Law Enforcement and Justice Administration

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Internationally-Recognized for Criminal Justice & Public Safety

School of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration

Real-World

WIU’s nationally-ranked programs come with ALL faculty who have real-world experience. You will receive a hands-on education with internship and job opportunities across the U.S. and abroad.

#1

WIU is ranked number one for Criminal Justice Programs in IL.

100%

Complete your bachelor’s or master’s degrees entirely online or in person.

3rd

WIU’s program is third for Best Bachelor’s Degree in Law Enforcement in the US.

1,400

More than 1,400 agency partners that accept our WIU interns.

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Law Enforcement and Justice Administration
Bachelor of Science Degree Option
  • Law Enforcement and Justice Administration

The LEJA program at WIU is designed to provide professional knowledge and skills for criminal justice, correction, and security personnel to begin and continue successful careers at federal, state, local, and private agencies.

Degree Benefits
  • Real-world practical application and critical thinking exercises
  • Learn from faculty who come with a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences including former FBI agents, chiefs, sheriffs, correctional officers, attorneys, and judges
  • State-of-the-art crime laboratory
  • Internship and networking at an agency of choice
  • Fourth largest law enforcement program in the United States
  • Earn a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in 5-years with our accelerated program
three students looking at COVID data on a table
Emergency Management
Bachelor of Science Degree Options
  • Emergency Management Tactical Option
  • Emergency Management Operational Option

Interested in protecting the public when it comes to human-made and natural disasters? WIU’S Emergency Management program is the first 4-year program in Illinois and the only EM program within the state accredited by the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

Degree Benefits
  • An acting Emergency Operation Center (EOC) offering the only known available apprenticeship opportunity in the nation
  • Meets FEMA competency standards and National Incident Management and military competencies (including Army 525 and Air Force 10-2051 training expectations required for civilian contractors).
  • According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the average starting salary is $76, 250
firefighters using water to put out fire
Fire Protection Services
Bachelor of Science Degree Options
  • Fire Medic
  • Fire Administration

WIU’S Fire Protection Services degree options prepare students to meet the challenges facing firefighters and fire service administrators. The Fire Medic option offers the opportunity to receive a 4-year degree with all of the FECHE and paramedic certifications needed to be employed by the fire service. The Fire Administration option prepares current firefighters for senor leadership roles.

Degree Benefits
  • Participate in the Fire Certification Practicum and earn ProBoard Certification
  • Licensure as a Certified Paramedic
  • All faculty are current or retired administrators that bring real-world experience into the classroom to address the real challenges faced in the field
student sitting at desk taking notes with lab equipment in the background
Graduate Program
Master of Science Degree Option
Post-Baccalaureate Certificates
  • Emergency Management
  • Community Engagement and Public Safety Leadership

WIU’S Master of Public Safety Administration is internationally known for academic excellence with a rich blend of theoretical, administrative, and practical knowledge.

Graduate Resources

Assistantships

Minors
  • Criminalistics
  • Corrections
  • Emergency Management (Tactical or Operational)
  • Fire Science or Fire Administration
  • Homeland Security
  • Law Enforcement and Justice Administration
  • Security Administration
  • Paramedic
  • Legal Studies
LEJA Job & Internship Placement
student holding fire hose and wearing protective hat
Upcoming Events & Professional Trainings
Public Safety Preparedness
Corrections & Justice Administration Enhancement