With a degree in criminal justice, you can pursue a variety of careers in this field. Two of the more popular jobs for graduates in this field include police officer and private investigator, both of which allow you to use the skills you learn in a criminal justice program to keep communities safe.
And, the opportunity to help your community isn’t the only benefit. The salary could be, tool. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for police officers and detectives was about $67,290 as of 2020, which is higher than the national average for all careers. The average salary for private investigators was about $53,320 as of 2020, and the projected job growth through 2029 for both of these criminal justice careers is expected to be much faster than the national average.
If you’re interested in pursuing a job in this field, an online criminal justice bachelor degree can help prepare you for an entry-level position in criminal justice. After gaining your criminal justice degree and a few years of experience, you’ll be able to work toward more advanced roles in the field. And, if you’re worried about the high cost of a degree in this field, you may want to start by looking at the cheapest online criminal justice degrees, which will prepare you for a career in criminal justice while saving you money on tuition.
Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.
There is a wide range of jobs you can pursue with this type of degree. Earning a degree in this field won’t necessarily be easy, but graduates with a bachelor’s in criminal justice can pursue careers as correctional officers, probation and pretrial services officers, and insurance criminal investigators. Police officers and detectives may also need a criminal justice degree.
The FBI does not require that you have a specific degree in order to get hired. According to the agency’s career portal, the government agency offers “a wide variety of career paths for individuals from all backgrounds and experiences.” However, a criminal justice degree is certainly one of many degrees that could help you land a job with the agency. Other majors that can lead to a career with the FBI include cybersecurity, forensic accounting, and international studies.
Whether a BA or a BS in criminal justice is right for you will depend on your goals and the types of courses you want to focus on while earning your degree. A BS program typically involves more upper-division criminal justice coursework in policing in the U.S., while BA programs are focused on more liberal arts courses. Either degree can qualify holders for criminal justice jobs.
Full-time students typically earn their BS in criminal justice in about four years. Learners in accelerated programs often graduate sooner, while part-time students may require more than four years.
| Rank | School | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Humphreys University | Stockton, CA |
| 2 | Peirce College | Philadelphia, PA |
| 3 | Trine University | Angola, IN |
| 4 | Oakland City University | Oakland City, IN |
| 5 | Averett University | Danville, VA |
| 6 | Northern Kentucky University | Highland Heights, KY |
| 7 | Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL |
| 8 | Amridge University | Montgomery, AL |
| 9 | Drury University | Springfield, MO |
| 10 | Mississippi College | Clinton, MS |
| Metric | Data Used | Percentage |
| Academic Quality | Full-time faculty percentage, student-to-faculty ratio, student retention and graduation rates | 25% |
| Affordability | Tuition rates, median student debt, and financial aid | 35% |
| Reputation | Admission and enrollment rates | 15% |
| Program Offerings | Number of program options | 10% |
| Online Enrollment Score | Portion of learners taking at least one online course | 15% |
When you pursue a degree in criminal justice, you will gain a comprehensive foundation for understanding of the criminal justice system. In this type of program, you will learn about the local legislature, research methodology, critical reasoning, and field applications — all of which are pertinent to a career in criminal justice.
While each program differs, most criminal justice programs will include courses in three main areas: courts, police, and corrections. That said, you may be able to specialize in a subset of criminal justice by the focus and the classes you take. For example, you may have an opportunity to take an independent study course that is focused on working with victims of crimes. Some programs even offer courses on issues that exist exclusively within particular areas of the legal and criminal justice systems or issues that exist within a particular jurisdiction.
Admission requirements for criminal justice programs vary by school. However, applicants must typically submit high school or GED transcripts, placement test scores, and FAFSA results. Many schools will accept incoming high school students with SAT test scores of 1050 or higher, though more competitive schools will require scores of at least 1400. New students may also need to meet with a counselor before registering for courses.In addition to coursework, criminal justice students may need to complete a capstone course. During the capstone course, degree-seekers synthesize the knowledge and skills they learned throughout the program by conducting original research, creating an academic portfolio, or giving a presentation. You’ll typically need at least 120 credits to graduate from a bachelor’s in criminal justice program. You may also be required to have a GPA of at least 2.0, though this requirement varies based on the program and school you enroll in.
Four-year criminal justice programs typically require general education courses, major coursework, and electives. While completing coursework, you’ll hone transferable skills and develop skills necessary for criminal justice jobs. You may also specialize in an area of the field to become competitive for high-level positions.
Criminal justice curriculum often includes the following courses. However, academic requirements and course titles vary by school, so students should contact their prospective institution to learn about course availability and program requirements.
Students earning a degree in criminal justice explore social change and theoretical analysis. Major courses focus on criminal justice topics, and learners develop skills in critical thinking, conflict resolution, and enhanced communication. These transferable skills can help criminal justice professionals switch careers and advance to high-level roles.
In addition to positions in law enforcement, graduates with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can become emergency management directors. These professionals help communities prepare for and respond to disasters, including natural disasters and technological emergencies.
An affordable online criminal justice degree can also appeal to mid-career professionals in the field. Police officers, firefighters, and corrections officers can obtain a bachelor’s degree to qualify for promotions and raises. Additionally, some employers offer tuition reimbursement programs to encourage workers to earn higher degrees. These tuition reimbursement programs typically require recipients to continue working for the employer for a certain amount of time after graduation.
Once you’ve completed your criminal justice program, you may find you have opportunities to pursue a wide range of occupations. The public sectors — law enforcement agencies and other government entities — typically employ more graduates with criminal justice degrees than the private sector.
For example, law enforcement positions are quite common, especially in correctional facilities, federal agencies, or police departments. Court positions are generally available as well, and can include positions such as court reporters, court administrators, or even criminal justice educators. Some graduates may be drawn toward career pathways for correctional administrators, probation officers, or even social workers, though qualifications for these types of positions vary by state and county. Some jurisdictions require more advanced degrees or licensure for social work or other mental health-related positions
Some of the more common careers you can pursue with a criminal justice degree, as well as the average salaries for each position, include:
| Career | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Police officer | $67,290 |
| Court reporter | $61,660 |
| Probation officer | $55,690 |
| Private detective | $53,320 |
| Social workers | $51,760 |
| Correctional officer/bailiff | $47,440 |
Prospective students researching criminal justice degrees should ensure that each prospective school holds regional accreditation. The U.S. Department of Education (ED) charters six regional accreditation agencies to evaluate postsecondary schools. To receive regional accreditation, colleges and universities must meet high standards for academic quality. Many employers and graduate schools only recognize degrees earned from regionally accredited schools.
Colleges and universities that offer online programs should also hold national accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). DEAC compares a school’s online and on-campus programs to ensure that the institution’s online programs deliver the same rigorous education and learning outcomes.
To verify the accreditation status of any U.S. institution, learners can search the ED’s online database.
Criminal justice professionals often need a state-issued license, depending on their position. Some careers also require certification. Private organizations grant certifications to individuals who meet specific academic and experience requirements. Licensure or certification requirements may also include membership with a professional organization, passing scores on one or more exams, and a fee.
This certification is designed for professionals who work with incarcerated individuals struggling with drug addiction. Candidates must have completed coursework in addiction and a 300-hour supervised practicum. Candidates must also pass the Certified Criminal Justice Professional Exam. Bachelor’s degree-holders need fewer hours of experience than candidates with only an associate degree or high school diploma.
The Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialists awards this credential to members and nonmembers who meet experience and education requirements. Candidates must pass a comprehensive exam, which covers topics including human trafficking and internal fraud. Members of the association, government workers, and students pay a discounted certification fee.
Requirements for possessing and carrying a firearm vary by state. However, candidates for a firearm license must typically take a course, pass an exam, and demonstrate proficiency with specific guns. A firearm license is valid 5-10 years, depending on the state, and renewal generally involves paying a fee and submitting paperwork.
In addition to certifications, professional organizations often provide members with networking opportunities, professional development courses, and information regarding the latest criminal justice jobs. Some organizations also run mentorship programs and award scholarships. Undergraduate criminal justice students can explore the professional organizations below.
Even students attending the most affordable criminal justice programs often need financial assistance to avoid significant student debt. You can apply for criminal justice scholarships from private organizations to help cover the cost of your education. These options include:
Even students attending the most affordable criminal justice programs often need financial assistance to avoid significant student debt. You can apply for criminal justice scholarships from private organizations to help cover the cost of your education. These options include:
Alpha Phi Sigma Best Paper Scholarships
Who Can Apply: Alpha Phi Sigma awards four scholarships each year to criminology undergrad and graduate students who submit an essay on a criminal justice topic: the V.A. Leonard Scholarship, the Regina B. Sheard Scholarship, the Nay-Latocki Military Veteran Scholarship, and the Best Paper Scholarships. Essays should incorporate external research and use MLA or APA format. You’ll also need to submit your transcript and letters of recommendation. Applicants should submit their essay by March 1.
Amount: $500-$2,000
Deadline:March 1
My Alarm Center Student Scholarship
Who Can Apply: High school seniors and college underclassmen can apply. Applicants must not have a parent who works for My Alarm Center. Candidates must submit two brief essays and their contact information. Applicants must apply by July 1, and My Alarm Center notifies recipients on August 1. Scholarship recipients cannot reapply.
Amount: $1000
Deadline: July 1
Sheryl A. Horak Law Enforcement Explorer Memorial Scholarship
Who Can Apply: This one-time scholarship supports learners who are preparing for a law enforcement career. Applicants must be in at least 12th grade and submit three recommendation letters, a 500-word essay, a recent photograph, and high school or college transcripts. Students should apply by March 31, and scholarship winners receive recognition at a conference or local ceremony.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: March 31
Melissa Linville Criminal Justice Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Crimcheck offers this scholarship to high school seniors and college students. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 high school or undergraduate GPA, must be enrolled full time, and must submit a 1-2 page essay. The scholarship committee prefers applicants who demonstrate knowledge of and passion for the criminal justice field.
Amount: $500
Deadline: August 1
Brian Terry Scholarship
Who Can Apply: The Brian Terry Foundation awards this scholarship to high school seniors and college students who are studying criminal justice. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA and must submit two recommendation letters, official transcripts, and a personal statement. In addition to funding, scholarship winners receive leadership development training.
Amount: Varies
Deadline: May 31
Stockton, CA
$$$$$
Located in Stockton and Modesto, California, Humphreys University offers a criminal justice degree that teaches students how to apply ethical behavior and best practices on the job. The 181-unit curriculum emphasizes contemporary issues in criminal justice and the field's history. Students can complete the degree fully online or follow a hybrid format.
Philadelphia, PA
$$$$$
Pierce's online degree in criminal justice confers a bachelor of science and includes courses in criminal law, juvenile justice, and victims and victimization. Students customize the program by selecting 10 criminal justice electives or completing a minor in a related field. Enrollees must also complete a two-part capstone project. All general education courses are completed entirely online.
Angola, IN
$$$$$
Located in Angola, Indiana, Trine offers its online criminal justice degree to students all over the world. Major coursework for this degree covers state and local government, American constitutional development, and juvenile justice. Students also complete a law enforcement internship and deliver a criminal justice capstone demonstration.
Oakland City, IN
$$$$$
Aspiring criminal justice professionals may want to consider OCU's criminal justice generalist program. Curriculum objectives include analyzing the criminal justice system, demonstrating competency of criminal justice procedures, and applying correct investigative techniques. All coursework runs asynchronously, allowing working students to continue with their jobs while enrolled in the program.
Danville, VA
$$$$$
Averett University’s degree in criminal justice emphasizes criminal justice and sociology. Students take core courses in society and the individual, research methods, and courts and trials. Degree-seekers can customize the program by choosing one of four minors, such as leadership or homeland security.
Highland Heights, KY
$$$$$
Professors working on NKU's Highland Heights campus developed the school's criminal justice degree curriculum. The fully online program requires courses in police in America, perspectives on crime, and the criminal court system. The 120-credit program also requires 23 elective credits, allowing students to pursue a minor or take additional criminal justice courses.
Tallahassee, FL
$$$$$
FSU’s criminal justice majors enroll in the university's bachelor's in criminology program. Working students can enroll part-time and stay in good academic standing by maintaining a minimum 2.0 undergraduate GPA. Enrollees can also complete an optional minor.
Montgomery, AL
$$$$$
Amridge's criminal justice program provides students a Christ-centered education that prepares them for a career or graduate-level study. Required courses include criminal procedures, constitutional law, and interview and interrogation. The program features numerous elective options, such as comparative criminal justice systems and terrorism today. Enrollees must stay in good academic standing by maintaining a minimum 2.0 GPA.
Springfield, MO
$$$$$
DU's degree in criminal justice typically attracts aspiring police officers and community organizers. The 42-credit program requires courses in victimology, the principles of forensic science, and the judicial process. For their senior capstone, students write an extended essay that incorporates original research and the principal theories they learned throughout the program.
Clinton, MS
$$$$$
A Christian college located in Clinton, Mississippi, Mississippi College offers a criminal justice degree to transfer students who already possess an associate’s degree or adequate transfer credit. The 36-credit program features courses on special issues in topics like homeland security, domestic terrorism, and abnormal psychology. The program runs asynchronously, enabling working students to continue their careers while enrolled in the program.
Longview, TX
$$$$$
After graduating from LeTourneau University's bachelor's in criminal justice program, students can work as law enforcement officers and detectives. The university offers both a bachelor of arts and a bachelor of science track to nontraditional students. Both degree types require coursework in criminology, police and the community, and personal and professional ethics. Students who need to take general education courses to reach 120 credits can do so online.
Baldwin City, KS
$$$$$
BU's criminal justice bachelor's-completion degree takes just two years to complete. Students in this program will analyze criminal justice research, criminal investigation, and inequality and crime. BU offers online general education courses so that students are not required to attend classes on the university's Baldwin City, Kansas, campus.
Lebanon, IL
$$$$$
Based in Lebanon, Illinois, McKendree University offers a degree in criminal justice that includes courses in juvenile delinquency, police and urban society, and race and ethnic relations. Students use Brightspace to access course content. Most degree-seekers take two courses each eight-week term.
Greenville, IL
$$$$$
Greenville's criminal justice degree trains students to work as border patrol agents, correctional treatment specialists, and fish and game wardens. Transfer students can graduate in 1-2 years. Degree-seekers take at least 39 credits in topics including community relations, crime and social deviance, and policies and agencies. Students gain hands-on experience by completing a 120-hour practicum at a criminal justice-related agency.
Dayton, TN
$$$$$
The types of criminal justice jobs that Bryan College alumni can attain typically include FBI agent or correctional officer. The school's bachelor's in criminal justice program emphasizes coursework in public administration of criminal justice, critical survey of worldviews, and jurisprudence. The program also requires multiple courses in Christianity and faith.
Hamburg, NY
$$$$$
Located in Hamburg, New York, Hilbert College offers its criminal justice degree online, on campus, and in a hybrid format. Students can choose from 10 concentrations, including family violence, juvenile justice, and security management. Motivated degree-seekers can enroll in the 4+1 track to earn a bachelor's and master's degree in criminal justice in just five years.
Bismarck, ND
$$$$$
University of Mary's degree in criminal justice program allows students to earn either a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science in this field. The curriculum emphasizes law enforcement and policing, the juvenile justice process, and homeland security. Graduation requirements at this Catholic university include religious instruction, and professors teach all courses from a religious perspective.
Boiling Springs, NC
$$$$$
Gardner-Webb University's criminal justice degree program attracts both freshmen and nontraditional students interested in a degree-completion program. Students can choose between traditional and accelerated programs. Core coursework includes criminal justice procedures, criminal justice theory and research, and the sociology of deviant behavior. Students can customize their education plans by selecting two criminal justice electives from over 20 options.
Oklahoma City, OK
$$$$$
Located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Mid-America Christian University offers a bachelor's in criminal justice degree program that includes coursework in homeland security, criminal procedures, and administrative communication. The rigorous curriculum attracts students with or without criminal justice experience, and professors emphasize real-life teaching and case studies. Every course lasts five weeks and runs asynchronously.
Columbia, KY
$$$$$
Lindsey Wilson College’s criminal justice degree appeals to students planning to enter graduate school or start a career in this field. Required courses include criminal courts, the American legal system, and police investigation. Students also gain real-world experience by completing a 120-hour professional internship and writing a research paper on their experience.
Sault Ste Marie, MI
$$$$$
Lake Superior State University's degree in criminal justice features numerous concentrations, including corrections and public safety. Students select one concentration but can minor in another. All students complete core courses in the police process, ethical issues in public safety, and procedural criminal law.
Hays, KS
$$$$$
Located in Hays, Kansas, Fort Hays State University offers a bachelor of arts and a bachelor of science in criminal justice to online students. The 24-credit core curriculum includes courses in careers in criminal justice, the administration of justice systems, and criminal justice research. Graduation requirements include a capstone seminar emphasizing critical issues in criminal justice.
Located in Hays, Kansas, Fort Hays State University offers a bachelor of arts and a bachelor of science in criminal justice to online students. The 24-credit core curriculum includes courses in careers in criminal justice, the administration of justice systems, and criminal justice research. Graduation requirements include a capstone seminar emphasizing critical issues in criminal justice.
Richmond, IN
$$$$$
Indiana University-East offers a criminal justice bachelor's-completion program that can lead to opportunities for jobs such as loss prevention manager or probation officer. The 60-credit, four-semester curriculum includes courses in courts and criminal justice, techniques of data analysis, and criminal law. The degree offers some flexibility, as students choose five criminal justice electives.
Tigerville, SC
$$$$$
Students need not relocate to Tigerville, South Carolina, to earn North Greenville University's criminal justice degree. This program offers multiple electives like abnormal psychology, the principles of leadership, and state and local government. Degree-seekers will also complete an academic portfolio, which is a compilation of work they can use as part of job applications.
Natchitoches, LA
$$$$$
The Northwestern State University of Louisiana offers a 120-credit criminal justice degree program that features coursework in the adjudication process, juvenile delinquency and justice, and analysis of police operations. The program's senior seminar requires students to complete a comprehensive project. Students can finish all general education courses entirely online.
Angelica Leicht is the schools editor at Best Value Schools who oversees our college rankings, school profiles, and other higher education coverage. She previously served as an education reporter at Kearney Hub, and an editor at the Dallas Observer and Houston Press. Her writing has appeared in Affordable Colleges Online, Bankrate, The Simple Dollar, and elsewhere.
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