Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in Tennessee (2026)

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Tennessee Criminal Justice At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Criminal Justice Salary$90,937
Salary OutlookTennessee offers competitive wages for criminal justice professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyTennessee POST Commission
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online criminal justice degree in Tennessee offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Tennessee 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, Tennessee students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Criminal Justice Schools in Tennessee

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

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

Christian Brothers University

Memphis, TN BOC Score 65.2
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 87%
Graduation rate 55%
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$38,420
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$38,420
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 9

Source:Accreditor: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on CollegesIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Lipscomb University

Nashville, TN BOC Score 62.5
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 17

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Union University

Jackson, TN BOC Score 58.6
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 16

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Chattanooga College Medical Dental and & Technical Careers

Chattanooga, TN BOC Score 22.6
  • 4 year
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 11

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Tennessee

Criminal Justice professionals in Tennessee 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 Tennessee.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Tennessee)
Attorney$136,180
Judge or Magistrate$208,350
Police Supervisor$74,770
Detective or Criminal Investigator$77,090
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$59,280
Correctional Officer$50,940
Probation Officer$58,010
Forensic Science Technician$70,500
Paralegal or Legal Assistant$58,820
Information Security Analyst$115,430

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


Why Pursue an Online Criminal Justice Degree in Tennessee?

Choosing a program in Tennessee can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Tennessee 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 Tennessee often align with POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) requirements specific to the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online criminal justice programs in Tennessee accredited?

Yes, the programs listed above are accredited by recognized regional or national agencies. For Tennessee, 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 Tennessee compare to other states?

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

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

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


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