An accredited online Criminal Justice degree provides a solid foundation for understanding the systems, institutions, and laws that uphold public order and safety. Students explore topics in law enforcement, criminology, legal studies, and social science while developing practical analytical and communication skills.
Online programs offer flexible pathways for those pursuing or already working in criminal justice careers, including law enforcement officers, court staff, correctional professionals, and public safety administrators.
At a glance:
It introduces how justice systems work and how institutions and laws support public order and safety. Programs commonly include criminology, legal studies, and social science alongside law enforcement topics.
Online formats can work for people entering criminal justice and for working professionals. The page highlights law enforcement officers, court staff, correctional professionals, and public safety administrators.
Typical courses include criminal law and procedure, policing systems, courts and the judicial process, corrections, ethics, investigation, and research methods. Exact requirements vary by institution.
Common options include law enforcement administration, corrections, criminology, homeland security, juvenile justice, and forensic investigation. Concentrations typically combine core criminal justice coursework with focused electives.
Programs emphasize legal frameworks, ethical reasoning, research and analysis, and communication. Many also highlight leadership and familiarity with current technologies used in law enforcement and public administration.
Many programs recognize prior professional, academy, military, or security training for academic credit. Internships, virtual simulations, or field observations are often part of upper-level coursework.
How we rank schools: Rankings are based on available IPEDS and College Scorecard data including graduation rate, admission rate, program availability, completions, and published tuition. Data is informational only—always confirm details directly with each school.
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Criminal Justice is ideal for students interested in public service, legal systems, and community safety. Online programs make it possible to earn this degree without relocating or leaving full-time employment.
Benefits of studying online:
Many online programs also offer accelerated completion tracks or hybrid fieldwork options to integrate theory with practice.
Criminal Justice degrees balance theory, law, and field application. Coursework varies by institution but generally covers:
Students learn how local, state, and federal justice systems operate and interact, and how technology, sociology, and behavioral science inform modern policing and correctional practices.
Many accredited online programs allow students to focus on a specific area of Criminal Justice aligned with career interests. Common concentrations include:
Each track combines criminal justice fundamentals with specialized electives that prepare graduates for diverse roles in public service.
Online Criminal Justice programs emphasize both analytical and interpersonal competencies.
Graduates typically gain:
These skills apply across sectors, public agencies, private security, nonprofit organizations, and community programs.
Many online Criminal Justice programs recognize previous professional or academy training for academic credit.
Examples include:
Internships, virtual simulations, or field observations are often built into upper-level courses, helping students apply classroom knowledge in practical settings.
Use the tool above to find accredited online Criminal Justice programs. Filter by degree level, concentration, or format to match your goals, whether you’re starting your education or advancing your credentials.
A degree in Criminal Justice prepares graduates for a wide range of positions focused on law, order, and community well-being.
Examples of fields and titles include:
Some graduates continue on to master’s programs in criminal justice, public administration, or legal studies for advanced leadership and policy roles.
Choose a regionally accredited institution to ensure program quality and credit transfer eligibility. Accreditation guarantees that coursework meets national education standards and is recognized by employers and graduate programs.
Some universities with Criminal Justice or Homeland Security programs also pursue specialized or professional recognition through law enforcement or public safety associations, reflecting their commitment to relevant, real-world training.
For broader comparisons, see our online colleges guide and explore healthcare degree programs as another high-demand online field.
An accredited online Criminal Justice degree blends public service, social science, and law to build professionals who protect and serve their communities. With flexible study formats and transfer credit options, students can advance their education while contributing to the justice system that shapes society.
