Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in Virginia (2026)

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Virginia Criminal Justice At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Criminal Justice Salary$92,782
Salary OutlookVirginia offers competitive wages for criminal justice professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyVirginia POST Commission
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

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


Online Criminal Justice Schools in Virginia

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

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

University of Virginia-Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA BOC Score 86.2
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 14

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

University of Management and Technology

Arlington, VA BOC Score 82.8
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 8

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA BOC Score 81.5
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 28

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach, VA BOC Score 23.5
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 26%
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$18,489
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$18,489
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 12

Source:Accreditor: Middle States Commission on Higher EducationIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Virginia

Criminal Justice professionals in Virginia 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 Virginia.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Virginia)
Attorney$167,210
Judge or Magistrate$104,000
Police Supervisor$101,230
Detective or Criminal Investigator$112,760
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$65,870
Correctional Officer$50,140
Probation Officer$58,820
Forensic Science Technician$68,900
Paralegal or Legal Assistant$63,990
Information Security Analyst$134,900

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


Why Pursue an Online Criminal Justice Degree in Virginia?

Choosing a program in Virginia can provide several advantages:

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online criminal justice programs in Virginia accredited?

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

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

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

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


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