The criminal justice system is more than just good vs. bad. Find out for yourself through one of the Best Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice.
When you wear a law enforcement badge, it represents more than just a degree. It shows your understanding of the complex web of social, racial, economic, and historical dynamics at play in the criminal justice system.
By earning an online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice, you are promising to be a force of good in the world. This degree can take you places, from patrolling the streets to defending a client in court to helping a first-time offender get back on the right path.
What is an Online Criminal Justice Degree?
At the most general level, a degree in Criminal Justice will cover three core areas: law enforcement, corrections, and the courts. These areas are the foundation of our criminal justice system.
From there, your degree can take you in a wide variety of directions. Not everyone pursues this field to work in a police department. Here’s a look at some of your options:
- Corrections Officer
- Crime Scene Investigator
- Forensics Specialist
- Lawyer
A career in the criminal justice system brings together a wide variety of disciplines: psychology, law & ethics, forensics, statistics, and more. Even more, many programs now have opportunities to specialize in areas such as: Crime Scene Investigation, Homeland Security, Juvenile Justice, Criminal Behavior, and more.
How much can you earn with an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice?
Beyond the gratification of pursing a career that protects and serves, folks who work in the criminal justice system also enjoy a comfortable paycheck. The average salary for police officers and detectives is around $63k per year. Those who work in forensics and crime scene investigation make on average $58k annually.
There is no shortage of work in the criminal justice system. Between now and 2026 jobs in this field are expected to increase by 7-17 percent across the country. Depending on where you work, added perks to this field include a government pension, good benefits, and steady pay.
What is required for an Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice?
The requirements for an online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice vary, depending on which program you are considering. Some, for example, are degree completion programs. That means you’ll need to have a minimum number of credits to transfer. Others, however, use the standard first-year undergraduate admissions requirements, such as:
- High school diploma, GED, or equivalent
- SAT or ACT scores
- Minimum GPA of 2.0
Each program requires around 120-180 credit hours to graduate. Some culminate in a Senior Capstone project. Others require an onsite internship at a local law enforcement organization. Regardless, you’ll take online coursework that will establish a solid foundation in criminal justice theory and application.
What are the best Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice degrees?
OSR uses six data points: three school-wide and three program specific. For school-wide, OSR uses Student Satisfaction, Admission Rates, and the number of programs the school offers online. For program specific, OSR checks the Median Debt of graduates from that program, how many degrees are offered within that program’s umbrella department, and what percentage of students at that school graduated from that department.
The six statistics are displayed by each school. The sliding bar under each statistic represents how that school compares to other US institutions. “Not reported” means a school did not release that information to the US Department of Education. A more detailed description of the OSR process can be found on the methodology page.
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Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $13,484(in state) / $13,484(out of state)
- Easy to earn a complementary online minor
- Flat-rate tuition applied if you’re taking over 12 credits
- Military Grant-in-Aid available for military students
School Wide
Program Level
100%OSR ScorePenn State World Campus is a leader in online education. The same goes for its online BS in Criminal Justice program, a 120-credit degree that provides a solid foundation in the field. It also leaves room for an additional minor like Homeland Security or Political Science.
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Fayetteville State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $2,982(in state) / $14,590(out of state)
- FSU accepts up to 90 transfer credits
- Generous military benefits offered in tuition discounts
- Curriculum includes tangential skills like statistics
School Wide
Program Level
94%OSR ScoreFayetteville State University makes sure you spend the majority of your online BS in Criminal Justice program taking field-related courses. So out of the 120 required credits, 82 of them will be devoted to criminal justice.
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Sam Houston State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $5,472(in state) / $15,432(out of state)
- Access to over 40 unique scholarship options
- Faculty regularly publish in Journal of Criminal Justice Education
- Guaranteed Price Plan option for Texas residents
School Wide
Program Level
92%OSR ScoreThe online BA/BS in Criminal Justice at Sam Houston State University features a final internship opportunity for senior students. This is a perfect way to segue into the working world. Highlight courses from the core curriculum include Cyber Crime, White Collar Crime, Victimology, and more.
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Florida International University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $4,721(in state) / $16,529(out of state)
- Extra guidance offered by success coaches
- LEAP available for hands-on experience
- Online students have the opportunity to join the Honors College
School Wide
Program Level
84%OSR ScoreFlorida International University rolls out a unique online BS in Crime Science. This merges together computer science with criminal justice and forensics. This program also includes the Law Enforcement Apprenticeship Program, which combines work experience with online learning.
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University of Nebraska at Omaha
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $5,954(in state) / $18,644(out of state)
- Law enforcement officers receive 30% tuition waiver
- Heavy emphasis on criminal justice research
- Shared credit program with Nebraska State College system
School Wide
Program Level
84%OSR ScoreDesigned specifically for working adults, the BS in Criminology and Criminal Justice at UNO is delivered via online courses. Students must meet the 120-credit-hour requirement through general education courses, major courses, and electives. Highlights include Policy & Society, Survey of Corrections, and more.
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University of the Cumberlands
20-Year ROI$693,847
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $22,640(in state) / $22,640(out of state)
- Up to 90 transfer credits accepted
- Relevant career-based concentration areas offered
- Highly affordable tuition rate ($199/credit)
School Wide
Program Level
83%OSR ScoreThe University of the Cumberlands features four core areas of concentration in the BS in Criminal Justice degree: Law Enforcement Management, Criminal Profiling, Forensics, and Prison Ministries. All require a total of 128 credits. The degree is topped off by engaging electives.
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Liberty University
20-Year ROI$718,609
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $15,734(in state) / $15,734(out of state)
- Up to 75% of transfer credits accepted
- Generous military tuition discounts ($250/credit)
- Numerous career-specific tracks offered
School Wide
Program Level
83%OSR ScoreThe online BS in Criminal Justice program at Liberty University stands out for its numerous specialization tracks. Options include: Crime Scene Investigation, Homeland Security, Juvenile Justice, and more. The program is fully online and takes most students 3.5 years to complete.
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California State University-San Bernardino
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $5,742(in state) / $17,622(out of state)
- Students have access to numerous financial aid options
- Courses are delivered in short, 5-week segments
- Three different possible start dates (fall, spring, summer)
School Wide
Program Level
81%OSR ScoreOne key distinction to make with the BA in Criminal Justice program at CSUSB is that it is a degree completion program. It is intended for students who have already finished an associates degree or those who are working full-time. The degree covers 180 credit hours of career-specific classes.
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University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $14,350(in state) / $31,415(out of state)
- BS to MS in Criminal Justice joint program available
- Computer-based criminal justice skills emphasized
- Same in- and out-of-state tuition rates
School Wide
Program Level
81%OSR ScoreThe Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at UMass-Lowell gives you the option to attend online, in person, or through a hybrid model. The 120-credit-hour curriculum makes room for core courses, electives, and even a minor. It also emphasizes computer courses like Crime Mapping, Criminal Justice Data Analysis, and more.
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Western Carolina University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $3,971(in state) / $14,364(out of state)
- Students can transfer up to 24 criminal justice credits
- Hugely affordable per credit costs ($53-$189/credit)
- Curriculum is highly customizable with electives
School Wide
Program Level
80%OSR ScoreWestern Carolina University runs a competitive online BS in Criminal Justice program that requires a few more qualifications than some. It is designed for students who already hold an associate’s degree and have at least one year of experience in law enforcement. You’ll complete 49 credits of criminal justice courses.
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University of Central Florida
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $4,478(in state) / $19,810(out of state)
- Additional Criminal Justice certificates available
- Senior Scholar Program allows for graduate-level coursework
- Some finish this degree in just 2 years
School Wide
Program Level
80%OSR ScoreYou’ll have the choice between an online BS or BA in Criminal Justice degree at UCF Online. The only difference between the two is a language requirement. The 120-credit curriculum covers 30 hours of core classes, 30 hours of upper-level electives, and more.
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Brandman University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $12,000(in state) / $12,000(out of state)
- Extended Education program for minimum transfer requirement
- Option to do a competency-based, self-paced degree
- Generous benchmark GPA of 2.0 for admission
School Wide
Program Level
79%OSR ScoreBrandman University allows students to either earn a fully online BA in Criminal Justice or an online minor in Criminal Justice. Whichever route you choose, you’ll find a robust curriculum with classes such as Corrections, Forensics, National Security, and more. The BA covers 120 credits.
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Troy University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,584(in state) / $15,168(out of state)
- Multiple ways to specialize (minor or MS pathway)
- Generous military tuition benefits
- Troy Online Scholarships available to help with costs
School Wide
Program Level
77%OSR ScoreTroy University makes it easy to chart your own path in the criminal justice field. In addition to its core online BA in Criminal Justice, you can minor in Digital Forensics or do a BS/MS accelerated program in Criminal Justice. The core major itself includes 36 credit hours.
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California Baptist University
20-Year ROI$839,708
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $30,446(in state) / $30,446(out of state)
- Some POST experience can count for college credit
- Accelerated pace lets you finish up to 36 credits/year
- CBU has a generous transfer policy
School Wide
Program Level
74%OSR ScoreCalifornia Baptist University brings a Christian focus to its online BS in Criminal Justice program. Because it is an accelerated program, with courses starting every eight weeks, some students can finish this degree in just 16 months. There are 48 credits that are targeted to criminal justice.
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Concordia University-Saint Paul
20-Year ROI$979,788
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $21,750(in state) / $21,750(out of state)
- Courses offered 100% online and in 7-week terms
- $2,000 scholarship for eligible transfer students
- Online application fee is waived
School Wide
Program Level
73%OSR ScoreOne huge bonus of the program at Concordia University-Saint Paul is that it includes a Minnesota POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) licensure and non-POST licensure track. The program is intended for working adults and covers 44 major-based credits.
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University of Louisville
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $11,068(in state) / $26,090(out of state)
- Tuition discount for active-duty service members
- CJ Department connected to professional networks
- Same online in- and out-of-state tuition rates
School Wide
Program Level
73%OSR ScoreThe online BS in Criminal Justice covers the judicial system from top to bottom. The curriculum features core competencies in specific areas such as juvenile detention and adult corrections. Out of the 121 total credit hours, 54 are devoted to criminal justice.
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Colorado State University Global
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,400(in state) / $8,400(out of state)
- Graduate with two skills endorsement awards
- Option to customize degree with over 20 specializations
- No additional student fees applied
School Wide
Program Level
72%OSR ScoreThe curriculum at CSU-Global Campus emphasizes the importance of combining theory with application. In your online BS in Criminal Justice, you will take 120 credits in total, with 30 of those credits specific to the field. Some include Laws of Evidence, Law Enforcement and American Policing, and more.
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University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $9,322(in state) / $24,656(out of state)
- Classes are delivered in asynchronous format (not live)
- Numerous career-based elective course options
- Generous baseline GPA requirement of 2.0
School Wide
Program Level
72%OSR ScoreDelivered fully online, students at the University of Cincinnati will jump into a curriculum that prepares them for everything from criminal policy to law enforcement. Students can attend part-time or full-time. The classes are held in either 7-week or 14-week formats.
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University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,776(in state) / $23,928(out of state)
- 12 graduate credits available at BS level
- Internship experience encouraged in curriculum
- Over 72% of undergraduates receive financial aid
School Wide
Program Level
72%OSR ScoreCU Denver offers a BA in Criminal Justice that lays out career-focused coursework for a job in the field. The degree covers 120 credits and culminates in an internship experience. The minimum requirement for the internship is 135 hours, though many choose to complete more.
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Washington State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $9,530(in state) / $23,956(out of state)
- Numerous learning enrichment opportunities
- Access to free online writing lab and tutoring help
- Reduced tuition if you’re taking over 18 credits
School Wide
Program Level
72%OSR ScoreWashington State University brings history and expertise to its online Criminal Justice degree. It’s the second oldest criminal justice program in the nation! The curriculum brings together core classes, three criminal justice electives, and three political science electives.
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Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $11,619(in state) / $27,560(out of state)
- Numerous undergraduate scholarships available
- Huge number of electives to choose from
- Accelerated bachelor’s to master’s track available
School Wide
Program Level
71%OSR ScoreRutgers University-New Brunswick offers a BA in Criminal Justice. While a number of the courses have the option to be delivered online, this is not a fully online degree. The curriculum follows three core “themes”: Human Behavior, Deviance, and Crime; Social Control Institutions; and Law & Ethics.
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University of Nebraska at Kearney
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $5,753(in state) / $12,533(out of state)
- Customizable options between the two tracks
- Huge list of criminal justice-specific electives
- Hands-on internship experience available
School Wide
Program Level
71%OSR ScoreDepending on your needs, you can take one of two tracks at UNK: the online BS in Criminal Justice or the online Comprehensive BS in Criminal Justice. The first requires an additional minor, while the second includes way more elective options. Either way you choose, you’ll fulfill 120 credits.
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Fort Hays State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $3,900(in state) / $13,723(out of state)
- Targeted elective options within criminal justice
- Additional criminal justice certificates offered
- No additional fees beyond tuition rates
School Wide
Program Level
70%OSR ScoreThe BS and BA in Criminal Justice programs at Fort Hays State University are both offered online. The BA requires 10 credits of a language, while the BS does not. The major electives are divided into three focused categories: Policing, Offenders & Victims, and Criminology.
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Lamar University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $5,832(in state) / $15,792(out of state)
- Tuition exemption program for law enforcement
- Low per-credit tuition rate that includes distance learning fee
- Classes offered in 8-week and 15-week segments
School Wide
Program Level
70%OSR ScoreBased in Texas, Lamar University has created an online BS in Criminal Justice program that is intended for existing law enforcement officers. It provides a generous work transfer program to allow students to graduate in as little as two years. The major requirement encompasses 49 credits.
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Loyola University Chicago
20-Year ROI$1,064,520
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $41,470(in state) / $41,470(out of state)
- Specific scholarships and grants for military students
- Designed for existing criminal justice professionals
- Flexible course formats (online, weekend, hybrid)
School Wide
Program Level
70%OSR ScoreLoyola University Chicago takes a new approach with its online BA in Applied Criminal Justice Leadership. It selects only existing criminal justice professionals and works to make them leaders in their settings. This program can be finished fully online or through a hybrid model.
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Old Dominion University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,630(in state) / $23,955(out of state)
- In- and out-of-state tuition rates are similar
- Military students receive tuition discount and waived fees
- Seamless transfer system from VA community colleges
School Wide
Program Level
67%OSR ScoreWhether you’re looking for a BA or BS in Criminal Justice, a full program or a degree completion program, Old Dominion University has got you covered. The curriculum blends together administrative skills with social science courses. In total you’ll graduate with 120 credit hours completed.
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Indiana State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,716(in state) / $19,252(out of state)
- 80% of undergraduates receive financial aid
- Non-resident reduced rate for states surrounding Indiana
- Frequent symposiums delivered on core topics
School Wide
Program Level
66%OSR ScoreThe BS in Criminology and Criminal Justice at Indiana State University prepares students for a wide range of careers. Students can focus on areas such as homicide investigation, women in the criminal justice system, and more. All students complete an internship at the end of the degree.
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Portland State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,403(in state) / $24,750(out of state)
- Ability to graduate in 1 year with transfer credits
- 3 unique specializations (e.g., Criminal Behavior)
- Numerous financial aid avenues available
School Wide
Program Level
66%OSR ScoreYou’ll have the choice between a BA or a BS in Criminal Justice at Portland State. But here’s the catch: The BS can be completed fully online while the BA can only be completed 75 percent online. Regardless of your choice, the degree will cover 180 credits with a culminating Senior Capstone.
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University of Missouri-St Louis
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,275(in state) / $27,327(out of state)
- Opportunities to earn a minor or certificate in Criminal Justice
- High-ranking Missouri residents may qualify for automatic admission
- Curriculum catered toward law, research, and policy
School Wide
Program Level
63%OSR ScoreUM-St Louis offers an online BS in Criminology and Criminal Justice that prepares students for a number of careers, namely law and the court system. In addition to general education requirements, students will take 37 core credits in the major, including a specialty course in Policing, Courts, or Corrections.
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Arizona State University-Tempe
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,104(in state) / $26,684(out of state)
- Fast-Track options available (2.5-3 years)
- Over 80% of students receive financial aid
- Earned Admission track if you don’t meet initial requirements
School Wide
Program Level
62%OSR ScoreASU stands out as offering the best online Bachelor of Science in Criminology & Criminal Justice program in the nation. Affordable and accelerated, you’ll take 40 classes in total through short, 7.5-week course segments. It’s possible to finish this degree in just 2.5 years.
