Law & Justice Degrees in Michigan

Guide to Michigan Law and Justice Degree Programs

Michigan is undergoing a major economic shift. The automotive industry is losing strength rapidly and the state is working to diversify its economy. However, for those looking for chances in law and justice, the state can be lucrative. The state is home to over a hundred different universities and colleges. And many of them offer classes and degrees in law and justice. Degrees can be obtained at all levels from associates all the way up to a doctorate in law. Technical schools and community colleges are good options for those wanting to get started. Many of the schools offer classes online.

The state of Michigan ranks around number eight in population of the fifty states. Much of the population is located in the southern half of the state near Detroit and Grand Rapids. There are a number of smaller cities in the same area. Most colleges and universities are located near these urban centers. However, there are some in more remote areas. The state is surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes and is divided into two halves. Industry is denser in the south while tourism and raw materials dominate the northern half. The state still has a strong agricultural economy in and amongst the other sectors. Don’t let the Wolverine State fool you. There is a good deal of life still left in this state.

Michigan Law and Justice Job Outlook and Salary

Michigan offers a wide variety of careers in the field of law and justice. However, it would be near impossible to give a comprehensive overview of each one. To give an example of the state’s options, let’s use police officers as an example.  Starting salaries are generally from $35,000 to $38,000 per annum. After a few years, an officer can expect to make around $50,000. This runs right at the national median. Smaller towns and rural communities will usually offer lower wages. State positions can range from interstate patrols to covering hundreds of miles of rural country. Law enforcement in the urban areas will deal with some escalating crime issues.

The state’s demand for law enforcement officers is expected to grow 8% in the next decade according to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth. This is lower than the expected national average of 11%. With population declines in some areas, most opportunities will be available in the smaller cities. The state government will also provide employment as state troopers and state rangers.