The purpose of a criminal justice degree is to teach students the foundational theories, principles, and practices that underpin our justice system. From there, students explore the many ethical and legal questions that arise when applying the concepts of crime and justice in law enforcement, corrections, and legal services.
Online Schools for Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice
Students develop critical analysis and research skills that can help them navigate the complexities of criminal justice with competence and integrity. These skills equip students to administer justice, uphold the rule of law, and advance equity and well-being in communities that have been affected by crime.
San Diego State University
SDSU’s bachelor of science in criminal justice focuses on the intersections of criminal law, the justice system, and social justice. Using a 100% online format with asynchronous scheduling, learners can complete the program in as few as 15 months.
Primarily designed for transfer students seeking degree completion, the program provides deep coverage of topics including criminal law, justice administration, and crime in contemporary urban settings. Learners can also pursue a minor in public administration, which is suitable for degree-seekers interested in government.
Location-San Diego, CA
4 years
Online + Campus
Credits to Graduate: 120
University of Massachusetts, Lowell
UMass Lowell’s online bachelor of science in criminal justice explores interactions between policing, the court system, and corrections from systemic viewpoints. Students must complete coursework in criminology theory and criminal law. These courses prepare learners for a culminating capstone seminar.
Thanks to a generous transfer credit policy, learners with existing coursework can graduate in as few as 12 months. Students can transfer up to 90 credits and benefit from the flexibility of an asynchronous delivery model.
Location-Lowell, MA
4 years
Online + Campus
Credits to Graduate: 120
Florida International University
FIU’s bachelor of science in criminal justice centers on the interactive relationship between policing, criminal justice, and the correctional system. Purpose-built for students with at least 60 transferable credits, the degree’s 18-credit core covers criminal justice theory, research methods, and professional development.
The program culminates in a capstone experience and includes optional but recommended internship opportunities. Learners with a focused interest in forensics can alternately pursue FIU’s online bachelor of science in crime science program.
Location-Miami, FL
4 years
Online + Campus
Credits to Graduate: 120
Citadel Military College of South Carolina
The Citadel’s bachelor of arts in criminal justice is a unique program. This historic military college offers the degree through its “2+2” transfer structure. Students can complete their first two years at one of nine partner institutions or transfer in existing credits to achieve advanced standing.
Coursework focuses on the social causes of crime and how criminal justice institutions and government agencies respond to it. Electives offer degree customization opportunities, allowing learners to pursue interests in specific criminal justice and criminology issues.
Location-Charleston, SC
4 years
Online + Campus
Credits to Graduate: 120
University of Washington, Tacoma Campus
UW Tacoma’s online bachelor of arts in criminal justice explores the criminal justice system through a social justice framework. Focusing on the human impacts of crime and criminality, the program emphasizes harm reduction, restorative justice, and rehabilitation.
Core coursework focuses on five interrelated pillars: justice administration, theoretical criminology, the correctional system, criminal law processes, and research methods. Multidisciplinary electives provide extensive specialization and personalization opportunities.
Students who meet the program’s minimum of 90 transfer credits can graduate in just six semesters.
Location-Tacoma, WA
4 years
Online + Campus
Credits to Graduate: 180
St. Joseph’s University, New York
St. Joseph’s BS in criminal justice practice and policy program has a distinctive emphasis on evidence-based practices. Through this learning model, students develop advanced quantitative analysis skills and the ability to analyze policy.
Designed for working criminal justice professionals, the program’s rigorous core covers 53 required credits. It culminates in a senior capstone seminar, in which students produce an original research paper based on an analysis of important criminal justice texts and theoretical models.
Location-Brooklyn, NY
4 years
Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
Credits to Graduate: 120
University of Oklahoma, Norman Campus
OU’s online bachelor of arts in criminal justice leadership program enables students to quickly earn their degrees with fast-paced classes and a compact schedule. The program is broken up into eight-week terms, leading to degree completion in as few as 18 months. Major requirements cover organizational leadership, conflict resolution, and specific aspects of the U.S. criminal justice and policing systems.
At OU, online programs appeal specifically to learners with existing postsecondary coursework. To qualify for admission, you must be 25 or older with at least 60 transferable college credits.
Location-Norman, OK
4 years
Online + Campus
Credits to Graduate: 120
University of Central Florida
UCF’s online criminal justice program leads to the student’s choice of a bachelor of science or bachelor of arts. Both designations provide in-depth coverage of the contemporary justice system through innovative learning methods that include interactive training.
Coursework roots learners in the historical background of crime in the United States before exploring technical aspects of the modern criminal justice system. Classes also focus on policing in the context of law enforcement culture and police-public interactions. Learners additionally develop advanced, career-oriented knowledge of research methods and data analysis.
Location- Orlando, FL
4 years
Online + Campus
Credits to Graduate: 120
University of Northern Iowa
UNI’s online bachelor of applied science in criminal justice program is a four-year course of study for those interested in a more application-focused education — working to build critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students can choose either the part-time or full-time track.
Candidates interested in applying must hold an associate of science degree. Graduate outcomes include careers in law enforcement, juvenile court, crime analysis and research, and public policy. Each student will also have a designated enrollment contact and program coordinator who can provide guidance on navigating the course sequence and preparing for graduation.
Location-Cedar Falls, IA
4 years
Online + Campus
Credits to Graduate: 120
California State University, Sacramento
California State Sacramento’s online criminal justice program confers graduates with BS degrees and maintains a multidisciplinary approach — exposing students to theories, applications, and ethics related to crime and justice.
To enroll in the degree-completion program, a candidate must already be a Cal State Sacramento student and have completed a 12-credit series of lower-division courses. The remaining 48 credits are taken after admission into the program. In addition to the major, the program also offers a minor in forensics investigations, a certificate in law enforcement, and a master of science in criminal justice.
Location- Sacramento, CA
4 years
Online + Campus
Credits to Graduate: 60
An online criminal justice degree program is a flexible and convenient path to a career in the criminal justice system. You can balance work with school, control your pace of study, and minimize stress.
A criminal justice degree also lays the groundwork for a stable job. You’ll qualify for government roles that rarely go away and earn excellent benefits.
