Criminal justice and corrections is one of the most popular degree programs in the country, ranking seventh in popularity. This means you have a lot of options when it comes to getting your degree.
Students in North Carolina can attend one of several criminal justice colleges. There are undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs available.
Some of the best criminal justice schools in North Carolina provide both online criminal justice degree programs and classroom instruction. Online learning can be an appealing alternative for those who want to go to school part-time while working.
Top Online Criminal Justice Programs in North Carolina
Keep reading to find our ranking of the best criminal justice programs in North Carolina, as well as more information about each institution's academic specialties and online platforms.
1. Western Carolina University
Western Carolina University's criminal justice online program has been ranked as the the number one best buy in the Get Educated rankings.
This program provides students with flexibility and convenience to earn a Bachelor of Science degree.
Participating in extracurricular activities can help students gain a better grasp of their chosen subject and give them the opportunity to cooperate, mingle, and network with their peers.
2. North Carolina A&T State University
Students who join the criminal justice program in North Carolina A&T State University will learn from America's largest public HBCU.
This curriculum educates and prepares the next generation of criminal justice professionals by teaching students about criminal justice systems, security, law enforcement, and the nature and causes of crime.
Graduates will be prepared to address emerging and long-term challenges in criminal justice, particularly in:
- forensic science and crime scene investigation
- criminal investigation
- data analytics
- cybersecurity
3. Montreat College
Montreat College students can get a criminal justice degree and prepare for a fulfilling career in community service at the local, state, and federal levels.
The program at Montreat College is adaptable and reasonably priced, and it prepares students for a variety of vocations in law enforcement, courts, and corrections.
The courses concentrate on a range of criminal conduct and crime-related topics, as well as law enforcement, courts, and corrections.
4. Fayetteville State University
The criminal justice program at Fayetteville State University was the first in North Carolina to be accredited by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences. FSU offers a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice program and a criminal justice minor.
The Bachelor of Science degree involves 120 credit hours (38 credit hours of university core courses and 82 credit hours of criminal justice courses).
For both the Bachelor of Science program and the minor in criminal justice, FSU offers an online degree completion option.
The FSU Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice offers a number of criminology and criminal justice elective courses including:
- police and society
- drugs and crime
- white collar crime
- comparative criminal justice
5. University of North Carolina, Pembroke
The department of sociology and criminal justice at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP) provides students with classroom and real-world experiences meant to inspire critical thinking about the social environment.
The department of sociology provides a major in criminal justice. To complete the criminal justice degree online, all students must transfer all of UNCP's general education requirements (including two hours of physical education).
UNCP will provide all needed sociology or criminal justice courses for the online degree, but non-major courses may not be available online.
6. Elizabeth City State University
The criminal justice curriculum at Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) allows students to investigate both historical and modern topics concerning crime, punishment, and rehabilitation.
A focus on enhancing critical thinking abilities will equip students for graduate study or work as a criminal justice practitioner in one of the various job pathways available with this degree.
For both the Bachelor of Science program and the minor in criminal justice, ECSU's criminal justice online degree completion program is an option.
Students may complete any remaining coursework at ECSU online after completing all university and program core requirements (about 60 semester credit hours) or gaining approval for transfer credits.
7. Lees-McRae College
The online criminal justice program at Lees-McRae College is designed for working students who want a curriculum that provides excellent education and professional training while also providing flexibility and convenience.
Students will be taught by criminal justice experts who have worked in police departments, sheriff's offices, and courts throughout the curriculum.
The online Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in criminal justice program is designed for working professionals and recent community college graduates who want to broaden their career options and earning potential.
8. North Carolina Central University
The Bachelor of Science in criminal justice degree at North Carolina Central University will teach students about the criminal justice system, its agencies, staff, and historical background.
Students will be prepared for a responsible role in criminal justice and associated agencies via classroom and field experience.
Students will select a specialty in law enforcement, correctional, juvenile justice, or homeland security in addition to fundamental criminal justice coursework.
The Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences has accredited North Carolina Central University's Bachelor of Science in criminal justice program.
FAQs about North Carolina Criminal Justice Degree Programs
You may still have questions after discovering which educational institutions in North Carolina offer criminal justice programs.
Allow Best Accredited Colleges to help you find the best online criminal justice programs in North Carolina by answering your questions.
Is an Online Associate Degree in Criminal Justice Worth It?
Yes, for many professionals, an associate degree in criminal justice is worthwhile. The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts 3% job growth in protective service jobs over the next ten years, which is the same as the overall average.
Why Should I Get an Online Criminal Justice Degree?
The online bachelor's degree in criminal justice allows students to broaden their understanding of criminal justice topics while also concentrating on a specific specialty. Students can also select a minor to broaden their knowledge and skills.
Is it Better to Earn a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice?
A Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice may aid students who want to work in law enforcement administration, criminology, or corrections in the long run.
Students interested in employment in fraud investigation, forensic science, or paralegal work may benefit from a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice.
Start Your Criminal Justice Degree Program in North Carolina
It has never been easier for students in North Carolina to enter law enforcement. Learn more about criminal justice programs in North Carolina and which universities offer them by reaching out to Best Accredited Colleges for information on these and other online degrees.
