Best Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Programs
In an online criminal justice degree program, you’ll learn all about the criminal justice system, including how it operates and how laws and society interact and evolve.
With a criminal justice degree, you can pursue a variety of jobs in protective and community services. For example, you might work as a criminal investigator, police officer, or forensic technician.
Reasons to Earn Your Criminal Justice Degree Online
- An online criminal justice degree can qualify you for careers that allow you to make a difference and give back to your community.
- You can enjoy a flexible learning schedule while maintaining a full-time job.
- You might save money — many online schools for criminal justice have the same tuition rates for all students, regardless of state residency.
- You’ll be able to access more program options, helping you find the best curriculum and specialization for you.
- Many online criminal justice programs feature diverse student bodies, which can enrich your learning experience.
We ranked the best online criminal justice programs using criteria like affordability, overall academic quality, and reputation.
Top Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Programs
Florida International University
Miami, FL- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,721
- Out-of-state$16,529
- In-State$8,912
- Out-of-state$21,393
- Retention Rate91%
- Acceptance Rate58%
- Students Enrolled58,836
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment86%
- AccreditationYes
University of Central Florida
- Orlando, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$4,478
- Out-of-state$19,810
- In-State$6,916
- Out-of-state$25,759
- Retention Rate92%
- Acceptance Rate45%
- Students Enrolled71,881
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment9%
- AccreditationYes
Liberty University
- Lynchburg, VA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$14,791
- Out-of-state$14,791
- In-State$7,935
- Out-of-state$7,935
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate50%
- Students Enrolled93,349
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment93%
- AccreditationYes
San Diego State University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$16,680
- Retention Rate89%
- Acceptance Rate37%
- Students Enrolled36,334
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment99%
- AccreditationYes
Southern New Hampshire University
- Manchester, NH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,600
- Out-of-state$9,600
- In-State$18,810
- Out-of-state$18,810
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance Rate94%
- Students Enrolled134,345
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment96%
- AccreditationYes
Southeastern University
- Lakeland, FL
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$26,520
- Out-of-state$26,520
- In-State$13,365
- Out-of-state$13,365
- Retention Rate66%
- Acceptance Rate43%
- Students Enrolled9,546
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
- Cincinnati, OH
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,723
- Out-of-state$25,057
- In-State$13,224
- Out-of-state$24,966
- Retention Rate88%
- Acceptance Rate76%
- Students Enrolled40,826
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment90%
- AccreditationYes
Western Carolina University
- Cullowhee, NC
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$1,000
- Out-of-state$5,000
- In-State$4,435
- Out-of-state$14,842
- Retention Rate81%
- Acceptance Rate48%
- Students Enrolled12,243
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment81%
- AccreditationYes
California State University-San Bernardino
- San Bernardino, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$16,680
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled19,689
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
University of Arizona
- Tucson, AZ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$10,990
- Out-of-state$33,273
- In-State$11,938
- Out-of-state$32,065
- Retention Rate85%
- Acceptance Rate85%
- Students Enrolled45,601
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
Featured Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Programs
Did You Know…
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the U.S. is home to more than 3.3 million protective services professionals as of May 2023.
Jobs You Can Get With an Online Criminal Justice Degree
While the BLS projects only 0.3 % growth in protective services jobs between 2023 and 2033, that still works out to more than 70,000 new jobs.
With a bachelor’s in criminal justice, you could qualify for roles in policing, corrections, firefighting, and security. The table below provides details on some of the most popular career paths in the criminal justice field.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2023) | Job Growth Rate (2023-2033) | Minimum Education Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $91,100 | 4% | High school diploma |
| Transit and Railroad Police | $72,250 | 4% | High school diploma or bachelor’s |
| Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers | $74,910 | 4% | High school diploma or bachelor’s |
| Forensic Science Technicians | $64,940 | 14% | Bachelor’s |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | $61,800 | 4% | Bachelor’s |
| Private Detectives and Investigators | $49,540 | 5% | High school diploma |
| Bailiffs | $53,290 | -6% | High school diploma |
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | $53,300 | 0.3 % | High school diploma |
Source: BLS
Why Accreditation Matters for Online Criminal Justice Programs
Accreditation is a formal process in which independent accrediting agencies vet and verify a school’s academic quality against a set of standards. You must attend an accredited school in order to qualify for federal financial aid.
Some academic programs may be programmatically accredited as well.
Though neither the Department of Education nor the Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognizes any specialized criminal justice accreditors, you might want to look for online criminal justice programs that have been certified by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS).
Many top online schools for criminal justice pursue this certification as a way to promote their program quality.
Coursework for an Online Criminal Justice Degree
Online colleges for criminal justice use different approaches and curricula, but most bachelor’s programs follow a similar core structure.
Typically, you’ll learn about the origins of the criminal justice system and the nature of crimes and corrections.
Some of the courses you might take for your online criminal justice degree include:
- Criminology
- Criminal justice system
- Criminal law
- Corrections
- Policing in America
- Ethics in criminal justice
- Research methods in criminal justice
Online criminal justice programs equip you with knowledge of criminal law procedures and policing and correctional practices. You’ll also hone your critical thinking, communication, and situational awareness skills.
While these programs run primarily online, many include practicums you must complete in person.
Online Colleges for Criminal Justice by State
The growing number of online schools means you can access programs nationwide. Explore below to find criminal justice online degree programs in your state.
Choose Your State Below
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Justice Degrees
Are criminal justice majors in demand?
Yes. Despite a below-average projected growth rate for protective services jobs in the next decade, there’s still demand for criminal justice majors. The BLS projects over 419,300 annual openings to replace turnover in protective services roles.
Police officers and detectives alone need nearly 70,000 new professionals each year to fill employment gaps.
Is a criminal justice degree hard?
While you may find certain coursework or assignments challenging, a criminal justice degree is often considered a more accessible degree.
These programs cover various components of criminal law and the criminal justice system, which some students might find hard to understand. The practical and physical elements might prove difficult as well.
With the proper commitment and determination, however, you can succeed in a criminal justice degree program.
Is there a lot of math in criminal justice?
A criminal justice degree may include some math but typically not a lot. You might need to take an algebra or introductory calculus course as part of your school’s general education requirements.
You might also encounter some statistics or applied mathematics, but these subjects typically don’t show up until graduate-level studies.
Is going to college for criminal justice worth it?
A criminal justice degree can definitely be worth it. While you don’t always need a degree for a criminal justice career, it can open up more doors.
If you’re aiming for a career in policing, for example, an online criminal justice degree will give you more professional flexibility and equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to stand apart from other job candidates.
Along with giving you access to federal positions, a criminal justice degree can improve your odds of securing promotions and leadership positions.
Criminal Justice Resources
Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences
ACJS provides resources for criminal justice education, research, and policy analysis. Members can network, share ideas, and stay up to date on policies and trends.
Justice Research and Statistics Association
JRSA uses research and analysis to help in the decision-making process in criminal and juvenile justice. In addition to offering publications and newsletters, JRSA provides discounted rates for conferences and training classes.
National Criminal Justice Association
NCJA strives to build criminal justice policy and works with state, tribal, and local governments to help prevent crime. The group also offers webinars, networking opportunities, and conferences for members, as well as discounted event prices to student members.
