Earning an online bachelor's degree in criminal justice prepares students for meaningful work helping communities. This versatile degree can propel graduates into rewarding careers in law enforcement and public safety, social services, and private industries. Graduates often work as police officers, detectives, correctional specialists, special guards, and federal agents. Graduates may also work as forensic analysts, fraud investigators, and mediators.
Many employers in protective services prefer to hire candidates with a bachelor's in criminal justice or a related field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), an undergraduate degree is the minimum educational requirement for employment at a growing number of federal agencies. Additionally, many local and state police departments list a bachelor's degree as a requirement for promotion.
The BLS projects employment for police officers and detectives to increase by 7% through 2026, matching the national average for all occupations. The best-paying industries for these positions offer salaries between $60,000-$90,000, depending on employer and location.
The Most Affordable Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice Degree Programs
Affordable Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice Degree Program Ranking Guidelines:
We selected these online criminal justice programs based on their quality, criminal justice coursework, faculty, rankings, awards, and reputation, including the school's reputation for providing quality online degree programs.
The Most Affordable Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice Degree Programs
Rank | School | Location | Apply | More Information |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
California State University-Stanislaus |
Turlock, CA Apply Now | ||
2 |
California State University-San Bernardino |
San Bernardino, CA Apply Now | ||
3 |
CSU Global |
Greenwood Village, CO Apply Now | ||
4 |
California State University-Sacramento |
Sacramento, CA Apply Now | ||
5 |
University of Houston-Downtown |
Houston, TX Apply Now | ||
6 |
Texas Woman's University |
Denton, TX Apply Now | ||
7 |
University of South Florida |
Tampa, FL Apply Now | ||
8 |
University of Nebraska at Omaha |
Omaha, NE Apply Now | ||
9 |
Bellevue University |
Bellevue, NE Apply Now | ||
10 |
Indiana University-East |
Richmond, IN Apply Now | ||
11 |
Central Methodist University |
Fayette, MO Apply Now | ||
12 |
The University of Texas at El Paso |
El Paso, TX Apply Now | ||
13 |
Dalton State College |
Dalton, GA Apply Now | ||
14 |
University of Louisiana at Monroe |
Monroe, LA Apply Now | ||
15 |
Amridge University |
Montgomery, AL Apply Now | ||
16 |
University of Houston-Victoria |
Victoria, TX Apply Now | ||
17 |
Excelsior College |
Albany, NY Apply Now | ||
18 |
Northern Kentucky University |
Highland Heights, KY Apply Now | ||
19 |
University of Colorado Denver |
Denver, CO Apply Now | ||
20 |
Arizona State University-Skysong |
Scottsdale, AZ Apply Now | ||
21 |
Polk State College |
Winter Haven, FL Apply Now | ||
22 |
University of Alaska Fairbanks |
Fairbanks, AK Apply Now | ||
23 |
Peirce College |
Philadelphia, PA Apply Now | ||
24 |
University of North Texas |
Denton, TX Apply Now | ||
25 |
Louisiana State University-Alexandria |
Alexandria, LA Apply Now |
End of list, bravo!
The Advantages of an Criminal Justice Education
While an associate degree qualifies graduates for many entry-level jobs in law enforcement, corrections, and security, these positions tend to offer compensation at the lower end of the industry payscale and limited opportunities for advancement. Individuals who earn a criminal justice bachelor's degree online position themselves to advance their careers.
A bachelor's degree is the preferred or required credential for positions like probation officers, forensic technicians, emergency management directors, and federal agents. Bachelor's degree-holders can further boost their career potential by pursuing a master's, which can lead to leadership positions and higher salaries.
Average Salary by Degree Level
Degree Level | Average Salary |
---|---|
Associate Degree in Criminal Justice | $46,000 |
Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice | $51,000 |
Source: PayScale
Criminal Justice Degree Salary Information
Careers in law enforcement, corrections, and security require assertiveness and physical strength to handle difficult working conditions. Salaries in most criminal justice fields start fairly high compared to other public service careers, and pay rates increase with higher levels of education and work experience. It is also common for law enforcement professionals to receive overtime pay.
- Federal Agent
- These law enforcement specialists enforce laws and investigate violations on a national level. They work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of State, and other government agencies, gathering evidence, conducting surveillance, and sometimes operating undercover. Applicants must meet rigorous entrance qualifications, including holding a bachelor's degree from an accredited school.
- Security Manager
- Most organizations prefer to employ security managers with a bachelor's degree and experience in security, management, law enforcement, or a related field. These managers safeguard a company's physical and financial assets, employees, and visitors. They supervise and train security staff, create security policies and procedures, and conduct audits to ensure compliance.
- Private Detective/Investigator
- Working independently or for private companies, these professionals gather research; conduct interviews; and analyze legal, financial, and personal information for clients. The may conduct surveillance on individuals suspected of criminal actions, investigate fraud for banks or insurance companies, or perform background checks for employers.
- Police Officer
- Most police departments hire high school graduates or associate degree-holders for entry-level positions, but some require a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field. Depending on individual assignmets, police officers may collect evidence for criminal investigations, participate in arrests and raids, and testify in court cases.
- Probation Officer/Correctional Treatment Specialist
- These professionals are charged with faciliting the rehabilitation of individuals released from prison on probation or parole. They must understand a client's history, maintain case files, and work with clients to enforce the court-imposed conditions of their release. Duties may include connecting clients with services like drug counseling and job training.
Salary by Experience Level for Criminal Justice Careers
Careers | Entry Level (0-12 Months) |
Early Career (1-4 Years) |
Midcareer (5-9 Years) |
Experienced (10-19 Years) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Federal Agent | N/A | $65,000 | $76,000 | $71,000 |
Security Manager | $53,000 | $54,000 | $62,000 | $71,000 |
Private Detective/Investigator | $46,000 | $48,000 | $50,000 | $61,000 |
Police Officer | $44,000 | $47,000 | $52,000 | $60,000 |
Probation Officer/Correctional Treatment Specialist | N/A | $40,000 | $52,000 | N/A |
Source: PayScale
Choosing an Online Criminal Justice Degree Program
Selecting an online criminal justice degree program requires careful research. Each program may feature its own curriculum, distance learning format, and tuition policies. In-state schools generally offer more affordable tuition than out-of-state schools, although some programs charge all online students the same rate. Some programs allow students to complete all coursework online, while others require hybrid classes or on-campus residencies. Consider some of the following factors before enrolling in any program.
- Program Cost: Several factors can impact the cost of an online criminal justice bachelor's degree. Schools with seemingly low tuition rates may charge hefty technology fees for online credits. Some schools offer discounts for law enforcement or military personnel. Additionally, some online programs provide free readings and other instructional materials, reducing the cost of textbooks.
- Transfer Policies: Many colleges and universities participate in transfer agreements, enabling the seamless transfer of credits from other schools. Students with prior college experience should research the transfer policies of schools to ensure their credits will transfer to their prospective program.
- School Size and Type: A small school may offer more personalized attention than a larger school, while a large school may provide more diverse course offerings and concentrations. Earning a degree from a national university with a well-known reputation may appeal to some students, while a smaller school may offer more opportunities for mentoring and personal interactions.
- Program Length: A typical bachelor's program takes four years to complete, requiring approximately 120 credits. Many online programs offer flexible formats to accommodate the needs of adult learners. Part-time options allow students to take one or two courses each term, increasing flexibility but lengthening the time to completion. Some schools offer an accelerated curriculum, enabling students to complete their degrees in significantly less time.
- On-campus Requirements: Some online programs feature on-campus requirements. While self-paced learners may prefer the flexibility of an entirely online program, other students benefit from the direct supervision and support provided by a program with a residency component or a hybrid format that includes some face-to-face interaction.
Accreditation for Online Criminal Justice Degrees
Accreditation signifies that a school meets certain academic quality and financial integrity standards, as determined by one of several independent regulatory agencies. Accreditation affects eligibility for federal financial aid, acceptance of transfer credits, and how prospective employers and graduate schools view a degree.
At the institutional level, technical, vocational, and for-profit schools typically apply for national accreditation. Alternatively, nonprofit, degree-granting colleges and universities generally seek the more prestigious regional accreditation designation.
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) oversee the accreditation process. The ED administers federal financial assistance programs and determines national educational policy. CHEA establishes standards of academic quality, improvement, and accountability to coordinate postsecondary accreditation. Students can find directories of all accredited schools on the websites of the ED and CHEA.
In addition to institutional accreditation, some schools seek programmatic accreditation for their criminal justice programs. For example, the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences awards programmatic accreditation to bachelor's and master's programs in criminal justice.
Criminal Justice Concentrations
Many online bachelor's degrees in criminal justice allow students to tailor the program to their interests and goals by offering concentrations. Concentrations vary by program but usually reflect current trends in the field or areas of faculty expertise. The following table outlines common criminal justice concentrations.
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Investigative Criminology
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Courses in this concentration explore the methods used to gather and analyze data in law enforcement. Coursework includes laboratory components that provide hands-on training in procedures for conducting investigations; evaluating different types of evidence; and applying new technologies in the areas of surveillance, interviewing and interrogation, and analytics. Students also learn about the use of profiling and the ethical challenges it poses to the criminal justice system.- Careers this concentration prepares for: Police officers, criminal investigators and detectives, crime scene analysts
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Cybersecurity and Cybercrime:
This concentration deals with the prevention of computer- and internet-related crimes, detection of system vulnerabilities, and protection of data. Designed for students with some proficiency in computer and technological applications, course topics include digital forensics, information security, and network and mobile systems. Learners study cybercrime technology, including firewalls, data encryption, and other preventive tools.- Careers this concentration prepares for: Cybersecurity specialist, information security analyst, computer forensic examiner
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Corrections:
Students learn about the various methods of punishment, treatment, supervision, and rehabilitation of persons convicted of a criminal activity. Learners analyze the underlying rationale for these methods and evaluate best practices for offender interventions that reduce recidivism. Courses typically cover correctional and organizational theories, correctional administration and procedures, penology, and crisis management.- Careers this concentration prepares for: Correctional officers and supervisors, correctional treatment specialists, probation officers, juvenile corrections counselors, prison wardens
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Criminal Justice Administration :
This concentration covers administrative policies and practices in criminal justice, providing students with an understanding of management systems in law enforcement agencies and criminal justice organizations. The course also introduces students to contemporary challenges faced by criminal justice administrators. Coursework focuses on business finance, human resource management, ethics and accountability, and public policy and planning.- Careers this concentration prepares for: Police department managers, prison wardens, public policy analysts, social service administrators
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Homeland Security:
This concentration covers the major elements of national safety, disaster preparedness, and emergency management. Students gain an understanding of the international security environment as well as traditional and emerging transnational threats. They also examine the roles and functions of government agencies that affect homeland security policies and practices. Courses address domestic and international terrorism, risk assessment and management, and preparedness and response to threats.- Careers this concentration prepares for: Security and intelligence analysts, special agents, Secret Service officers, Immigration and Border Protection officers, Transportation Security Administration officer
How Long Does It Take to Get a Degree in Criminal Justice?
Earning a criminal justice bachelor's degree online typically requires around 120 credits, with full-time students often graduating in four years. However, several factors can impact the length of a degree.
Many online programs allow students with an associate degree or prior college coursework to transfer a large number of credits into a bachelor's program. This could enable transfer students to complete their undergraduate degrees in 18-24 months of full-time enrollment. Some schools also award credit for work and life experiences, further expediting graduation and reducing the overall cost of a degree.
Accelerated formats may appeal to highly motivated students who can handle the quick pace of five- or eight-week terms, instead of more traditional 16-week sessions. These programs usually offer courses continuously throughout the year, allowing students to graduate in less than four years. Online students who choose to attend part time or take a semester or two off because of work or family commitments will take more time to complete their degree; this may lead to higher tuition costs for additional terms of study.
Courses in an Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice Program
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Introduction to Criminal Justice
This course introduces students to the philosophy, history, and classical and contemporary theories of criminal justice. Learners study criminal law; constitutional law; and the contemporary criminal justice system, including the structure and functions of law enforcement agencies, courts, and the correctional system. -
Cybercrime
This course explores criminal activity committed through computer technology and the internet, emphasizing methods for prevention, detection, and protection. Topics include computer hacking, electronic surveillance, encryption, and network and mobile security. Students learn about the technological tools used to enhance computer security, such as data encryption and firewalls. -
Policing in Society
This course examines police work and challenges affecting policing in the current social and political environment. Students explore reactive, proactive, and community policing, as well as the difference between law enforcement and policing within a critical framework. Readings and lectures address contemporary issues such as profiling, policing in a multicultural society, and community-based policing.
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Research Methodology in Criminal Justice
This course introduces the main research methods and statistical techniques used to conduct criminal justice research. Coursework covers research design, hypothesis testing, data collection and analysis, and report writing. Students apply this knowledge to design and conduct research projects and evaluate and assess current policies and research. -
Race in the Criminal Justice System
This course connects theoretical perspectives and contemporary research to the analysis of racial disparities in crime rates, arrests, sentencing, and incarceration. Students examine the ways that structural inequality and biases create and reinforce law enforcement practices and public policies that unfairly target people of color.
Paying for Your Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice Degree Program
The cost of earning an online bachelor's degree in criminal justice varies depending on the college or university. Some institutions offer discounted rates for those earning a criminal justice bachelor's degree online, while others charge similar rates for distance and on-campus learners. Degree-seekers can explore a variety of ways to help pay for their education, typically starting with the completion of a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The FAFSA helps learners determine what types of federal aid and how much of it they are able to receive, including both loan and grant opportunities. Many students also explore scholarship opportunities, finding awards based on both financial need and merit.
Scholarships for Accounting Students
Who Can Apply: Open to bachelor's students planning to pursue careers in law enforcement, the Brian Terry Scholarships program operates in honor of patrol officers killed in the line of duty. Applicants must be studying criminal justice at the undergraduate level to qualify.
Amount: Varies
My Alarm Center Student Scholarships
Who Can Apply: Available to students studying criminal justice, law enforcement, or a related field, My Alarm Center Scholarships serve graduating high school seniors and freshman or sophomore undergraduate students. Applicants must submit an essay with their scholarship applications.
Amount: $1,000
Sheryl A. Horak Law Enforcement Explorer Memorial Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Law enforcement explorers who are at least high school seniors may apply for the Sheryl A. Horak Law Enforcement Explorer Memorial Scholarship. This merit-based award requires candidates to demonstrate a strong academic record, varied extracurricular activities, and solid leadership abilities, as reflected in a personal statement.
Amount: $1,000
The Melissa Linville Criminal Justice Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Undergraduate students enrolled in an accredited criminal justice program and high school seniors planning to pursue degrees in criminal justice may apply for the Melissa Linville Criminal Justice Scholarship offered by Crimcheck.net. Requirements include demonstrated leadership abilities and a 3.0 minimum GPA.
Amount: $500
Irlet Anderson Scholarship Award
Who Can Apply: Open to African American high school seniors planning on pursuing a career in criminal justice or law enforcement, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives administers the Irlet Anderson Scholarship award. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and meet a 3.8 minimum GPA requirement.
Amount: $3,500