If you’re working in law enforcement or the justice system, you can enhance your career with an online bachelor’s in criminal justice!
Crime is a plague on any society, and to combat it, professionals working in criminal justice are required to understand many complex behavioral motivations and legal requirements. That’s where a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice can play a vital role, as an online classroom can meld theory and practice to best equip you for success in a complicated field.
What Is a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Degree?
Undergraduate degrees in criminal justice provide an in-depth examination of the many factors influencing criminals and the justice system. Colleges and universities offer online Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degrees that focus on criminal justice from a variety of viewpoints. A formal degree will help advance the careers of currently working professionals or provide the knowledge and skills for entry-level positions.
How Much Can You Earn With A Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Degree?
There are many careers in the criminal justice field, and your salary will reflect your role in the criminal justice system. For example, job titles in the field include Fish and Game Warden, Probation Officer, State Trooper, Crime Scene Investigator, Forensic Science Technician, and many more.
PayScale.com surveys indicate graduates with a BA or BS in Criminal Justice can expect salary ranges from $59,000-$61,000 annually. When considering salary, you should always take into account where you work and live, your specific job, and the benefits offered. Your compensation package may include retirement benefits, health insurance, and paid time off that balance out an otherwise low salary.
What Is Required for a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Degree?
Bachelor’s degrees will usually involve liberal arts studies in the humanities, mathematics, and sciences. Depending on whether you pursue a BA or BS degree, you may be also required to take a foreign language.
Generally, you’ll cover criminal justice topics in ethics, criminology, victimology, law, research methods, the court systems, corrections and parole, juvenile delinquency, and criminal theory. Many programs will also offer classes in race and gender. Schools may offer minor studies in behavioral sciences such as psychology, mental health, or sociology.
What Are the Most Affordable Online 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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Indian River State College
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $2,496(in state) / $9,360(out of state)
- May require practicum
- Offers certification preparation
- Requires 120 credit hours
School Wide
Program Level
The BS in Criminal Justice from IRSU will prepare you to assume local, state, or federal leadership roles. Following this program, you’ll be eligible for careers in law enforcement, private companies, juvenile justice, and more. Courses offered here include Organized Crime, Constitutional Law, and the American Court System, to name only a few.
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Fayetteville State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $2,982(in state) / $14,590(out of state)
- First certified criminal justice program in North Carolina
- Requires 120 credit hours
- Ranked among the Best Historically Black Colleges and Universities by U.S. News & World Report
School Wide
Program Level
This online BS in Criminal Justice is a degree-completion program, which means you’ll need 38 prior credits for admission. Once in the program, you can choose from a variety of electives, including White Collar Crime, Victimology, Drugs and Crime, and more. If you have served in the military, you won’t be alone in this program – over 25% of the students are either active-duty members or veterans.
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The University of Texas at El Paso
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $5,931(in state) / $19,676(out of state)
- Features fully online curriculum
- Requires 120 credit hours
- Features unique focus on US-Mexico border crime
School Wide
Program Level
The University of Texas at El Paso offers an excellent BA in Criminal Justice. This program includes core courses like Criminology, Introduction to Criminal Justice, and Criminal Procedure, ensuring that students receive a strong foundation in the subject. What’s more, this school has also been named a Top Military-Friendly University.
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Southern University at New Orleans
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $4,483(in state) / $13,384(out of state)
- Requires 120 credit hours
- Accepts up to 50 transfer credits
- Features specialized electives
School Wide
Program Level
At SUNO, you’ll study a variety of concepts in social, legal, and legislative justice processes. Among the core coursework featured, you’ll take classes like Criminology, Law Enforcement, Adjudication, and Corrections. Additionally, the program is designed to improve your critical thinking and communication skills.
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West Virginia State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,546(in state) / $16,550(out of state)
- Can be completed entirely online
- Requires 120 credit hours
- Offers certification
School Wide
Program Level
The BS in Criminal Justice at WVSU explores the modern criminal justice system. The program covers, among other topics, studies in ethics, race and gender, juvenile justice, and research methods. Interested applicants to this program must submit transcripts, ACT/SAT scores, and demonstrate a 3.0 GPA.
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Indiana University-East
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,601(in state) / $18,432(out of state)
- Degree-completion program
- Requires 60 credit hours
- Features general education prerequisites
School Wide
Program Level
If you’re interested in developing not only criminal justice knowledge but management skills as well, then this online BS in Criminal Justice may be perfect for you. This program dives into topics in criminology, law enforcement, parole, crime scene investigation, and much more. You’ll also receive a firm foundation in criminal justice theories, methods, and research.
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Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,240(in state) / $14,880(out of state)
- Requires 124 credit hours
- Multiple start dates available
- Provides one-on-one faculty attention
School Wide
Program Level
This BA in Criminal Justice offers introductory studies in criminal justice, law, the legal system, juvenile justice, and behavioral studies. Once you have a handle on your core coursework, you’ll choose from electives like Law and Procedure, Criminal Investigation and Forensics, and Drugs in Society. This program is also unique in that it requires students to select a minor to accompany their major in Criminal Justice.
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University of Washington-Tacoma Campus
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $11,639 (in state) / $38,340 (out of state)
- Requires 180 credit hours
- Degree-completion program
- Follows cohort model
School Wide
Program Level
This BA in Criminal Justice aims to train you in more than just the legal aspects of justice. Here, you’ll also study the effects of crime on communities, society, and individuals. As a result, students can expect to take classes such as Diversity and Social Justice in Criminology, Policy and Society, in addition to a senior project.
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California State University-San Bernardino
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $5,742(in state) / $17,622(out of state)
- Degree-completion program
- Requires 76 credit hours
- Requires 60 prior credits
School Wide
Program Level
If you want to complete your degree and have an interest in criminal justice, then this BA program may be a great fit for you. At CSUSB, you’ll be required to take specific courses, certain university-required classes, and core courses in a variety of criminal justice studies in theory, statistics, and research. It should come as no surprise, then, that this program has been ranked among the best criminal justice degrees by College Choice and several others.
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Louisiana State University-Alexandria
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $4,984(in state) / $4,984(out of state)
- Requires 120 credit hours
- Offers enrollment and learner concierge support
- Tutoring available
School Wide
Program Level
Here’s an online BS in Criminal Justice from one of the country’s top-tier universities. At LSU Online, you’ll take general education courses before launching into the criminal justice major. Once in the major, you can look forward to covering topics in policing, the corrections process, law and ethics, and more.
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Northern Kentucky University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $9,360(in state) / $18,720(out of state)
- Requires 120 credit hours
- Features hybrid, online format
- Multiple start dates available
School Wide
Program Level
The goals of NKU’s online BA in Criminal Justice are for learners to analyze the judicial system, study ethics, and understand judicial organizations. As a result, core courses will cover subjects like the criminal court system, law enforcement, and criminal perspectives. For this quality program and much more, NKU is ranked among Forbes’ Best Public Colleges.
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New Mexico State University-Main Campus
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $5,323(in state) / $19,884(out of state)
- Can be completed entirely online
- Requires 120 credit hours
- Military-friendly school
School Wide
Program Level
At New Mexico State University, you can prepare for a variety of criminal justice careers with its online BA in Criminal Justice. This curriculum covers criminal law, research methods, theory, and ethical issues to best prepare students to enter the criminal justice field in stride. This program also provides a strong foundation for law school or graduate studies should you choose to pursue that route.
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Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $3,661(in state) / $9,436(out of state)
- Requires internship
- Military-friendly school
- Requires 120 credit hours
School Wide
Program Level
This university’s Department of History, Social Sciences, and Religion provides both online BA and BS in Criminal Justice degrees. Both degrees combine the theoretical with real-world experience to examine how society responds to crime. To this end, the program requires learners to undertake an internship to prepare them for entering the criminal justice workforce.
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The University of Texas of the Permian Basin
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $4,529(in state) / $5,369(out of state)
- Requires 120 credit hours
- Academic advising available
- Scholarships available for transfer students
School Wide
Program Level
With this BS in Criminal Justice, you’ll study criminal behavior theory, homicide, ethics, statistics, research, and much more. You’ll learn the how and why of the criminal justice system’s functions. In addition, this program takes a straightforward approach to the major, so you don’t have to declare a minor in order to graduate.
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Florida Atlantic University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $2,522(in state) / $14,374(out of state)
- Ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
- Requires 120 credit hours
- Military-friendly school
School Wide
Program Level
Florida Atlantic University’s online BA in Criminal Justice explores the criminal justice process, criminal causes, and an overview of the American judicial system. Here, you’ll also take courses in victimology, criminology, computer crime, and terrorism, to name only a few of the topics featured. What’s more, if you’re worried about your academic success or landing a job after graduation, the school offers online tutoring and career services.
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Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $5,180(in state) / $15,968(out of state)
- Requires 120 credit hours
- Offers Prior Learning Assessment for credit
- Features only in-state tuition for all learners
School Wide
Program Level
Northwestern State University offers an appealing BA in Criminal Justice program. The core curriculum provides foundation courses in criminology, research, and the American justice system. What’s more, the degree includes additional studies in psychology, sociology, and political science so that graduates can enter the workforce as well-rounded professionals.
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McNeese State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $5,148(in state) / $13,186(out of state)
- Features an accelerated program
- Financial aid available
- Requires 120 credit hours
School Wide
Program Level
In addition to general education requirements, this BS in Criminal Justice focuses on the U.S. correctional and criminal justice system, criminology, law, and jurisdiction. With this kind of scope, it should come as no surprise that U.S. News & World Report ranks this degree among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs. If that weren’t enough, at MSU you can also speed up the journey toward graduation by receiving credits for prior life experiences or training.
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Youngstown State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,847(in state) / $8,207(out of state)
- Degree-completion program
- Requires 120 credit hours
- No minor requirement
School Wide
Program Level
This Ohio university offers a superb online Bachelor of Science in Applied Science in Criminal Justice. Courses are offered in policing, criminal law, women in justice, crime and delinquencies, and more. If you have work experience or training in corrections or law enforcement, you may be eligible to take a Prior Learning Assessment and receive credits.
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University of Louisiana at Monroe
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $5,788(in state) / $17,888(out of state)
- No out-of-state tuition
- Requires 120 credit hours
- Ranked among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs by U.S. News & World Report
School Wide
Program Level
ULM Online’s BA in Criminal Justice is the oldest program of its kind in Louisiana and boasts that 88% of its graduates land a job within six months of graduation. The program concentrates on the police, courts, and criminal justice system to ensure that students have a strong foundation in the field before entering the workforce. The curriculum also prepares students for potential graduate-level education.
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University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $3,991(in state) / $11,064(out of state)
- Internship available
- Program developed by professional law enforcement
- Requires 120 credit hours
School Wide
Program Level
This BS in Criminal Justice degree will acquaint you with criminal justice theory, history, principles, and concepts. In addition to general education classes, you’ll study ethics, law enforcement systems, forensic systems, and research methods. The university has been offering this degree online only since 2015, so you can rest assured that course material is applicable and relevant to today’s world.
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Lamar University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $5,832(in state) / $15,792(out of state)
- Requires 120 credit hours
- Can be completed in as few as 48 months
- Features Peace Officer Tuition Exemption (Texas residents only)
School Wide
Program Level
Lamar University offers both online BA and BS in Criminal Justice degrees designed with certified law enforcement officers in mind. Among the upper-level courses offered here are Court Systems and Practices, Criminal Behavior, and Organized Crime. All courses are eight weeks in duration and aim to integrate theory with practice.
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University of Nebraska at Omaha
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $5,954(in state) / $18,644(out of state)
- Can be completed entirely online
- Requires 120 credit hours
- Financial aid available
School Wide
Program Level
This BS in Criminology & Criminal Justice is designed to provide the skills and knowledge you need to have a successful criminal justice career. To this end, courses dive into topics on the criminal court system, research, criminal procedure, and more. In order to earn this degree, students must finish the program with a cumulative 2.0 GPA.
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Angelo State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $4,061(in state) / $14,021(out of state)
- Features multidisciplinary approach
- Features faculty with real-world experience
- Requires 120 credit hours
School Wide
Program Level
Angelo State University has both online BA and BS in Criminal Justice degrees. The two degrees are offered through the Security and Criminal Justice Department, which also offers degrees in Homeland Security, Global Security, and Intelligence. What’s more, both of ASU’s Criminal Justice programs can serve as strong preparation for law school.
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Sam Houston State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $5,472(in state) / $15,432(out of state)
- Over 40 scholarships available
- One of the oldest criminal justice programs in the U.S.
- Requires 120 credit hours
School Wide
Program Level
SHSU is another Texas school offering online BA and BS degrees in Criminal Justice. No matter what criminal justice degree you choose to pursue, you’ll be able to take courses like White Collar Crime, Forensic Science, Criminal Investigation, and Victimology. If you’re interested in gaining hands-on experience prior to graduation, the school also offers internships with organizations like local police departments and the FBI.
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University of Maine at Augusta
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,840(in state) / $16,530(out of state)
- Certifications available
- Credit awarded for military or police training and CLEP
- Requires 121 credit hours
School Wide
Program Level
At UMA, you can earn a BS in Justice Studies with a Criminal Justice concentration. The major covers policing, forensics, investigations, criminology, and much more. For the quality of this degree, U.S. News & World Report ranks it among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.
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Middle Tennessee State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,840(in state) / $24,576(out of state)
- Two concentrations available
- Requires 120 credit hours
- Features accelerated BS-Master’s Program
School Wide
Program Level
You’ll gain a broad perspective of criminal justice through this online BS in Criminal Justice Administration. In the program, two concentrations are available in Law Enforcement or Homeland Security. What’s more, the school provides an internship opportunity for seniors who are interested in gaining practical experience in the field.
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Troy University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,584(in state) / $15,168(out of state)
- Largest program at Troy University
- Requires 120 credit hours
- Features faculty with real-world experience
School Wide
Program Level
This Alabama university has an online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice that will prepare you well for a variety of justice careers. Along with the liberal arts subjects featured in the currriculum, you’ll cover topics in constitutional law, research, criminology, and more. You can also add classes in crime scene investigation, homeland security, and cybersecurity to your program.
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Fort Hays State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $3,900(in state) / $13,723(out of state)
- Ranked among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
- Can be completed entirely online
- Requires 120 credit hours
School Wide
Program Level
At FHSU, you have a choice between a BA or BS in Criminal Justice. Core studies in this program examine ethics, administration, research, victimology, and policing. The Department of Criminal Justice also offers six certificates, if you want to further specialize your criminal justice education.
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Florida International University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $4,721(in state) / $16,529(out of state)
- Requires 120 credit hours
- Combined bachelor’s/master’s degree available
- Features success coaching
School Wide
Program Level
An online BS in Criminal Justice from Florida International University will provide you with a solid foundation in a range of topics relating to the field. Here, you’ll study theory, the Constitution, public policy, research, as well as global terrorism. Once you complete general education and core requirements, you’ll wrap up the program with 12 credits in upper-level criminal justice electives.
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Lake Superior State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $11,232(in state) / $11,232(out of state)
- Offered as a generalist program
- Requires 124 credit hours
- Features multidisciplinary approach
School Wide
Program Level
The BS in Criminal Justice at LSSU places a strong emphasis on critical thinking, research, and writing. This is a generalist degree, which makes it ideal for students pursuing a law enforcement career. Courses in this program include Investigation, Police Process, Criminology, a senior project, and many others.
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Western New Mexico University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $3,927(in state) / $11,400(out of state)
- Features faculty with practical experience
- Requires 120 credit hours
- Two concentrations available
School Wide
Program Level
At Western New Mexico University, you’ll receive a solid liberal arts education as well as a BS in Criminal Justice. In this program, there are two concentrations available in Corrections or Policing, which you can select depending on your career goals. Although not required, this program also allows you to minor in a variety of complementary disciplines.
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The University of Texas at Arlington
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,542(in state) / $22,742(out of state)
- Designed for current law enforcement
- Degree-completion program
- Requires 79 credit hours
School Wide
Program Level
If you already have two years of undergraduate work and you’d like to receive a bachelor’s degree, then you should investigate this Bachelor’s in Criminology and Criminal Justice program. Here, you’ll study the overall justice system, research, influence of race and gender in criminal justice, ethics, and other related topics. Best of all? The program can be completed entirely online.
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Fort Valley State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $4,950(in state) / $18,030(out of state)
- Requires 123 credit hours
- Offers internship opportunities
- Departmental scholarships available
School Wide
Program Level
Located in Fort Valley, GA, this university has a robust online presence and offers a BA in Criminal Justice. Along with the liberal arts coursework in this program, you’ll study private security, basic law enforcement, and forensic science as well as participate in seminars and a practicum.
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Wayne State College
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $5,160(in state) / $10,320(out of state)
- Accepts up to 66 transfer credits
- Requires 120 credit hours
- Offers law enforcement officers a tuition discount
School Wide
Program Level
This Nebraska college offers an online BA or BS in Criminal Justice degree for aspiring professionals as well as those currently working in criminal justice. In this program, you’ll receive instruction on legal, political, economic, and social factors of criminal justice. You’ll also have the opportunity to specialize your education, as the program requires that you select a minor.
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Eastern Kentucky University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,996(in state) / $18,774(out of state)
- Requires 120 credit hours
- Accepts up to 90 transfer credits
- Ranked among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs by U.S. News & World Report
School Wide
Program Level
Eastern Kentucky University has a long history of online education, so you can expect an excellent curriculum to come with its online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice. This program provides coursework in ethics, strategies for rehabilitation, crime patterns, and other topics.
What’s more, the program is delivered in accelerated eight-week terms and offers online tutoring and career services should you need extra assistance.
