pine Bluff, AR
- 4 year
- Campus
- In-State$5,130
- Out-of-state$11,640
- In-State$5,184
- Out-of-state$11,760
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate44%
- Students Enrolled2,498
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment64%
- AccreditationYes
Arkansas State University-Main Campus
- Jonesboro, AR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,540
- Out-of-state$13,500
- In-State$4,986
- Out-of-state$9,972
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled13,356
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment59%
- AccreditationYes
Arkansas Tech University
- Russellville, AR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,568
- Out-of-state$11,136
- In-State$5,256
- Out-of-state$10,512
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate95%
- Students Enrolled11,829
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment50%
- AccreditationYes
University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
- Fort Smith, AR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,104
- Out-of-state$11,376
- In-State$7,092
- Out-of-state$11,394
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled6,265
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment55%
- AccreditationYes
Southern Arkansas University-Main Campus
- Magnolia, AR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,420
- Out-of-state$10,920
- In-State$5,040
- Out-of-state$7,920
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance Rate65%
- Students Enrolled4,475
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
Harding University
- Searcy, AR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$20,010
- Out-of-state$20,010
- In-State$13,372
- Out-of-state$13,372
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate61%
- Students Enrolled4,879
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment12%
- AccreditationYes
University of Arkansas
- Fayetteville, AR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,568
- Out-of-state$24,056
- In-State$7,752
- Out-of-state$21,032
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled27,559
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment29%
- AccreditationYes
Arkansas State University-Beebe
- Beebe, AR
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,448
- Out-of-state$4,176
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate58%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,317
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment52%
- AccreditationYes
University of Arkansas Community College-Batesville
- Batesville, AR
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,100
- Out-of-state$2,688
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,459
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment49%
- AccreditationYes
Ouachita Baptist University
- Arkadelphia, AR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$27,280
- Out-of-state$27,280
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance Rate61%
- Students Enrolled1,633
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment10%
- AccreditationYes
Southeast Arkansas College
- Pine Bluff, AR
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,880
- Out-of-state$5,760
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate57%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,285
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment32%
- AccreditationYes
Arkansas State University-Mountain Home
- Mountain Home, AR
- 2 year
- Campus
- In-State$2,352
- Out-of-state$3,972
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,325
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment60%
- AccreditationYes
North Arkansas College
- Harrison, AR
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,376
- Out-of-state$4,056
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate53%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,676
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment49%
- AccreditationYes
University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana
- Hope, AR
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,310
- Out-of-state$3,360
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,396
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment29%
- AccreditationYes
Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas
- Helena, AR
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,580
- Out-of-state$4,080
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate52%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,541
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment18%
- AccreditationYes
NorthWest Arkansas Community College
- Bentonville, AR
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,240
- Out-of-state$3,600
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled8,383
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
Ozarka College
- Melbourne, AR
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$2,160
- Out-of-state$4,512
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate79%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,170
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment62%
- AccreditationYes
National Park College
- Hot Springs, AR
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$3,000
- Out-of-state$4,110
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,077
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment23%
- AccreditationYes
Remington College-Little Rock Campus
- Little Rock, AR
- 2 year
- Campus
- In-State$14,182
- Out-of-state$14,182
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate29%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled21
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationNo
The Most Popular Criminal Justice Careers in Arkansas
As prospective students begin researching which criminal justice school to attend in Arkansas, they should also consider which area of study they’d like to focus on. With concentrations ranging from law enforcement and public service to legal and judicial occupations, it’s a good idea to check out the degree requirements for interesting careers before enrolling in school. Students may also want to consider other factors, such as salary, as they choose a career path. Check out this list of the most popular criminal justice careers in Arkansas below, and click for more information on the salary and degree each job requires in Arkansas specifically.
Side by Side: Arkansas Compared with Criminal Justice Nationally
Though the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism reports a cost of living slightly lower than the national average, students attending criminal justice school in Arkansas can enjoy higher job growth projections than many other states, especially in regards to nature and wildlife enforcement positions. Take a look at how Arkansas stacks up to the rest of the nation for grads after criminal justice school, in terms of salary and job growth, and find the degrees needed for each job by scrolling over the graph information below.
Salary
| Job | National | Arkansas |
|---|---|---|
| Private Detective | 50,050 | 52,840 |
| Forest Fire Inspectors | 34,250 | 44,740 |
| Fish and Game Wardens | 49,300 | 54,970 |
| Police, Sheriff and Patrol Officers | 37,330 | 61,270 |
| Lawyers | 100,320 | 136,260 |
| Judges, Magistrates | 96,070 | 116,100 |
| Paralegals | 39,220 | 52,390 |
| Court Reporters | 44,990 | 54,720 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2015
Job Growth
| Job | National | Arkansas |
|---|---|---|
| Judges, Magistrates | 0.007 | 0.084 |
| Forensic Science Technician | 0.264 | 0.327 |
| Fish and Game Wardens | 0.016 | 0.109 |
| Forest Fire Inspectors | 0.176 | 0.211 |
| Court Reporters | 0.014 | 0.055 |
| Criminal Justice Professors | 0.213 | 0.294 |
| Paralegals | 0.076 | 0.151 |
| Police, Sheriff and Patrol Officers | 0.05 | 0.128 |
Source: Projections Central, 2015
Where to get Hired After Criminal Justice School in Arkansas
From national parks to metropolitan areas, Arkansas provides a unique variety of areas for students to find employment in after criminal justice school. The map below shows which areas have the highest concentrations of public service and legal professionals in the state, as well as the average annual salary for each area. Scroll over the buttons on the map for more detailed information.
Protective Service
Potential Employers
Randall L. Williams Correctional Facility; Pine Bluff Re-Entry Center; Lake Dardanelle State Park; Hot Springs National Park; University of Arkansas; Arkansas State Police; Little Rock Police Department; Jonesboro Animal Control; private investigation firms; Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department; Arkansas International Airport
Total Number of Employees in Arkansas: 25,050
Legal Occupations
Potential Employers
Private practice law firms; Arkansas Supreme Court; Arkansas Court of Appeals; Eastern District Court of Arkansas; Benton County Courthouse; Arkansas National Guard; Arkansas Department of Justice; City of Little Rock; Arkansas Attorney General?s Office; Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration; Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs
Total Number of Employees in Arkansas: 6,660
Arkansas Professional Criminal Justice Resources
BUSINESS COMPLIANCE RESOURCES
A membership based organization promoting economic and business development, specifically centered on bringing new businesses to and improving current business practices in the state of Arkansas. This page lists the many industries operating in the state, and provides training resources for continuing business education.
A collection of business and commercial service information can be found through the Arkansas SOS site, including details on community education initiatives, state business rules and regulations, corporate filings and financial disclosures. This is also a public resource for scam alerts and election information.
From business advocacy to economic development, the Little Rock Regional Chamber is a membership networking group for businesses in central Arkansas. This site also offers information for businesses relocating from other areas and local business news.
Information on tax registration, business licensing, corporate filings and other employer requirements can be found here. This page provides an all-encompassing small business checklist for those new or unfamiliar to legal compliance in Arkansas.
CORRECTIONAL RESOURCES
The online hub for the State of Arkansas’ Community Correction agency, ACC employees and other professionals in working or interested in careers in criminal justice in the state can find information on the state’s parole, probation and substance abuse programs, specialty courts, transitional housing and other aftercare services. Volunteer information can also be found here.
From information on the state’s correctional facilities to a job board, the Arkansas DOC website provides a collection of handy resources for those interested in learning more about corrections. There is also information about the ADC Training Academy for aspiring correctional officers.
Created in response to a growing prison population in the state, the Justice Reinvestment Initiative was enacted through the Bureau of Justice Assistance at the U.S. Department of Justice, with a focus on streamlining the parole release process to reduce inmate housing costs. Learn how to get involved on this page.
An inmate re-entry program that assists adults being released from Arkansas prisons with probation and parole placement. The main goal of the program is to prevent offenders from repeating crimes, and those interested in careers in parole and probation can learn about volunteer and career opportunities here.
COURT & JUDICIAL RESOURCES
A hub for the Arkansas judicial system, this website provides information on the courts, rules and administrative orders, jury service and legal meetings, training sessions and other events.
Addressing mental health, anxiety and stress-related issues that judges, lawyers and law students face, the JLAP and their staff provide free, confidential counseling and other assistance to Arkansas judicial workers and students struggling with various personal or work-related stress issues. Volunteer opportunities are also listed on this page.
A volunteer based program that helps children involved in juvenile dependency and neglect cases find safe, permanent homes. These volunteers are trained and appointed by the courts and act as the liaison between judges and children. Employment and volunteer information is also provided on this site.
LEGAL RESOURCES
An organization focused on providing free or affordable legal aid to at-risk and low income individuals in Arkansas. Lawyers interested in doing pro bono work can connect with case workers here, and those pursuing justice based careers can check the site’s news section for current job postings.
With information for attorneys, students and the public, the Arkansas Bar website contains information on events, case summaries and provides a “Find a Lawyer” feature. Students can find job information, volunteer opportunities and networks with other young criminal justice professionals in the “Young Lawyers Section”.
Promoting equal justice for low-income Arkansas residents by offering free or low cost legal assistance. This site connects attorneys seeking volunteer opportunities to clients in need, and also promotes other justice-centered projects and community training sessions on a variety of topics from healthcare to taxes and housing rights.
LAW ENFORCEMENT RESOURCES
From employment opportunities to networking and support services, the ACP is a membership-based group for current and aspiring police chiefs in Arkansas. This website also provides insight into community activities and the organizational structure of police forces in the state.
The main resource for aspiring protective service officers in Arkansas, this site provides information on officer standards, firearms qualifications, training schedules and materials needed to apply for and complete basic training and instructor programs.
Providing a group voice for law enforcement officers across Arkansas, the AMPA provides a list of useful resources for those interested on learning more about law enforcement, crime and training standards in Arkansas.
A collection of sheriffs from various parts of Arkansas committed to providing information, activities and programs based on current issues concerning law enforcement in the state. This site provides information on sheriff sponsored programs, legislative advocacy and employment opportunities.
The ATOA is the next-level training program for Arkansas law enforcement and corrections officers involved in tactical operations. It also includes a membership based group that furthers inter-departmental communications and networking.
WILDLIFE & ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES
A non-profit organization made up of game wardens across the state of Arkansas promoting proper wildlife law enforcement and legislative advocacy based on natural wildlife regulations. The group is active in the community and supports many charities, and also publishes the “Arkansas Wildlife Officer Magazine” with news and information.
Focused on the enforcement division of Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, this site provides information on becoming a wildlife officer, reporting options, violation points and land use.
Those interested in working in one of Arkansas many parks can find employment opportunities listed on this Department of Parks and Tourism page.
Dedicated to conservation law and wildlife policy, the AWF provides a membership section and magazine in addition to community events and wildlife news.
