By Jeff Murphy,
November 20, 2020
WARRENSBURG, MO – Demonstrating the quality of its criminal justice program, the University
of Central Missouri was not only ranked among the nation’s best but was the only institution
in Missouri to recently be included by Learn.org on a list of schools that have the “Best Online Bachelor’s in Law Enforcement.”
UCM was ranked 10th by Learn.org, based on a methodology which assessed data from
hundreds of colleges and universities across the United States with regard to academic
and career resources, quality of faculty, cost, value and other factors critical to
students’ academic decisions. This data came from sources such as the U.S. Department
of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics, and includes tuition
statistics from the 2019-2020 academic year.
According to Learn.org, UCM is also the most affordable option among the top ten institutions
on their list of online law enforcement programs with the average in-state tuition
and fees just under $8,000. Additionally, according to Learn.org, 94 percent of UCM
students were able to receive financial aid for their online studies.
The criminal justice program at UCM, operated under the School of Public Services,
promises an immersive educational experience for online and in-person students. The
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology can be taken 100 percent online, making it an ideal opportunity for students looking
for flexibility in their education.
Through this program, students will develop critical thinking skills, the ability
to work as a team, and develop strong written and verbal communication skills. While
the field of criminal justice is broad, program graduates – some who have obtained
additional education credentials – are employed in numerous police and corrections
agencies, as judges, attorneys, juvenile justice professionals, professors and chief
administrators in all parts of the world.
This is not the first time UCM’s criminal justice and criminology offerings have been
recognized by a college academic rankings organization. Other most recent examples
include ranking in the Top 10 percent nationwide as "Best for the Money" by College
Factual (#4 in Missouri), #10 nationwide as "Most Affordable Online Masters in Criminal
Justice (CJ)” by SR Education Group, and #23 by SR Education Group for “Most Affordable
Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice.”
Learn.org noted that law enforcement degrees are extremely flexible with several degree
programs offering complete online courses, hybrid courses or even accelerated degree
options. Inquiring students seeking graduate degrees can also complete their degree
online. Individuals skilled in critical thinking, teamwork and communication skills
are encouraged to enroll at UCM.
Learn more by contacting Lynn Urban, chair of UCM’s School of Public Services, at
660-543-4188 or urban@ucmo.edu.