Find your
fearless
Determined. Committed. Fearless.
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From her very first Intro to Criminal Justice class, Emilie knew she was stepping into more than a major, she was stepping into the work she was meant to do.
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Guided by professors whose expertise spans law enforcement, the courts, and criminal justice research, Emilie built the confidence to begin making her own mark on the field.
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That support from her faculty opened doors to internships, like working with the University Police Department, that will shape Emilie’s career for years to come.
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Her experience at SEMO has challenged Emilie to think sharper, work harder, and enter the field of criminal justice prepared to serve her community.
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The courage Emilie found in her first class has only grown stronger through every experience, preparing her to enter the field of criminal justice with integrity and grit.
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Like Emilie, students in SEMO’s criminal justice program know the system they’ll serve and graduate ready to protect and lead their communities.
Future Focused.
You Focused.
Academics
A Criminal Justice Program in Missouri That Prepares Those Ready to Serve
At SEMO, the bachelor’s degree of criminal justice online and on-campus programs empower students to be fearless from day one. Whether you’re pursuing a criminal justice minor or major, a law enforcement certificate, or advancing to our nationally ranked criminal justice online master’s degree, SEMO’s criminal justice program in Missouri continues to build pathways for the next generation of justice leaders. If you’re committed to making a meaningful difference in public safety, corrections, or investigations, this is where the bold begin and the prepared prevail. If your calling looks a little different, SEMO has a variety of programs designed to help you find your fearless.
Adam Gluek
Outcomes
"The online grad program has just been perfect for my schedule. I am able to do the schoolwork, listen to the lectures at my convenience. If there’s an emergency job related, I can leave to deal with that and comeback to the lecture."
Meet Adam Gluek
Student Experience
Active Learning
A Calling Strengthened Through Experience
At SEMO, you have the option to earn your Law Enforcement Certificate. Our program is a perfect fit because you can graduate with both your bachelor’s degree and a Class A Missouri Peace Officer License, qualifying you to become a full-time sworn law enforcement officer. It’s real training, real credentials, and a real head start in your career.
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16SEMO’s online Master’s in Criminal Justice degree lets full-time students finish in as little as 16 months instead of three years.
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9Students in SEMO’s online Master’s in Criminal Justice program can earn up to nine hours of credit for prior learning, reducing their time to graduation to even less than 16 months.
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18Students who complete SEMO’s Law Enforcement Certificate earn 18 hours of degree credit toward their Criminal Justice degree.
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48Ranked #48 in the nation for Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Programs, SEMO holds the top spot among online criminal justice graduate programs in Missouri.
Everyday Experiences Matter, Too
Learning doesn’t end after your last class of the day. At SEMO, you’ll participate in clubs, services, intramurals, leadership programs, and more. Collectively, your classes, real-world learning, and extracurriculars make SEMO the perfect place to develop into the fearless leader you’re destined to be.
Admissions & Aid
A college education is within reach, and SEMO is one of the most affordable in the area. From test-optional admissions to generous financial aid options, we're invested in your success. SEMO awards more than $20 million in academic merit scholarships each year to support student achievement.
Deeply Connected
Community
Together, SEMO and the University Police Academy Prepare Those Who Protect and Serve
Since 1987, the University Police Academy has trained more than 2,800 officers through a Missouri Peace Officer Standards and Training approved program. Graduates go on to serve in law enforcement agencies across Missouri and beyond, including local departments, state agencies, and federal organizations. Students can also earn 18 hours of degree credit and their Class A Missouri Peace Officer License, giving them both the education and credentials to begin their careers in law enforcement.
Stevie Greer
In-Demand Alumni
“The Academy is meant to set you up for your career in law enforcement. There's been a lot of moments where I'm doing something, and I can do it because I learned it in the Academy.”
Stevie Greer Speaks
Career and Alumni Success
Outcomes
From SEMO Classrooms to the Frontlines
Nearly 96% of SEMO Humanities and Social Sciences graduates are employed or pursuing advanced degrees within six months of graduation. Students in our criminal justice program join that success story, stepping into careers that make a real difference in their communities.
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$1.3bIn FY 2023-24, SEMO alumni generated $1.3 billion in added income for the state economy, which is equivalent to supporting 12,859 jobs.
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$90.2mSEMO’s operations spending, including the University’s payroll and the in-state spending of the University and its employees, added $90.2 million in income to the state or the equivalent of 1,075 jobs.
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$31kThe average bachelor's degree graduate from SEMO will see an increase in earnings of $31,000 each year compared to someone with a high school diploma working in Missouri.
Take the Next Step
Forward Motion
You’ve already started to explore SEMO. Keep that momentum going. Schedule a campus visit or start your application today.
Request Info
Learn More
If one of our career-focused programs sounds like a fit — and you’re ready to turn grit into greatness — we’d love to tell you more about Southeast Missouri State University. Complete this brief form, and someone will be in touch real soon.
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