Best Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs of 2025

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 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.

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.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), you’ll 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. 

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. 

The application requirements for a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice usually include:

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%.

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.

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.