Best Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs of 2025
Online criminal justice schools prepare undergraduates for many different roles. Read our page to find the best programs of the year.
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At a Glance: This Year’s Top Online Criminal Justice Programs
- #1: Mercer University — The university offers service-based learning and field experiences designed for working adults.
- #2: Concordia University Wisconsin — The university offers two concentrations in leadership and management of criminal justice.
Criminal justice programs can help you develop a strong understanding of the American legal system, court proceedings, and the origins of criminal activity.
This foundation can prepare you for a wide variety of roles — from supporting victims and working in juvenile justice to conducting investigations or navigating the court system.
If this field interests you, explore our guide to the best online criminal justice degree programs, selected based on factors such as student outcomes, affordability, and ease of admissions.
Top Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
Mercer University
Macon, GA4 yearCampus + Online
$33,080
$33,080
66%
35%
Why We Chose This School
Mercer University's criminal justice program promotes service-based learning and field experiences. Plus you'll take classes like criminal law, criminology, and issues in juvenile delinquencies.
The program is designed for busy working adults, offering online and on-campus programs as well as blended courses. Once you graduate, you'll have a thorough understanding of the theoretical and philosophical aspects of the criminal justice field.
You can transfer up to 64 credit hours from all two-year colleges you've attended.
Highlights
- Flexible online and blended courses
- Transfer up to 64 credits
- 90% of students receive financial aid
Know Before You Apply
- Additional fees apart from tuition
$17,565
$17,565
83%
9,124
Private
Yes
$33,080
$33,080
Macon, GA4 yearCampus + Online
$33,080
$33,080
66%
35%
$17,565
$17,565
83%
9,124
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Mercer University's criminal justice program promotes service-based learning and field experiences. Plus you'll take classes like criminal law, criminology, and issues in juvenile delinquencies.
The program is designed for busy working adults, offering online and on-campus programs as well as blended courses. Once you graduate, you'll have a thorough understanding of the theoretical and philosophical aspects of the criminal justice field.
You can transfer up to 64 credit hours from all two-year colleges you've attended.
Highlights
- Flexible online and blended courses
- Transfer up to 64 credits
- 90% of students receive financial aid
Know Before You Apply
- Additional fees apart from tuition
Concordia University-Wisconsin
Mequon, WI4 yearCampus + Online
$33,750
$33,750
68%
65%
Why We Chose This School
Concordia University Wisconsin's management of criminal justice program offers two concentrations: leadership and management of criminal justice. No matter which concentration you choose, you can complete a project or internship to explore career opportunities in one of these areas.
The program emphasizes ethics, so you'll examine ethical decision-making by professionals in the field. You'll take courses in crisis and emergency management, criminal justice research methods, and forensic investigation, among others.
You'll get to learn about crime scene analysis, collection of evidence, interviewing, and other criminal investigation processes.
Highlights
- Scholarships available
- Offers two concentrations
Know Before You Apply
- Costs $490 per credit
- 120 credits to complete the program
$12,960
$12,960
79%
5,063
Private
Yes
$33,750
$33,750
Mequon, WI4 yearCampus + Online
$33,750
$33,750
68%
65%
$12,960
$12,960
79%
5,063
Private
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Concordia University Wisconsin's management of criminal justice program offers two concentrations: leadership and management of criminal justice. No matter which concentration you choose, you can complete a project or internship to explore career opportunities in one of these areas.
The program emphasizes ethics, so you'll examine ethical decision-making by professionals in the field. You'll take courses in crisis and emergency management, criminal justice research methods, and forensic investigation, among others.
You'll get to learn about crime scene analysis, collection of evidence, interviewing, and other criminal investigation processes.
Highlights
- Scholarships available
- Offers two concentrations
Know Before You Apply
- Costs $490 per credit
- 120 credits to complete the program
Why You Should Get a Criminal Justice Degree
- Gain a Versatile Skill Set: During your studies, you’ll gain valuable interpersonal, analytical, and research skills that can prepare you for a range of law enforcement and legal support roles.
- Qualify for Many Roles: With this degree, you can pursue a career as a loss prevention investigator, private detective, federal wildlife officer, and fraud analyst, among many others.
- Make an Impact: Whether you’re supporting victims, working in policy, or helping enforce the law, your degree can prepare you to make a positive impact in the community you serve.
Benefits of Getting a Criminal Justice Degree Online
- According to the BestColleges 2024 Online Education Trends Report, 93% of all students tell us their online degree has or will have a positive ROI.
- Nearly all (97%) of online bachelor’s students and graduates say they would recommend online education to others.
- 94% of online bachelor’s students and graduates think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
- 83% of online college students and program graduates consider an online learning environment to be equal to or better than learning on campus.
How to Choose the Best Criminal Justice Program for You
Before you apply to criminal justice schools, carefully consider the cost, financial aid options, program length, and application requirements to ensure you enroll in a program that fits your needs.
How Much Does an Online Criminal Justice Degree Cost?
Online
Avg. Tuition & Fees
$10,121
Avg. Net Price
$4,887
On-Campus
Avg. Tuition & Fees
$19,628
Avg. Net Price
$9,175
Source: NCES PowerStats
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), you can expect to pay around $10,000 per year for an online bachelor’s in law and legal studies, which includes criminal justice programs. On the other hand, on-campus programs usually cost over $19,000 per year.
Keep in mind that these programs take four years to complete if you’re a full-time student — part-time students may take an additional year or more to graduate.
Fortunately, financial aid can lower the cost of tuition for many students. For instance, those with financial aid, such as grants and scholarships, paid around $5,000 per year for their online programs.
Find Financial Aid for Your Criminal Justice Degree
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice?
Typical # of Credits
120 Credits
Typical Program Length
4 Years
You’ll usually spend four years earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, earning around 120 credits.
If you’ve earned some college credits previously, perhaps from an associate degree program, you may be able to transfer them and graduate faster.
For example, you can complete Anna Maria College’s online criminal justice program in only two years, depending on the number of credits you transfer into the program.
Criminal Justice Program Application Requirements
The application requirements for a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice usually include:
Application form and fee
High school diploma or equivalent
Official transcripts from all previous schools
Minimum 2.0 GPA
Letters of recommendation
Application essay
ACT or SAT scores (if applicable)
What Can You Do With a Criminal Justice Degree?
With a bachelor’s in criminal justice, you can work in law enforcement, corrections facilities, and the court system. Common roles you can pursue include correctional officer or bailiff, forensic science technician, private detective, or paralegal, among other roles.
Some of these roles are experiencing a faster-than-average growth rate. For example, forensic science technician jobs are expected to grow by 14% through 2033, much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations (4%).
However, paralegal roles are projected to grow by only 1% through 2033, and correctional officers are expected to decline by 6%.
Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
---|---|---|
Correctional officer | $57,950 | Oversees the custody and safety of imprisoned people |
Bailiff | $57,950 | Maintains order and safety in courtrooms |
Forensic Science Technician | $67,440 | Helps solve crimes by gathering and analyzing evidence in labs and at crime scenes |
Private Detective or Investigator | $52,370 | Investigates theft, fraud, and various other legal and personal issues |
Paralegal or legal assistant | $61,010 | Works to assist lawyers by drafting legal documents, conducting research, and investigating cases |
Learn More About Criminal Justice Jobs
Is a Criminal Justice Degree Worth It?
A criminal justice degree can be worthwhile if you’re interested in a career in law enforcement or a related field.
You’ll study the criminal justice system, including investigations, evidence collection, court proceedings, and corrections.
This knowledge can prepare you for a career in forensics, law enforcement, and legal support, with average salaries ranging from $52,000 to $67,000 per year.
While some of these roles offer only modest pay, many provide job security, opportunities for advancement, and a variety of career paths. This makes a criminal justice degree a solid choice for those interested in public service and the legal system.
Education Beyond a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice
After earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, you can pursue a master’s in criminal justice or a master’s in forensic science to prepare you for senior roles such as a police supervisor, prison warden, or victim’s advocate.
You could also earn a master’s in forensic science to work as a crime laboratory supervisor, forensic chemist, forensic chemist, forensic laboratory director, or crime scene investigator.
No matter what graduate program you choose, a master’s degree can open the door to both more specialized positions and higher earning potential in the criminal justice field.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Criminal Justice Schools
Some online criminal justice programs, such as those at Georgia State University and Monroe University, require in-person internships where you’ll gain hands-on experience in settings like police agencies or correctional facilities. However, many do not.
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