A degree in criminal justice provides students with the knowledge and skills they need for a successful criminal justice career.
These programs are offered in person and even through online learning programs for students who can't make it to campus.
We've found the best online criminal justice degree programs in Mississippi so students in the Magnolia State can start or excel in their new careers.
Top Online Criminal Justice Programs in Mississippi
Only two institutions in Mississippi offer online criminal justice bachelor's degree programs. We've listed them below in alphabetical order.
1. Alcorn State University
Alcorn State University is a public university and is one of the historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the U.S.
It offers an online Bachelor of Science in criminal justice degree. The degree provides a broad education in social sciences and a basic education in criminal justice.
The degree program requires a minimum of 122 credits to graduate. The criminal justice course sequence includes 27 of those credits and 15 are part of the sociology course sequence.
Examples of courses in this curriculum include:
- introduction to criminal justice
- introduction to law enforcement
- deviant behavior
- public and private security
- racial and cultural minorities
2. Jackson State University
Jackson State University is a public HBCU located in the state capital of Jackson. It offers a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice degree program online.
This program prepares students for careers in law enforcement by teaching them to think critically when making decisions about the administration of justice.
Graduates must complete 122 total credits, and the program usually takes students four years to complete.
Examples of courses in this curriculum include:
- introduction to criminal justice
- introduction to law enforcement
- introduction to correctional services
- juvenile justice
- women in the criminal justice system
Other Online Criminal Justice Programs
Only two schools in Mississippi offer online criminal justice programs, but there are several institutions that offer online degree programs to students across the nation.
We've listed our top picks below in alphabetical order.
Purdue Global
Purdue Global is a public university in Indiana. It offers a variety of online programs through Purdue Global, its online campus.
Through Purdue Global, students can earn multiple online degrees in criminal justice at the associate, bachelor's, and master's levels.
The Associate of Applied Science in criminal justice is a 90-quarter-credit (60-semester-credit) program. It takes about two years to complete, during which students learn the basics of criminal justice.
The Bachelor of Science in criminal justice is a 180-quarter-credit (90-semester-credit) program that takes four years to complete. It offers seven concentrations:
- business foundations
- crime scene investigation
- forensic psychology
- homeland security
- juvenile justice
- law enforcement
- socially responsible leadership
The Master of Science in criminal justice is a 55-quarter-credit (37-semester-credit) program that can be finished in a year and a half. A Master of Science in homeland security and emergency management is also available.
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University is a private university based in Manchester, NH. It's well-known for over 300 online programs, including multiple criminal justice programs.
The Associate of Science in criminal justice is a 60-credit program. Most students finish within two years, during which they learn the foundations of the criminal justice system.
The Bachelor of Science in criminal justice is a 120-credit program. Students with no previous credits can finish in four years. It offers eight concentrations:
- corrections
- criminology and crime analysis
- cybercrime
- homeland security and counterterrorism
- human services and advocacy
- police administration and operations
- security management
- substance abuse
The Master of Science in criminal justice is a 36-credit program that students can finish within 15 months. Two concentrations are available: advanced counterterrorism and public safety administration.
University of Massachusetts
The University of Massachusetts is a public university. Through UMass Global, it has multiple campuses on the west coast as well as a prolific online campus.
UMass Global offers a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice. It's a 120-credit program that takes about four years to complete.
Examples of courses in this curriculum include:
- introduction to criminal justice
- police and society
- forensic science
- juvenile justice
- victims and the criminal justice system
Students can also earn a Bachelor of Arts in legal studies degree online through UMass Global, as well as an undergraduate certificate in paralegal studies.
FAQs about Mississippi Criminal Justice Degree Programs
Discover the answers to frequently asked questions about online criminal justice programs in Mississippi.
What Courses Will I Take in an Online Bachelor in Criminal Justice Program?
The courses you take in your online program will depend on the specific program as well as any concentrations you have.
However, most programs begin with an introduction to criminal justice and also include classes that focus on juvenile offenders, criminology, and victim services.
Does Criminal Justice Require a Lot of Math?
Most criminal justice programs do not require any math. However, a math course is usually a requirement to fulfill general education courses.
What Is the Difference Between Criminal Justice and Criminology?
Criminal justice and criminology have some overlap, but they focus on different areas.
Criminal justice is focused on the systems and procedures within the criminal justice system, while criminology focuses on the psychology and sociology of criminal behavior.
Start Your Criminal Justice Degree Program in Mississippi
There are a few excellent options for online criminal justice programs in Mississippi. Contact Best Accredited Colleges today and let us help you find the perfect fit.
