Online Schools For Bachelor's Degree In Criminal Justice

If you’ve ever dreamed of working in law enforcement, homeland security, or forensic science—but can’t attend traditional classes due to work or life commitments—then an online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice might be exactly what you need. The good news? More and more accredited schools are offering flexible, affordable online programs that allow you to study on your schedule, without putting your life on hold.

Whether you’re looking to become a police officer, corrections officer, crime analyst, or even pursue law school, choosing the right online school for your criminal justice degree is the first step. In this guide, you’ll find a list of top-rated programs that combine convenience, academic quality, and industry credibility—so you can start building your future in criminal justice, one course at a time.

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Best Online Criminal Justice Programs

Selecting a top-tier online school is crucial for gaining the skills and credentials needed to thrive in the criminal justice field. Below is a curated list of 10 reputable online schools offering bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice, known for their accreditation, faculty expertise, and career-focused curricula.

University of Central Florida (UCF)
UCF offers a fully online Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, requiring 120 credits. The program covers crime in America, police-society dynamics, and prosecution processes, with asynchronous courses for maximum flexibility. UCF stands out for its low tuition rates and high graduation rates, making it a top choice for affordability and quality.
San Diego State University (SDSU)
SDSU’s online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice is a degree-completion program for students with 60 transferable credits and a minimum 2.8 GPA. The 15-month program emphasizes social justice, covering topics like forensic science and juvenile justice, with an optional minor in public administration. SDSU’s high retention and graduation rates add to its appeal.
San Francisco State University (SFSU)
SFSU’s online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Studies is designed for students with at least 60 transferable credits. The program explores law enforcement, courts, and corrections, with a focus on systemic inequalities and ethical reasoning. Asynchronous courses and a senior capstone project prepare students for diverse careers or graduate studies.
Purdue Global
Purdue Global’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice offers concentrations in areas like cybercrime and homeland security. The program emphasizes practical skills, such as evidence analysis and organizational behavior, and is ideal for military students, who can transfer up to 54% of credits for an associate’s degree or 45% for a bachelor’s.
LSU Alexandria (LSUA)
LSUA’s online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice provides a comprehensive curriculum covering forensics, crime scene investigation, and correctional management. Students can transfer up to 75% of credits and learn from experienced practitioners. The program’s affordability and Omega Nu Lambda Honor Society membership enhance its value.
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
SNHU’s online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice offers concentrations in cybercrime, human services, and police administration. Asynchronous courses and 24/7 access to instructors make it ideal for working professionals. The program’s practical focus prepares graduates for roles like police officers or social service managers.
University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)
UMGC’s 120-credit online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice emphasizes critical thinking, ethics, and interagency collaboration. Eligible students can join the Pi Gamma Mu Honor Society, and generous transfer credit policies make it accessible. UMGC’s affordable tuition and career services support long-term success.
Northern Michigan University (NMU)
NMU’s online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice focuses on real-world skills in policing, forensics, and law. Requiring a 2.0 GPA and a minimum grade of “C” in major courses, the program prepares students for careers or graduate school. Financial aid options, including grants and scholarships, are available.
Penn State World Campus
Penn State’s online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, offered through its Harrisburg School of Public Affairs, balances theoretical and practical knowledge. Courses cover criminology, ethics, and homeland security, taught by faculty with real-world experience. Flexible course loads suit busy students aiming to complete the degree quickly.
Sam Houston State University (SHSU)
SHSU’s online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice is nationally recognized for affordability and faculty research productivity. The program offers over 40 scholarships and a robust curriculum covering criminology, policing, and corrections, preparing students for competitive roles in law enforcement or further studies.

Online Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice

An online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice typically requires 120 credits and takes about four years to complete, though accelerated programs or transfer credits can shorten this timeline. These programs cover core topics like criminology, criminal law, policing, corrections, and ethics, often allowing students to specialize in areas such as cybercrime, forensics, or homeland security. Asynchronous courses provide flexibility, enabling students to study at their own pace while balancing work or family commitments. Graduates are equipped for careers in law enforcement, corrections, private security, or as a foundation for law school or graduate studies.

Criminal Justice Degree Online Accredited

Accreditation is a critical factor when choosing an online criminal justice program, ensuring the degree meets high educational standards and is recognized by employers. All schools listed above are accredited by regional bodies, such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSOC) or the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Accreditation also enables access to federal financial aid and ensures transferability of credits. Always verify a program’s accreditation through the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs before enrolling.

Online Criminal Justice Degree Cost

The cost of an online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice varies widely, ranging from $6,000 to $36,000 per year, with public universities often being more affordable (around $12,980 annually, according to the National Center for Education Statistics). For example, UCF and SHSU are noted for low in-state tuition, while UMGC offers reduced rates for military students. Financial aid, including Pell Grants, scholarships, and employer funding, can significantly reduce costs. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is essential to explore these options.

Criminal Justice Careers

A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice opens doors to diverse career paths. Graduates can pursue roles such as:

Police Officer or Detective: Median annual salary of $77,270 (BLS, May 2024), with detectives earning up to $93,580.
Probation or Parole Officer: Median salary of $64,520, focusing on rehabilitation and community supervision.
Forensic Technician: Analyzing evidence for criminal investigations, often requiring specialized coursework.
FBI or CIA Special Agent: Federal roles requiring a bachelor’s degree, with strong job outlooks in agencies like Homeland Security.
Victim Advocate or Social Worker: Supporting crime victims or families, with 9% job growth projected through 2032 (BLS). Many programs, like those at GSU and WTAMU, include internships to provide hands-on experience, enhancing employability in these fields.

Criminal Justice Degree Requirements

Admission requirements for online criminal justice programs typically include:

A high school diploma or equivalent.
A minimum GPA (e.g., 2.0 for LSUA, 2.8 for SDSU’s degree-completion program).
At least 60 transferable credits for degree-completion programs (e.g., SFSU, SDSU).
Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) for some programs, though many, like UMGC, have no such requirement.
Completion of prerequisite courses, such as college-level English and math with a “C” or higher (e.g., LSUA). Some programs, like FIU, offer combined bachelor’s/master’s pathways, requiring 75–90 credits before applying. Always consult academic advisors to confirm specific requirements.

Online Criminal Justice Degree Benefits

Online programs offer significant advantages:

Flexibility: Asynchronous courses allow students to study anytime, ideal for working professionals or parents.
Affordability: Lower tuition at public universities and the ability to work while studying reduce financial burdens.
Career Preparation: Internships, capstone projects, and practical coursework (e.g., SHSU, GSU) build job-ready skills.
Accessibility: No need to relocate, with programs like ASU and SNHU offering identical diplomas to on-campus degrees.
Networking: Faculty with real-world experience (e.g., Penn State, SDSU) and student organizations like Pi Gamma Mu (UMGC) foster professional connections.

Criminal Justice Degree Specializations

Many programs offer concentrations to tailor your degree to career goals:

Cybercrime: SNHU’s concentration prepares students to combat tech-based crimes like hacking or identity theft.
Homeland Security: FIU and Purdue Global emphasize terrorism and public policy, ideal for federal agency roles.
Forensics: LSUA and SDSU include courses in crime scene investigation and evidence analysis.
Human Services & Advocacy: SNHU’s track focuses on public policy and victim support, preparing graduates for social work.
Police Administration: Programs like WTAMU and SNHU cover leadership and ethics in law enforcement, suited for management roles. These specializations allow students to align their education with specific career paths, from investigations to policy development.

Conclusion

Pursuing an online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice is a strategic step toward a rewarding career in law enforcement, corrections, or social justice. With flexible, accredited programs from top schools like UCF, SDSU, and SHSU, you can gain the skills needed to make a difference while balancing your personal and professional life. By carefully considering costs, specializations, and career outcomes, you can select a program that aligns with your goals. Start your journey today by exploring these programs and taking the first step toward a future in criminal justice.