If you are interested in pursuing a career in criminal justice, consider earning an online bachelor's degree. A degree in criminal justice will give you the knowledge and skills to understand crime and criminal behavior.
You will learn the roles of various professions within the criminal justice industry. You will also learn critical thinking and ethical decision-making strategies, which are necessary to the profession and help meet the demands of the field.
This article lists some of Maryland's best online criminal justice degree programs. Criminal justice programs in Maryland offer quality education from accredited institutions recognized for their academic quality and flexibility.
Top Maryland Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs
Here are the top online criminal justice degree programs in Maryland.
1. University of Maryland Global Campus
The University of Maryland Global Campus offers an online or hybrid bachelor's degree in criminal justice. The online criminal justice program provides students with thorough knowledge of crime and criminal behavior.
Students learn the principles of ethical decision-making and study to enhance their critical thinking skills. Coursework topics include juvenile delinquency, criminal investigation, and victimology.
Neither SAT nor ACT scores are required. The University of Maryland Global Campus accepts up to 90 transfer credits. In-state tuition is $318 per credit.
2. Strayer University
Strayer University offers an online Bachelor of Science (BS) in criminal justice designed to help you develop communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills that can help you detect and prevent criminal behavior.
The program covers criminology, corrections, homeland security, forensic technology, and criminal justice administration.
You can transfer up to 28 classes from previous college coursework or professional experience. The tuition is $1,480 per course for all students.
3. University of Baltimore
The University of Baltimore's online BS in criminal justice provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the justice system and its impact on society.
The program covers criminal justice theory, research methods, crime analysis, policy evaluation, and leadership.
You can transfer up to 63 credits from previous college coursework or professional experience. The tuition is $374 per credit for in-state students.
4. Bowie State University
Bowie State University offers a BS in criminal justice designed to equip you with the skills you need to be a problem solver in the law enforcement industry.
The program covers topics like forensic science, social justice, and community advocacy. The faculty guides students to become socially, politically, and globally responsible professionals.
You may transfer up to 70 college credits from previous coursework or professional experience. The tuition is $260 per credit for part-time in-state students.
5. Stevenson University Online
Stevenson University Online offers a BS in criminal justice. The university designed the program for students seeking careers in criminal justice education, research, or public service.
Stevenson's program allows students to take optional coursework emphasizing law enforcement management, behavioral concepts, and human resource issues.
Stevenson's online criminal justice degree program has been ranked the best university for working adults. Tuition for undergraduate programs costs $450 per credit.
FAQs about Maryland's Criminal Justice Degree Programs
Find the most-asked questions about criminal justice programs in Maryland and careers in the criminal justice industry.
Are Online Criminal Justice Degrees Worth it in Maryland?
Online learning programs are suitable for people who wish to pursue new or advanced career opportunities in this field without upsetting the balance between work life and family responsibilities.
Before enrolling in an online criminal justice program in Maryland, research and compare different options to find what fits your goals and budget best.
What Jobs Do Criminal Justice Degree Holders Have in Maryland?
There are many career options available to criminal justice program graduates, including:
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) agent
- attorney
- background screening agent
- border patrol
- criminal justice professor
- detective
- digital forensics examiner
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent
- federal air marshal
- K9 officer
- military law enforcement
- negotiator
- probation officer
- public defender
- research and policy analyst
- secret service agent
- state trooper and highway patrol
How Long Does a Criminal Justice Degree in Maryland Take to Earn?
To earn a criminal justice degree in Maryland, you must complete a four-year bachelor's program at an accredited institution. Some schools may offer accelerated options to reduce that time.
You may also pursue a master's degree or graduate certificate in criminal justice after completing your bachelor's degree, which will take an additional one to three years to complete.
Do Criminal Justice Degrees Pay Well in Maryland?
According to Forbes, criminal justice professionals earn anywhere from $48,320 (bailiff or correctional officer) to $127,990 (lawyer) annually. Salary depends on degree level, experience, and location.
Most industry professionals make an average of $60,000 per year. Fish and game wardens, paralegals, police officers, and probation officers all earn $60,000 per year on average. Detectives and criminal investigators earn approximately $83,640 annually.
Start Your Criminal Justice Degree Program in Maryland!
Criminal justice programs in Maryland present exciting and valuable career opportunities. To learn more about criminal justice, cybersecurity, and other exciting and rewarding degree programs nationwide, visit Best Accredited Colleges!
