Accredited Online Criminal Justice Degrees

Criminal justice is a vital and widely recognized field dedicated to maintaining law, order, and public safety. From law enforcement agencies to corrections and investigative services, professionals in this field play a crucial role in protecting communities and ensuring justice.

An online criminal justice degree provides a comprehensive foundation in how the criminal justice system operates, covering law enforcement, courts, corrections, and public safety. Whether you’re starting your career or aiming to advance in the criminal justice field, this degree equips you with the critical thinking skills and knowledge needed for a variety of roles in protective services.

Ready to find your program? Browse over 850 online criminal justice degree listings below.

View Criminal Justice Degrees

What Is a Criminal Justice Degree?

A criminal justice degree offers an in-depth understanding of how laws are created, enforced, and interpreted within society, along with foundational knowledge in social sciences and policy development.

Students typically study:

• Criminal law and legal systems
• Criminological theory and criminal behavior
• Corrections, rehabilitation, and victim services
• Law enforcement practices and police administration
• Public safety, security management, and emergency management

Unlike specialized concentrations, this degree provides a broad overview of the entire justice system, making it an ideal starting point for diverse career goals in law enforcement agencies, local government, and nonprofit organizations.

• Criminal Justice, Safety & Law Degrees Category

Students comparing all program options across fields can also explore

• All Online Degrees

What You Can Do With a Criminal Justice Degree

Earning a criminal justice degree online opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities across public safety, social services, and corporate security sectors.

Common career paths include:

• Patrol officers and police officers
• Criminal investigators and detectives
• Correctional treatment specialists
• Crime analysts and forensic science technicians
• Security management and loss prevention professionals

Graduates can find employment in law enforcement agencies, government offices, nonprofit organizations, and private corporations focused on security and investigative services.

Students exploring related fields may also consider:

• Administration Degrees
• Emergency Management Degrees
• Homeland Security Degrees
• Forensic Science Degrees

View Criminal Justice Degrees

Career Paths in Criminal Justice

Careers in criminal justice vary widely depending on your interests, specialization, and education level.

Examples include:

• Police Officers and Detectives
  Protect communities, investigate criminal offenses, and enforce laws, with salaries often exceeding $60,000 annually
• Private Investigators and Criminal Investigators
  Conduct investigations for legal, financial, or personal matters, earning approximately $50,000 annually
• Correctional Treatment Specialists
  Work with incarcerated individuals to support rehabilitation and reintegration, earning over $50,000 annually

Each role contributes uniquely to public safety and the legal system, requiring strong communication skills and ethical decision-making.

Job Outlook and Salary Expectations

The criminal justice field offers stability and growth potential, supported by labor statistics projecting steady demand for protective services.

• Protective service occupations are expected to grow by 2% from 2021 to 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
• Entry and mid-level salaries typically range from $50,000 to $60,000 annually
• Higher education and specialized training can lead to advancement into leadership roles or federal agencies like the FBI

This field appeals to individuals seeking meaningful careers dedicated to social justice and community safety.

View Criminal Justice Degrees

Why Choose a Criminal Justice Degree

A criminal justice degree online provides versatile career options and a strong foundation for public service.

Key benefits include:

• Broad career opportunities in law enforcement, social services, and security management
• Development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and cultural literacy skills
• Potential to specialize later in areas such as forensic science, juvenile justice, or policy development
• Preparation for graduate studies, law school, or leadership positions within police agencies and local government

What You’ll Learn in a Criminal Justice Program

Online criminal justice programs combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills essential for success in the field.

Common coursework includes:

• Criminal law, procedure, and ethical issues
• Evidence analysis and forensic science
• Criminology, sociology, and social justice
• Investigative services and research methods
• Psychology of criminal behavior and victim services

Many programs offer internships or fieldwork to provide real-world experience and enhance communication skills.

View Criminal Justice Degrees

Is Criminal Justice Right for You?

This field suits individuals committed to public safety and working within structured legal and social systems.

You may be a good fit if you:

• Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Can remain composed in high-pressure situations
• Are passionate about law, justice, and social services
• Are physically and mentally prepared for demanding environments

Education Path and Degree Options

Criminal justice degrees are available at multiple levels, each opening different career pathways.

• Online criminal justice associate degrees for entry-level positions in security and corrections
• Online criminal justice bachelor of science degrees for broader opportunities and advancement in law enforcement and investigative services
• Online criminal justice bachelor of science degrees for leadership, policy development, or specialized roles in homeland security and emergency management

Some students work while earning their degree online at their own pace, benefiting from flexible course schedules.

View Criminal Justice Degrees

Specializations and Career Advancement

After earning a general criminal justice degree, many professionals choose to specialize to align with their career goals.

Common specializations include:

• Law enforcement and police administration
• Corrections and juvenile justice
• Homeland security and emergency management
• Forensic science and crime analysis
• Substance abuse and victim services

Specializing enhances expertise and can lead to supervisory or specialized investigative roles.

GetEducated has a career center for criminal justice and legal studies.

Other related articles in the criminal justice, administration, and law space include

• How to become a police officer and detective
• How to become a police officer, four steps to the best job outlook
• How to become a forensic scientist
• Forensic science careers

View Criminal Justice Degrees

How to Choose the Right Program

When selecting an online criminal justice degree program, consider:

• Regional accreditation to ensure quality education and credit transferability
• Availability of transfer credits for prior college work or military training
• Curriculum breadth covering foundational knowledge and specialized topics
• Opportunities for internships or practical experience
• Flexibility to study at your own pace with asynchronous courses

Programs taught by the same faculty who instruct on-campus can provide consistent quality and networking opportunities.

GetEducated has several ranking reports for administration, criminal justice, law, paralegal and related degrees:

• Associate's degree in criminal justice ranking report
• Bachelor's degree in criminal justice and administration ranking report
• Bachelor's degree in criminology and forensic psychology
• Bachelor's degree in law enforcement ranking report
• Master's degree in criminal justice and administration ranking report
• Master's degree in criminology ranking report

View Criminal Justice Degrees

Cost of Criminal Justice Degrees

Costs vary widely depending on the institution and program format.

• Bachelor’s degrees typically cost just under $50,000 on average
• More affordable programs may start around $18,000
• Online programs often reduce expenses related to commuting and textbooks

Compare tuition, financial aid options, and program features to find the best fit for your career goals.

Compare Accredited Online Criminal Justice Programs

Resources like GetEducated help prospective students compare programs based on accreditation, tuition, and specialization options.

You can:

• Find programs that accept transfer credits and offer flexible scheduling
• Review tuition costs and financial aid availability
• Explore concentrations aligned with your career goals
• Identify programs with strong reputations and real-world learning opportunities

Browse accredited online criminal justice degree programs to start your journey.

View Criminal Justice Degrees

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a criminal justice degree?

A criminal justice degree provides foundational knowledge of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, corrections, and public safety.

What jobs can you get with a criminal justice degree?

Graduates qualify for roles such as police officers, detectives, correctional specialists, crime analysts, and security professionals.

Is criminal justice a good career?

Yes. It offers stable employment, competitive salaries, opportunities for advancement, and the chance to make a positive impact on communities.

Do you need a degree to work in criminal justice?

Some entry-level roles do not require a degree, but many positions, especially those with advancement potential, require at least a bachelor of science in criminal justice.

How much do criminal justice professionals make?

Salaries typically range from $50,000 to $60,000 annually, with higher pay for specialized or leadership roles.

Can you specialize after earning a criminal justice degree?

Absolutely. Many professionals pursue specializations in areas like forensic science, juvenile justice, homeland security, or substance abuse counseling to enhance their careers.