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. A degree in criminal justice studies crime, the law, and the courts 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 programs in criminal justice 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 coursework often touch on how to lead, hire staff and budget. PhDs 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.

If you study full time, earning an online bachelor’s degree 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 admission requirements. 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.

Another thing that varies is tuition rate. The NCES found that it cost an average of $5,953 to earn a criminal justice bachelor’s. 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.

When looking into online learning, you might check school accreditation. Accredited schools may enable transfer students to use their credits. So, let’s say you have an associate degree, some % of your credits may transfer over to bachelor’s degree programs. You may have to request info with the school to learn more.

Also, many accredited online colleges take part in state and federal financial aid. Eligible students often fill out a FAFSA to find out. And unlike when you apply to a college, there is no application fee to find out if you qualify. The form is available from the U.S. Department of Education.

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 in the criminal justice field. As such, a Master’s in CJ may stress the managerial side of justice administration. Things like basic leadership, analysis and decision skills.

Online students may also study the causes of crime through research. Then learn how to interpret this data. And to use it to assess and form crime control policy and strategy. While covering core topics in social sciences, 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 credit hours. 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. 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 / public 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. This tends to mean lots of analysis and research methods topics.

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. It is less common to enter with direct from undergraduate programs.

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.

There may be few start dates if the program follows a cohort model. This model means you enter as one group. Also, when preparing to apply, check into faculty members’ ongoing projects. If you find one that fits your own goals, it may help your application shine.

What can I do with an Online Criminal Justice Degree?

Criminal justice majors may be a pathway for many jobs. Some are current roles in corrections, enforcement and investigation. Others are in emerging areas. Like cyber security, counter terrorism and forensics. These are a few career opportunities known to criminal justice professionals.

For each criminal justice career, you need certain skills and education. In most cases though, entry level roles call for a bachelor’s. 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 in criminal justice. It may also be mandatory to go through police academy training.

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. You may also need training from this criminal justice organization.

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 correctional officers and inmates. Many have a bachelor’s 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 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 enforcing 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 online courses you take in an online CJ 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, online criminal justice students should expect some type of capstone project.

Graduate Degree Courses

Online master’s in CJ 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 enforcement and CI.

Extra courses take a close look at certain sides of the justice system. Like 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 CJ 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 / National Security

Also called national security, it covers more than terrorism. You also study natural and man made 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.

Scholarships for Criminal Justice Majors

One way to make a degree in criminal justice more affordable is to secure a scholarship. This type of financial aid may be available at the school you plan to attend. But other sources also grant these awards for many eligible students.

Criminal Justice Scholarship

Crimcheck.com offers this annual scholarship of $500. It is open to high school seniors or students now enrolled in college. And who are going for a degree in the criminal justice field. Applicants need a GPA of 3.0 or higher and must write a (winning) essay.

Deadline: August 1

Attorneys.org Legal Scholarship – 2020

For high school, college and graduate students drawn to a career in law, criminal justice or forensics. Applicants must submit a 500 word essay that explains their interest in one of these fields to have a chance at the $1,000 award.

Deadline: December 11

Kush Arora Federal Justice Reform Scholarship

Price Benowitz LLP offers this $500 award. It is open to undergraduate, graduate, and law school students as well as incoming college freshmen. Applicants must attend an accredited school in the United States and need a 3.0 GPA or above. To apply one must write a 1,000 word essay, resume and transcripts. The essay must provide a well reasoned argument about a CJ policy (your choice). Is it unjust and requires reform or is just and should stay as is. 

Deadline: December 31

Venardi Zurada LLP 2020 Scholarship

MileMark Media offers this $3,000 scholarship. It is open to high school, college or graduate students. Applicants must show an interest in going for a career in criminal justice, law or forensics. A 3.0 GPA and a 500 word essay is also necessary. The essay has to detail why you are choosing your career path.

Deadline: December 31

AFCEA STEM Majors Scholarship

For U.S. college sophomores, juniors and grad students who are majoring in a STEM field relevant to the mission of AFCEA. Areas like cyber security, intelligence, and homeland security. Applicants must also meet a GPA benchmark of 3.0 (undergrad) and 3.5 (grad). Online students who meet these criteria may also apply. The number of winners vary but the total dollars awarded is $5,000.

Deadline: April 12

15 Online Criminal Justice Degrees

We have ranked our top 15 schools based on the number of graduates from the program in 2019. Our process looks at 2019 data from the NCES. And, it may help you narrow your search down.

1. CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
2. University of Phoenix Arizona
3. Colorado Technical University
4. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
5. Arizona State University
6. Western Illinois University 
7. National University College
8. University of Massachusetts Lowell
9. University of New Haven
10. Columbia College
11. Grantham University 
12. University of Louisville 
13. Park University 
14. Keiser University 
15. Eastern Kentucky 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.