Learners with a high school or GED diploma can pursue an online criminal justice degree. Applicants may need to submit standardized test scores and recommendation letters. Coursework covers criminology theories, communication skills, and challenges criminal justice professionals face.
Popular criminal justice jobs include police officer, private investigator, and criminal profiler. Some careers require a bachelor's degree and professional experience. The following guide to online criminal justice degrees answers frequently asked questions, highlights typical courses, and explores career paths. Before applying to criminal justice schools, learners should contact an admissions advisor about program requirements and outcomes.
View Our Rankings List HereFrequently Asked Questions About Criminal Justice
What kind of jobs can I get with a criminal justice degree?
Criminal justice careers include counterterrorism investigator, paralegal, and public policy analyst. Bachelor's degree-seekers prepare for careers through specialization or elective courses.
What are the highest-paying criminal justice jobs?
Some of the highest-paying criminal justice jobs include lawyer, forensic analyst, and private investigator. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), lawyers earn a median salary of $126,930 per year.
What skills does criminal justice require?
Criminal justice professionals need transferable skills in written and oral communication, time management, and critical thinking. Students earning an online criminal justice degree develop these skills in major and general election classes.
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Why Get a Degree in Criminal Justice?
According to the BLS, police officers and detectives earn a median annual salary of $67,290, approximately $25,000 more than median salary for all occupations. Other criminal justice professionals, such as emergency management directors, earn higher median salaries. The BLS projects employment for police officers and emergency management directors to increase about as fast as average from 2020-2030.
Online criminal justice degrees offer flexibility and accessibility. Distance learning allows more learners to access criminal justice careers. Asynchronous learning allows degree-seekers to schedule their education around work and family responsibilities. Additionally, online students can enroll in out-of-state programs without relocating.
How Much Does a Criminal Justice Cost?
Although tuition varies by school, many online degrees offer a tuition rate much lower than what on-campus degree-seekers pay. Students find affordable online criminal justice degrees by exploring in-state public schools. Most public schools charge the lowest tuition to residents. Typical full-time students earn a bachelor's degree in four years. Accelerated degree-seekers may need only three years. Part-time learners may need five years.
Online criminal justice degrees may charge fees, such as a technology fee. Other expenses include textbooks and a graduation fee. Learners should also budget for technology, as they must meet their school's technology requirements. Students may need to purchase a new computer or a faster internet connection.
How Much Do Criminal Justice Majors Make?
Salary potential depends on many factors, such as location. Police and patrol officers living in California, New Jersey, and Alaska earn the highest median salaries, according to BLS data. Washington state and Hawaii also offer high salaries. However, these states' costs of living exceed the national average. Students interested in high-paying criminal justice careers can consider fire inspector and forensic science technician.
Graduates of criminal justice schools often qualify for more career opportunities. The FBI requires all special agents to hold a bachelor's degree. Some specialized law enforcement agents need an academic background in criminal justice and another subject.
Courses in Criminal Justice
Online criminal justice degrees require major courses, general education classes, and electives. Major coursework prepares learners to identify why crime happens and determine appropriate consequences. Students learn how various agencies make communities safer. Many programs feature concentrations aligning with certain careers.
The following sample curriculum highlights three courses that many affordable online criminal justice degrees require. Curricula and student experiences vary by school. Program websites typically provide information about academic requirements and graduates' employers. Prospective students can also explore their school's career center website.
This introductory course covers the relationship between biology and psychology, the human nervous system, and development over the lifespan. Students learn to analyze case studies and draw conclusions about criminals' motivations. The course does not typically require prerequisites.Essentials of Psychology
Regardless of their career goals, students take this class to understand officers' roles in law enforcement. Coursework explores law enforcement theories, procedures, and types of violence. Learners also examine police corruption's impact on public safety. Degree-seekers analyze a community's law enforcement needs and draft a community policing policy.Police Studies
Paralegals, lawyers, and judges need advanced research and writing skills. Students in this course improve their information literacy, use research aids, and write memoranda. Learners complete research projects on criminal justice topics such as parental custody. Prerequisites may include a first-year English or writing course.Legal Research and Writing
Career and Salary Outlook for Criminal Justice
The criminal justice field has dozens of career tracks. Many feature high median annual salaries and strong projected growth rates. Graduates of criminal justice schools qualify for a variety of fulfilling job opportunities.
The following descriptions highlight popular career's responsibilities. Job duties vary by state and employer. Some jobs require professional experience in addition to a criminal justice degree. Career advisors can help students understand specific job requirements.
Probational and Correctional Officers
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Criminal Justice Degrees By State
Top Criminal Justice Programs
These rankings include
#1 Earning an Online Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Saint Leo University supports flexible educational opportunities for students near and far. Undergraduate students can choose from in-person and remote degree programs. Learners can choose from one of 46 bachelor's degree programs and opt for remote study across 22 programs.
To earn a bachelor's of criminal justice degree, whether in-person or online, students join a supportive learning community, working alongside peers, faculty, and staff. Criminal justice students complete relevant coursework to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to begin a career in public safety.
Learners can also customize their studies, choose electives, and declare degree concentrations and minors. While enrolled, learners can connect with institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising, to receive further guidance.
The college connects students with scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities to help offset educational expenses.
#2 Earning an Online Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
New York, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students seeking a flexible bachelor's degree program should consider CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Located in New York, New York, the public institution features in-person and virtual programs, enabling remote students to benefit from top-ranked classes, world-class faculty, and a supportive learning community.
Students pursuing a criminal justice bachelor of science will participate in classes, lectures, and experiential learning opportunities to prepare them for a career in criminal justice. Along with studying institutional theory and practice, degree-seekers can also modify their classes, choose electives, and declare minors to personalize their eduction. Students can access institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising, throughout the course of their studies.
Applicants may be eligible for funding, such as scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid, to defray the costs of education. The institution reports that 85% of all degree seekers receive some form of financial aid.
#3 Earning an Online Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree
Tiffin University
Tiffin, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Degree-seekers who prefer flexible educational options should consider one of the 55 bachelor’s degrees from Tiffin University. Of its 55 bachelor's degree programs, 18 are offered online. Undergraduate students benefit from skilled faculty, rigorous coursework, and a supportive learning environment.
Through lectures, coursework, and other learning opportunities, criminal justice students can gain the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in criminal justice. While earning a bachelor of criminal justice, degree-seekers can modify their classes, choose electives, and declare minors and degree concentrations. The college connects students with numerous resources, such as academic advising and career services, throughout the duration of their degree programs.
Applicants may be eligible for funding, such as scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid, to defray the costs of education.
#4 Earning an Online Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree
University of New Haven
West Haven, CT - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students seeking a flexible education can explore the University of New Haven's in-person and online degree offerings. The West Haven-based college supports both learning platforms, and students benefit from a supportive learning community, top-ranked faculty, and motivated peers.
Enrollees seeking a bachelor of science in criminal justice take foundational and advanced classes, learning the ins and outs of the field. Degree-seekers can modify their classes and choose degree concentrations, such as correctional rehabilitation, crime analysis, and police science. While enrolled, participants benefit from career and academic counselors, receiving personal and academic guidance throughout their studies.
Prospective students can meet with the financial aid office to determine their eligibility for scholarships and other financial aid awards. The institution reports that 99% of all degree-seekers receive some form of financial aid.
#5 Earning an Online Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Eastern Kentucky University provides premier degree programs suitable for undergraduate students. The public college offers 89 bachelor's degree programs, 17 of which are fully remote. One of these remote programs is the online bachelor’s degree in police studies.
Criminal justice students benefit from foundational and advanced coursework, as well as lectures covering conflict resolution and critical thinking skills. Students can also work with an academic advisor to customize their degrees by choosing a minor degree and elective classes. While enrolled, participants benefit from career and academic counselors, receiving personal and academic guidance throughout their studies.
Students can explore their eligibility for scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid in consultation with the financial aid office. The average financial aid package earned by students amounts to $8,121.
#6 Earning an Online Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree
Lake Superior State University
Sault Ste Marie, MI - 4 years
- Campus
Undergraduate students seeking competitive study should consider one of Lake Superior State University's 51 bachelor's programs. Students considering a career in law enforcement or a related career should consider a bachelor of science in criminal justice.
While enrolled, students complete foundational and advanced coursework, gaining skills and knowledge relevant to professional communication, personal responsibility, and evidence analysis. Students have the option to modify their classes, choose electives, and customize their studies. Enrollees can also access career services, academic advising, and other resources throughout their program duration.
Students can meet with the financial aid office to determine their eligibility for scholarships, fellowships, and other financial aid awards. Of all enrollees, 96% receive financial aid awards.
#7 Earning an Online Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree
Utica College
Utica, NY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students seeking a flexible bachelor's degree can learn at their own pace at Utica College. The Utica-based school supports hybrid learning opportunities with in-person and online programs. Students gain access to a supportive learning community regardless of their location.
Criminal justice students near and far benefit from a supportive learning community through the online bachelor of science (BS) in criminal justice program. Degree-seekers benefit from a robust education, completing coursework that familiarizes them with criminal justice. These classes equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to advance in their future careers.
In consultation with an academic advisor, students can modify their coursework, choose electives, and pursue degree concentrations and minors to suit their career goals. While enrolled, learners can connect with institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising, to receive further guidance.
The college connects students with a variety of funding opportunities to defray educational costs.
#8 Earning an Online Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree
Madonna University
Livonia, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students seeking flexible study should consider Madonna University. Undergraduate students can choose from in-person and remote degree programs. At present, the college provides 84 bachelor's degree programs, with 12 programs supporting remote study.
To earn a career in criminal justice, students can earn their bachelor of science in criminal justice degree. Students connect with a supportive learning community, whether in person or online. Degree-seekers benefit from a robust education, completing coursework that familiarizes them with their field of interest. Learners also have the option to pursue a minor or associate's degree in criminal justice.
Students can declare minors, degree concentrations, and further customize their studies in consultation with an academic advisor. Students can also access institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising, throughout their studies.
Students can meet with the financial aid office to determine their eligibility for scholarships and other educational funding. The institution boasts that 97% of all enrollees receive some form of financial aid.
#9 Earning an Online Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale supports flexible educational opportunities for students near and far. Students can pursue remote study or learn from the college's campus in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The college campus and online learning environment enable students to connect with peers, faculty, and staff during their studies.
To earn a bachelor of arts in criminal justice, remote and campus-based students connect with peers, faculty, and staff through a supportive learning environment. Students in the criminal justice program complete industry-relevant coursework and attend lectures, gaining the skills and knowledge needed to succeed. Learners complete foundational and advanced coursework with the option to pursue internships and other experiential learning opportunities.
Students can also declare minors and degree concentrations to personalize their learning experience. While enrolled, learners can connect with institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising, to receive further guidance.
To help offset the cost of tuition, students can meet with a financial aid counselor to explore funding opportunities.
#10 Earning an Online Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree
Anna Maria College
Paxton, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Anna Maria College supports flexible educational opportunities for undergraduate students. Located in Paxton, Massachusetts, the private institution offers competitive, flexible programs that can be completed in person or online. Students connect with supportive faculty, colleagues, and other staff through in-person and online learning environments.
Students seeking to earn a bachelor of science in criminal justice benefit from a supportive learning community. As part of the program curriculum, students complete coursework and attend relevant lectures given by educators in criminal justice and law enforcement. These classes equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to advance in their future careers in the field.
Learners can customize their studies to suit their personal and professional goals. Learners can also benefit by utilizing institutional resources, such as academic advising and career services.
Students can meet with a financial aid counselor to explore funding opportunities. At the college, 100% of all incoming students receive financial aid funding.
#11 Earning an Online Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Drexel University provides premier degree programs suitable for undergraduate students. The college supports 101 bachelor's programs, with eight degrees available fully online While enrolled, students connect with premier faculty and benefit from a supportive learning community.
While earning a bachelor of science in criminology and justice studies, students gain skills and knowledge through their coursework to prepare for their future careers. Students can work with their academic advisors to customize their degrees and study trajectory. The college also connects students with numerous resources, such as academic advising and career services, throughout the duration of their degree programs.
Students can explore their eligibility for scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid in consultation with the financial aid office. At the college, 100% of all enrollees are awarded financial aid packages.
#12 Earning an Online Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students seeking a flexible education can explore Sam Houston State University's in-person and online degree offerings. To date, the college offers 65 in-person bachelor's programs, eight of which are fully remote. Students across modalities connect with peers and faculty through a supportive learning community.
The university offers two types of criminal justice degrees. Students can choose to pursue a bachelor of science (BS) degree or a bachelor of arts (BA) degree. Both degree tracks are available online. Enrollees gain skills and knowledge through lectures, coursework, and other learning opportunities. Degree-seekers can modify their classes, choose electives, and declare minors and degree concentrations. Students also receive guidance throughout their studies through academic advising, career services, and other resources.
Students can meet with the financial aid office to determine their eligibility for scholarships, fellowships, and other financial aid awards. The college boasts an average financial aid award package of $9,014, with 86% of all enrollees receiving some form of aid.
#13 Earning an Online Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree
Saint Ambrose University
Davenport, IA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Undergraduate students seeking competitive study should consider one of Saint Ambrose University's 95 bachelor's programs. At the university, enrollees gain access to a supportive learning environment and a world-class faculty, whether learning online or in person.
Students pursuing a bachelor of science in criminal justice complete foundational and advanced coursework while enrolled. The university also offers a criminal justice minor and specialized track for students planning to earn an advanced degree. In addition, students can pursue internships and other experiential learning opportunities. Students can also access institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising, throughout the course of their studies.
Based on their eligibility, students can receive scholarships, fellowships, and other financial aid awards. Of all enrollees, 100% receive financial aid awards.
#14 Earning an Online Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree
University of Central Oklahoma
Edmond, OK - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Undergraduate students seeking competitive study should consider one of the University of Central Oklahoma's 108 bachelor's programs. Of these bachelor's degrees, the school offers four online degrees entirely online.
Students seeking to earn a bachelor of arts in criminal justice gain skills and knowledge through fundamental and advanced coursework to prepare for a career in law enforcement or a related area. Students can work with their academic advisors to customize their degrees and study trajectory. Students also receive guidance throughout their studies through academic advising, career services, and other resources.
Students can meet with the financial aid office to determine their eligibility for scholarships, fellowships, and other financial aid awards. The college reports an average financial aid award package of $7,755.
#15 Earning an Online Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students seeking flexible study should consider Lewis University. Undergraduate students can choose from in-person and remote degree programs. To date, the school offers 79 bachelor’s programs, with eight online degree options.
Students benefit from a supportive learning community, whether they choose to learn online or in person. While enrolled in the bachelor of arts in criminal justice degree, students complete general and public safety administration-specific coursework. Students gain skills and knowledge necessary for relevant careers through their engagement with general and advanced classes.
Learners can customize their studies to suit their personal and professional goals. A leader in student success, the college also connects enrollees with career services, academic advising, and other supportive resources.
To manage the costs of education, students can apply for scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities through the financial aid office. Of all enrollees, 100% receive some form of financial aid.
#16 Earning an Online Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Honolulu, HI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Chaminade University of Honolulu, a private college in Honolulu, Hawaii, provides flexible study options for undergraduate students near and far. To date, the college offers 26 bachelor's programs, ten of which are fully remote. Enrollees gain access to a supportive learning environment during their studies with a top-notch faculty and motivated peers.
To earn a bachelor of science (BS) in criminology and criminal justice, students complete foundational and advanced coursework, gaining skills and knowledge relevant to law enforcement, public safety, and other related fields. Students can customize their study by declaring a double major, minor, or degree concentration. While enrolled, students can access institutional resources, including career services and academic advising.
The college connects students with numerous funding opportunities, from scholarships to federal financial aid. The institution reports that 99% of all degree-seekers receive some form of financial aid.
#17 Earning an Online Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree
Washburn University
Topeka, KS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Undergraduate students can benefit from a flexible, thorough education at Washburn University. A leader in hybrid education, the public college supports both in-person and online learning. To date, the public college supports 61 bachelor's programs, nine of which are online.
Students seeking to earn a bachelor's in criminal justice (BCJ) join a supportive learning community, connecting with peers, faculty, and staff in person and online. After enrolling, students complete coursework as part of the program curriculum. Participants take foundational classes, as well as advanced coursework, with the option to modify their schedule.
Students can also choose electives, degree concentrations, and degree minors to personalize their learning experience. Throughout their studies, students can access institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising.
To defray the costs of education, students can apply for scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities. According to the college, 92% of all enrollees receive financial aid, with the average student awarded $5,912 in aid.
#18 Earning an Online Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree
Cedar Crest College
Allentown, PA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cedar Crest College, a private college in Allentown, Pennsylvania, provides flexible study options for undergraduate students near and far. To date, the college offers 52 in-person bachelor's programs, four of which are fully remote. Online and in-person learners connect with peers, faculty, and staff, either through on-campus learning environments or virtual classrooms.
Students pursuing a bachelor's of criminal justice can gain the skills and knowledge necessary for their career field through lectures, coursework, and other learning opportunities. Students can customize their study by declaring a double major, minor, or degree concentration, which includes ethical leadership, juvenile studies, and criminal behavior. Throughout their program, students can also access resources such as career services, academic advising, and library services.
Students are eligible for scholarships, fellowships, and other financial aid awards. Of all enrollees, 100% receive financial aid awards.
#19 Earning an Online Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree
Adrian College
Adrian, MI - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Adrian College is a private college offering hybrid education in Adrian, Michigan. Students can choose from 77 bachelor's degree programs. Students benefit from a supportive learning community, top-ranked faculty, and motivated peers.
To earn a bachelor of arts in criminal justice degree, students complete foundational and advanced coursework to prepare for a career in criminal justice or an advanced degree. Students can customize their study by declaring a double major, minor, and degree concentration. Throughout their studies, students can access academic advising, career services, and other institutional resources.
The college connects students with numerous funding opportunities, from scholarships to federal financial aid.
#20 Earning an Online Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree
Ashland University
Ashland, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students interested in a flexible education should consider one of the 78 bachelor’s degrees from Ashland University. To date, the college offers 78 in-person bachelor's programs, five of which are fully remote. Enrollees connect with peers, faculty, and staff, either through campus learning environments or virtual classrooms.
Online students seeking a bachelor of science in criminal justice degree complete foundational and advanced coursework, as well as attend online lectures. Remote degree-seekers can modify their classes, choose electives, and declare minors and degree concentrations. Students benefit from institutional resources throughout their studies, including career services and academic advising.
Students can explore their eligibility for scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid in consultation with the financial aid office.