The 25 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Programs of 2021

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.

Top 25 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Programs of 2021

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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.

Degree Requirements

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.

Criminal Justice Courses

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.

Career Path

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.

Job Outlook & Salary

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:

Accreditation for a Criminal Justice Degree

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.

Certifications and Licensure for Criminal Justice Majors

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.

Professional Organizations for Criminal Justice Majors

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.

This national honor society for criminal justice students offers membership to students in the field who excel academically. Members benefit from networking opportunities, an invitation to the annual conference, and exclusive scholarships. Membership applicants must attend a school with an Alpha Phi Sigma chapter and pay a fee. They need a minimum 3.2 GPA.

ACA offers discounted membership rates for undergraduate students. Members receive a discount on ACA publications, along with access to professional development courses and networking events. The association maintains student chapters on more than two dozen college campuses, allowing students to build professional relationships with future colleagues.

Founded in the 1940s, ASC advocates for research to create better public policy. Members receive three industry publications, and student members receive a reduced annual rate. Learners can also join one of the organization's subdivisions, which focus on disciplines including international criminology and victimology.

The IAWP advocates for the advancement of women's role in law enforcement and policies to protect women officers from harassment. Prospective members can join for free for 90 days, and student benefits include a subscription to the organization's quarterly WomenPolice Magazine. After becoming officers, members can join one of the IAWP's chapters.

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