Do you want to work in law enforcement or ensure that justice prevails in society? Then you’ll want to attend one of the best online schools for criminal justice. Criminal justice degrees are great credentials for your professional prospects. They’re also more available than ever from top online universities. Let’s take a closer look.
Article Navigation: What is the Best Online College for Criminal Justice? | Types of Online Programs | Top Online Criminal Justice Colleges: Associate’s; Bachelor’s; Master’s | How Much Does Online Schooling for Criminal Justice Cost? | 3 Cheapest Online Criminal Justice Schools | Admission Requirements | Licensure | Careers | FAQs | Attend an Online School for Criminal Justice Today
What is the Best Online College for Criminal Justice?
There are many online schools for criminal justice so finding the perfect one is tricky. There are a number of different metrics to consider when selecting your “best” schooling option. Nonetheless, the best online schools for criminal justice will have a number of factors in common:
- Affordable: In general, out-of-state schools cost a little more than in-state schools, though this is not universal.
- At least 80% online: Compare different criminal justice degree requirements. Some online programs require small amounts of in-person participation. Verify you understand in-person attendance requirements when considering a program. Mosts of the online criminal justice colleges in this article offer 100% online degrees.
- Accredited: Verify your chosen online school for criminal justice is accredited by a regional accrediting body.
- Program concentration or specialization: Different schools offer different types of criminal justice degrees. Consider your career goals when comparing online criminal justice colleges. Let’s say you want to become a police officer with a bachelor’s. Then a bachelor's in criminal justice degree with a focus in policing is perfect for you. However, say you want to become a criminal profiler. In that case, you should pursue a master’s in criminal justice at a minimum.
- Accepting of transfer credits (if needed): Some schools are better if you’re making a career change or entering the field for the first time. Most schools accept up to a certain amount of transfer credits from accredited schools. For example, some bachelor’s programs accept up to 90 credits from another school. Also consider online graduate certificates in criminal justice if you already hold a bachelor’s degree in a different subject.
- Student services: Schools that offer student support resources like career planning and financial aid help can save you time and, sometimes, money.
Programs Offered at Online Schools for Criminal Justice
You can pursue online criminal justice programs that result in different degree types.
Online Criminal Justice Associate Degree
Are you pursuing entry-level jobs? Criminal justice online associate degrees online are good for those who wish to learn more about the major before committing to long-term education. These programs incorporate many general education classes. They also cover basic topics like law and criminology.
You’ll encounter associate of science (AS) and associate of applied science (AAS) degrees. AS degrees are intended to prepare students for four-year bachelor’s degrees. AAS degrees are terminal degrees. You should pursue one of these if you want to enter the workforce right after you graduate.
In any case, associate programs are up to 60 credits long. They take two years to complete. Most AS and AAS credits can be transferred to bachelor’s programs later if you so choose. However, note that a school’s accreditation status affects whether credits can be transferred from one school to another.
GetEducated's Picks
- Fisher College Associate of Science in Criminal Justice
- East Mississippi Community College Associate of Arts (AA) - Criminal Justice Emphasis
- Columbia Southern University Associate of Science in Criminal Justice
Online Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree
Accredited bachelor’s in criminal justice programs often incorporate more advanced and specialized classes than an associate’s program. They may cover topics like criminal psychology, victimology, and ethics in law enforcement.
Common degree concentrations include criminal law, corrections, policing, etc. Choose your concentration based on your career goals. A bachelor’s degree is in demand by many of the highest-paying, most desirable criminal justice jobs like:
- Criminal profiler
- Homicide detective
- Crime scene investigator
- Crime prevention specialist
Bachelors of Arts (BA) or Bachelors of Science (BS) degrees are available. A BA in criminal justice focuses on communication, critical thinking, and holistic learning. In contrast, BS criminal justice online classes focus on reasoning, quantitative skills, and logic. One might be better than the other depending on your career goals. For example, if you wish to be a criminal justice researcher or criminologist, a BS is best. If you want to advocate for criminals or pursue criminal psychology, a BA is ideal.
Bachelor degrees are 120 credits in total on average. Most take four years to complete. However, an accelerated online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can be completed in three years. Other programs may combine your bachelor’s and master’s curriculums into 5-year programs.
GetEducated's Picks
- William Carey University Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
- Fisher College Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
- ECPI University Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice Online
Master’s in criminal justice degrees are typically 30 credits in total. They take two years to complete. However, some of the best master’s criminal justice online programs can take less than two years.
These graduate degrees have specific admission requirements. They require a bachelor’s degree in psychology, criminal justice, or a related subject. This is because a master’s program usually covers more advanced topics depending on one’s specialty, like:
- Sociology
- Criminal research
- Justice in law
There are many benefits of a master’s degree in criminal justice. For example, you’ll qualify for higher-paying or higher-position jobs. For example, a senior criminal profiler requires a master’s. You can also learn more advanced topics about your area of focus.
A master’s in criminal justice is worthwhile for better jobs and pay. It’s necessary for some high-research jobs, like advanced criminal profiler or criminal psychologist. Jobs like criminal profiler may technically accept candidates with bachelor’s degrees. However, most competitive candidates have a master’s or PhD in the field.
Even if your job doesn’t require a master’s degree in criminal justice, having a master’s may yield a hire criminal justice degree salary. A master’s degree has a reputation as more deserving of promotions or better pay grades.
GetEducated's Picks
- William Carey University Master of Science in Criminal Justice with Thesis
- Fisher College Master of Science in Criminal Justice
- Columbia Southern University Master of Science in Homeland Security / Criminal Justice
Top 5 Online Criminal Justice Colleges for an Associate’s
An online criminal justice associate’s degree could be just the ticket for you if:
- You want to get your start in the criminal justice major
- You want to try out some classes before committing to a bachelor’s degree
Here’s a breakdown of some of the best online criminal justice degrees at the associate level.
Lansing Community College
Lansing offers criminal justice programs tailored toward different interests and specialties. For example, you can take a generalized criminal justice AA degree. But you can also pursue a degree in corrections, or digital evidence training. Regardless, each of these programs is available online or in a hybrid format.
Lansing is a good choice because it offers plentiful student resources, like counseling and career guidance. Check out the school’s scholarships for additional assistance with financial aid.
Tompkins Cortland Community College
At Tompkins Cortland Community College, students can attend an AS or AAS degree. Both of which are 60 credits in total. These criminal justice degree programs offer courses in criminal justice and related subjects like social sciences and computer technology.
Over the course of the program, students will complete classes on topics like:
– Academic writing
– American state and local government
– Concepts of criminal lawStudents further have the option to pursue a criminal justice undergraduate certificate. This is just 30 credits and can be completed in less than a year.
Community College of Allegheny County
CCAC offers an AAS degree in criminal justice and criminology. It preps students to work in private or public agencies and law enforcement. The program includes generalized criminal justice courses. However, students must choose between a corrections or computer forensics focus. The former emphasizes police courses and topics. The latter emphasizes cross-disciplinary IT knowledge.
Notably, the credits earned in this program can be transferred to any state system college in Pennsylvania that also offers a bachelor’s in criminal justice. As a result, this is an excellent program for aspiring criminal justice majors. Especially those who want every credit earned to go toward a bachelor’s degree.
SUNY College of Technology at Canton
SUNY College of Technology at Canton offers a unique associate-level program. This degree has three different criminal justice specializations. These are law enforcement, corrections, and generalist. In any case, students will benefit from 100% online courses all year round.
Crucially, graduates can transfer all the credits into the criminal investigation, homeland security, or law enforcement leadership programs at SUNY Canton later on. Seasoned faulty lead each course. This ensures course rigor and ample student support and guidance.
Baker College
Baker College’s criminal justice associate program is 60 credit hours in total. It may be completed in two years or less. It’s designed with input from criminal justice experts to ensure academic quality and accuracy.
It’s also an affordable option for future criminal justice majors. 86% of students receive some form of financial aid through scholarships or grants. These specialized courses cover topics like criminology, criminal justice work experience, and more.
5 Best Online Schools for Criminal Justice Bachelor’s
Many of the best criminal justice jobs are only available once you have a bachelor’s in the subject. Here are some of the best criminal justice schools to acquire an online bachelor’s.
Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays offers excellent online criminal justice bachelor’s degrees. You can pursue a BA, Bachelor of General Studies, or BS in criminal justice. These programs cover topics like:
– Social justice
– Victim advocacy
– Crime mapping and analysisFurthermore, the programs provide experience in undergraduate research projects. This can be advantageous for your resume post-graduation.
Additionally, Fort Hays gives online and on-campus students alike a chance to study abroad if they so choose. At Fort Hays, you can study for a bachelor’s in majors such as sociology, political science, or psychology. Each is approximately 120 credit hours in total and takes four years to complete.
Florida International University
At FIU, online students can attend the BS in Criminal Justice or BS in Crime Scene program. The criminal justice degree specifically emphasizes the three foundational components of the justice system, including:
– Corrections
– Police
– The courtsThis program and its materials emphasize a research perspective. Therefore, it’s ideal for future researchers or policymakers.
Over the program’s duration, students will complete courses like:
– Criminal justice and the Constitution
– Introduction to criminal justice
– Research methods and analysisThis program is notable for its 100% online nature. This flexibility enables students around the globe to complete it without required in-person seminars.
American Public University System
American Public University System offers an online BA in criminal justice and a BS in criminal justice with a focus in digital forensics. The BA in particular explores topics like:
– Juvenile issues
– Stress management
– Criminal behaviorEach course is taught by professionals in the criminal justice industry. The program is 120 credits in total, and courses start each month.
Furthermore, veterans may be able to take advantage of significant discounts. For example, active-duty military, Reservists, and National Guard members don’t have to pay a per-course technology fee. Students can transfer up to 90 credits into this program.
Lynn University
Lynn University offers an online criminal justice bachelor degree. The BA covers topics like:
– Political studies
– Criminology
– Criminal psychologyFurthermore, all students will visit local law enforcement agencies. Even online students must participate in internships in Washington, DC, for at least one semester.
The program takes four years. Or three years if you pursue an accelerated track. Lynn also offers financial aid and means to fund your education. Thus, it’s an accessible program to acquire a bachelor’s cost-effectively.
University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati’s four-year BS in criminal justice preps students for excellent careers in the criminal justice system. It encourages all students to complete a minor or focus area in a subject of their choice.
The course of study is rigorous, and all students get access to advising services. Students can also choose from criminal justice-specific minors, such as:
– Correctional rehabilitation
– Foundations of cybersecurity
– Forensic populations
– Crime and intelligence analysis
Top 10 Online Criminal Justice Schools for a Master’s
Say you want to maximize your career potential and yearly salary. In that case, pursue an online master’s in criminal justice from one of these schools.
Texas A&M International University
Texas A&M offers a quality master’s in criminal justice online. It takes as few as 12 months, with 36 credit hours in total. The program provides students with thesis and non-thesis options depending on their preferences. A&M also offers an MBA with a concentration in criminal justice. This program benefits those pursuing management roles.
All students will study criminal justice classes online, like the administration of justice and criminological theory. The emphasis of the program is on research in:
– Legal studies
– Ethics
– CorrectionsThere are optional seminars on police practices and corrections. However, these will require traveling to both Texas A&M’s campus and local police precincts.
William Carey University
William Carey University’s online criminal justice master’s program is practitioner-based. It’s also fully online. Overall, the program is 30 hours in total and doesn’t require any previous criminal justice work. Furthermore, students can choose to pursue the degree with or without a thesis option.
Regardless, students will complete topics like:
– Applied ethics
– A seminar on homeland security
– Applied research methodsSeminars do not require in-person attendance. But students who take the thesis option must defend that thesis in person at the end of their program.
Indiana State University
Indiana State University’s criminology and criminal justice MS and MA degrees are fully online. Students must complete 36 credit hours in total. It’s intended for those pursuing law school or a terminal degree in the long run. On-campus visits are not required.
These programs are popular. And only available to students in the US and Canada (except for US military personnel). The HLC accredits this school. Indiana State University offers several types of payment plans and financial aid options.
Campbellsville University
Campbellsville University’s MS in Justice Studies – Criminology is two years long and 36 credit hours in total. Courses take eight weeks to complete on average, and start dates are available throughout the year. SACSCOC accredits this program. Enrolled students will explore contemporary criminal justice issues. Campbellsville University also offers a Justice Studies MS with a concentration in public service leadership and social justice.
The program is founded on Christian principles and ethics. It’s intended for students who wish to focus on criminal justice research and policymaking or law enforcement reform. Program benefits include personalized attention from faculty members with legal field experience.
Liberty University
Liberty University is a Christian school that offers 100% online and eight-week courses for its M.S. in Criminal Justice. Start dates are available throughout the year, and the program can be completed in 1.5 years on average. Students are further allowed to transfer up to 50% of their required 36 credits toward the degree from other schools.
It’s fully accredited by SACSCOC. Plus, it’s an ideal program for future law enforcement officers or criminal researchers. Due to the school’s Christian focus, it integrates Christian principles into many of the courses.
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice provides MS and MA online degrees in criminal justice. It also offers degrees on related topics like:
– Forensic science
– International crime and justiceMany of these programs can be pursued at the same time through dual degree programs. For example, this school offers a dual degree MA-JD in forensic psychology and law.
California University of Pennsylvania
PennWest California offers a good deal of criminal justice graduate programs. These include:
– A generalized MA degree
– Degrees in applied criminology
– Forensic linguistics programsAll students receive mentorship from faculty members who are criminal justice experts.
Students further benefit from real-time investigative training. This requires some travel and in-person attendance.
South College
South College’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice is totally online. It offers concentrations in:
– Fraud examination
– Computer forensic investigation
– Public administrationIn any case, students benefit from experienced professional tutors. Also, there are significant graduate certificate options.
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo University’s M.S. in criminal justice is taught by practitioners with lots of experience in the field. It takes about two years to complete and is 36 credit hours in total. Online students receive extensive support and hands-on learning opportunities, though none are strictly required. Students can choose to specialize their master’s degrees in areas like:
– Behavioral studies
– Corrections
– Criminal investigationsNorwich University
At Norwich University, students can take a self-paced MS in criminal justice. Start dates are available throughout the year. Most students complete the program in 15 months. Small class sizes of 15 students in total ensure proper attention is given to all online attendees.
Choosing a Criminal Justice Major
Online schools for criminal justice are interdisciplinary by nature. Common majors include:
Criminal justice is the broadest of these majors. These degrees focus on the criminal justice system and the three branches including law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Therefore, criminal justice degrees focus on criminal laws, crime, and punishment.
A closely related major is criminology. This major is related to psychology and sociology. Criminology focuses on the motivations, profiles, and patterns of criminals and criminal activities. A criminology degree concentration is better for criminal researchers and psychologists/sociologists. It’s also ideal for criminal advocates. Likewise, it could benefit those who communicate with the public about criminal motivations.
On the other hand, a criminal justice degree concentration is ideal for:
- Criminal investigators
- Police officers
- Correctional officers
- Forensic psychologists
No matter which major you choose, you’ll have a variety of courses in different areas of criminal justice. You can expect to study subjects like:
- Law
- Sociology
- Criminology
- Corrections techniques
- Policing and police philosophies
- Courts and sentencing
- Criminal research methods
How Much Does Online Schooling for Criminal Justice Cost?
The cost of an online criminal justice degree depends on:
- The type of degree
- Whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student
- The school’s overall reputation.
If you go to college online for criminal justice, you need to prepare for what it will charge you. Here are the average costs of online degrees for criminal justice by degree type. Click each rankings link for a full list of the cheapest program at each criminal justice degree level.
- Associate CJ degree rankings – $14,814 per year or $29,628 for two years
- Bachelor’s CJ degree rankings – $49,526 or $198,104 for four years
- Master’s CJ degree rankings – $19,359 or $38,718 for two years
Cheapest Online Criminal Justice Colleges by Degree Level
You don’t have to break the bank to earn an online criminal justice degree. Many of the best online colleges for criminal justice offer affordable criminal justice degrees online. Here’s a breakdown of three of the cheapest criminal justice degrees online at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels.
Associate – Coastline Community College – Associate of the Arts in Criminal Justice
Coastline’s A.A. in Criminal Justice program preps students for a variety of careers in criminal justice. It offers foundational courses for many entry-level positions, including topics like:
– Criminal law
– Criminal investigation
– Introduction to policingNote that this program is only available to students currently enrolled in the military/contract education program at Coastline.
On the plus side, the program is 100% online for maximum flexibility. It’s also accredited by the ACCJC or Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Bachelor’s – Penn Foster – Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree
Penn Foster offers a criminal justice bachelor’s degree. It’s online and totally self-paced. The degree is excellent prep for criminal justice jobs. Many graduates pursue careers like probation and police officer. The program is eight semesters in total and 121 credits. Most students take approximately six months to complete each semester.
However, Penn Foster offers an accelerated track. You can take advantage of this to complete each semester in three months. At this rate, you’ll complete the bachelor’s degree in 2 to 3 years at most. Course topics include victimology, criminal justice, and administration of justice.
Master’s – Fayetteville State University – Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Fayetteville’s M.S. in Criminal Justice is an affordable online criminal justice degree. It’s perfect for those looking to improve their understanding of criminal and social justice.
The program is split into thesis and professional options. With the thesis option, students must complete a six-credit hour thesis section. This requires writing and defending a master’s thesis. Students can also opt for the professional option, which is 33 credit hours. It includes a three-credit graduate capstone course instead.
Funding Your Criminal Justice Education
If the above numbers seem a bit expensive for you, keep in mind that there are financial aid options at every school.
Firstly, most criminal justice schools offer some type of financial aid. This includes scholarships or grants. You can apply for scholarships or grants before or during your school years. Most scholarships or grants are needs-based or require you to submit an essay.
If you have work experience in the criminal justice industry, you might pursue experiential credits. By counting your work experience as credits, you avoid taking as many classes to get your degree.
Military veterans can almost always take advantage of discounts, too. Many schools offer discounts both on class/per-credit tuition rates. Also, on things like student technology fees. Some schools allow military veteran spouses to take advantage of the same deals.
If you have some college credits from another school, see if you can transfer them into your current program. The more credits you can knock out, the less money you have to pay for your current criminal justice program.
Don’t forget to investigate whether your criminal justice school has any corporate partners. If your employer is a partner, you may be able to get a discount. For example, you could substitute your work experience for credits, as mentioned above. Criminal justice colleges in New York and elsewhere have many such partnerships.
Admission Requirements for Online Criminal Justice Colleges
Online criminal justice colleges often have strict admission requirements that you have to meet before you qualify. Here’s an example of potential admission requirements for each degree level.
Associate in Science in Criminal Justice From Could not look up degree for "Genesee Community College" using "333313"!
Genessee Community College offers an AS in criminal justice. This program needs a high school diploma or equivalent and official high school transcripts from each applicant. Since it’s an entry-level degree program, though, requirements end here.
Bachelor of Technology in Criminal Justice / Law Enforcement Leadership From SUNY College of Technology at Canton
Bachelor’s degrees, like this one from SUNY College of Technology at Canton, require more from applicants. To enter this program, you’ll need:
- A high school diploma or equivalent
- To be prepared to take college-level math in addition to ENGL 101
The program does not have GPA requirements, however.
Master of Science in Criminal Justice From Excelsior College
MS degrees in criminal justice have higher admission requirements. Many programs require good GPA scores of 2.5 or higher from one’s bachelor’s degree. Many also require GRE test scores. However, this M.S. in Criminal Justice from Excelsior College does not require GRE scores. It does require a transcript from a regionally accredited college or university.
Licensure After Online Schooling for Criminal Justice
Most criminal justice professionals do not require licenses. Police officers and forensic scientists, for instance, do not require licensure to obtain and maintain their jobs.
However, you can benefit from acquiring certain credentials. These prove that you have completed a training program and acquired a specialized skill. Popular certifications include:
- Forensic science certifications. For example, graduate certificates in crime analysis or forensic science technician)
- Legal certificates, like certified paralegal or criminal law certificate
- Law enforcement certifications. For example, peace officer skills training certificates and certified law enforcement analyst certificates
To learn more about criminal justice careers, check out this GetEducated article.
Criminal Justice Degree Careers
As cross-practice degrees, criminal justice programs open up many professional prospects. Some example careers with a criminal justice degree include:
- Police officer or detective – average salary of $66,020 per year
- Correctional officer or bailiff – average salary of $47,920 per year
- Forensic science technician – average salary of $61,930 per year
- Private detective and investigator – average salary of $59,380 per year
- Probation officer and correctional treatment specialists – average salary of $60,250 per year
FAQs
Is criminal justice a good major?
The criminal justice major is excellent for those interested in law enforcement or correctional professions. Criminal justice majors emphasizes skills in law, sociology, psychology, and criminology. Completing a criminal justice degree shows that you have specialized knowledge of the criminology, crime scene, and criminal analysis fields. It enables you to qualify for certain jobs depending on courses and specialty.
How long does it take to get a criminal justice degree?
Associate criminal justice degrees take two years or less to complete. Bachelor’s criminal justice degrees take four years or less to complete. Master’s criminal justice degrees take two years or less to complete. From start to finish to the master’s level, expect to spend 6 to 7 years on schooling.
What can you do with a criminal justice degree?
With a criminal justice degree, you can become a police officer or correctional officer. You can also become a detective or probation officer. Earn the right degree, and you could become a forensic science technician.
Attend an Online School for Criminal Justice Today
There are plenty of quality online schools for criminal justice you can attend. These include some of the most affordable options. GetEducated has the resources you need to find the best online criminal justice degree programs. Check out our school catalog today.