With a top 10 ranking in higher education from the U.S. News & World Report, South Dakota has a nearly unrivaled passion for educating the adults of the state and around the world.
To do this, South Dakota has been offering convenient online degree programs in some of the most common and popular majors. If you're interested in psychology, criminal justice, nursing, or other common degrees, find them here!
Today, Best Accredited Colleges is providing you with a list of the best online criminal justice degree programs in South Dakota to look through and find the college and program that's right for you.
Top Online Criminal Justice Programs in South Dakota
Check out the list below to find out more about the top online bachelor's degree criminal justice programs in South Dakota.
1. University of South Dakota
The University of South Dakota (USD) is the oldest public research university in South Dakota. It's accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and has the state's only medical and law schools.
USD offers a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice that prepare students for criminal justice careers.
They have the opportunity to participate in internships and clubs, to study abroad, and to participate in mock trials outside of classes to get more varied experiences.
Future career avenues for graduates include:
- law firms
- federal agencies
- child welfare
- private investigation
- community programs
- national defense
- police force
Tuition for state residents is $7,773 for 30 credit hours, with associated fees adding an additional $1,659.
2. National American University, Rapid City
National American University (NAU) is a private for-profit online university based in Rapid City. More than 50% of students have been taking classes online at NAU since 2012.
By pursuing a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice online, students can learn legal principles, ethical decision-making, and leadership skills that are vital to working in criminal justice and law.
Individuals seeking entry-level positions in the field would do well in this program.
The program requires 180 credit hours. Tuition for the program changes according to how many credits a student earns:
- $380 per hour up to 45 credits
- $342 per hour for 46 to 90 credits
- $323 per hour for 91 to 135 credits
- $304 per hour for 136 or more credits
3. Northern State University
Northern State University (NSU) is a public university governed by the South Dakota Board of Regents. It offers over 60 associate, bachelor's, and graduate degrees to students in person and online.
NSU's online criminal justice bachelor's program answers some of the most crucial law and justice questions. The program can prepare students for a variety of justice careers or an advanced graduate degree program.
Yearly tuition is $7,615 for residents of South Dakota or approved states like Colorado, Wyoming, North Dakota, and Illinois.
4. South Dakota State University
South Dakota State University is the largest and longest-operating public land-grant research university in South Dakota. With accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, it teaches students through a variety of important programs.
With an interdisciplinary studies bachelor's degree from SDSU, students can combine multiple minors to create one customized major.
By studying criminal justice with related minors like psychology, communications, and management, students are able to create a specialized program to prepare them for a specific future career.
Combining full control over their courseload with the flexible timing of online learning, students can create a completely customized educational experience suited to their needs and goals.
Online Colleges Serving South Dakota with Criminal Justice Programs
Here are a few more universities that have online bachelor's degrees in criminal justice that South Dakota residents can participate in.
Franklin University
Based in Ohio, Franklin University is a private online university that provides virtual learning opportunities to students outside of traditional college age around the world.
With accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, this university helps students get their first degree.
Franklin University offers a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice administration that launches fresh graduates directly into leadership and human resource positions in the criminal justice field.
Even though the program requires 120 credit hours, up to 75% of credits can be transferred; therefore, the program can be completed in less than four years at an affordable tuition rate of $398 per credit hour.
American Military University
American Military University (AMU) is a private for-profit online university with a headquarters in West Virginia.
Nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council, it provides online education to U.S. students in and out of the military.
At AMU, there are no set attendance times for online classes, which means students can complete the work for their Bachelor of Science in criminal justice at their own pace.
In this program, students learn about the science of crime and digital forensics. Tuition is $325 per credit hour, and ebooks are free for undergraduate students to help reduce related education costs.
FAQs about South Dakota Criminal Justice Degree Programs
Below are the answers to some important questions related to criminal justice programs in South Dakota.
Is an Online Associate Degree in Criminal Justice Worth It?
An online associate degree in criminal justice is definitely worth it for anyone pursuing a career in law enforcement or legal services.
While a bachelor's or master's may be required for advancement in some positions, an associate degree increases understanding for entry-level positions.
Which Is Better BA or BS in Criminal Justice?
A Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice focuses on criminology, psychology, and law enforcement administration. A Bachelor of Science focuses more on investigation, forensic science, and legal paperwork.
Because Bachelor of Science degrees are more readily available and applicable in both the justice and law systems, students should consider Bachelor of Science criminal justice programs in South Dakota.
Do Criminal Justice Majors Have to Take Calculus?
Most criminal justice programs in South Dakota do not require students to take calculus, but it may be required as a general core education course for individual colleges.
Start Your Criminal Justice Degree Program in South Dakota
By reaching out to Best Accredited Colleges today, you can start your higher education journey in the way that best meets your needs, including by utilizing online learning programs. Contact us to learn more about criminal justice programs in South Dakota.
