So you want to learn about the best criminal law schools in Florida, you have come to the correct place. The education that is needed for this area of practice is one of the most rigorous to obtain, but also one of the most rewarding careers. You need persistence and diligence to make it through school and work hard to make the grades needed. There are considerations for deciding which school you will attend, but there are several Criminal Law Schools that rank high among the best in Florida. When deciding which Criminal Law School that is right for you there are some factors that will come into play. Now, if you are looking to apply to the best criminal law schools in florida, you need to also know about law schools in florida tuition, university of florida criminal justice & online criminal justice degree florida.

Among the best criminal law schools in florida, we recognize best law schools in florida, best criminal justice schools, criminal justice master programs in florida, best colleges for criminal justice and law enforcement, and criminal justice colleges in orlando florida. You will also find related articles on best criminal law schools in florida on collegelearners.

Law Schools in Florida

Pursuing a career in law begins with finding the right school that fits your academic preferences. Whether you’re looking for a highly interactive public school or a smaller, more private learning setting, Florida houses a wide variety of esteemed law programs with promising educational opportunities.

Top Law Schools and Characteristics

1. University of Florida Levin College of Law (Gainesville, FL)

Consistently noted as one of the most reputable public law schools in Florida, the University of Florida Levin College of Law is home to an impressive list of alumni, including Florida Bar presidents and Florida cabinet members. Founded in 1909, it is one of the largest public law schools in the country and is popular amongst students seeking lower in-state tuition rates ($22,231 for full time residents and 38,836 for non-residents), as well as an overall economic cost of living.

Median LSAT score: 158/180

2. Florida State University College of Law (Talahassee, FL)

A public law school located in the state’s capital, Florida State University College of Law provides an interactive setting that allows students and faculty to collaborate outside of the classroom. Students who attend this school are exposed to a variety of legal experience, as Tallahassee is home to many courts, law firms, and the Florida Legislature. Full-time yearly tuition for Florida residents is $20,683 and $40,695 for non-residents.

Median LSAT score: 159/180

3. University of Miami School of Law (Coral Gables FL)

University of Miami offers a private learning setting in a subtropical environment—making it a favorable option for aspiring applicants. While tuition is higher than other Florida schools ($46,166 plus an additional $14,000 for room and board), U of M School of Law has a relatively relaxed admission rate of 50.5%. This school is a fit for students seeking additional education opportunities, as it offers 8 concentrations and 8 options for joint-degree programs.

Median LSAT score: 157/180

4. Florida International University College of Law (Miami, FL)

A diverse learning setting in an even more diverse city makes Florida International University College of Law a promising option for prospective students. Located in South Florida, it is the region’s only public law school with an 87% rate of post-graduate employment. Tuition for full time residents is $21,345, and $35,590 for non-residents.

Median LSAT score: 156/180

5. Stetson University College of Law (Gulfport, FL)

Stetson University is home to Florida’s first law school, founded in 1900. It has been accredited by the American Bar Association and also has a campus in Tampa FL, which contains a working court, Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal. Full-time tuition (resident and non-resident) is at $38,900, while part time tuition is $26,960 (also resident and non-resident).

Median LSAT score: 155/180

No matter what Florida school you choose to pursue your degree in law, the state offers promising law programs that help ensure a successful, post-graduate career.

criminal justice programs in florida

re you considering a career in criminal justice? It is a career choice that can take you just about anywhere, but if you enjoy warm weather and fun on the water, you may want to take a look at Florida. In Florida you will find over 80 schools offering programs in criminal justice. The great thing about pursuing a career in criminal justice is that you can choose programs ranging from Associate of Science which can often be completed in 18 months all the way to a doctorate. With a little online research, you can find which schools offer the type of financial aid assistance that would benefit you.

For the Criminal Justice Degree Hub ranking of the best criminal justice schools in Florida, editors featured only accredited, legitimate institutions. Programs are ranked according to data from IPEDS and Niche, with practical factors including tuition rate, reputation, and variety of degree plans.

1. FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY

Florida International University’s Green School of International and Public Affairs offers several levels of criminal justice degree programs (from bachelor to Ph.D.) that are recognized among the best criminal justice programs in Florida. Besides, FIU offers two unique programs called LEAP – the Law Enforcement Apprenticeship Program, which provides a combination of specialized training, plus traditional classroom work, plus their internship program, which includes a reflection paper written regarding the internship experience.

Florida International University was established as a space-grant university in 1965. Although one of the newer institutions of higher education in South Florida, FIU has become one of the largest schools in the greater metropolitan area of Miami. More than 57,800 students attend FIU each year. The Florida legislature recognizes FIU among the most preeminent and emerging schools in South Florida. 

Programs: Bachelor to PhD

2. FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY

Florida State University’s College of Criminology and Criminal Justice offers a variety of criminal justice programs that are ranked among the online best criminal justice programs in Florida, according to US News & World Report. These criminal justice degree programs from Florida State University are available at the bachelor’s, master’s, (both of these degrees are available entirely online) and at the doctoral level, on-campus. In addition, CollegesOnline.com recognizes FSU’s online criminal justice programs among the best value schools for online criminal justice degrees.

Florida State University was established as a sea grant and space grant university in 1851.  The school’s campus covers more than 1,500 acres and serves more than 41,400 students, vying for the more than 300 degrees offered by the university’s colleges/schools.

Programs: Bachelor to PhD

3. FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY

Florida Atlantic University’s School of Criminology & Criminal Justice offers an undergraduate and graduate level degree in criminal justice that are recognized as some of the best criminal justice programs in Florida. FAU’s undergraduate degree program in criminal justice can be completed entirely online. In contrast, the Master of Science in Criminology & Criminal Justice is a hybrid program that provides online teaching & graduate jobs as teacher’s assistants.

Florida Atlantic University was established in 1961. Florida Atlantic University holds the honor of being the first public institution of higher learning that opened in the southern and most eastern regions of the Sunshine state. Nearly 31,000 students attend Florida Atlantic University, including medical students enrolled in the most recent addition to the university 0 the College of Medicine. FAU is a state university that serves more than 5 million people who reside in southeast Florida.

Programs: Bachelor and Master’s

4. FLORIDA GULF COAST UNIVERSITY

Florida Gulf Coast University’s Department of Justice Studies offers a bachelor’s degree program and a master’s degree program in Criminal Justice that is ranked as some of the best criminal justice programs in Florida. FGCU’s undergraduate criminal justice degrees include legal studies, forensic studies, or criminal justice. FGCU’s graduate degree programs include forensic studies and criminal justice. Students enrolled in the Florida Gulf Coast University’s criminal justice degree programs will also complete an internship that allows students to apply theoretical knowledge to real world applications.

Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) was established in 1991. FGCU is the youngest of the dozen campuses that comprise the State University System of Florida. This space-grant institution of higher learning is organized into six colleges/schools that serve more than 15,000 students. Florida Gulf Coast University operates several satellite facilities in Punta Gorda and Naples, Florida.

Programs: Bachelor and Master’s

5. ST THOMAS UNIVERSITY (FL)

St Thomas University offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree and a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Criminal Justice. Students graduating from St Thomas University’s best criminal justice programs in Florida enter the workforce employed by the US Secret Service, the Treasury Department, ICE, the FBI, or the US Marshall Service. Course work includes victimology, terrorism, and law enforcement, and law enforcement systems, to name a few. Collegefactual.com acknowledges that STU’s criminal justice program is among the most focused with regard to homeland security, firefighting, and law enforcement.

St Thomas University was established in 1961. STU’s urban campus in Miami Gardens serves more than 4,100 students. St Thomas University has its roots traced to Havana in the mid 1940s when in 1961, the faculty and priests fled to the US. Until the mid-1990s, STU was the Miami Dolphins’ training campus for nearly a quarter-century. 

Programs: Bachelor and Master’s

6. UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA

The University of Central Florida’s College of Community Innovation and Education offers a Bachelor of Arts or Science (BA/BS) degree and a Master of Science (MS) degree program in Criminal Justice that has been recognized among the best criminal justice programs in Florida. Students enrolled in UCF’s criminal justice program have been recognized as distinguished scholars. Core coursework for the undergraduate criminal justice program includes legal aspects of policing, criminal sentencing, and ethics in criminal justice, plus a capstone project in a relevant field.

The University of Central Florida (UCF) was chartered in 1963 by an act of the Florida legislature. The school is a state institution of higher learning that is also a space grant school. Nearly  70,000 students are enrolled in UCF, which allows the school to boast that its student enrollment for one campus is the largest in the nation. The University of Central Florida operates ten academic facilities throughout the central region of the Sunshine state.

Programs: Bachelor and Master’s

7. UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI

The University of Miami offers a BA in Criminology and a MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Both of U Miami’s criminal justice degree programs are considered among the best criminal justice programs in Florida and beyond. Depending on the exact academic track, the undergraduate program in criminal justice from U Miami requires 120 to 141 credit units, whereas the graduate criminal justice degree requires 30 credit units to be completed to meet program requirements.

The University of Miami was established in 1963. More than 17,000 students attend classes offered from U Miami, one of Miami-Dade county’s top ten employers. The school offers more than 300 academic programs through its twelve schools/colleges. The football team at the University of Miami has won five national championships trophies.

Programs: Bachelor and Master’s

8. UNIVERSITY OF NORTH FLORIDA

The University of North Florida’s Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice provides a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree program in Criminology and Criminal Justice that requires the completion of 120 semester hours to meet the undergraduate program requirements. Additionally, UNF offers a graduate-level criminal justice program – both of which are ranked as some of the best criminal justice programs in Florida and beyond. UNF offers degree candidates internship opportunities and study abroad programs.

The  University of North Florida was established as a space grant institution of higher learning in 1963. The school’s 1,200+ acre campus in south Jacksonville is home to more than 16,900 students studying for degrees offered by the school five colleges/schools. The  University of North Florida maintains the Contemporary Art Museum for the city of Jacksonville.

Programs: Bachelor and Master’s

9. UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA

The University of South Florida’s College of Behavioral and Community Sciences offers an undergraduate level degree in criminology that introduces the theory, policy, and research methods required to succeed, to degree candidates. Additionally, USF offers several criminal justice related degrees that are recognized among the best criminal justice programs in Florida.  These graduate criminal justice programs include a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice Administration, and a Master of Science degree in Cybercrime, and a Master of Science in Criminology degree program.

USF was chartered in 1956. As the fourth largest public institution of higher education in Florida, USF operates three campuses in Tampa, Sarasota and St. Petersburg, FL. The school offers varying levels of degrees through its fourteen colleges and schools to its nearly 51,000 students. USF’s research spending is recognized among the top 50 universities in the country.

Programs: Bachelor and Master’s

10. UNIVERSITY OF TAMPA

The University of Tampa’s College of Social Sciences, Mathematics, and Education offers two Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program – one in Forensic Science and the other in Criminal Justice and Criminology.  The University of Tampa also offers a Master of Science (MS) degree program in Criminology and Criminal Justice that can be completed as a dual degree in an accelerated delivery. All of UT’s criminal justice programs are recognized among the best criminal justice programs in Florida.  

The University of Tampa was established in 1931. The school’s urban campus covers more than 100 acres and serves more than 9,000 students. The main campus building at the University of Tampa was once a famous resort and hotel built in the late 1800s.

best criminal justice schools

Are you passionate about the law and crime prevention? Are you curious to know how penalties and prisons work? If yes, a degree in criminal justice is a good choice for you. But how do you find good criminal justice schools to attend?

In this article, we will review criminal justice schools as a discipline, why people choose to obtain certificates in this field, and how to identify the best criminal justice schools in the world, both physically and online. Then, we give you a list of our picks for the 10 best criminal justice schools in the world.

After our extensive research, we found those programs that are the best in the country to train leaders in law enforcement and criminology. Our figures and information come from the websites of universities and colleges, PayScale, the US News & World Report, and the National Center for Education Statistics.

Here are the best criminal justice schools in the World:

• CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
• Liberty University
• University of California – Irvine
•  Florida State University
•  Northeastern University
•  Penn State
•  University of Miami
•  Texas Christian University
•  La Sierra University
• University of Florida

#1 CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice

John Jay is an above-average public college located in Manhattan, New York in the New York City Area. It is a big institution with an enrollment of 10,276 undergraduate students. Admissions are fairly competitive as the John Jay acceptance rate is 39%.

Popular majors include Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration, Psychology, and Criminology. Graduating 47% of students, John Jay alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $31,700. It is also one of the best criminal justice schools in the World.

Acceptance rate: 39%

Graduating rate: 47%Read More

#2 Liberty University

Maintaining the vision of the founder, Dr. Jerry Falwell, Liberty University develops Christ-centered men and women with the values, knowledge, and skills essential to impact the world.

Through its residential and online programs, services, facilities, and collaborations, the University educates men and women who will make important contributions to their workplaces and communities, follow their chosen vocations as callings to glorify God, and fulfill the Great Commission.

#3 University of California – Irvine

UC Irvine also being among the best criminal justice schools in the World is also a highly rated public university located in Irvine, California in the Los Angeles Area. It is a large institution with an enrollment of 28,855 undergraduate students.

Admissions are fairly competitive as the UC Irvine acceptance rate is 37%.

Popular majors include Social Psychology, Biology, and Public Health. Graduating 85% of students, UC Irvine alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $41,100.

Acceptance rate: 37%

Graduating rate: 85%

#4 Florida State University

Florida State is a highly qualified public university located in Tallahassee, Florida. It is a large institution with a student population of 29,286 at the undergraduate level.

Admission is very competitive because the Florida admission rate is 49%. With 80% of students graduating, graduates from Florida continue to earn a salary starting at $36,500.

Acceptance rate: 49%

Graduating rate: 80%Read More

Check out this Top 10 Criminal Justice Scholarships.

#5 Northeastern University

Northeastern is a highly qualified private university located in Boston, Massachusetts. It is a large institution with a student population of 1,386 undergraduate students.

Admission is competitive because the Northeast admission rate is 27%. After 87% of students graduate, graduates from the Northeast receive a salary starting at $54,400.

Acceptance rate: 27%

Graduating rate: 87%Read More

#6 Penn State

Penn State is a highly rated public college located in State College, Pennsylvania. It is a big institution with an enrollment of 39,785 undergraduate students.

Admissions are fairly competitive as the Penn State acceptance rate is 50%.

Popular majors include Information Science, Biology, and Economics. Graduating 85% of students, Penn State alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $40,100.

Acceptance rate: 50%

Graduating rate: 85%Read More

#7 University of Miami

At the University of Miami, people’s lives are being transformed through teaching, research, and service. Its students are agents of change who are passionate about learning, keen to contribute to their community, and free to color off the lines. Actually,

The University of Miami is ranked No. 47 in the Wall Street Journal / Times Higher Education College 2019 ranking, with 10,000 college students seeking degrees in 9 schools and colleges.Read More

#8 Texas Christian University

At Texas Christian University you’ll find more than 100 areas of study at a Top 100 National Institution. Professors who are among the finest minds in their fields. A vibrant, active campus life where Horned Frogs cheer on comrades in Big 12 Athletics. First-rate campus living in all new and renovated residence halls nestled in one of the most beautiful campuses in the United States.

All in an environment where faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds can thrive, and where our campus community can challenge intellects and share experiences with mutual respect. At first glance, it almost feels like your search is over. But in reality, your journey has just begun.Read More

See also, list of Criminal justice scholarships(TOP 10) For US Citizens

#9 La Sierra University

La Sierra is a private, Christian university located in Riverside, California in the Los Angeles Area. Also, it is among the best criminal justice schools in the World. It is a small institution with an enrollment of 1,830 undergraduate students. Admissions are fairly competitive as the La Sierra acceptance rate is 48%. Popular majors include Criminal Justice and Safety Studies, Business, and Pre-Medicine Studies. Graduating 47% of students, La Sierra alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $33,700.

Acceptance rate: 48%

Graduating rate: 47%Read More

#10 University of Florida

Florida is a highly rated public university located in Gainesville, Florida. It is a large institution with an enrollment of 31,384 undergraduate students.

Admissions are fairly competitive as the Florida acceptance rate is 48%.

Popular majors include Biology, Psychology, and Liberal Arts and Humanities. Graduating 88% of students, Florida alumni go on to earn a starting salary of $42,600.

The University of Florida is also one of the best criminal justice schools in the World.

Acceptance rate: 48%

Graduating rate: 88%

law schools in florida tuition

Ave Maria School of Law

Ave Maria School of Law is located in Naples, FL, founded in 2000 and it has total 269 law school students. The 2021 law school tuition & fees at Ave Maria School of Law is $43,206. The average GPA of the enrolled students is 3.21 and the average LSAT score is 148. The acceptance rate of Ave Maria School of Law is 54.32% where 327 were admitted out of 602 applicants.

Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law

Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law (part of Barry University) is located in Miami, FL, founded in 1999 and it has total 648 law school students. The 2021 law school tuition & fees at Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law is $37,430. The average GPA of the enrolled students is 3.07 and the average LSAT score is 148. The acceptance rate of Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law is 53.02% where 711 were admitted out of 1,341 applicants.

Florida A&M University College of Law

Florida A&M University College of Law is located in Tallahassee, FL, founded in 2000 and it has total 563 law school students. The 2021 law school tuition & fees at Florida A&M University College of Law is $11,080 for Florida and $26,489 for out-of-state students. The average GPA of the enrolled students is 3.1 and the average LSAT score is 146. The acceptance rate of Florida A&M University College of Law is 50.17% where 604 were admitted out of 1,204 applicants.

Florida Coastal School of Law

Florida Coastal School of Law is located in Jacksonville, FL, founded in 1996 and it has total 250 law school students. The 2021 law school tuition & fees at Florida Coastal School of Law is $39,900. The average GPA of the enrolled students is 2.94 and the average LSAT score is 147. The acceptance rate of Florida Coastal School of Law is 50.45% where 501 were admitted out of 993 applicants.

Florida International University College of Law

Florida International University College of Law is located in Miami, FL, founded in 2000 and it has total 497 law school students. The 2021 law school tuition & fees at Florida International University College of Law is $20,669 for Florida and $34,453 for out-of-state students. The average GPA of the enrolled students is 3.61 and the average LSAT score is 157. The acceptance rate of Florida International University College of Law is 28.59% where 476 were admitted out of 1,665 applicants.

Florida State University College of Law

Florida State University College of Law is located in Tallahassee, FL, founded in 1966 and it has total 837 law school students. The 2021 law school tuition & fees at Florida State University College of Law is $20,694 for Florida and $40,705 for out-of-state students. The average GPA of the enrolled students is 3.73 and the average LSAT score is 160. The acceptance rate of Florida State University College of Law is 32.67% where 522 were admitted out of 1,598 applicants.

Shepard Broad Law Center

Shepard Broad Law Center (part of Nova Southeastern University) is located in Fort Lauderdale, FL, founded in 1974 and it has total 849 law school students. The 2021 law school tuition & fees at Shepard Broad Law Center is $43,140. The average GPA of the enrolled students is 3.16 and the average LSAT score is 151. The acceptance rate of Shepard Broad Law Center is 49.96% where 650 were admitted out of 1,301 applicants.

St. Thomas University School of Law

St. Thomas University School of Law is located in Miami Gardens, FL, founded in 1984 and it has total 604 law school students. The 2021 law school tuition & fees at St. Thomas University School of Law is $21,095. The average GPA of the enrolled students is 3.25 and the average LSAT score is 149. The acceptance rate of St. Thomas University School of Law is 57.18% where 589 were admitted out of 1,030 applicants.

Stetson University College of Law

Stetson University College of Law is located in DeLand, FL, founded in 1900 and it has total 937 law school students. The 2021 law school tuition & fees at Stetson University College of Law is $44,964. The average GPA of the enrolled students is 3.3 and the average LSAT score is 155. The acceptance rate of Stetson University College of Law is 50.42% where 891 were admitted out of 1,767 applicants.

Levin College of Law

Levin College of Law (part of University of Florida) is located in Gainesville, FL, founded in 1909 and it has total 876 law school students. The 2021 law school tuition & fees at Levin College of Law is $21,804 for Florida and $38,040 for out-of-state students. The average GPA of the enrolled students is 3.8 and the average LSAT score is 164. The acceptance rate of Levin College of Law is 20.65% where 456 were admitted out of 2,208 applicants.