Getting a criminal justice degree leads to jobs that make a significant impact.
Explore our top-ranked online criminal justice programs and which jobs pay the most.
Criminal justice is the study of crime and how society responds to it.
A bachelor’s in criminal justice leads to numerous law-related jobs, including police and corrections.
The best online criminal justice degrees offer convenience and flexibility, especially for working adults.
Crime is an unfortunate but common part of life. But for every crime, someone tries to prevent it, bring criminals to justice, or support the victims. online colleges for criminal justice. A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice is a popular path to these law-related jobs. You’ll be able to work in law enforcement, corrections, social services and other jobs that make a big difference in communities.
If you’re considering a criminal justice degree, here’s what to do next:
Explore this page to determine whether this path is right for you.
Check out the top-ranked online bachelor’s in criminal justice programs and our sponsored programs.
Please ask for more information from schools you’re interested in to find the best fit for you.
What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Degree?
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What It’s About The study of crime and how society responds to it. A primary focus is on the criminal justice system — law enforcement, court systems, and corrections — and what happens in each stage of the criminal justice process.
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Purpose: This program helps you develop interdisciplinary skills to apply to various careers. The combination of legal, social services, and public policy training can prepare you to enter law enforcement, corrections, and security.
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Popular Jobs: You can work as a paralegal, forensic analyst, police or detective, corrections officer, or probation officer. You may also qualify for specialised or administrative positions in law enforcement.
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Featured Online Criminal Justice Programs
You can learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below. online colleges for criminal justice.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION
University of Phoenix
Lock in tuition while earning a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration with our Tuition Guarantee at the University of Phoenix. Prior credits and experience from the Peace Officers and Standards Training, the FBI National Academy Associates and the Basic Corrections Academy can help save you time and money. Learn More
University of PhoenixVisit Site
BS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Strayer University
Begin your degree with a new laptop. Enrol in any bachelor’s program and get a new laptop preloaded with Microsoft software. Eligibility rules and restrictions apply. Connect with us for details. Learn More
Strayer UniversityVisit Site
BS – CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Southern New Hampshire University
Navigating today’s complex criminal justice system takes a great communicator with a real-world perspective. SNHU’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice aims to get you there. You’ll learn from professionals across all disciplines who bring their experience to the classroom. Learn More
Southern New Hampshire UniversityVisit Site
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Why Should I Get an Online Criminal Justice Degree?
An online criminal justice degree is a flexible and convenient path to careers in the criminal justice system. You can balance work with school, control the pace, and minimize stress. online colleges for criminal justice.
A criminal justice degree also lays the groundwork for a stable career. You’ll qualify for government jobs that rarely go away and earn excellent benefits.
Benefits of a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice
Numerous career paths
Widely applicable skills
High job satisfaction
Job stability
Health and retirement benefits
Reasons to Get Your Criminal Justice Degree Online
Take classes while working full-time
Flexible class schedule
Self-driven learning environment
Learn from anywhere
Convenient for career changers
How Much Does a Criminal Justice Degree Cost?
An online degree costs between $6,000-$36,000. The cost may go up or down depending on a few factors:
Your school or program
If you have transfer credits
If you spend extra years in college
Criminal justice is a branch of social science. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the median annual cost for an online bachelor’s degree in social sciences is $6,637.
Average Annual Tuition Cost of a Bachelor’s Degree | 2020-21
Public Institution
$9,375
Private Institution
$32,825
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Average undergraduate tuition, fees, room, and board rates
Total Average Net Cost of Four Years of College | 2020-21
Public Institution
$56,720
Private Institution (Nonprofit)
$112,200
Source: BestColleges, How Much Does College Cost?
What Are the Best Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Programs of 2023?
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The University of Arkansas at Little Rock offers an online criminal justice degree program to prepare you for careers in corrections, law enforcement, and the court system. Required classes include an introduction to criminal justice, police and society, and crime and behavior. online colleges for criminal justice.
To be admitted to the program, you must meet the admissions requirements for the University of Arkansas and complete Composition I and II. You must have a minimum of 12 hours at UA Little Rock with a minimum GPA of 2.25.
Average Tuition
In-state
$6,495
Out-of-state
$18,750
Retention Rate
73%
Admission Rate
56%
Students Enrolled
8,899
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#2 Best Online Criminal Justice Programs of 2023
Franklin University
location-marker icon Columbus, OH
4 years
Online + Campus
100% Online | 6- and 12-Week Courses
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $398
Out of State | $398
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Institutional Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
Franklin University offers an online bachelor of science in criminal justice administration. This criminal justice degree program focuses on leadership within the criminal justice system. Required classes include intro to criminal justice administration, introduction to criminology, and evidence-based practice and research. online colleges for criminal justice.
If you enrol in this program, you can choose a focus on corrections, homeland security, law enforcement, public administration, or special populations. You can choose your own electives if you do not want to select a focus.
Average Tuition
In-state
$9,552
Out-of-state
$9,552
Retention Rate
9%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
5,926
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location-marker icon Indiana, USA
4 year
Online + Campus
Purdue University Global Logo
Purdue University Global
Building on Purdue’s mission to provide greater access to affordable, world-class education, Purdue University Global delivers a fully personalised online experience tailored to working adults. Advance your career in law enforcement, homeland security, and other public safety fields. Specialise in one of five concentrations. Complete your degree 100% online at one of the largest providers of public safety programs in the U.S.
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#3 Best Online Criminal Justice Programs of 2023
Campbellsville University
location-marker icon Campbellsville, KY
4 years
Online + Campus
100% Online | 8-Week Courses
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $410
Out of State | $410
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Institutional Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Campbellsville University offers a bachelor of science in criminal justice administration. This degree program provides a solid foundation in the principles of criminal justice. If you enroll in this program, you’ll learn about law enforcement, criminology, and victimology. online colleges for criminal justice.
You must complete an online application and submit copies of your college transcripts to apply. You must submit your official high school transcripts if you have fewer than 24 credit hours to transfer. online colleges for criminal justice.
Average Tuition
In-state
$24,900
Out-of-state
$24,900
Retention Rate
64%
Admission Rate
78%
Students Enrolled
12,771
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#4 Best Online Criminal Justice Programs of 2023
Liberty University
location-marker icon Lynchburg, VA
4 years
Online + Campus
100% Online | 8-Week Courses
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $390
Out of State | $390
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Institutional Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Liberty University offers an online criminal justice degree program. This bachelor’s-level degree program can prepare you for a career in law enforcement. It is entirely online, allowing those already serving their communities through law enforcement to continue working while earning their degrees. online colleges for criminal justice.
If you enrol in this program, you can choose from several specialisations, including business administration and management, corrections and human services, crime scene investigation, criminal psychology, and public administration.
Average Tuition
In-state
$14,791
Out-of-state
$14,791
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
50%
Students Enrolled
93,349
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#5 Best Online Criminal Justice Programs of 2023
Ashland University
location-marker icon Ashland, OH
4 years
Online + Campus
100% Online | 8-Week Courses
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $395
Out of State | $395
Credits to Graduate
Unspecified
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Institutional Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
Ashland University offers an online bachelor of science in criminal justice. This criminal justice degree program can prepare you for various careers in law enforcement. You can choose from five tracks: correctional administration, criminal justice generalist, criminology, law enforcement administration, and research or legal studies. online colleges for criminal justice.
At Ashland, you can receive up to 30 hours of credit for your work and life experience and transfer credits from other colleges. Members of the Fraternal Order of Police, first responders, and their immediate family members receive a 15% tuition discount.
Average Tuition
In-state
$22,000
Out-of-state
$22,000
Retention Rate
77%
Admission Rate
74%
Students Enrolled
4,447
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $445
Out of State | $445
Credits to Graduate
128
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Institutional Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
Lewis University offers a bachelor of arts degree in criminal justice. This bachelor’s degree program covers both criminal and social justice. You learn about equity, fairness, and public protection. You can also gain an understanding of criminology, juvenile justice policies, domestic violence, and more.
Required courses include court systems and probation, criminology, juvenile justice, law enforcement, and domestic violence. The application process includes submitting official high school transcripts and official ACT or SAT scores. If you are a transfer student, you must also submit official college transcripts. online colleges for criminal justice.
Average Tuition
In-state
$34,268
Out-of-state
$34,268
Retention Rate
80%
Admission Rate
66%
Students Enrolled
6,437
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#7 Best Online Criminal Justice Programs of 2023
City University of Seattle
location-marker icon Seattle, WA
4 years
Online + Campus
100% Online | Course Format Unspecified
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $470
Out of State | $470
Credits to Graduate
180
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Institutional Accreditation | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
City University of Seattle offers a bachelor of science in criminal justice. This online criminal justice degree program can provide you with the training needed to administer justice in the public sector. You can choose to focus on justice administration or have a general focus.
If you have attended Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission basic training, you can receive credit for 36 lower-division credits and possibly five upper-division credits. If you have military training, you can also receive credit toward a criminal justice degree.
Average Tuition
In-state
$13,658
Out-of-state
$13,658
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
2,052
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Sponsored
location-marker icon New Hampshire, USA
4 year
Online + Campus
Southern New Hampshire University Logo
Southern New Hampshire University
Affordable. Flexible. Accredited. At Southern New Hampshire University, you can choose 200+ career-focused online programs built for your busy schedule and goals. With some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation, our one mission is student success. You can see yourself succeeding at SNHU. Navigating today’s complex criminal justice system takes a great communicator with a real-world perspective. SNHU’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice aims to get you there. You’ll learn from professionals across all disciplines who bring their experience to the classroom.
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#8 Best Online Criminal Justice Programs of 2023
New Mexico State University
location-marker icon Las Cruces, NM
4 years
Online + Campus
100% Online | Course Format Unspecified
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $395
Out of State | $395
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Institutional Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
New Mexico State University-Main Campus offers an online bachelor of criminal justice program. This criminal justice program requires at least 120 credits with 48 or more in courses numbered 300 or higher. You can learn how to become an effective leader in the criminal justice space.
Required courses include criminal law, crime, justice, and society; advanced research methods; and ethics, law, and criminal justice issues. Elective choices include an introduction to criminal justice research, political research skills, and experimental methods.
Average Tuition
In-state
$6,041
Out-of-state
$22,507
Retention Rate
75%
Admission Rate
63%
Students Enrolled
14,227
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#9 Best Online Criminal Justice Programs of 2023
Texas A&M University-Commerce
location-marker icon Commerce, TX
4 years
Online + Campus
100% Online | 7-Week Self-Paced Courses
Avg. Cost per Credit
State | $750 per term
Out of State | $1,500 per term
Credits to Graduate
120
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Institutional Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Texas A&M University-Commerce offers a bachelor of science in criminal justice, emphasising law enforcement leadership. This degree program in criminal justice focuses on the need for strong leadership within the law enforcement community.
To accept the criminal justice program, complete your general education core (42 hours) and prior criminal justice coursework (30 hours). These can be completed through the traditional 16-week format but are unavailable as seven-week self-paced courses.
Average Tuition
In-state
$4,790
Out-of-state
$17,060
Retention Rate
58%
Admission Rate
60%
Students Enrolled
12,249
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#10 Best Online Criminal Justice Programs of 2023
Lancaster Bible College
location-marker icon Lancaster, PA
4 years
Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $375
Out of State | $375
Credits to Graduate
120 credits
Program Information
Degree Completion Program | No
Institutional Accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education
LBC offers multiple online degrees aimed at adult learners. The online bachelor of arts in criminal justice program emphasizes restorative justice with a Christian foundation. You’ll study law enforcement, the corrective, and the court systems.
With flexible transfer credit policies, LBC makes finishing a bachelor’s degree more accessible. Criminal justice majors take classes in eight-week sessions. Student success coaches help you choose classes. LBC also offers college credits for life experiences.
Average Tuition
In-state
$26,330
Out-of-state
$26,330
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
97%
Students Enrolled
2,038
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How Long Does Getting a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Online Take?
The time it takes to get your degree depends on whether you’re a full-time or part-time student or have transferable credits.
A full-time student with a minimum course load of 15 credits per semester can finish in about four years. A part-time student taking less than 15 credits usually finishes in 5-6 years.
Required Course Credits
120 credits
Field Study Requirements
No*
(*Depending on your program and specialization)
Accelerated programs are one way to graduate faster. These programs priorities finishing quickly but often demand a more intensive course load.
Transfer credits also speed up graduation times. You can transfer credits you earned in the past and apply them to a new degree. You could get a bachelor’s degree in less than two years with enough credits.
How Much Money Can I Make With a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice?
A criminal justice degree could make you anywhere between $47,920-$66,020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Plus, the odds of finding a well-paying job are in your favour because criminal justice degrees are widely applicable to different fields.
Police and correctional officers are two popular jobs for criminal justice graduates. According to the BLS, police and detectives they earned a median annual salary of $66,020 in May 2021, while correctional officers made $47,920.
Average base salary with a bachelor’s in criminal justice degree
$60The median
Median annual wage for workers in protective service occupations
$4The median
Median annual wage for workers in legal occupations
$82,430
(Data from Payscale and the BLS)
Salaries may go up or down depending on your education level, occupation, sector (public vs private), and geographic location. Top-paying states for forensic science technicians and probation officers include California, Massachusetts, and New York.
Also, consider that some entry-level jobs in criminal justice may not pay exceptionally well but make up for it with suitable financial benefits. Criminal justice jobs often offer pensions and health insurance coverage that can set you up for retirement and better overall quality of life.
What Jobs Can I Get With a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Degree?
Criminal justice programs are known for their broad applications in various fields. You may qualify for jobs as a paralegal, forensic analyst, and public policy official. This degree can also prepare you for jobs that require field experience, such as an arbitrator, mediator, or conciliator.
Some of the most famous criminal justice careers include:
Criminal Justice Career Paths
A police officer or detective
Correctional officer
Probation officer
Private investigator
Arbitrator, mediator, or conciliator
Paralegals or legal assistant
Forensic analyst or technician
Court Clerk
Since a bachelor’s degree exceeds the minimum education requirement for many entry-level law enforcement jobs, you may also qualify for senior roles in law enforcement.
For example, police officers and detectives with a bachelor’s degree may qualify for senior administrative roles in law enforcement.
Learn Even More About the Jobs Can You Pursue With a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice
Is a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Worth it?
A criminal justice degree sets you up for a stable career. You’ll have many job options, good pay, and excellent benefits.
Many of the jobs you qualify for make a positive impact on the community. You’ll also be able to advance your career through higher positions, such as administrative roles.
Everything Else You Need to Know About Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Degrees
What’s the difference between a BS and BA in criminal justice?
Schools may offer a bachelor of arts (BA) or a bachelor of science (BS) in criminal justice, incorporating a philosophical or practical approach. BA degrees tend to include a liberal arts core, while BS degrees may focus on the technical aspects of this career field.
These degrees can offer a choice of wide-ranging criminal justice concentrations. Options may include computer science, forensics, public policy, administration, or human services.
What are the highest-paying jobs with a bachelor’s in criminal justice?
Police and probation officers are among the highest-paid entry-level criminal justice professionals, earning median annual salaries of $66,020 and $60,250, respectively, in May 2021.
Within law enforcement, detectives and criminal investigators top the list of highest earners, with salaries exceeding $83,000 annually. Furthermore, police and detectives employed by the federal government earned nearly $94,000 yearly as of May 2021.
What courses will I take in an online bachelors in criminal justice program?
You’ll take general education, elective, and criminal justice courses. Depending on your program, your general education or elective classes may or may not be related to your major.
General education classes are designed to make you a more well-rounded graduate. Electives allow you to learn what you want and explore other interests.
Finally, criminal justice classes will cover the foundations of criminal justice. You can expect to take classes such as:
Introduction to Criminal Justice
The Judicial System in the United States
Technology in Criminal Justice
The Correctional System in the United States
U.S. Law Enforcement
