With today’s culture changing so quickly, the criminal justice system has grown more intricate and multidimensional. The need for flexible and accessible educational pathways is more important than ever since there is an increasing demand for trained personnel in the fields of security, corrections, and law enforcement. Introducing the realm of online criminal justice degree programs: a game-changing approach that is completely changing the way aspirants in the field can achieve their academic and professional objectives.
Online Schools For Criminal Justice Degrees
Online criminal justice degree programs present a special chance for people looking to start a fulfilling career in law enforcement and public safety. These cutting-edge programs make use of technology to offer thorough curricula, real-world experience, and individualized support—all while maintaining the flexibility and convenience that today’s learners require.
1. Florida International University
4 year
Campus + Online
Avg. Cost per Credit: $228.81 (in-state) | $345.87 (out-of-state)
Credits to Graduate: 120
Students enrolled in FIU’s fully online Bachelor of Science program in Criminal Justice receive a comprehensive education in the field’s application and study.
You will gain knowledge of criminological theory, research techniques, and analysis, as well as the application of the US Constitution to criminal justice situations. Additionally, you will do a senior capstone project that addresses a crime and public policy problem from the actual world.
For one of three start terms in the fall, spring, or summer, interested students may apply. Test results and other pertinent transcripts must also be submitted.
2. University of Central Florida
4 year
Campus + Online
Avg. Cost per Credit: $179.19 (in-state) | $715.80 (out-of-state)
Credits to Graduate: 120
Students training for jobs in criminal justice at the municipal, state, and federal levels are the focus of UCF’s online criminal justice BA and BS programs. You will gain knowledge about the history and scope of the legal system via the curriculum. After graduation, you’ll have the skills and information needed to apply to graduate programs.
With less than $200 per credit, an online degree from UCF may be a more cost-effective option for in-state students looking to attend college. First-year students are not eligible to apply to UCF Online to begin their college studies; instead, they must be transfer students.
3. Liberty University
4 year
Campus + Online
Avg. Cost per Credit: $390
Credits to Graduate: Varies (transfers strongly encouraged)
With Liberty’s online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program, you can enhance your law enforcement job or get ready for a career in law enforcement. The eight-week program is designed for students who have completed some or all of the required credits toward their degree; transfers of up to 75% of the required credits are accepted by the university.
Specialized courses are available in areas such as juvenile detention, business law, and the psychology of criminal conduct.
Online textbooks are included in the tuition price, which is fixed until 2024. You must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and complete an online application to apply.
4. San Diego State University
4 year
Campus + Online
Avg. Cost per Credit: $492 (in-state) | $511 (out-of-state)
Credits to Graduate: 48
The online, asynchronous BS in criminal justice degree completion program offered by SDSU Global Campus is intended for students who have already commenced their studies. The program places a heavy emphasis on social justice and equity in the criminal justice system and can be finished in as little as 15 months.
Courses like law enforcement, administrative conduct, forensic science, and crime and behaviour will be taught to you.
You need to have a minimum GPA of 2.8 and at least 60 transferable credits to apply.
5. Southern New Hampshire University
4 year
Campus + Online
Avg. Cost per Credit: $320
Credits to Graduate: 120
With an emphasis on practical application, SNHU’s online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program offers an embedded communication certificate. After completing basic police training, students are eligible to get up to 12 credits for their education.
Several concentration options are available to you, such as cybercrime, human services and advocacy, and criminology and criminal analysis. You must apply online and submit your demographic data and educational background.
6. Southeastern University
4 year
Campus + Online
Avg. Cost per Credit: $399
Credits to Graduate: Varies (transfers encouraged)
A profession in criminal justice, law, or a similar field can be attained with the help of SEU’s online BS in criminal justice program. All three parts of the justice system—law enforcement, courts of law, and corrections—as well as how to develop the necessary skills for a job in each will be covered.
As part of the American Studies Program, you can do an internship in Washington, D.C., even though all classes are given online. To apply, you must hold a GED or high school diploma.
7. University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
4 year
Campus + Online
Avg. Cost per Credit: $549 (in-state) | $564 (out-of-state)
Credits to Graduate: 120
The criminal justice online BS program offered by UC offers a thorough introduction to the subject and its connected subjects. To get a full grasp of the justice system, you will study legal studies, criminology, criminal justice, and legal history.
Since the cost of tuition is the same for in-state and out-of-state students, students from other states may find this program appealing. To apply, you need to have at least a 2.7 GPA from high school. A minimum college GPA of 2.0 is required for transfer students.
8. Western Carolina University
4 year
Campus + Online
Avg. Cost per Credit: $301.51 (in-state) | $468.17 (out-of-state)
Credits to Graduate: 120
A research-based understanding of criminology and its application to criminal justice is offered by WCU’s online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program. The curriculum is intended to be comparable to the residential BS in criminal justice offered by the school. You’ll take a few general education classes and study criminology from a historical and statistical standpoint.
Candidates must have worked in law enforcement, the criminal justice system, or a similar profession for at least a year. Faculty members assess your criminal justice experience as part of your entire application.
9. California State University-San Bernardino
4 year
Campus + Online
Avg. Cost per Credit: $277.5 (in-state) | $369 (out-of-state)
Credits to Graduate: 120
The criminal justice bachelor’s degree at CSUSB is available online and on the San Bernardino campus. Along with completing general education requirements like composition, this program offers a variety of criminal justice courses along with electives that you can choose from.
An introduction to the criminal justice system, statistics in the field, research techniques, and police and police systems are among the core courses.
You must finish a pre-criminal justice major to be admitted into the major; once all prerequisites have been met, the major will automatically convert to a criminal justice major.
10. University of Arizona
4 year
Campus + Online
Avg. Cost per Credit: $555
Credits to Graduate: 110
First-year and transfer students can enrol in Arizona Online’s Bachelor of Science program in criminal justice studies. You will learn in four areas of concentration in this program: social and behavioural sciences; statistics and data science; mathematics; psychology and human behaviour; and law, policy, and social justice.
Since Arizona Online does not increase tuition fees for out-of-state students, it is a viable choice for students who could relocate while pursuing their degree. You don’t need to provide high school transcripts to apply; you can self-report your grades.
The Significance of Accreditation in Online Criminal Justice Programs
Independent accrediting organizations formally evaluate and confirm a school’s academic quality about a set of requirements during the accreditation process. To be eligible for federal financial help, you have to attend an authorized institution.
Additionally, some academic programs could be accredited programmatically.
You may choose to explore online criminal justice programs that have been certified by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS), even though neither the Department of Education nor the Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognizes any specific criminal justice accreditors.
To highlight the calibre of their curricula, a lot of the best online criminal justice programs seek this certification.
Coursework for an Online Criminal Justice Degree
While varied techniques and curricula are used by online criminal justice colleges, most bachelor’s degrees have a similar basic framework.
Generally speaking, you will study the nature of crimes and prisons as well as the history of the criminal justice system.
You could study the following courses to earn your online degree in criminal justice:
- Criminology
- Criminal justice system
- Criminal law
- Corrections
- Policing in America
- Ethics in criminal justice
- Research methods in criminal justice
Online criminal justice programs give you an understanding of police, corrections, and criminal law procedures. Your communication, critical thinking, and situational awareness will all improve.
Even though the majority of these programs are offered online, several of them require in-person practicums.
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Justice Degrees
Is a criminal justice degree hard?
Although some courses or tasks can be difficult for you, a degree in criminal justice is generally regarded as being more approachable.
Some students may find it difficult to understand the numerous aspects of criminal law and the criminal justice system that are covered in these programs. It could also be challenging to deal with the practical and physical aspects.
However, you can excel in a criminal justice degree program if you have the right dedication and perseverance.
Is there a lot of math in criminal justice?
A criminal justice degree may include some math but typically not a lot. You might need to take an algebra or introductory calculus course as part of your school’s general education requirements.
Is going to college for criminal justice worth it?
It may be well worth pursuing a degree in criminal justice. Although a degree isn’t necessarily required, it might lead to greater opportunities in the criminal justice field.
An online criminal justice degree, for instance, will provide you with greater professional flexibility and provide you with the information and abilities you need to differentiate yourself from other job applicants if you’re hoping to work in law enforcement.
A criminal justice degree can increase your chances of getting promotions and leadership roles in addition to granting you access to federal opportunities.