Online Criminal Justice Degree - Best of 2025

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Everyone wants to make a difference in their life. A career in criminology, criminal justice, or law gives an individual constant opportunities to make a difference in the lives of their communities through the criminal justice system. Whether prospective students wish to do so by becoming law enforcement officers with various law enforcement agencies such as through becoming a customs agent, homeland security agent, dispatcher, forensic science or laboratory technician, investigator, a special agent with the FBI or CIA, in criminal psychology, or elsewhere in the criminal justice system and law enforcement positions, they'll have plenty of options. An on-campus or online criminal justice degree or one in criminal law might be the perfect place for aspiring criminal justice professionals to start, no matter what degree level you are interested in or what criminal justice organizations you are interested in joining.

Without those who uphold the law, society could not exist. Those with a criminal justice degree may perform various duties, but all of them are focused on maintaining the law through state or federal organizations, through police departments, or by supporting those who do so through the criminal justice system and within the field. Police officers arrest those who break the law, criminal defense lawyers represent those charged with a crime in court, corrections officers oversee those who are convicted of breaking the law, while parole officers monitor those released before the end of their sentences. All of these careers in criminal justice are vital elements in keeping society safe and, at its core, that is what a career in criminal justice and/or criminal law entails.

Featured Online Programs

How to Earn an Online Degree in Criminal Justice & Law

Successful careers in criminal justice and law involve upholding the law, serving, protecting, and bettering the lives of those in the community in some way. That means not only protecting the community from those who break the law but trying to rehabilitate offenders so they may eventually become members of society again. Because the criminal justice field is so varied, the components of a successful career depend on the job in question, but the bottom line is always contributing to the well-being of the community in question and behaving in an honorable way.

Because you are likely to work with people a great deal in any job in criminology or criminal justice, you'll likely need great communication skills. You'll meet people on their worst days and this will help you provide the best service you can. Graduates from criminal justice programs will also likely write reports as criminal justice professionals, so the development of excellent writing and written communications skills is a must. You should also have good ethics and be able to understand and follow each policy or rule. Having these skills will help you meet your job goals and allow you to explore more advanced career opportunities. However, there are still many online options for criminal justice degrees. Most of your courses will include learning history and law and writing thoughtful responses to questions, a format which lends itself well to flexible, online criminal justice degree options.

Typical Requirements

There are no specific requirements for entry into a criminal justice program, even if you choose an online criminal justice program. However, prospective students should be aware of the requirements for entry into an online associate or online bachelor program in general. Requirements can include high school transcripts, application fees, letters of recommendation, and even an interview in some degree programs. For higher-level criminal investigation or criminal justice degrees, you may need to first finish an in-person or online bachelor's degree with a major in criminal justice or a related field, and maybe even obtain some law enforcement experience in order to gain admittance to a program.

Typical Certifications Needed

The professional certifications needed depend on the law enforcement positions or field the student goes into. For example, a career as a police officer in local police departments depends on graduating from police academy training or other state-approved law enforcement training, while crime scene investigation might require a license and a lawyer must pass the bar exam after graduation in order to practice. In most criminal justice fields, the candidate must receive a variety of certifications related to the job, possibly including CPR and first aid, though the primary requirement is generally an on-campus or online bachelor's degree in criminal justice.

Academic Standards

The academic standards for entry into an online criminal justice degree is much the same as any other college program, with similar financial aid awards, as well. You usually need to have taken the ACT or SAT. Each institution will have their own minimum requirements for scores and achievement on these exams. Always be sure to check requirements before applying so that you don’t waste your time.

Academic standards don’t stop once you get into a college or university. Most higher education institutions require you to maintain a certain grade point average (GPA) in order to remain in a degree program, even in the case of online students. If you can’t maintain this level of achievement, you can be put on academic probation, leading to academic suspension if you do not improve.

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Exam and Experience Needed for CJUS Majors

criminal_justice_law_experience A person with a prior criminal record may have difficulty finding work in certain criminal justice fields. That certainly does not mean a career in criminal justice is not possible for previous offenders, but if you have a felony or drug charge against you, you are likely disqualified. A DUI or misdemeanor, if it was some time ago and you have not had any issues with the law since, may not prove disqualifying.

Popular Criminal Justice Concentrations

Associate Degree in Criminal Justice Online

Those earning an online associate degree with a criminal justice major may find employment as security guards, corrections officers, police identification and records officers, and other non-sworn law enforcement positions. They may find entry level work in local, state, and federal criminal justice agencies. When pursued full-time, an online associate degree can be completed within two years. When pursued on a part-time basis, most online or on-campus students receive their online associate degree within four to five years.

Sample Courses for an online associate degree:

Criminology
Constitutional Law
Court Systems and Practices
Juvenile Delinquency

If you are leaning more toward Law, you can earn a certificate in paralegal studies or as a legal assistant. This will allow you to work with lawyers, both in their offices and in court, as a researcher and assistant in important legal matters.

Read More About an Associates in Criminal Justice

Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice Online

Many local and state law enforcement agencies require a bachelor’s degree in order to become a police officer, and all the major federal law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, DEA, and ICE require a bachelor’s degree for employment consideration.

Sample Coursework for an Online bachelor’s degree:

Theory and Practices of Law Enforcement
Judicial Process
Judicial Process
Internships

Online Criminal Justice Bachelor's Degree Concentrations: Homeland Security, Computer Science, Forensic Science, Cyber Security, Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Psychology, Juvenile Justice, Law Enforcement, Domestic and International Security, Criminal Justice Administration, Emergency Management, Crime and Criminal Behavior, Criminal Law, and Crime Mapping and Data Analysis.

Read More About a Bachelors in Criminal Justice

Master's Degree in Criminal Justice Online

Flexible, online, weekend, or evening Master’s degree programs in criminal justice is suitable for the criminal justice professional looking to advance his or her career to the next level. Earning a master’s degree helps you climb the career ladder, and broadens the type of work you may perform in your particular criminal justice field. When pursued full-time, whether online or at a university, it is possible to complete a master’s in 18 months to two years. Since many students can only work on their master’s degree on a part-time basis, it may take between three and four years to complete this criminal justice degree.

Sample Coursework for an online master’s degree:

Probation and Court Services
Crime Analysis
Leadership and Executive Management
Forensic Psychology & Counseling

Criminal Justice Masters Degree Concentrations: Criminology, Cyber-Crime/Cyber Security, Cyber-Crime Investigation, Strategic Management, Organizational Leadership and Change Management, Applied Business Management, Finance, Business Intelligence, Fraud Management, Information Technology, Project Management, Strategic Innovation, Homeland Security, Forensic Science Technology, Corrections, Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources, and more.

The cost of your criminal justice degree depends on the school. An online course of study is generally less expensive for criminal justice students than a traditional university, since you must generally pay for room and board as well as tuition. You can earn an online associate degree at a community college, then transfer your credits to a college or university. A public college or university, if you are a state resident, is less expensive than a private college or university. Another option to increase the time it takes to acquire your degree, is an accelerated criminal justice degree program online.

If you want to earn a higher-level law degree for advancement, there are many options including: Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Studies in Law (MSL), and Doctor of the Science of Law (JSD).

Read More About a Masters in Criminal Justice

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Earning Potential and Career Salaries for Criminal Justice Major Graduates

Cyber Security Degrees - Any entity online is vulnerable to cyber-hacking. Cyber security experts work in information technology and are in great demand throughout virtually every industry and government agency. The demand is expected to grow by 18% through 2024, according to the BLS. The greatest number of job openings is for those with a bachelor’s degree in this field. Graduates can earn between $100,000 and $210,000 annually.
Emergency Management Degrees – Emergency managers plan or direct the response to crises, as well as develop plans and procedures for dealing with natural and manmade disasters. Emergency managers are employed by government agencies on the local, state, and federal level, as well as by hospitals, universities, and utilities. In 2017, the median annual pay for an emergency management director was $72,760.
Fire Sciences Degrees – Fire science encompasses all aspects of fire. Those planning firefighting careers should pursue this degree, which involves not just firefighting, but prevention, investigation, management, and fire behavior. The 2017 median annual pay for firefighters was $49,080.
Forensic Science Degrees – Forensic scientists search for truth in legal proceedings. They use their expertise not only in criminal investigations, but also in civil matters. They collect and analyze evidence during their investigations. Some forensic scientists work strictly in the laboratory, analyzing evidence received from police investigators and the like. The 2017 annual median salary for a forensic science technician was $57,850.
Homeland Security Degrees – Terrorism is now an unfortunate part of life, and those with degrees in homeland security are employed by various government agencies in counterterrorism, intelligence analysis, and law enforcement roles. There is also a demand in the private sector for those in this field. The average median salary as of 2017, is $57,015
Law Degrees - Becoming a lawyer means earning a Juris Doctor (JD), which is a three-year degree that is completable on a part-time basis in six years. While some lawyers may run a general practice, most attorneys focus on specific fields, such as criminal, corporate, civil litigation, employment, immigration, bankruptcy, finance and securities, intellectual property, mergers and acquisition, environmental, matrimonial, and a host of other types of law. Lawyers may work in law firms, corporations, non-profits, and governments at every level. Lawyers must pass state bar examinations to practice in that state. Annual salary depends on the type of practice, with corporate lawyers making more than those practicing other types of law.
Paralegal Degrees – Paralegals perform a variety of tasks, including legal research, interviewing clients, legal document drafting, running a law office and other jobs based on the kind of law their employer practices. In some areas, such as real estate, paralegals may perform certain legal services. While the average paralegal earns $37,334 as of 2018, those working in larger cities or in specific legal fields may earn much more.

Criminal Justice & Law Salaries by Occupation

Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) agent – Some CIA agents are indeed spies, although their work is not as glamorous as it appears in movies and on TV. Most CIA agents collect and analyze foreign intelligence to assist national security experts in making decisions. Only the cream of the crop are hired as CIA agents, and the background reports required for such jobs is exhaustive. The average median salary for a CIA agent as of 2018 is $93,000, but yes, these government salaries are somewhat shrouded in secrecy, just like the employees.
Corrections officer – Corrections officers work in jails and prisons, and are responsible for the care, custody, and control of inmates. They may also transport inmates going to other correctional institutions or to court appearances. Other duties include inspecting facilities for contraband and screening visitors and incoming mail. Corrections officers with more training may aid in the rehabilitation of inmates. The 2017 annual median salary is $40,600.
Crime scene investigator – This job entails a law enforcement officer charged with collecting, documenting, and preserving evidence at crime scenes. Such evidence may include DNA, fingerprints, weapons, and blood. They must ensure the crime scene is not contaminated and that unauthorized persons do not have access to it. CSIs are often called into court to testify. The 2017 median annual salary is $48,900.
Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) agent – The basic role of any DEA agent is keeping the U.S. free from illicit drugs and this job requires supreme dedication. Often, the DEA agent is placed in dangerous situations involving narcotics traffickers. Physical fitness is a critical part of the job, as the agent never knows what will happen on the job. DEA agents work in conjunction with other agencies, including ICE and the FBI. The 2018 annual median salary for a DEA agent is $65,600.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent – FBI agents may work in specialized areas, such as laboratory services, or perform more general duties such as executing search warrants, making arrests, or testifying in court. The bottom line is the investigation of illegal activities, including terrorism, cybercrime, organized crime, white collar crime, violent crime, public corruption, and civil rights violations, and there are no “typical” days for such employees. The 2018 median annual salary for an FBI agent is $65,700.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent – These agents enforce the country’s immigration laws. The job may include inspecting various types of facilities to ensure all workers are legal and removing illegal aliens from all sorts of situations. They are also involved in combatting child pornography, human trafficking, repatriation of cultural treasures from the U.S. to legal owners outside of the country, and terrorism prevention. The annual median salary for an ICE agent is $60,800
Police officer – Although police officers perform many duties, they are all working to keep the residents of the community in which they serve safe and maintain public order. They may patrol streets looking for traffic infractions or possible criminal activity, or investigate crimes ranging from burglary to murder. They apprehend those committing crimes or suspected of committing crimes. Police officers often coordinate efforts with other emergency personnel, such as firefighters and emergency medical services. The average median salary as of 2018 is $54,000, although it will vary greatly by location.
Private detective – A private detective, or private investigator, is hired by individuals or groups to perform private detective work. Attorneys often hire private detectives to work on either criminal or civil cases. Most private investigators specialize in some particular line of work, which may range between insurance investigation, matrimonial cases, and counter-surveillance. Corporate investigators focus on fraud prevention and detection and similar corporate crime matters. In 2017, the average median salary was $57,200.
Probation officer – Probation officers occupy a position between law enforcement and social work. They must ensure offenders comply with the terms of their probation, but they may also supply input to prosecutors and judges even before trial. In some states, probation officers carry firearms and have the ability to make arrests. The probation officer conducts in-depth interviews with offenders, focusing on their families, employment, education, health, and if they have substance abuse issues. In 2017, the median pay was $43,400 per year.
Secret Service agent – The U.S. Secret Service Agency exists to protect the president, vice-president, their families, and the president-elect and vice-president-elect and their families. Former presidents and their spouses receive Secret Service protection, as do children of former presidents until the age of 16. Visiting heads of state and government and their spouses also receive protection, as do official U.S. representatives performing certain missions abroad. The median Secret Service agent salary was $65,000 in 2018, but those working on active investigations in the field receive large bonuses and location pay also varies a great deal.
State trooper – These law enforcement personnel primarily patrol the major roadways of their respective states. They also serve as the de facto police department in rural areas that cannot maintain a police department of their own and protect the governor and other high-ranking state officials. They also conduct investigations involving major crimes such as drug and gun trafficking, as well as organized crime investigations. As of 2018, the median annual salary is $54,900, although it varies greatly by location.
U.S. Marshal – The U.S. marshals are the federal court’s enforcement arm. They are members of the country’s oldest law enforcement agency, in existence since Washington’s presidency. Their job involves capturing fugitives, prisoner transport, serving federal arrest warrants, and oversight of the Witness Protection Program. It is considered one of the most dangerous jobs in the nation. As of 2018, the average median salary is $50,900.
U.S. Postal inspector – The U.S. Postal Service’s law enforcement division is the US Postal Inspection Service. Postal inspectors are sworn law enforcement officers who carry firearms and can make arrests. Inspectors generally investigate the many forms of mail fraud, mail theft, postal facility burglaries, and other crimes, as well as investigating any crimes depriving the U.S. Postal Service of revenue. As of 2018, the average median salary is $61,000.

	Entry Level Annual Salary	Mid-Career Annual Salary	Late-Career Annual Salary
Police officer	$47,800	$54,800	$73,500
FBI Agent	$52,200	$61,600	$89,000
Secret Service agent	-	-	-
State trooper	$48,300	$57,800	$77,300
US Marshal	$45,000	$60,000	$62,400
US Postal Inspector	-	-	-

Since most of these are government jobs, employees receive health and retirement benefits, life insurance, annual leave, sick leave, and other benefits. With many of these positions, full retirement is available after 25 years of service.

Important Questions to Ask (FAQ)

How long does a CJUS Program take?

An online degree, whether in criminal justice or criminal law, usually includes the same number of credit hours as it’s on-campus counterpart no matter what university you attend. That means it should take you about 4 years to finish an online degree if you're earning it at the bachelor's degree level. However, if you are looking for online programs because of time constraints or work and family obligations, you may not be able to attend full-time and, therefore, it could take up to 6-8 years to attain this degree level.

How much does an online degree in Criminal Justice cost?

The cost will depend on several factors. Are you pursuing your degree through online programs or in a traditional university setting? If you attend your criminal justice courses on campus, you will also need to pay for food, room and board, and other fees. This can increase the cost of your education significantly unless you have a plan in place to keep these costs low. If you attend a public, state school, it will depend on whether or not you are a resident. In-state students usually pay much lower rates than out-of-state students. However, this can be overcome by attending classes online, as most institutions charge in-state rates for all online courses. Either way, you need to research the costs for each program you are considering applying to, as each institution will have their own rates.

Does the school have the online criminal justice major(s) you’re considering?

Criminal justice and law is a wide-ranging field. If you have a specific career you are hoping to enter, make sure the school either offers a major in that field or a variety of classes pertaining to your field of interest. You may be able to find employment information for graduating students, will can show you how many students were able to enter the field you’re looking at upon graduation.

How many students graduate “on time,” in four years?

criminal_justice_law_graduate The graduation rate can tell you a great deal about a school. Avoid schools with low four-year graduation rates. That may mean students are not receiving the best academic support, or there are issues with the faculty or affordability. While it is just one standard for you to investigate, it can be indicative of the overall quality of the school and also of your future experience.

What kind of accreditation does the online program hold? How is it regarded in the field?

Accreditation is essential. Attending a school well-known in the field for its high quality online associate degree, bachelor's degree, etc. criminal justice programs not only gives you the best education of its type, but is a great asset once you begin looking for work. Fortunately, many respected schools in the world of criminal justice are top public colleges and universities, not the more expensive private institutions of higher learning.

Software, Technology & Skills Needed

While anyone in the criminal justice and law enforcement field will use technology, some fields in this career path are technology based. This includes those pursuing a degree in cybersecurity (a field focusing entirely on IT), forensic science (a field focused on studying crime scene evidence), and other cyber-focused fields (including catching and prosecuting those engaged in child grooming and child pornography, which, in todays world, is usually done online).

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Scholarships

Criminal justice and law are fields with many scholarship opportunities. Scholarships are awarded based on field of study, student background and academic achievement. Here is just a small sampling:

John Jay College of Criminal Justice Scholarships
Based in New York City, John Jay College of Criminal Justice is one of the best-known schools in the country for those pursuing a career in the criminal justice field. Scholarships are available for freshmen, transfers, current students, and graduate students. Examples of JJCCJ scholarships include the $2,500 per year Hecht Scholarship awarded to incoming freshmen with a strong academic and community service record, as well as musical ability. The award is renewable for three years as long as the student maintains a minimum 3.0 GPA and remains a full-time student. There are also the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO) scholarships, given to two first-generation college students annually. Eligible students are the first ones in their families to attend college. The NECO scholarships are $2,500 annually and renewable for three years.
Indiana Sheriff’s Association Scholarship
Available to Indiana residents majoring in a criminal justice field at an Indiana college or university, the ISA grants several $500 scholarships annually to applicants in different areas of the state. A high school principal, college registrar, or other qualified school official must complete part of the application, giving an overview of the student applicant to the selection committee.
Ruth D. Peterson Fellowship for Racial and Ethnic Diversity
Amount: Up to $6,000
Deadline: March 1

Sponsored by the American Society of Criminology, three $6,000 scholarships are awarded annually to members of groups under-represented in the field of criminal justice. This includes those of African-American, Latino, Asian, and indigenous descent. The applicant must include proof of admission to a criminal justice doctoral program, as well as a current CV, copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and the nature of their interest in criminal justice.
Sam Houston State University College of Criminal Justice
This school in Texas awards various scholarships annually to criminal justice majors. Among them are the James C. Boswell Memorial Scholarship for undergraduate students demonstrating financial need; the Sarah Janine Cleary and Michael Griffin Cleary Scholarships for undergraduate students majoring in criminal justice and demonstrating financial need; and the Rolando, Josefa and Jocelyn del Carmen Criminal Justice Scholarship for a student enrolled in a fulltime Ph.D. program who demonstrates financial need.

Professional Organizations

ASC
AJA
IAWP
NBPA
NCJA

ASC

American Society of Criminology

The ASC is an international organization with a focus on criminal scholarship and dissemination of knowledge in the field. Members concentrate on prevention, measuring crime, consequences of criminal behavior, and control and treatment. The ASC includes special divisions, including Women and Crime, People of Color and Crime, and Corrections and Sentencing. The ASC holds annual meetings where members can discuss topics of general interest.

AJA

American Jail Association

The AJA is an organization for those operating the country’s jails. It focuses on local correctional facility operations. The AJA also runs certification programs, such as Certified Jail Manager, Certified Jail Officer, and Certified Correctional Trainer, which are run at its Hagerstown, Maryland headquarters and regionally. The AJA offers various membership levels, including professional, student, and industry affiliate.

IAWP

International Association of Women Police

The IAWP’s mission is strengthening, uniting, and raising the capacity of women police internationally. It also provides professional guidance and mentoring to women in law enforcement. All law enforcement officers with the power to arrest may become members. IAWP offers reduced fee memberships to individuals living in countries determined by the World Bank to have “low economy” or “developing country” status.

NBPA

National Black Police Association

The NBPA’s goal as an organization is “promoting justice, fairness and effective law enforcement.” Another aim is enhancing the quality of life in African-American communities. While the organization is based in Dallas, Texas, there are NBPA chapters located throughout the country. Each year, the NBPA hosts an Education and Training Conference for its members along with others interested in law enforcement.

NCJA

The National Criminal Justice Association

This non-profit organization promotes criminal justice systems that enhance public safety and “prevent and reduce the harmful effects of criminal and delinquent behavior.” Members receive updates regarding funding opportunities, federal activities, new practices and policies, and discounted annual conference fees.

Choosing an Accredited Online College

Accreditation is vitally important when choosing a college. Do not even consider a school without accreditation, as you are wasting your precious time and money. Seek out schools with regional accreditation, according to their location. The six regional accreditation agencies are The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, The New England Association of Schools and Colleges, The North Central Association of Schools and Colleges, The Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, The Southern Association of Schools and Colleges, and The Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

When it comes to law degrees, there is no question that the more prestigious the law school the easier it is for the graduate to find top employment. Not everyone is going to get into an Ivy League law school, but you must attend a school accredited by the American Bar Association. Generally, you cannot take the bar exam if the school from which you graduated was not accredited by the ABA.

Online vs On-Campus vs Hybrid

Many types of criminal justice degrees may be earned completely online. An online degree allows a working person to continue their education in a flexible manner, on their own schedule. It also permits a student to “attend” a school that is a great distance geographically, so they are not limited to institutions of higher education within a reasonable driving distance. When a student has other obligations, such as work and family, an online school is often the best choice. Other students want to attend a traditional bricks and mortar school, where they will attend classes at scheduled times and directly communicate with other students and professors. Some students may prefer a combination of the two, where they take many classes online but attend some seminars and similar offerings on campus.

Top 10 Best Criminal Justice Degree Programs

CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice

John Jay College makes the top of our list for a very good reason. That is, it stands alone for its sole dedication to criminal justice. The school has gained notoriety for its appearance on television shows such as Law & Order, and its consistent record of producing the nation's best law enforcement professionals. Whether you're seeking an online bachelor's degree or master's, John Jay is sure to have oe of the best criminal justice programs for you.

Tuition
- In-State: $7,470
- Out-of-State: $15,420

Rank: #1
Total Enrollment: 15,394
Graduation Rate: 46%
Diplomas Awarded: 1,586

Stephen F. Austin State University

Whether you wish a BS or BA in Criminal Justice, SFASU has you covered. They also offer a five-year overlap program that includes a Master of Public Administration. There's no better way to launch a career than by entering the job market with a graduate degree. SFASU also offers degrees in political science and pre-Law for those seeking a minor or double major for their undergraduate degree.

Tuition
- In-State: $8,844
- Out-of-State: $18,972

Rank: #2
Total Enrollment: 13,144
Graduation Rate: 48%
Diplomas Awarded: 27

Appalachian State University

Nestled in North Carolina's Appalachian Mountains, students can pursue a degree in criminal justice and still go snow skiing all winter. If you are particularly eager to launch a brilliant career, you can opt for ASU's five-year program that includes a graduate degree in public administration. The university also offers a criminal justice degree with an international studies focus that might help you land a job with INTERPOL, Homeland Security, the Central Intelligence Agency, or the FBI, to name a few options.

Tuition
- In-State: $7,409
- Out-of-State: $22,216

Rank: #3
Total Enrollment: 19,108
Graduation Rate: 72%
Diplomas Awarded: 110

University of South Dakota

Criminal justice students at USD are in for a rigorous program that provides a foundation for a top-notch career. The criminal justice major is available on campus, but you can also finish enough courses for a minor online. Once you start your career you can continue at USD and complete their Master of Public Administration from any Wi-Fi router in the world.

Tuition
- In-State: $9,332
- Out-of-State: $12,807

Rank: #4
Total Enrollment: 10,066
Graduation Rate: 58%
Diplomas Awarded: 53

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Fayetteville State University

Whether you're an undergraduate or a student seeking graduate-level work in criminal justice, Fayetteville State will prepare you for excellence. Students can complete a BS, undergraduate minor, an MS, or a graduate certificate in criminal justice. FSU also offers an online criminal justice program that brings top instruction to you, no matter where you are. FSU offers you the opportunity to land a job with the nation's top law enforcement agencies.

Tuition
- In-State: $5,274
- Out-of-State: $16,882

Rank: #5
Total Enrollment: 6,318
Graduation Rate: 35%
Diplomas Awarded: 109

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

UTRGV is one of the top criminal justice programs in the nation because it offers both undergraduate and graduate programs for students. Undergraduate students can opt for a full major program or complete a minor in criminal justice to compliment another degree such as sociology, psychology, or political science among others. At the graduate level, students must maintain a 3.0 average, thus ensuring that the program maintains utmost integrity.

Tuition
- In-State: $8,132
- Out-of-State: $18,260

Rank: #6
Total Enrollment: 28,644
Graduation Rate: 46%
Diplomas Awarded: 471

Canisius College

Undergraduate students at Canisius can choose between a major degree or a minor concentration within the criminal justice program. The college's town/gown relations are a great help when it comes to landing an internship with Buffalo's local law enforcement agencies. In fact, you might be able to work with the US District Attorney's Office, Child Protective Services, or the Niagara County Probation Department.

Tuition
- In-State: $29,428
- Out-of-State: $29,428

Rank: #7
Total Enrollment: 3,244
Graduation Rate: 68%
Diplomas Awarded: 24

Niagara University

Niagara U's criminal justice degree is known for launching brilliant careers in law, federal law enforcement, crime analysis, or victim services. Alumni are found working in the FBI, DEA, and US Customs and Border Protection. Undergraduate students are also invited to investigate NU's graduate program in criminal justice. If you've already launched a career or a family, the graduate school can accommodate you with online, weekend, campus, or hybrid course options.

Tuition
- In-State: $34,510
- Out-of-State: $34,510

Rank: #8
Total Enrollment: 3,763
Graduation Rate: 71%
Diplomas Awarded (Criminology): 70

University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Here, students enjoy an interdisciplinary approach to criminal justice that spans history, sociology, psychology, social work, law, and more. This allows students to blaze their own trail and arrive at new and surprising conclusions that might impact the entire field. Once graduated with a BS, students have the option to apply to UMES' graduate criminal justice programs. Successful applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 as the program is quite competitive.

Tuition
- In-State: $8,558
- Out-of-State: $18,968

Rank: #9
Total Enrollment: 3,193
Graduation Rate: 39%
Diplomas Awarded: 76

Park University

Located just outside of Kansas City, Missouri, Park University rounds out our top 10 criminal justice programs. They offer a degree in criminal justice administration which prepares students with a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or an Associate of Science degree. The BS degree is available online, which makes it convenient for students nationwide. Both four-year degrees allow the choice of concentrating on law enforcement, corrections, or security.

Tuition
- In-State: $11,190
- Out-of-State: $11,190

Rank: #10
Total Enrollment: 11,415
Graduation Rate: 33%
Diplomas Awarded: 182

Frequently Asked Questions

What will you learn in a bachelor’s in criminal justice?

Those who are looking to earn bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice will follow a similar path to most majors. First, you will complete whatever general education is required by your school. After that, you will begin with introductory courses and those which teach the history of the subject. Once you are caught up to the present day, you may have more options by way of electives. These can let you pursue one specific interest or let you sample the options so you can see if you prefer one career option over another, such as forensics or direct law enforcement. Some of the subjects you might encounter include the following.

Intro to Criminal Justice, Courts, Criminology, etc.
Juvenile Justice System
Criminal Punishment
Policing in America
Ethics in Criminal Justice
Drugs and Crime
Homeland Security
And More

How difficult are online classes in criminal justice?

There are always difficulties when taking a class online. It may be hard to keep working when you’d rather be doing other things or you may miss out on being a part of the conversation in the classroom. However, since most of criminal justice learning is not hands-on, the classes are often relatively easy. Of course, that doesn’t mean that there’s no challenge, but it will be the challenge of writing a good response to an ethical question or thoroughly researching the history of a specific type of imprisonment rather than memorization. Much of the courses require a lot of writing, thinking, and applying what you’ve learned to present day situations. If you think that sounds difficult, the classes may be difficult for you.

Are there additional qualifications needed to work in criminal justice?

Criminal justice is a broad umbrella. Some people use the term to refer to police officers and prisons, but it can also refer to attorneys, judges, social workers, probation officers, and more. You’ll need to meet the requirements of any higher-level position you want to hold and, even if you want to start as a police officer, you’ll likely need to attend the police academy in your state. If you want to be an attorney, you must complete a law degree and an examination. If you want to work in forensics, you’ll need the correct degree and licensure. Many times, the requirement is experience or licensure; you’ll need to find what licensure, education, and experience are needed in your state as this is not standardized across the country.

Does the College Have Post Graduate Job Placement Help & Assistance?

When looking for a college program to attend, you need to look at all the potential advantages of a school or program. Post-graduate job assistance should rank high on the list of important things to consider when selecting where you will enroll. A good job placement program, while it cannot guarantee you a position, will help you make sure you have the best classes and experiences under your belt. That way, you will have the best possible chance of getting the position you want. The time spent in school is a great time to prepare for your future career in Criminal Justice or Law. That can begin with a great internship, referral, mentorship, or hire. Schools that offer extensive job placement and career assistance can help you get all those things and more.

Why You Need to Consider How Rating/accreditation Can Affect Your Salary

Accreditation should be an extremely important factor when looking for and selecting a degree program. The accreditation status of the college or university that you choose has a huge impact on your future success in the field. Not only does an institution without accreditation lack proof that it adheres to academic standards, but it can negatively impact the amount of money you earn.

Because unaccredited programs do not necessarily cover certainly topics that are vital within the industry, employers may be more hesitant to hire you. Those that are willing to hire you will likely do so with the understanding that you likely have incomplete or insufficient knowledge in certain areas. To account for this, they will start you at a lower salary.

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