Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in Ohio (2026)

Home > Programs > Criminal Justice > States > Ohio


Ohio Criminal Justice At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Criminal Justice Salary$85,819
Salary OutlookOhio offers competitive wages for criminal justice professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyOhio POST Commission
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online criminal justice degree in Ohio offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Ohio offers competitive wages for criminal justice professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, Ohio students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Criminal Justice Schools in Ohio

The following schools offer accredited online criminal justice programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in Ohio.

How We Rank Schools

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:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

#1

Ohio University-Zanesville Campus

Zanesville, OH BOC Score 75.0
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 13

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus

Chillicothe, OH BOC Score 71.4
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 20

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Kent State University at Stark

North Canton, OH BOC Score 40.1
  • 4 year
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 5

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Ohio

Criminal Justice professionals in Ohio experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for Ohio.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Ohio)
Attorney$131,020
Judge or Magistrate$95,260
Police Supervisor$98,380
Detective or Criminal Investigator$79,300
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$77,020
Correctional Officer$59,370
Probation Officer$61,120
Forensic Science TechnicianN/A
Paralegal or Legal Assistant$60,420
Information Security Analyst$110,480

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Criminal Justice Degree in Ohio?

Choosing a program in Ohio can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Ohio offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Licensing Alignment: Programs in Ohio often align with POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) requirements specific to the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online criminal justice programs in Ohio accredited?

Yes, the programs listed above are accredited by recognized regional or national agencies. For Ohio, this includes accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring your degree meets high academic standards.

How does Criminal Justice pay in Ohio compare to other states?

Ohio offers competitive wages for criminal justice professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes Ohio a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for criminal justice in Ohio?

The Ohio POST Commission oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in Ohio. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


Browse Other States