Key takeaways
- Finding the best online schools for criminal justice can prove quite challenging.
- Online learning offers several advantages that make it more appealing than traditional programs.
- As an online student, you enjoy greater learning flexibility, convenience, and affordability.
- Some renowned educational institutions in the US offer online criminal justice degrees.
- Arizona State University, Florida State University, and Purdue Global University are just some of the best online colleges for criminal justice.
- Florida State University provides online learners the same degree as on-campus students.
- Make sure the college you choose will help you prepare for a career in criminal justice.
When it comes to convenience, flexibility, and affordability, online education takes the cake. Even though many still prefer the traditional on-campus college education experience, those who are looking for something different can definitely explore online schools for a criminal justice degree. In this guide, we list some of the best online schools for criminal justice and what they have to offer.
Don’t be shocked when you see some renowned names there. A significant number of American colleges and universities now offer the option to pursue a college education online for the many benefits distance learning presents, which we will touch upon later, and to meet the rising demand for flexibility in the learning curriculum. Without further ado, let’s explore the best online criminal justice degree programs.
5 of the best online colleges for criminal justice
When it comes to finding online universities and colleges for a criminal justice degree, the only problem you will have is sorting through the overwhelming number of available options. Here, we solve that problem for you by listing some renowned names offering the highest quality of education in the field of criminal justice online.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers an online Bachelor’s in Criminology and Criminal Justice. The program features 120 credit hours covered in 40 classes, with 7.5 classes each week. Through the program, you will develop comprehensive knowledge of the criminal justice system, including laws, justice administration principles, and more.
The curriculum focuses on enabling you to gain the competencies needed to lead successful careers in criminology and the criminal justice system. You will learn to use the knowledge gained to understand what causes crime, what the consequences of crime are, and how the criminal justice agencies help manage crime. Moreover, you will develop essential skills such as research, data analysis, crime scene investigation, theory development, and more.
It is a comprehensive program ideal for those seeking jobs in criminal justice and criminology sector. Even though it is not the most affordable online criminal justice degree, it does offer great value for money. The program is taught by experienced industry professionals who bring their professional experience to the classroom to enhance the learning experience.
| Location | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| Tempe, Arizona | 89.8% | 66.3% | $12,223 in-state
$33,139 out-of-state |
Purdue Global University
Whether you are looking for the best online criminal justice degree programs, professional certifications, or courses, Purdue Global University offers it all. The university’s online criminal justice program is taught by industry professionals with vast experience in the criminal justice system, law enforcement agencies, legal system, and more.
Here, you will develop professional competencies that meet your career goals. You can tailor your learning experience to build skills and knowledge in the field and career path of your choice. Moreover, it is an accredited online university, so there is no compromise on the quality of education. Additionally, it is one of the largest providers of safety education programs, making it an ideal option for those searching for renowned online programs in criminal justice.
| Location | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| West Lafayette, Indiana | 100% | 20% | $371.00 per credit hour |
Walden University
Walden University offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice online. Through the program, you will study the US criminal justice system, its challenges, and current issues in the system, as well as discuss potential solutions to existing problems. Here, you can expect to learn through extensive classroom discourse and discussion. Moreover, you will take a deeper look into crime, criminal behavior to better understand the underlying factors that contribute to the development or the reduction in crime rate.
Additionally, you will learn about the courts, legal system, and justice system of the United States of America. All in all, the program is designed not only to provide you with knowledge of the criminal justice system, but also to use the knowledge to create a positive impact on society. If you are interested in learning how to take data, critically analyze it, and develop the skills and knowledge needed to turn it into actionable insights, then this is one of the best online criminal justice programs for you.
| Location | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| Minneapolis, Minnesota | 100% | 31.6% | $12,498 |
Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. SNHU is one of the best online colleges for criminal justice, where you will develop the interpersonal skills needed to succeed in the field. Through the program curriculum, you will learn communication, research, how to build community relations, and devise theories, solutions, and strategies based on research.
You will not only be exposed to national trends and policies, but you will also take a look at crime on a global scale. By learning about global strategies and trends, you broaden your horizons and even draw parallels to find effective solutions where possible.
Southern New Hampshire University’s online program in criminal justice offers a holistic and well-rounded learning experience. Here, you benefit from the ability to control your learning schedule, meaning you can complete your program faster than the general designated time. If you are looking for a flexible learning program, this is one of the best online criminal justice degree programs.
| Location | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| Hooksett, New Hampshire | 86.5% | 38.6% | $16,450 |
Florida State University
While Florida State University does not offer a standalone online criminal justice program, they do offer an online bachelor’s in criminology and criminal justice. The program is designed to prepare aspiring professionals in the criminal justice field by equipping them with the knowledge and skills they will need. With the online program, you get all the ease of distance learning but also the prestige of learning from one of the best educational institutions in the United States of America.
Moreover, you get the same diploma as on-campus students, which can help prevent any hiring bias against online learners. Additionally, the curriculum is designed to equip aspiring professionals with the complete range of professional competencies to succeed in the criminal justice field, including interpersonal communication.
You will benefit from an immersive learning environment, enjoy learning convenience, flexibility, and more. Additionally, if you are looking for an affordable online criminal justice degree, consider FSU’s criminology and criminal justice bachelor’s degree. Here, you get the same curriculum and diploma as an on-campus student but without additional costs such as transport, accommodation, and so on.
| Location | Acceptance % | Graduation % | Tuition |
| Tallahassee, Florida | 25% | 83% | $440 per credit hour |
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Why consider an online criminal justice degree?
Online learning gained the spotlight as it became the need of the hour amid COVID-19. Many believed that once the world went back to normal, distance learning would too become a thing of the past. But amid adversity, innovation rises. It improves lives, and that’s exactly what online learning has done. It has brought flexibility, affordability, convenience, and many other benefits for both national and international students. Thus, it is here to stay, and its popularity is in fact growing.
An increasing number of higher educational institutes now offer online degree programs, courses, workshops, and so on to cater to students’ demands and needs. According to statistics by Devlin Peck, nearly 76% of students at a four-year college took at least 1 online course throughout the course of their degree. Those who enroll in completely online programs do so for a number of reasons, such as:
- Ability to learn at one’s own pace.
- Benefit from the ability to pursue their degree at an accelerated learning pace.
- Study from anywhere and anytime.
- Pursue full-time employment alongside their degree.
- Online programs are more affordable as the tuition cost makes up the entirety of a student’s cost of attendance.
- International students can attend US colleges and universities without any visa stress or accounting for international travel costs.
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Pursue education at one of the best online colleges for criminal justice
Kickstart your career with one of the best online criminal justice degree programs at renowned US institutions. Whether you are looking for cheap online colleges for criminal justice or internationally accredited programs, you will likely find an answer in the list above. With an online degree in criminal justice you qualify for a variety of jobs in criminology, forensic science, criminal justice, and so on.
Make sure to do your research to ensure the program curriculum aligns with your career goals before joining a program.
Best of luck in your journey to finding the best online schools for criminal justice!