The criminal justice field relies on well-trained individuals to protect public safety, uphold laws, and ensure a fair and equitable justice system. Earning a criminal justice degree can help students prepare for various jobs at different career levels.
Becoming a police officer or detective is a popular career path for those with an undergraduate degree in criminal justice. Employment in law enforcement is expected to grow by 3% through 2031. Police officers and detectives earn a median yearly salary of $66,020. Meanwhile, earning a master’s in criminal justice can prepare students for jobs as forensic psychologists, whose median annual salary is $81,040. Job openings in this field are expected to increase by 6% through 2031.
To help students narrow their options, Intelligent.com reviewed dozens of programs and created this list of the best online criminal justice programs of 2023. Additionally, this article provides insight into what students can expect from an online criminal justice degree program, the field’s career outlook, and how to choose the right program.
Why Trust Us
The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.
- Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
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- Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources
How we rank schools
Our list features the best online Criminal Justice degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
Best 48 Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
Florida International University
Intelligent Score: 99.92In-state: $4,721
Out-of-state: $16,529
In-state: $8,912
Out-of-state: $8,912
SAT: 1110-1260
ACT: 23-29
In-State: $235
Out-of-State: $648
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120
University of Central Florida
Intelligent Score: 99.83In-state: $4,478
Out-of-state: $19,810
In-state: $6,916
Out-of-state: $6,916
SAT: 1160-1340
ACT: 25-30
In-State: $179
Out-of-State: $715
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120
SDSU Global Campus
Intelligent Score: 99.55In-state: $5,742
Out-of-state: $17,622
In-state: $7,176
Out-of-state: $7,176
SAT: 1090-1300
ACT: 22-29
$492 - $511
Online
WASC Senior College and University Commission
120
UMass Lowell
Intelligent Score: 99.52In-state: $15,791
Out-of-state: $35,779
In-state: $14,014
Out-of-state: $14,014
SAT: 1200-1390
ACT: 27-32
$385
Online
New England Commission of Higher Education
120
PennState World Campus
Intelligent Score: 98.44In-state: $15,025
Out-of-state: $24,413
In-state: $22,464
Out-of-state: $22,464
SAT: 1070-1300
ACT: 24-29
$626 - $671
Online
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
120
The Citadel
Intelligent Score: 98.05In-state: $75
Out-of-state: $75
In-state: $10,740
Out-of-state: $10,740
SAT: 1030-1210
ACT: 21-26
$500
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
122-123
The University of Oklahoma
Intelligent Score: 97.99In-state: $4,788
Out-of-state: $20,169
In-state: $6,943
Out-of-state: $6,943
SAT: 1100-1300
ACT: 23-29
$367
Online
Higher Learning Commission
120
University of Washington Tacoma
Intelligent Score: 97.75In-state: $10,629
Out-of-state: $37,998
In-state: $16,278
Out-of-state: $16,278
SAT: 1200-1453
ACT: 27-33
Resident: $384
Non-Resident: $1,363
Online, On-Campus
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
120
St. Joseph's University, New York
Intelligent Score: 96.82In-state: $28,590
Out-of-state: $28,590
In-state: $19,350
Out-of-state: $19,350
SAT: 1020-1200
ACT: 22-26
$780
Online
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
120
Arizona State University
Intelligent Score: 96.74In-state: $10,710
Out-of-state: $28,800
In-state: $11,720
Out-of-state: $11,720
SAT: 1100-1320
ACT: 21-28
$574
Online
Higher Learning Commission
120
University of Louisiana Monroe
Intelligent Score: 95.91In-state: $5,407
Out-of-state: $19,135
In-state: $5,511
Out-of-state: $5,511
SAT: 1000-1210
ACT: 20-26
$400
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Intelligent Score: 95.34In-state: $5,180
Out-of-state: $15,968
In-state: $5,738
Out-of-state: $5,738
SAT: 978-1130
ACT: 17-23
$375
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120
Trine University
Intelligent Score: 94.7In-state: $32,990
Out-of-state: $32,990
In-state: $41,457
Out-of-state: $41,457
SAT: 1010-1210
ACT: 20-27
$299
Online
Higher Learning Commission
120
Fort Hays State University
Intelligent Score: 94.66In-state: $4,140
Out-of-state: $14,580
In-state: $3,726
Out-of-state: $3,726
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$242
Online, On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
120
Indiana Tech
Intelligent Score: 93.63In-state: $27,530
Out-of-state: $27,530
In-state: $10,026
Out-of-state: $10,026
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$399
Online, On-Campus
Higher Learning Commission
120-121
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Intelligent Score: 93.58In-state: $6,240
Out-of-state: $14,880
In-state: $4,716
Out-of-state: $4,716
SAT: 880-1090
ACT: 17-23
$306
Online
Higher Learning Commission
124
McNeese State University
Intelligent Score: 93.34In-state: $5,147
Out-of-state: $13,185
In-state: $5,703
Out-of-state: $5,703
SAT: 1050-1240
ACT: 20-25
In-State: $375
Out-of-State: $416
Hybrid
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
120
WSU Global Campus
Intelligent Score: 92.69In-state: $10,202
Out-of-state: $25,145
In-state: $11,781
Out-of-state: $11,781
SAT: 1020-1210
ACT: 20-26
Resident: $584
Non-Resident: $651
Online
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
120
What Can I Expect from an Online Criminal Justice Degree Program?
Criminal justice jobs can be physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. Police officers, FBI agents, and correctional officers often work in dangerous situations and interact with violent or vulnerable populations. While criminal justice degree programs help students develop their critical thinking, communication, and perception skills, individuals considering a career in criminal justice should determine if they have the natural aptitudes necessary for succeeding in this field.
What students can expect from their program will vary based on the degree they seek:
| Degree level | Degree title | Number of credits |
| Associate | AA, AS, AAS | 60 |
| Bachelor’s | BA, BS | 120 |
| Master’s | MA, MS | 30-60 |
An associate degree program in criminal justice will introduce students to foundational concepts and skills related to criminal justice, with courses in criminal law, ethics, law enforcement, and corrections.
Bachelor’s programs cover foundational and intermediate criminal justice principles and may include hands-on learning through an internship or field study. The curriculum also likely includes general education requirements in humanities, STEM, and more.
At the master’s level, students will learn advanced skills related to a specific area of criminal justice, such as homeland security, law, public policy, forensic science, or criminal psychology. Depending on the program, students may be required to complete a field experience, thesis, or capstone project.
Online programs are usually delivered in one of two formats. In a synchronous program, students participate in live virtual classes at predetermined times. While this format offers more interaction with classmates and faculty, asynchronous learning is more flexible. With that delivery method, there are no class meetings; students can review lessons and complete assignments independently. A third, less common option is a hybrid program in which some classes are online and some are in person.
Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Programs
While a criminal justice degree provides valuable preparation for various careers, it may not fit all students. For those who are interested in this field, other options include:
What Can I Do With an Online Criminal Justice Degree?
Career outlook
Depending on the degree you seek, there are several potential career paths within criminal justice.
- Police officers and detectives — Although students must complete further academy training to qualify for most law enforcement positions, an associate or bachelor’s degree is a good foundation for this role.
- Median annual salary: $66,020
- Projected employment growth (through 2031): 3%
- New jobs projected: 64,500 per year
- Forensic science technicians — Students who combine criminal justice with physical science at the bachelor’s or master’s level can work in this investigative role.
- Median annual salary: $63,740
- Projected employment growth (through 2031): 13%
- New jobs projected: 2,600 annually
- Emergency management directors — Those with a bachelor’s in criminal justice can obtain entry-level positions in emergency management, while a master’s can help students qualify for leadership positions.
- Median annual salary: $79,180
- Projected employment growth (through 2031): 3%
- New jobs projected: 900 per year
- Probation officer/correctional treatment specialists — Students typically need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to qualify for positions working with adult or juvenile offenders in custody or on probation or parole.
- Median annual salary: $60,250
- Projected employment growth (through 2031): No projected change
- New jobs projected: 8,000 per year
How to Choose the Online Criminal Justice Degree Program That’s Right for You
Step 1: Choose your area of study
Gaining clarity on your educational and career goals is a key first step in selecting the right online criminal justice degree program.
What type of job do you seek, and what skills and knowledge will you need to qualify for those positions? Is there a particular area of criminal justice that you want to focus on, such as criminal psychology, law enforcement, or computer forensics? Are you interested in an internship or field experience? Thinking about all these factors now will help you set parameters for the type of program that you want.
Also, consider the degree level you need based on your current education level, professional background, and career aspirations. Undergraduate students can pursue an associate degree, with an option to apply their credits to a bachelor’s degree later. For those with work experience, a master’s can be a way to learn advanced skills and prepare for higher-level positions.
Students should also take logistics into account, including whether they want a synchronous or asynchronous program and whether they’ll be enrolling on a full-time or part-time basis. The more specific you are about what you need, the easier it will be to find appropriate programs.
Step 2: Research schools and programs
With parameters set, you can begin researching online criminal justice degree programs.
When considering any online school, it’s a good idea to confirm that it’s accredited by a recognized accrediting body. Accreditation is an indicator of the quality of the school and its programs. Students must be enrolled at an accredited college to be considered for federal financial aid, and most employers will want job candidates with degrees from an accredited school.
Once you begin exploring schools, there are several questions you should get answered:
- Who are the program faculty, and what are their qualifications?
- What is the program’s curriculum, and does it align with your interests and goals?
- How do online students interact with faculty and classmates?
- What support services are available to online students (for example, technical support, tutoring, counseling, academic and career advising)?
- What financial aid does the school offer, including scholarships, grants, and fellowships?
Most of this information is published on the school’s website. Students can contact the school’s admissions office if they have additional questions. Other ways to learn more about schools and determine if they’re a good fit include following programs and institutions on social media and participating in online open houses and information sessions.
Step 3: Prepare for applications and tests
Part of the research process also includes learning more about the school’s admissions processes and requirements. Students can also find this information online or by contacting an admissions representative. The process will likely vary between schools, so keeping track of everything on a spreadsheet or checklist can be helpful.
In general, to apply to an online criminal justice degree program, students will have to submit:
- Completed application and fee
- Official transcripts from all previously attended schools
- Letters of recommendation from teachers, employers, colleagues, or community leaders
- Personal statement or essay
- Resume/CV
Undergraduate students may have to submit SAT or ACT scores, although it’s less common than it once was. Students should check on standardized test policies before taking these exams.
Students applying as transfer students should prepare to send official transcripts from any other colleges they’ve attended. This way, their new school can evaluate their coursework and decide what will apply to their new program.
At the graduate level, GRE scores may be required. Programs may also want applicants with an undergraduate degree in a specific field, prerequisite coursework, or professional background.
Step 4: Select your program
The number of programs a student applies to is a personal choice. Some students want to increase their odds of acceptance and apply to many schools. Others focus on one or two programs based on their interests or needs. Individual students should do what works best for them, although they should keep in mind that most schools charge application fees, which can become quite expensive for those applying to multiple colleges.
Once you receive acceptance, compare your options and find the one that best fits your needs regarding curriculum, cost, and content delivery methods.
Step 5: Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
While researching programs, students should also gather information about what a program costs and the school’s financial aid options. Students should inquire about need-based and merit-based institutional aid like scholarships and grants. These types of financial resources don’t need to be repaid and can significantly decrease the cost of a program.
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is also a good idea. This application is what schools use to determine eligibility for need-based aid, federal student loans, and work-study jobs. Although private education loans are available, federal student loans have more favorable terms, interest rates, and repayment options.
Other ways of paying for an online criminal justice degree include employer tuition assistance benefits, military discounts, GI Bill benefits, and payment plans.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs
Should I get a criminal justice degree in person or online?
Whether to get a criminal justice degree online or in person often comes down to personal learning preferences and logistical needs. In most cases, the quality of programs is similar regardless of their delivery format, as many schools adapt their traditional curriculums for remote learning.
Students who learn best through hands-on projects and discussions with classmates and faculty may find an in-person classroom setting meets their needs more sufficiently. A synchronous program can be an excellent middle ground for students who want to learn remotely but still benefit from an interactive classroom.
Those who need maximum flexibility may find that an asynchronous online program best meets their needs. However, this program requires strong time management, organization, self-motivation, and accountability skills.
How do I apply to an online criminal justice degree program?
An admissions counselor from the school you’re applying to can provide the most accurate information about how to apply to a specific online criminal justice degree program.
Generally speaking, students must submit an online application, usually through a school’s admissions portal. Undergraduate students may have the option to use the Common Application to apply to multiple schools at once. Most schools also accept other application materials like transcripts, letters of recommendation, and essays electronically.
Students should be aware of the program’s eligibility requirements, including a minimum GPA, prerequisite coursework, professional experience, or a specific undergraduate degree. They should also keep track of application due dates. Some schools accept students on a rolling basis, while others have hard-and-fast deadlines. Enrollment may be delayed if students don’t complete their applications on time.
What is the average cost of an online criminal justice degree?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average tuition for undergraduate programs was $9,596 at public four-year colleges and $37,222 at private four-year institutions during the 2021-22 academic year. For graduate students, the average tuition was $12,394 at public schools and $26,621 at private universities.
Many factors influence how much students spend on an online criminal justice degree. As demonstrated above, public universities are often less expensive than private colleges. However, students enrolling in a public school in a different state should check if they will be charged an out-of-state tuition rate, which may be higher than in-state tuition.
Students should also remember that most schools charge additional fees for things like virtual classroom technology, tech support, and online academic resources.
At the same time, attending school online can save students money. Remote learning means fewer transportation costs and more flexibility to live in an area that fits your budget. Because of the flexibility of online learning, students can continue to work and have a steady income while earning their degree.
How long does it take to complete an online criminal justice degree program?
Completion time primarily depends on the type of degree a student is earning and their enrollment status. For full-time students, an associate degree usually takes two years, a bachelor’s takes four, and a master’s takes one or two years, depending on the total number of credits required. Part-time students can expect to add another one to two years to their completion time.
Students interested in completing their degree faster can look for accelerated programs, which condense the curriculum into a shorter time frame. While these programs can help students graduate more quickly, they are more academically rigorous and require more focus and discipline than traditionally-paced programs.
Is an online criminal justice degree worth it?
While many jobs within protective service don’t require a degree, students seeking mid- or high-level positions with more earning potential will benefit from having a formal education in the criminal justice field. Students pursuing careers as psychologists or lawyers will need an undergraduate degree, and criminal justice offers a solid foundation in many relevant areas.
Having a degree can also impact wages and unemployment rates. According to the BLS, the median weekly earnings for bachelor’s degree holders is $1432, and their unemployment rate is 2.2%. Those with a master’s degree earn $1661 weekly and have a 1.9% unemployment rate.