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Key takeaway: Online criminal justice degrees are offered at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s level by accredited schools nationwide, building a foundation for law enforcement, corrections, courts, and homeland security roles. Related occupations pay a median $57,970 to $156,210 a year, and employers are expected to fill approximately 201,000 of these positions annually (BLS)1. Compare accredited programs below.
An online criminal justice degree covers crime, law enforcement, corrections, the courts, and the legal system, combining legal theory, criminology, research methods, and practical skills. Accredited online programs deliver the same curriculum and degree titles as campus programs. Many law enforcement positions also require completion of a state-certified police academy and POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) certification, which are separate from the academic degree.
These accredited schools offer online programs, report criminal justice completions, and are ordered by our independent BOC Score. Request information to compare programs, costs, and formats.
Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:
Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:Accreditor: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard
Can You Get A Criminal Justice Degree Online? explains how accredited online criminal justice programs work, including specializations, cost, and salary outcomes.
Browse criminal justice programs by state ->
Online criminal justice programs explore crime, law enforcement, corrections, and the legal system, combining theory, research methods, and practical application.
Online criminal justice programs are commonly offered at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s levels. Associate programs typically require 60-64 credits, bachelor’s programs require 120-128 credits, and master’s programs require 30-36 credits. Specializations may include law enforcement, corrections, forensic science, homeland security, or legal studies.
Yes, though specific roles like police officer or federal agent have additional requirements including physical fitness tests, background checks, and completion of a state-certified law enforcement academy. A degree provides the academic foundation and may offer promotion advantages.
Most sworn law enforcement positions require completion of a state-certified police academy (typically 12-36 weeks) and POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) certification, in addition to an academic degree. Federal agencies have their own academy requirements and typically prefer or require a bachelor’s degree.
Criminal justice programs are typically covered by institutional accreditation. The Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) offers certification for programs meeting specific standards. Verify institutional accreditation through the U.S. Department of Education database.
Higher degree levels correlate with higher earning potential and eligibility for leadership roles.
| Degree Level | Credits | Typical Duration | Salary Range | Common Roles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | 60-64 | 2 years | $35,000-$48,000 | Correctional officer, security guard, paralegal |
| Bachelor’s | 120-128 | 4 years | $48,000-$75,000 | Police officer, probation officer, detective |
| Master’s | 30-36 | 1.5-2 years | $70,000-$100,000 | Police supervisor, forensic analyst, policy analyst |
Salary ranges are approximate and reflect entry-level to mid-career earnings based on BLS data1 and program surveys.
A 4-year bachelor’s degree costs between $24,000 (public in-state) and $180,000 (private nonprofit), and many online programs charge the same rate regardless of residency (NCES IPEDS). For lower-cost options and the full value discussion, see Affordable Criminal Justice Programs and Is a Criminal Justice Degree Worth It.
Criminal justice programs blend theory, research methodology, and applied practice. Core coursework spans criminology and crime theory, criminal law and procedure, policing and law enforcement, corrections and rehabilitation, research methods and statistics, and ethics in criminal justice. Most programs let you focus through a concentration – law enforcement administration, homeland security, forensic science, cybercrime and digital forensics, juvenile justice, or legal studies – before your first job.
See the full breakdown on the Criminal Justice Curriculum and Criminal Justice Concentrations pages.
Criminal justice graduates apply their skills in law enforcement agencies, courts, correctional facilities, federal agencies, and private security firms. Entry-level roles are accessible with an associate degree; officer, investigator, and analyst roles generally require a bachelor’s; supervisory and policy positions typically require a bachelor’s plus experience or a master’s.
| Career | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034) | Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attorney | $151,160 | 4.1% | 31,500 |
| Judge or Magistrate | $156,210 | 2.5% | 900 |
| Police Supervisor | $105,980 | 2.9% | 10,900 |
| Detective or Criminal Investigator | $93,580 | -0.7% | 7,800 |
| Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer | $76,290 | 3.1% | 53,700 |
| Correctional Officer | $57,970 | -7.8% | 30,100 |
| Probation Officer | $64,520 | 2.6% | 7,900 |
| Forensic Science Technician | $67,440 | 12.8% | 2,900 |
| Paralegal or Legal Assistant | $61,010 | 0.2% | 39,300 |
| Information Security Analyst | $124,910 | 28.5% | 16,000 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.1
For sworn law enforcement positions, the degree is only part of the path. Most agencies require completion of a state-certified police academy (typically 12-36 weeks) and POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) certification, which are separate from your academic program. Academy training covers firearms, defensive tactics, emergency vehicle operations, and state-specific legal procedures.
Compare programs by level or specialty:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025; Employment Projections 2024–2034. ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
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