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10 Best Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs in the U.S.

Earn your bachelor's degree or master's degree from one of the best online criminal justice degree programs in the U.S.

All schools listed in alphabetical order are regionally accredited. Information compiled from several resources such as College Scorecard and U.S. News led to the best U.S. online learning programs for criminal justice degrees below.

The following statistics have been considered:

  • acceptance rates
  • graduation rates
  • tuition rates
  • college rankings

Top Online Criminal Justice Programs in the U.S.

Read about the top online criminal justice programs in the U.S.

1. Boise State University

Boise State University offers an online Bachelor of Science in criminal justice degree program that follows the standards of the traditional program offered on-campus.

BSU is recognized in the top 60 of the U.S. News "Best Online Bachelor's Programs" and has an 83% acceptance rate.

The online degree pathway program lets students meet lower-level course requirements if they do not have transfer credits. Tuition is $375 per credit hour.

2. Campbell University

There are many program options to earn a criminal justice degree at Campbell University. The programs teach students analytical skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, analysis and evaluation, and more.

Here's the options for a bachelor's degree below:

  • Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice
  • Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice - prelaw
  • Bachelor of Applied Sciences in criminal justice
  • Bachelor of Applied Sciences in criminal justice - prelaw

Tuition is $450 per credit hour.

3. Charleston Southern University

Earn a Bachelor of Science or Master of Science in criminal justice online at Charleston Southern University.

The Bachelor of Science in criminal justice degree program provides several opportunities for observing and experiencing many parts of the criminal justice process such as:

  • active investigations
  • forensic evidence gathering
  • autopsies
  • judicial presentations

Tuition is $515 per credit hour. However, tuition is $417 for the accelerated online criminal justice option that fast-tracks earning a master's degree.

4. Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University offers a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice that teach the social, legal, and technological aspects of criminal justice.

The Bachelor of Science in criminal justice degree program can be completed fully online. Tuition is $374 to $407 per credit hour.

If students excel in their studies, they will have an opportunity to work independently with department faculty and enhance their learning with more advanced studies under ODU's departmental honors program.

5. Purdue Global

Purdue Global provides an online Bachelor of Science in criminal justice degree program that focuses on the philosophy and development of the U.S. criminal justice system.

The program has seven concentrations that allows students to increase their knowledge and skills in an area particular to their career interests and educational goals.

The seven concentrations include:

  • business foundations
  • crime scene investigation
  • forensic psychology
  • homeland security
  • juvenile justice
  • law enforcement
  • socially responsible leadership

6. Regent University

Regent University encourages students to advance their knowledge and focus on safety with its Bachelor of Science in criminal justice degree program.

The criminal justice program provides three concentrations in corrections, homeland security, and law enforcement that helps in preparing graduates for a career in local, state, federal, or international law enforcement.

Regent University also highlights several scholarship opportunities to help with tuition costs. Visit the RU website to learn more about freedom, homeschool, and private school scholarships.

7. Sacred Heart University

Students can earn a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice degree at Sacred Heart University in two years or less. The part-time degree completion program is for students who have completed general education requirements.

SHU's core courses provide instruction about crime, criminal behavior, corrections and correct law, the juvenile system, and more.

The program requires an internship and senior seminar to demonstrate knowledge and skills learned in the program.

8. Southern New Hampshire University

The Bachelor of Science in criminal justice degree program at Southern New Hampshire University trains students in the real-world perspective of the legal system.

SNHU's criminal justice program provides eight concentration options. The concentration options include:

  • corrections
  • criminology and crime analysis
  • cybercrime
  • homeland security and counterterrorism
  • police administration and operations
  • human services and advocacy
  • security management
  • substance abuse

Prospective students can also transfer up to 90 credits and get up to 12 credits for law enforcement training.

9. University of Arizona

The University of Arizona offers a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice studies degree that teaches students how to examine mental health law, public policy, national security, and more.

The program involves four main areas of interest and trains you on criminal justice systems, politics of crime, foundations, research, and critical thinking.

These areas of interest include:

  • law, policy, and social justice
  • mathematics, statistics, and data science
  • psychology and human behavior
  • social and behavioral sciences

10. University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida is ranked in the top 10 of the "Best Online Bachelor's Programs" by U.S. News and has a 73% graduation rate according to College Scorecard.

UCF offers both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice degree. Tuition is $179 to $715.

The program teaches students how to maintain order and solve crimes through coursework and interactive and hands-on training.

FAQs about U.S. Criminal Justice Degree Programs

Find the answers to frequently asked questions about earning your online criminal justice degree in the U.S. below.

What Courses Will I Take in an Online Bachelor in Criminal Justice Program?

Several general, core, and elective courses will be required in an online bachelor in criminal justice program. Example courses include:

  • introduction to criminal justice
  • courts and procedures
  • ethics in government
  • correctional philosophies and issues

What Jobs Pay the Most with a Criminal Justice Associate Degree?

A private investigator is the highest paying job you can get with a criminal justice associate degree. According to salary.com, private investigators earn between $40,402 and $60,502.

What Makes the Most Money with a Criminal Justice Degree?

Consider degree levels, the amount of professional experience, and geographic area to determine what makes the most money with a criminal justice degree.

Judges earn the highest salary in the criminal justice system. The average salary of judges is $151,030 according to the U.S. Bureau Labor of Statistics.

Start Your Criminal Justice Degree Program in U.S.

The U.S. has many criminal justice degree programs to prepare you for higher education goals or a professional career. Contact Best Accredited Colleges for more information about the best U.S. online criminal justice degree programs.

Find the best online criminal justice degree programs at an in-state school near you:

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