2023 Best Online Associate Degrees in Criminal Justice

Prince George's Community College (PGCC) is a public college that offers an online Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice. This degree requires 60 credit hours, generally completed in two years while studying full time. PGCC accepts 100% of applicants, while 13% of students achieve degrees.

The primary learning platform at PGCC is Canvas, allowing coursework to be completed fully online through an asynchronous modality. The curriculum takes a comprehensive approach to criminal justice by sharpening students' writing skills and exploring essential areas of criminal justice, such as investigation techniques, court services, and private security. There are required classes such as Juvenile Delinquency, Criminal Law, and General Psychology. Additional credits are needed for an internship. Graduates are provided with career resources and may pursue employment with law enforcement agencies, private security companies, and corrections facilities.

Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) is a public institution with an online Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice Studies requiring the completion of 60 credit hours. Typically, students graduate in approximately two years while studying full time. CCBC accepts 100% of applicants, with 18% of students graduating.

All online courses at CCBC are delivered through the Brightspace learning management system. This software allows students to study completely online and asynchronously, although exams may take place at set times and locations. This degree covers various areas of criminal justice, including government branches, due process, and court procedures. The core classes are Criminology, Criminal Investigation, and Social Justice in the Urban Community, among others. Additionally, students must complete an internship. Students may gain employment in homeland security, law enforcement, and juvenile services.

Columbia Southern University (CSU) is a private university offering an online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice that requires 60 credit hours. Students studying on a full-time schedule complete similar programs in two years. The acceptance rate at CSU is 100%, and the graduation rate is 46%.

Students at CSU use the Blackboard learning management system to access their courses, which are entirely online and on flexible schedules. The curriculum explores practical and theoretical knowledge related to judicial processes, criminal psychology, and criminal justice operations. Major course requirements include Introduction to Terrorism, Juvenile Delinquency, and Theory and Practice of Law Enforcement. Electives feature specialized career-related courses in parole, court security, and victimology. Graduates may earn career opportunities in law enforcement, court operations, and private security.

Herzing University (HU) is a private university offering an online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice that requires 60 credit hours. Students typically complete this program between 16 and 20 months while studying full time. The acceptance rate at HU is 94%, with 31% of students reaching their degrees.

At HU, students use Canvas for remote courses completed entirely online through an asynchronous format. This program introduces the judicial process, criminal law, investigation techniques, and writing and communication training. Required classes include Criminal Law, Multicultural Issues in Criminal Justice Management, and Law Enforcement Security. The curriculum also includes professional development courses, encouraging graduates to pursue entry-level roles as corrections officers, crime scene technicians, and private investigators.

Eastern Gateway Community College (EGCC) is a public college that hosts an online Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice. Students must complete 61 credit hours to graduate, which can be done in approximately two years on a full-time schedule. EGCC accepts all applicants, with 19% of students graduating with degrees.

Online students at EGCC use Canvas to complete their coursework, delivered online and in asynchronous formats, with some scheduled group study sessions. The curriculum teaches problem-solving and communication within the criminal justice system, along with criminal behavior and constitutional and criminal rights. Required courses include Criminal Investigation, Corrections Institutions in America, and Police Function. Typically, graduates of similar programs are hired as corrections officers, insurance investigators, and crime scene technicians.

EGCC also offers an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice with Police Academy, preparing students to take the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission certification.

College of Southern Idaho (CSI) is a public institution featuring a 60-credit, online Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice. Full-time students may take two years to graduate. CSI has an open admissions policy and a 28% graduation rate.

At CSI, students use Canvas as their learning management system, with courses delivered entirely online and asynchronously. The core curriculum explores criminal psychology, investigative procedures, and the justice system's various laws, policies, and government branches. Here are a few examples of required courses: Criminal Evidence Law, American National Government, and Introduction to Corrections. This online associate program in criminal justice meets the education requirements to advance to a four-year Idaho university or pursue career opportunities in corrections, court operations, and law enforcement officials.

Purdue Global (PG) is a public university that offers an online Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice. This remote degree requires 90 credit hours, which students can generally complete in two years while studying full time. PG accepts 100% of applicants, while 27% of students achieve degrees.

Brightspace is the primary learning platform PG students use to participate in their online classes, which are completed 100% online in an asynchronous format for the most part. The curricula dedicates one hour a week to classroom meetings with scheduled times. In terms of content, the coursework emphasizes the issues professionals encounter in national and international criminal investigations, including public safety procedures and systems. Required classes include Preparing for a Career in Public Safety, Introduction to the Criminal Justice System, and Criminal Procedure. Additional credits are needed for a capstone involving problem-solving and research. Jobs for graduates may be available as bailiffs, private investigators, and police officers.

Amarillo College (AC) is a public college with an online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice requiring the completion of 60 credit hours. Typically, students graduate in approximately two years while studying full time. AC accepts 100% of applicants, with 30% of students graduating.

All online courses at AC are delivered through the Angel learning management system. This software allows students to study entirely online. This degree focuses on procedures and practices within court and corrections, with additional training in criminal law and investigations. Core requirements include Crime in America, Fundamentals of Criminal Law, and Police Systems and Practices. Students may accept roles as police detectives, paralegals, and correctional counselors.

Alternatively, AC also offers an online Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice Law Enforcement that meets the peace officer requirements set by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.

Columbia College (CC) is a private college offering an online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice Administration, which requires a total of 60 credit hours. Students studying on a full-time schedule can complete this associate degree online in two years. The acceptance rate at CC is 100%, and the graduation rate is 32%.

CC uses the Brightspace learning management system to deliver its courses entirely online and asynchronously. Students take foundational studies in criminal investigations, laws, organizations, corrections, and ethics. Major coursework includes Police in a Democratic Society, The American Justice System, and Management of Criminal Justice Agencies — while electives focus on social studies and sciences. Graduates are often best prepared for law enforcement roles involving investigations, forensics, and juvenile justice.

Indian River State College (IRSC) is a public college offering a 60-credit online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice Technology. Students can complete this program in approximately two years while studying full time. The acceptance rate at IRSC is 100%, with 40% of students reaching their degrees.

At IRSC, students use Blackboard for remote courses completed entirely online and on a flexible study schedule. This leadership-focused program contains foundation corrections, law, and criminal behavior courses, with electives in leadership, police administration, and public speaking. Classes such as Constitutional Law, Deviant Behavior, and Criminal Law are among the core requirements. Criminal justice internships are also available for online students, and these can lead to employment at law enforcement agencies, law firms, and corrections facilities. Students may also choose the Law Enforcement Academy Track, which includes additional training with the IRSC Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Academy in Florida to become police officers.