Online Criminal Justice Degrees

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Online Criminal Justice Degrees

Many online schools offer criminal justice degrees programs that focus on pressing issues. Like guns, gangs, terrorism and trafficking. These programs prep criminal justice pros to enforce laws, solve crimes and protect the nation. So, if you like to investigate, there’s no time like now to earn a criminal justice degree online. An online criminal justice degree studies crime, the law, and the justice system. It uses this info to make sense of why criminals act the way they do. And to inform policing styles, and corrections.  

You may find online criminal justice degrees at all levels. Bachelors, masters and PhD. At each of these levels you study the system of law as it applies to crime. At the bachelor’s level, a criminal justice degree is broad and basic. This helps you gain a solid grasp of the US justice system. As well as a handle on key issues. Like drugs, human trafficking and homeland security. Master’s in criminal justice programs go deeper. And aim to prep you for a manager role. So, the classes often touch on how to lead, hire staff and budget. PhD in criminal justice programs focus on research. They may be ideal for you if you want to set policy. As opposed to follow it.  

Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice

Most schools award one of two degrees. A Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) in criminal justice. Either a BA or BS may serve as the entry point for many careers in criminal justice. As such, most programs arm you with theories, tools and skills. Many online BSCJ programs also feature a choice of focus.  Like cyber security, terrorism or emergency handling. They often do this in 120 credits. 

If you study full time, earning a BSCJ online may take four years. During this time, you may take part in an internship too. To get into any program, you need to meet your online school’s standards. These do vary from one school to the next. Most colleges ask that you have at least a high school diploma or GED. They may also look at your GPA and SAT scores. Your references and personal goals as well. You do not need a military background to enroll. The same goes for law enforcement training. But some schools do award credit for these experiences. So, you might have fewer credits to fulfill and pay for. 

Another thing that varies is tuition. But the NCES compiles this data to come up with norms. They found, it cost an average of $5,953 to earn a criminal justice degree. If you study in state. It tends to cost more ($24,100) at an out of state college. That said, many online schools and private sources offer scholarships. So, you can look into ways to reduce expenses.  

Master’s in Criminal Justice

Most online schools award a Master of Science (MS) or MBA in criminal justice. These are professional degrees. And aim to nurture skills for career advancement. As such, a Master’s in CJ may stress the managerial side of law enforcement. Things like basic leadership, analysis and decision skills. 

You may also study the causes of crime through research. Then learn how to interpret this data. And to use it to assess and form policy and strategy. While covering core topics, you may also focus on an area in more detail. Fraud investigation and criminology are a few. Many programs cover these areas in about 30 to 36 credits. This may take from 18 months to 2 years if you take a full course load. 

To apply into an online MSCJ program you need a bachelor’s degree. You must also meet any school standards. These include GPA and GRE scores in some cases. References, goals and job experience too. As with admissions, tuition varies too. Recent data points to an average cost of $11,617 if you study at a public college.   

PhD in Criminal Justice

A PhD in criminal justice is a research degree. It is the highest level of degree in this field. Many people enroll in a PhD for one of two reasons. To teach and to research. About 26% of criminal justice professors have a doctorate. Their classes cover many areas. Including defensive policing, digital forensics and criminal law. 

As educators, PhD holders often continue to research and publish. Their valuable insights may inform public policy, law enforcement administration and more. To this end, PhD classes aim to help you gain quality research skills. Like how to form a query, gather data, make sense of findings and present them.  

Other ones may cover global issues. Violent crimes, drug trafficking and terrorism are a few. Plus, how to respond through a cohesive strategy. Applicants to most online PhD in CJ programs must have a master’s degree. And may need a GPA of at least 3.0. But some schools may allow you to sub a J.D. degree and a background in criminal justice for the master’s.  

Going for a PhD online, you may still need to visit your campus. These brief residencies help you learn from mentors and student teach. With all these moving parts, the time it takes to earn a PhD varies. Many programs include between 40 and 60 credits. So, from two to five years of full time study. 

What can I do with an Online Criminal Justice Degree?

An online criminal justice degree may be a pathway to many jobs. Some are current roles in corrections, law enforcement and investigation. Others are in emerging areas. Like cyber security, counter terrorism and forensics. 

For each job, you need certain skills and education. In most cases though, entry level roles call for a bachelor’s degree. So, if you want to solve crimes or enforce the law you may need one. A grad degree (master’s or PhD) may help you land an admin role. This includes jobs where you are in charge of people, policies, finance and tactics. Many people also use their knowledge to teach, consult and research. 

1. Private Detectives  

Private detectives do paid work for firms and clients. They look into unlawful acts and infractions. And may run background checks, obtain evidence for child custody and expose fraud. Doing this work may call for an associate or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.  

2. FBI Agent 

An FBI agent works for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. These special agents look into alleged and suspected violations of laws. Federal, state and local. If cracking cases interests you, this line of work calls for a bachelor’s degree.   

3. Crime Scene Investigators 

Crime scene investigators often have two degrees. A bachelor’s in a natural science and master’s in forensic science. These pros collect, ID and analyze all kinds of evidence. From DNA to digital records. As such, they often play a key role in solving crimes.  

4. Corrections Managers 

Corrections managers are supervisors. They work on the front lines to keep order, discipline, and security. Both with regard to officers and inmates. Many have a bachelor’s degree and / or academy training.  

5. Emergency Management Directors 

Emergency managers plan and prep for crises of all types. Including natural disasters, bomb threats and disease outbreaks. These roles call for a level head, strong decision skills and a bachelor’s degree to start out.  

6. Forensic Psychologists 

Forensic psychs study the mind and actions of criminals. Then apply these skills within the legal and criminal justice system. Often this means working with attorneys or judges. And usually calls for a PhD or PsyD degree.  

Is an Online Degree in Criminal Justice worth it?

There are about 1.08 million people working in criminal justice. Many are in law enforcement admin and other evolving roles. Expertise in CJ often involves an ability to solve complex problems. This skill is useful across many industries with high growth and salary potential.  

Salaries across these industries average about $62,487 per year. But this figure is going up by 2.05%. Some jobs pay up to 6 figures too. It is natural to wonder what roles will be around when you graduate. You may have heard that crime rates in some areas are falling. But crime is still a constant. And the need for people trained in public safety is on the rise. Reports also say that most crimes go unreported. And, that most reported crimes go unsolved.  

So it is no surprise then that the need for investigators is rising by 8% to 2028. For detectives and police officers, the outlook is about 5% more jobs to 2028. There is also a demand for people who work the science side of crime, or forensics. The field expects competition and a 14% increase in jobs. So, experts say having a master’s degree may help. 

Then there is the issue of cyber security. Cyber attacks are alarming high. Yet there are not enough skilled info sec pros to combat them. As a result, demand is off the charts. If you have a strong tech side, the field is growing by 32%, again to 2028. And salaries can range from $56,750 to over $156,580. 

Criminal Justice Degree Jobs & Salary

Top States for Jobs as a Detective and Criminal Investigator

What classes will I take with an Online Criminal Justice Degree?

The classes you take in an online criminal justice degree program depend on two things. Any added focal point and your degree level.  

Bachelor’s Degree Courses

Most online bachelor’s programs cover main themes in criminal justice. One relates to laws and the legal system. This means enforcement as well as the process of writing and legislating law. Other aspects focus on corrections. This topic may span other subjects. Like the courts and juvenile justice. Points of view on rehab too. These are some classes you may take.  

And while studying theory, you may also learn to apply it. So, expect some type of capstone project.  

Graduate Degree Courses

Online master’s in criminal justice programs often revolve around core topics. Criminal actions, ethics and decision making, and theories of crime and justice. You may also take these classes.

Many programs also train you in professional data analysis methods. And, usually allow you to choose a focal point. One that lines up with your career path. Most online PhD – CJ programs include core work in criminal justice theory. These courses show how to apply theory. Both to law enforcement and criminal investigations. 

Extra courses take a close look at certain sides of the justice system. Like criminal law, civil rights and the role of police in society. Since research plays a key role at this level, many other courses prep you to do it.

7 Common Concentrations in Criminal Justice  

There are many ways to make an online criminal justice degree more personal. Here are a few common anchor points to look for when searching for a program. 

1. White Collar Crime 

An area that comes with its own laws, white collar crime studies fraud. As such a main focal point is forensic accounting. You may also study prosecution and sentencing. 

2. Corrections 

This area is about the practices that rehab and treat offenders. Studying it may help you grasp policy and factors that influence criminal acts.  

3. Crime Scene Investigation 

In this area, you may take courses in chemistry and biology. Along with forensics, key areas look at ways to get and preserve evidence.  

4. Criminal Psychology 

A focus in this area looks at criminal acts. And may do so through the lens of mental health and counseling. You may also study violence and victimology. 

5. Criminology 

Here you study the causes, consequences and costs of crime. Still, the aim is to thwart crime as it is with CJ as a whole. 

6. Criminal Justice (General) 

CJ refers to the systems in place that deal with crime. For instance, how to detect it, detain and deal with criminals.  

7. Homeland Security  

Also called national security, it covers more than terrorism. You also study natural and manmade threats to society. Plus, a fair bit on policies and plans at all levels of gov’t. 

How long does it take to get an Online Criminal Justice Degree?

How long it takes to earn a criminal justice degree online depend on two things. The level and your course load. Most bachelors in CJ programs take a full time student four years. But if you have transfer credits it may take fewer. Master’s in CJ programs range from 18 months to 2 years. Some schools also offer part time formats if you need extra time. For a PhD or Doctor of CJ, expect it to take from 2 to 5 years. But many students need more time to finish their dissertation.  

15 Online Criminal Justice Degrees

Many online schools offer criminal justice degrees. And room to select an area of focus. Here are 15 schools with online degrees in criminal justice at all levels.  

1. University of Central Florida 
2. Southern New Hampshire University
3. DeVry University
4. Ball State University
5. Utica College
6. Xavier University
7. California State – Long Beach
8. Michigan State University
9. Northeastern University
10. Saint Leo University
11. Capella University
12. Walden University
13. Northcentral University
14. California University of Pennsylvania
15. Nova Southeastern University

FIND AN ONLINE CRIMINAL JUSTICE DEGREE

Let’s take a closer look at the online criminal justice degrees that these 15 schools have to offer. 

*Unemployment Earnings.  Sources for school stats and data include the NCES and IPEDS.