Criminal Justice Schools in Montana | MT
Montana boasts some of the country’s most gorgeous landscapes. From the beautiful mountainous views and waterfalls in Glacier National Park to the rich wildlife of Yellowstone National Park, the state offers something for every nature lover. This explains why Montana is one of five states with the highest concentration of fish and game wardens. If you would like a career that emphasizes flora and fauna conservation and wildlife law enforcement, check out the criminal justice schools in Montana for information on law enforcement, environmental sciences, wildlife and forestry conservation or other related degrees to become qualified for a fish and game warden position.
Sponsored School(s)
Montana is also one of five states with the highest concentration of transportation security screeners, judicial law clerks and judges and magistrates. Generally to start as a Transportation Security Officer with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) you need a high school diploma/GED or at least one year of experience in security, X-ray screening or related activities. Completing a criminal justice degree in Montana (or a certificate program) with a specialization in homeland security, airport security or another relevant discipline will help you stand out from other applicants and rise up to more prestigious positions. You will notice that schools offer either online or campus options so that you can select a program that is compatible with your schedule.
To start as a judicial law clerk, consider pursuing a legal studies, public administration or business administration degree at one of the criminal justice schools in Montana. If you decide to pursue further education, you can complete a law degree and become a lawyer. In Montana, there are approximately 60 new job openings for lawyers per year, according to Projections Central. Some day, you may find yourself sitting on top of the bench appointed to judges and magistrates.
Montana Criminal Justice Career Outlook
Numerous criminal justice careers in Montana show a positive employment outlook, according to Projections Central. For example, there are approximately 50 new job openings for police and sheriff’s patrol officers in Montana each year. To gain one of these vital positions, look for information among the criminal justice schools in Montana on law enforcement degrees; most police agencies prefer candidates to have a minimum of an Associate’s (2-year) degree.
Additionally, Projections Central estimates a career outlook of 17% growth for correctional officers and 18% growth for paralegals. Completing a criminal justice degree in Montana with a major in corrections or paralegal studies will help you start these careers.
Top Criminal Justice Employers & Agencies
One of Montana’s largest employers is the Malstrom Air Force Base. When you join the U.S. Air Force, you not only receive invaluable basic and technical training on base; you also have the opportunity to purse post secondary education off base, such as at one of the criminal justice schools in Montana. The U.S. Air Force also offers numerous financial programs to assist you with tuition.
Another one of Montana’s large employers is the Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge with approximately 600 personnel, according to Career One Stop. Over half of the prison’s employees are uniformed officers. If you would like to become a correctional officer or jailer, complete a criminal justice degree in Montana with a specialization in corrections or another related major.
Montana Criminal Justice & Legal Job Outlook & Montana Criminal Justice Salary
| Career | Employment Growth through 2018 | Current Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers | 6% | $40,000 – 48,000 |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | 17% | $30,000 – 34,000 |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | 20% | $36,000-40,000 |
| Court Reporters | 10% | $40,000 – 45,000 |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | 20% | $67,000 – 71,000 |
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | 18% | $32,000 – 42,000 |
| Security Guards | 15% | $24,000 – 26,000 |
| Lawyers | 10% | $70,000 – 82,000 |
| Emergency Management Specialists | 11% | $35,000 – 40,000 |
| Judicial Law Clerks | will remain roughly the same | $35,000 – 40,000 |
| Fish and Game Wardens | will remain roughly the same | $40,000 – 45,000 |
Sources:Growth Projections projectionscentral.com ~ Salary Range bls.gov
Montana Crime Rate
Montana’s crime rate is about 12% lower than the rest of the country’s, according to the National Institute of Corrections. Specifically, its violent crime rate is 25% lower and its property crime rate is 11% lower than the national average.
In 2010, the FBI reported a rate of 272 violent crimes/100,000 people and 2,543 property crimes/100,000 people. (Violent crime includes rape, murder, non-negligent manslaughter, assault and robbery. Property crime includes burglary, larceny/theft and motor vehicle theft).
Montana’s Correctional System Stats
| Facility | Number of Facilities & Offices | Number of Inmates |
|---|---|---|
| Jails | 40 | 1,957 |
| Prisons | 7 | 3,413 |
| Probation & Parole | 23 | 11,092 |
Source: www.nicic.gov
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