Best Online Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degrees
Investigate crimes, advocate for victims, improve correctional systems, or prepare for law school with an online criminal justice degree. An interdisciplinary academic field, criminal justice incorporates coursework in psychology, sociology, science, law, and technology. You might also participate in an internship with a law enforcement agency or correctional facility.
After graduation, you could pursue a career as a police officer, FBI agent, paralegal, forensic technician, or victim advocate. Alternatively, you could use your degree to help complete the requirements for admission to law school or a school of social work.
10 Best Online Criminal Justice Degrees
Florida International University
Miami, FL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Avg. Cost per Credit: $228.81 (in-state) | $345.87 (out-of-state)
Credits to Graduate: 120
FIU's fully online BS in criminal justice provides students with a broad-reaching education in the study and implementation of criminal justice.
You'll learn about criminological theory, research methods and analysis, and how the U.S. Constitution applies in criminal justice contexts. You'll also complete a senior capstone project that centers on a real-world crime and public policy issue.
Interested students may apply for one of three start terms in the fall, spring, or summer. You must also provide all relevant transcripts and submit test scores.
- In-State$4,721
- Out-of-state$16,529
- In-State$8,912
- Out-of-state$21,393
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate58%
- Students Enrolled58,836
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment86%
- AccreditationYes
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Avg. Cost per Credit: $179.19 (in-state) | $715.80 (out-of-state)
Credits to Graduate: 120
UCF's online BA or BS in criminal justice program targets students preparing for careers in criminal justice at the local, state, and federal levels. The program provides you with an understanding of the broader legal process and its history. You'll graduate with the knowledge and experience you need to enter graduate school.
For in-state students, at less than $200 per credit, an online degree from UCF can be a more affordable option for college. To apply, you must be a transfer student — first-year students cannot start their college careers at UCF Online.
- In-State$4,478
- Out-of-state$19,810
- In-State$6,916
- Out-of-state$25,759
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate45%
- Students Enrolled71,881
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment9%
- AccreditationYes
Liberty University
- Lynchburg, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Avg. Cost per Credit: $390
Credits to Graduate: Varies (transfers strongly encouraged)
Liberty's online BS in criminal justice can prepare you for a career in law enforcement or help you advance your law enforcement career. The program is divided into eight-week terms and targets students who have already earned some or all of the credits toward their degree, with the university accepting up to 75% of necessary credits via transfers.
You can take specialized classes in fields like business law, juvenile corrections, and psychology of criminal behavior.
Tuition costs are frozen through 2024, and online textbooks are included in the tuition price. To apply, you must submit an online application and have a minimum 2.0 GPA.
- In-State$14,791
- Out-of-state$14,791
- In-State$7,935
- Out-of-state$7,935
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate50%
- Students Enrolled93,349
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment93%
- AccreditationYes
San Diego State University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Avg. Cost per Credit: $492 (in-state) | $511 (out-of-state)
Credits to Graduate: 48
SDSU Global Campus's online asynchronous BS in criminal justice degree completion program is designed for students who have already started their degree. The program, which can take as few as 15 months to complete, strongly emphasizes social justice and equity in the criminal justice system.
You'll take courses like crime and behavior, law enforcement, forensic science, and administrative behavior.
To apply, you must have at least 60 transferable credits with a minimum 2.8 GPA.
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$16,680
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate37%
- Students Enrolled36,334
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment99%
- AccreditationYes
Southern New Hampshire University
- Manchester, NH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Avg. Cost per Credit: $320
Credits to Graduate: 120
SNHU's online BS in criminal justice emphasizes real-world applicability and includes an embedded communication certificate. Students who have completed basic police training may earn up to 12 credits for their training experience.
You can choose from among several concentration options, including criminology and crime analysis, cybercrime, and human services and advocacy. You must apply online and provide educational history and demographic information.
- In-State$9,600
- Out-of-state$9,600
- In-State$18,810
- Out-of-state$18,810
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance Rate94%
- Students Enrolled134,345
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment96%
- AccreditationYes
Southeastern University
- Lakeland, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Avg. Cost per Credit: $399
Credits to Graduate: Varies (transfers encouraged)
SEU's online BS in criminal justice prepares you for a career in criminal justice, law, or a related field. You'll learn about all three branches of the justice system — law enforcement, courts of law, and corrections — and how to cultivate skills for a career in each branch.
Although classes are offered entirely online, you may complete an internship in Washington, D.C., as part of the American Studies Program. You must have a high school diploma or GED certificate to apply.
- In-State$26,520
- Out-of-state$26,520
- In-State$13,365
- Out-of-state$13,365
- Retention Rate66%
- Acceptance Rate43%
- Students Enrolled9,546
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
- Cincinnati, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Avg. Cost per Credit: $549 (in-state) | $564 (out-of-state)
Credits to Graduate: 120
UC's online BS in criminal justice provides a broad overview of criminal justice and related fields. You'll study criminal justice, criminology, legal studies, and legal history for a thorough understanding of the justice system.
Tuition is similar for in-state and out-of-state students, making this program potentially attractive to students outside Ohio. You must have a minimum 2.7 high school GPA to apply. Transfer students must have a minimum 2.0 college GPA.
- In-State$9,723
- Out-of-state$25,057
- In-State$13,224
- Out-of-state$24,966
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled40,826
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment90%
- AccreditationYes
Western Carolina University
- Cullowhee, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Avg. Cost per Credit: $301.51 (in-state) | $468.17 (out-of-state)
Credits to Graduate: 120
WCU's online BS in criminal justice provides a research-based understanding of criminology and its application to criminal justice. The program is designed to be equivalent to the school's residential BS in criminal justice. You'll study criminology from a historical and statistical perspective and take a handful of general education courses.
Applicants must have at least one year of criminal justice work experience in law, law enforcement, or a related field. Criminal justice experience is evaluated by faculty as part of your overall application.
- In-State$1,000
- Out-of-state$5,000
- In-State$4,435
- Out-of-state$14,842
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate48%
- Students Enrolled12,243
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment81%
- AccreditationYes
California State University-San Bernardino
- San Bernardino, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Avg. Cost per Credit: $277.5 (in-state) | $369 (out-of-state)
Credits to Graduate: 120
CSUSB's BA in criminal justice is offered both online and at the San Bernardino campus. In this program, you'll complete general education requirements, such as composition, in addition to taking an array of criminal justice courses and any electives you choose.
Core classes include introduction to the criminal justice system, statistics in criminal justice, research methods, and police and police systems.
To be accepted into the major, you must complete a pre-criminal justice major, which will automatically switch over to a criminal justice major upon completion of all requirements.
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$16,680
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled19,689
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
University of Arizona
- Tucson, AZ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Avg. Cost per Credit: $555
Credits to Graduate: 110
Arizona Online's BS in criminal justice studies is open to both first-year and transfer students. In this program, you'll gain skills in four areas of focus: law, policy, and social justice; mathematics; statistics and data science; psychology and human behavior; and social and behavioral sciences.
Arizona Online does not raise tuition costs for out-of-state students, making this program a good option for those who may move out of state during their degree. To apply, you can self-report grades without having to supply high school transcripts.
- In-State$10,990
- Out-of-state$33,273
- In-State$11,938
- Out-of-state$32,065
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled45,601
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
What Is a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice?
Required Credits
120
Program Length
4 years (full time)
Delivery Format
In person or online
A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can prepare you for an exciting career in policing, corrections, investigations, or another public safety vertical. This major may include courses in cybercrime, victimology, and terrorism. You might also participate in an internship focused on your interests, such as juvenile justice or crime prevention.
Schools offer a criminal justice major in different types of bachelor’s degrees:
- Bachelor of Arts (BA): This degree emphasizes criminal justice’s social, philosophical, and political elements. It may be a good fit if you plan to attend law school or want to keep your career options open.
- Bachelor of Science (BS): A BS focuses on law enforcement’s technical, technological, and quantitative side. Courses might include social science research methods and interviewing and investigation techniques. This degree could lead to a career in policing, forensic science, fraud investigation, or security management.
- Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS): The BAS trains graduates for careers in criminal justice with a business or leadership role. Some BAS programs require an associate degree in criminal justice before applying. If you are a current law enforcement professional seeking to advance in your career, this could be the degree for you.
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA): This business-heavy program can equip you with the knowledge and skills to pursue a management role in a government agency, nonprofit organization, private security firm, or law firm focusing on criminal justice. The BBA may come with an optional concentration in financial crime.
- Bachelor of Criminal Justice (BCJ): Uncommon in the U.S., a BCJ is usually part of a degree-completion program for working students over age 25. To be accepted into a BCJ program, you may need criminal justice experience along with a minimum number of transferable credits.
Why Earn Your Criminal Justice Degree Online
- Enjoy a flexible learning schedule while maintaining a full-time job.
- Qualify for careers that allow you to make a difference and give back to your community.
- Save money—many online schools for criminal justice have the same tuition rates for all students, regardless of state residency.
- Access more program options, helping you find the best curriculum and specialization for you.
- Be part of a diverse student body, which can enrich your learning experience.
Are Online Criminal Justice Programs Accredited?
Accreditation is a formal process in which independent accrediting agencies vet and verify a school’s academic quality against a set of standards. You must attend an accredited school in order to qualify for federal financial aid.
Some academic programs may be programmatically accredited as well.
Though neither the ED nor the Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognizes any specialized criminal justice accreditors, degree programs in this field may pursue endorsement by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS). That said, only a handful of criminal justice programs are currently endorsed by the ACJS.
Find accredited criminal justice schools in your region:
How Much Does a Criminal Justice Degree Cost?
*Includes law enforcement, security, firefighting, and related protective services programs
A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can cost over $120,000 for the entire four-year program. However, this national average may not represent the price tag for your school since public universities often charge lower rates than private schools, and colleges with nationally recognized brands are often more expensive than smaller institutions.
You can reduce your total cost by maximizing your financial aid, finding an in-state college with a generous transfer policy, taking part-time courses, and living at home. To apply for federal financial aid, such as the Pell Grant, complete theFree Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is also the first step to securing many private scholarship funds. If you study online, you can earn money by working while getting your degree.
Did You Know…
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2023, the U.S. is home to more than 3.5 million protective services professionals.
What Can You Do With a Criminal Justice Degree?
The BLS projects 2% growth in protective services jobs between 2023 and 2033, with an average of 419,300 annual openings to replace turnover in these roles.
With a bachelor’s in criminal justice, you could qualify for roles in policing, corrections, private security, and social services. The table below provides details on some of the most popular career paths in the criminal justice field.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (2023) | Projected Job Growth (2023-2033) |
|---|---|---|
| Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer | $72,280 | +4% |
| Detective or Criminal Investigator | $91,100 | +2% |
| Forensic Science Technician | $64,940 | +14% |
| Private Investigator | $49,540 | +5% |
| Bailiff | $53,290 | -6% |
| Probation Officer or Correctional Treatment Specialist | $61,800 | +4% |
| Correctional Officer or Jailer | $53,290 | -6% |
| Social or Human Service Assistant | $41,410 | +8% |
Beyond the Bachelor’s Degree
An online criminal justice degree can equip you for graduate education in many legal and human service fields. Some of the most popular advanced degree programs include:
- Master of Social Work: An online MSW can prepare you to become a licensed clinical social worker, providing client case management and mental health support. Look for a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
- Juris Doctor: Most states require a JD to sit for the bar exam. Traditionally a three-year graduate program, the JD is now available in limited hybrid and online formats. Search for a program accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA).
- Doctor of Philosophy: An online Ph.D. in criminal justice is the highest academic degree in the field. Focused on original research, it can prepare you to write, consult, or teach at the postsecondary levels. Make sure your school holds institutional accreditation from a recognized accrediting agency.
- Doctor of Psychology: A Psy.D. in forensic psychology could prepare you to work as a clinical psychologist, performing assessment and treatment in criminal and legal settings. State licensing boards usually require clinical psychologists to have graduated from a program accredited by the American Psychological Association.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Criminal Justice Degrees
Is a bachelor’s in criminal justice worth it?
A four-year degree program in criminal justice can be worth it if you aspire to make a long-term career out of law enforcement. Although many local police departments hire officers with high-school diplomas, leadership roles and federal jobs, like FBI agents, typically require a bachelor’s degree or better. Higher education can also position you for pay raises in nearly any criminal justice career.
Is a criminal justice degree hard?
While you may find certain coursework or assignments challenging, a criminal justice degree is often considered a more accessible degree.
These programs cover various components of criminal law and the criminal justice system, which some students might find difficult to understand. The practical and physical elements might prove demanding as well.
With the proper commitment and determination, however, you can succeed in a criminal justice degree program.
How long does it take to get a criminal justice degree online?
Most students need at least four years to pursue an online criminal justice degree from start to finish. However, you can shorten your time to graduation by taking courses year-round, transferring credits from previous college experiences, or getting credit for nontraditional prior learning. Degree completion programs in criminal justice can also help streamline your education.
Can I be a paralegal with a criminal justice degree?
Yes, you can become a paralegal with a criminal justice degree. In fact, if you aspire to go to law school, a criminal justice major and experience as a paralegal could be an ideal pathway for you. However, employers may require you to hold an ABA-approved associate degree or certificate in paralegal studies.
Are criminal justice and criminology the same?
Criminology and criminal justice are not the same field. Criminology is a social science discipline focused on the social issues that drive crime and its effects, while criminal justice is concerned with investigating crimes and navigating the legal system. Aspiring forensic analysts and police officers might choose a criminal justice major, but hopeful researchers and victim advocates could select criminology.
