2020 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice Degrees

Missouri State Online, the virtual learning platform for Missouri State University, offers entirely online undergraduate degrees taught by the same faculty as the on-campus versions. Those interested in the criminal justice field may apply for the Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Students will follow a curriculum that teaches the examination of criminal behavior and the motivation behind crimes. Additionally, students will learn about current issues within the criminal justice system and research possible solutions. The degree requirements include 120 credits of lower-level general education coursework and 12 major-related, upper-division courses. To successfully graduate, students will complete the Public Affairs Capstone Experience, which encompasses a department exit exam and a senior paper.

Distance education students have access to various resources, including career counseling and degree exploration, financial aid, tutoring, library access, virtual research assistance, and the writing center.

Students may apply for the fall, spring, or summer terms. Applicants must submit an application and official transcripts. No fee is required. Any previous college credit must have at least a 2.0 GPA.

DeSales University offers an accelerated, online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. Students in the program can select a concentration in intelligence or rehabilitation. The intelligence track focuses on national security analysis, while the rehabilitation track covers the treatment of offenders in the criminal justice system. Students must earn 120 credit hours to graduate.

Online courses may be synchronous or asynchronous and are delivered through the Blackboard learning management platform. Coursework typically requires between six-to-ten hours per week of study. Once accepted, students are encouraged to attend an online orientation. Distance learners have access to the help desk for technical issues and the DeSales Career Development Center for professional planning. The Trexler Library is available for research and e-resources.

Applicants must meet one of the following qualifications: they have been out of high school for at least five years, are a veteran or active in military service, have a full-time career, or already hold a completed bachelor's degree. Transfer credit may be awarded for past academic experience, work experience, military training, or professional experience. There is no fee to apply. Students must submit official transcripts, standardized test scores, and two letters of recommendation.

Washington State University's (WSU) Global Campus is the school's platform for fully online, flexible undergraduate and graduate degrees. Individuals interested in an online criminal justice degree have two options: a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Criminology or a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences with a concentration in Criminal Justice. Both programs are offered through the College of Arts and Sciences. Students pursuing the BA in Criminal Justice and Criminology will study criminal behavior patterns and how the law interacts with the criminal justice system. The interdisciplinary curriculum covers topics in psychology, sociology, and political science, and students must complete core classes, electives, a capstone project, and a criminal justice internship. Students enrolled in the BA in Social Science program must select either two or three concentrations within the major. In addition to criminal justice, nine other concentrations are available, including Anthropology, Comparative Ethnic Studies, Economic Sciences, History, Human Development, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and Women's Studies.

WSU's online classes are designed to work around a student's schedule. Distance learners have access to career counseling services, e-tutoring, academic advisors, library resources, 24/7 tech support, virtual mentorship, and support for military and veteran students.

Adult applicants (over 25 with no previous college credits) must complete an application, submit their high school transcript, a resume, and a brief essay. Traditional first-year students also must provide ACT or SAT scores. Transfer students must provide official transcripts from previously attended colleges or universities.

Chaminade University of Honolulu offers students interested in public safety and law enforcement an online Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice through the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences. Students enrolled in this program will learn crime scene investigation skills and be required to re-enact a crime scene to demonstrate the basic techniques in crime scene analysis. Other topics covered in the curriculum are the criminal justice legal system and research methods. Successful graduates must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours, including all prerequisites and major coursework.

Online classes are available asynchronously, with lectures, course discussions, and assignments available at any time. Online classes are taught in ten-week sessions; Academic terms have four start dates: January, April, July, and October. Distance learners have access to academic advising, admissions counseling, tutoring services, and career development.

Admission is available in the spring, summer, or fall semesters. Interested candidates must submit a completed application and provide official transcripts. Chaminade University encourages students with a military background to apply and provide coaching and resources to assist in the process.

Kean University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice through a partnership between the College of Business and Public Management and the School of Criminal Justice and Public Administration. Three concentration options are available in corrections, policing, and law. Students may choose to pursue a minor in cybersecurity. The 120-credit degree program emphasizes real-world experience and interdisciplinary coursework; Students can complete internships at law enforcement agencies, participate in immersive training, and engage in discussions with guest speakers from the FBI and Secret Service. Students may also pursue a research elective.

Online classes share the same faculty as traditional courses. Students can complete coursework asynchronously through the Blackboard learning management system. Distance learners are eligible for e-tutoring, internship placement, academic advising, career services, and 24/7 technical support.

Interested candidates must submit a completed application, applicable transcripts, and standardized test scores. A personal essay, two letters of recommendation, and a resume are also recommended. First-year students with 16 or more college preparatory credits and a GPA of 3.0 or greater are not required to submit SAT scores. Transfer credits are accepted.

Pfeiffer University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice through the Division of Arts & Sciences. Students in the program take 30 semester hours of criminal justice courses, electives, and no more than six semester hours of an internship. Students have the opportunity to intern at various criminal justice agencies at the federal, state, and local levels. The curriculum focuses on law enforcement, the courts and corrections, and how they interconnect.

All courses are available online in an asynchronous format through Blackboard. The Student Success Center provides academic advising, career planning and support, writing and tutoring centers, and an online library. Pfeiffer University's mentor-based approach provides students with continuous support throughout their education.

To apply to this online criminal justice degree completion program, prospective students must complete the free online application and include official transcripts from any post-secondary schools they have attended. Credits can be awarded for prior work experience.

Union Institute and University offers two options to earn an online bachelor's degree in criminal justice: The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Management and the Bachelor of Science and Emergency Services Management with a Criminal Justice Management concentration. The BS in Criminal Justice Management program was created for police officers and requires 120 credits to graduate. The curriculum focuses on the foundations of supervision and administration within a criminal justice agency. Students also can complete a certificate in Homeland Security or Forensic Science Management. The BS in emergency services management is ideal for those who wish to explore careers in leadership during crisis situations. This 120-credit program allows full-time and part-time enrollment, and classes begin every eight weeks.

Both programs are offered in an asynchronous online format, so working adults can balance their coursework around other responsibilities. Resources available to online students include academic support, disability services, and career development.

To apply, students must submit an online application with their transcripts. Students with relevant work or military experience may earn credit for their training. Students can transfer up to 90 credits from another school.

The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice degree at Thomas Edison State University is designed for adult learners. The online program teaches students the analytical skills needed to pursue careers or graduate studies in law enforcement. The curriculum focuses on applying research, theories, policies, and practices in an ethical manner in the criminal justice system.

Online coursework is delivered asynchronously. Distance learners have access to several campus resources through the Center for Student Success, including academic and career advising. The university offers a generous transfer credit policy for those who have completed post-secondary coursework.

The programs at Thomas Edison State University are expressly for adult learners over the age of 20; younger students must be enrolled in the military or apply for an age waiver. To apply, students must submit an application and high school transcript or proof of GED; applicants younger than age 24 must take the Accuplacer, Next Generation exam.

Mercy College’s Bachelor of Science in Corporate and Homeland Security Management is a multidisciplinary online criminal justice degree incorporating business and security concepts. In addition to general liberal arts and science requirements, the 120-credit curriculum covers leadership, homeland defense, and investigative reporting. The major coursework focuses on the National Incident Management System (NIMS), which many government and private organizations use to create policies and manage incidents.

Online coursework is delivered asynchronously through the Blackboard learning management system. The program, offered through the School of Business, provides students with access to a supportive faculty system, internships, cooperative education, and career opportunities.

Prospective students can apply online through the school or via the Common Application. An admission fee and high school or college transcripts are required. Up to 90 credits may be transferred from previously attended two- or four-year institutions. Test scores, letters of recommendation, and personal writing statements are optional.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice. The 120-credit program offers part-and full-time enrollment options. The curriculum focuses on topics in criminological theory, law and social control, and counterterrorism. Students can enroll in the Carbondale Criminal Justice Internship program, which places them at criminal justice agencies at the local, state, or federal levels. Graduates can choose to enter the workforce or continue their studies in a master's or doctoral program.

Coursework is delivered asynchronously through the Brightspace online learning system and includes reading materials, recorded lectures, and assessment activities. Faculty advisors are available to offer academic advising to students and assist with the application process and course selection.

Prospective students can apply online or through the mail (transcripts and a nonrefundable fee are required) for fall, spring, or summer sessions. First-year students with a high school GPA of 2.75 or higher do not need to submit ACT or SAT scores.

The fully online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at Excelsior College teaches students the skills needed to enter careers in law enforcement, probation, parole, investigation, security analysis, victim advocacy, and crime scene investigation. The program focuses on practical procedures and theories in psychology, sociology, and criminology related to criminal procedural laws. Students can choose a concentration in Homeland Security that covers topics in domestic terrorism, emergency management, international terrorism, counterterrorism, and infrastructure security and policy.

Online coursework is delivered in an asynchronous format. Distance learners have access to various online resources, including the library, writing and reading lab, tech support, and accessibility services. Students can transfer up to 113 credits and receive credit for military experience.

To apply to this online criminal justice degree program, students must complete their application online and submit transcripts and evidence of training and certification (if applicable). Active-duty military students and veterans must apply through the Center for Military and Veteran Education.

The online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at Norwich University offers two concentrations in General Study and Intelligence and Security Management. The curriculum is divided into general education, foundational courses, electives, field experiences, and a capstone project. The degree requires a total of 120 credits and can be completed in 18 months. For students wanting a broader liberal arts education, an online Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies is also available with a concentration in Justice Studies.

Online coursework is delivered in an asynchronous format. Distance learners have access to student services like academic and career advising. Students with military or law enforcement training may be awarded additional credit.

There are multiple start dates so that students may begin their program at a convenient time. To apply, prospective students should fill out the online application and submit their transcripts. Students can transfer in up to 90 credits toward this online criminal justice degree program.

Students interested in earning an online bachelor's degree in criminal justice have three options at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh: a Bachelor of Applied Science, Bachelor of Arts, or Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Students in the programs improve their skills in writing, critical thinking, and data analysis, as well as their understanding of criminological theories and policies. Students can complete an internship, independent study, or honors thesis to graduate. For the BA and the BS, two years of relevant work experience are required to enroll. The BAS is designed for students who already have an associate degree and wish to complete their college education.

All programs are offered in an online asynchronous format. Students have the opportunity to be inducted into Alpha Phi Sigma, the criminal justice student honor association. Distance learners at the University of Wisconsin have access to various campus services and resources, including academic and career advising, counseling, and IT support.

Most applicants are transfer students with about 60 college credits. To apply, prospective students must submit an online application and transcripts.

Sacramento State offers an online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree completion program. Offered jointly through the College of Continuing Education and the College of Health and Human Services, the program requires 60 units, which can be completed in two years if students are enrolled full time. Students must complete twelve credits of lower-division courses before being admitted into the program. The remaining coursework includes 24 units of upper-division classes and 24 units of electives. Students choose their electives from two of the following subject areas: Investigation, Law, Corrections, Criminal Justice Administration, Offenses and Offenders, Additional Courses, and Supporting Courses.

Online courses are facilitated in an asynchronous format through the Canvas learning management platform and span approximately eight weeks. Online students can access academic and career advising, as well as other student services.

To qualify for the program, prospective students must meet residency restrictions, have 45 or more transferable units, an overall minimum GPA of 2.6, and fulfill prerequisite requirements. Applications can be faxed, emailed, or mailed along with college transcripts and a resume to the program coordinator. Upon acceptance, students must complete a California State University Application and pay the required application fee.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks' (UAF's) eCampus offers a 120-credit Bachelor of Arts in Justice, designed for those interested in federal, state, rural, and Native American issues and conflicts. The curriculum includes major-related course requirements that establish a foundation in criminal justice and six elective courses. To graduate, students will also complete an internship, a seminar in critical issues, or a research capstone course.

Online coursework is delivered asynchronously through the Blackboard learning platform. Distance learners have access to library materials, tutoring and eCoaching, and disability services.

Those interested in applying for this program must submit a UAF application, pay the application fee, and submit official transcripts and test scores. Applicants must have a high school diploma and a minimum GPA of 2.5 to be considered. Transfer students with more than 30 university credits need to provide college transcripts with a minimum 2.0 GPA.

Southeast Missouri State University (SMSU) offers an online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Students may select a general study focus or a concentration in the Academic University Track or the Law Enforcement Academy Track. The Academic University Track is ideal for those seeking the traditional bachelor's degree experience in preparation for entry to the workforce or graduate study programs. The curriculum for this program explores issues in crime and criminal justice. The Law Enforcement Academy Track is designed for those interested in receiving specialized training. Students in this track complete 760 training hours, which counts for 24 credits toward the degree. SMSU also offers an online Bachelor of Social Science with a concentration in Criminal Justice that provides students with a liberal arts education focused on criminal justice issues. Graduates of either program may pursue careers in law enforcement, corrections, criminology, and more.

Students can choose from an accelerated format with 4- to 8-week classes or a traditional 16-week class. Classes are offered year-round and are conducted asynchronously through the Moodle learning management platform. Distance learners have access to faculty advising, academic assistance, and library resources.

To apply to any of the programs, prospective students must complete an online application and submit transcripts.

Students interested in entering or advancing in criminal justice have several online undergraduate degree options at SUNY Empire State College: a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Professional Studies in Community and Health Services with a concentration in Criminal Justice Services. Additionally, a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Criminal Justice is available to students interested in an interdisciplinary program. This curriculum combines a broad liberal arts education focusing on community and human services and social science. Coursework topics include community policing, criminal investigation, history of law enforcement, corrections, terrorism, psychology and the law, organized crime, and more.

These online criminal justice degree programs are offered in an asynchronous format to allow for flexible studies. Online students at SUNY Empire State College can take advantage of learning support, career advisement, accessibility services, veteran support, and library resources.

To apply, students must fill out an online application, write an essay, and submit their high school or college transcripts. Students can begin in the fall, spring, or summer.

The online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at Utica College is a 120-credit online program with five specializations: Cyber Criminology and Policy, Homeland Security, Legal Issues in Criminal Justice, Public Policy and Leadership, and White Collar Crime. The curriculum covers criminological concepts, procedures, and issues and trains students to think critically and analyze data. Graduates of the online program may explore career opportunities in law enforcement, policing, probation, juvenile services, private security, and other areas of the criminal justice system. They may also pursue graduate studies in public administration, criminal justice, management, and law.

Online Coursework is delivered asynchronously. Students can enroll part-time or full-time, and the degree can be completed in four to six years. Distance learners have access to technical support, academic advising, and electronic library resources.

First-year and transfer students are welcome to apply to the program. Admission requires an online application, official transcripts, a letter of recommendation, and a personal statement. Submitting SAT or ACT scores is optional for first-year college students.

Arizona State University offers students several options to pursue an online bachelor's degree in the criminal justice field. The Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice focuses on the theories and practices of crime prevention at the local, state, and federal levels. The 120-credit program incorporates classes that span 7.5 weeks. The curriculum focuses on law enforcement, corrections, and the court system. The online Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies degree focuses on five areas: citizenship, migration, and human rights; globalization, sustainability, and economic justice; law, policy, and social change; media technology and culture; and social identities and communities. The online Bachelor of Science in Public Service & Public Policy with a specialization in Emergency Management and Homeland Security helps students prepare for leadership roles on disaster response teams.

Online coursework follows an asynchronous format. Distance learners at ASU complete an online orientation to become acquainted with the virtual classroom. Tech support is available 24/7, as are other campus services like academic advising and career resources.

Prospective students must submit an online application with their transcript and test scores. First-year applicants must be in the top 25% of their graduating high school class, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, or meet a minimum ACT/SAT requirement. Those who do not meet the criteria may gain admission through the Earned Admission Track.

The online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program through the University of Maryland Global Campus teaches criminological theory applicable to the private and public sectors. The program includes 41 credits of general education coursework, 33 credits of major coursework, and 46 credits of electives. The program provides an accelerated path for a master’s degree in criminal management.

Online coursework is asynchronous and hosted on the LEO (Learning Experience Online) platform and accessed via smartphone, computer, or tablet. Each class is eight weeks long, and most offer no-cost digital resources as source material. Those enrolled in the program have access to career services, tutoring and mentoring programs, an office of accessibility services, specialized services for military and veterans, online student clubs, and a writing center.

Students interested in applying should complete the online application (fee required) and provide a transcript and/or military service information.

The online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at the University of Nebraska at Kearney focuses on current trends and practices in the justice system at all levels of society. The 120-credit program is offered with two study options: Criminal Justice Comprehensive or Criminal Justice Major. Students enrolled in the major option must declare a double major or a minor. A senior seminar class and a five-credit, community-based internship are required for both tracks. Graduates are prepared for careers as police officers, special agents, probation and parole officers, private investigators, legal assistance, border patrol agents, and more.

Online coursework is delivered in an asynchronous format through the Canvas learning management platform. An online student orientation connects students to all available campus resources, including academic advising and library services.

To apply, prospective students must submit an online application with their transcripts.

CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice offers an online Bachelor of Science in Security Management. Students in this cohort-based criminal justice degree program will learn different theories and concepts of criminology. The program focuses on applying security analysis to private and public businesses and organizations to limit theft and loss. The curriculum includes core classes, electives, an internship, and a senior seminar in security problems.

Asynchronous online courses cover topics in crime prevention, including information protection, security technology, and legal justice. Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits at the college; 15 credits must be in the major. Online students have access to many resources, such as academic advising, career services, library resources, and an extensive alumni network.

Prospective applicants must have an associate degree from an accredited college or university and apply as a transfer student.

The University of Texas at Arlington's (UTA's) Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice through the UT TeleCampus. The 66-credit degree completion program is designed for students with an associate degree or the equivalent of two years of college credit. Classes include topics in corrections, law enforcement, and the criminal justice system in America. Students must maintain at least a 2.5 GPA in their courses to remain in the program. Seniors can take an internship practicum course.

While the format may vary, most online classes are synchronous with set meeting times for students to participate in a virtual classroom. In asynchronous online courses, students will have access to the course content at any time and participate in discussion boards. Online coursework is hosted on the Canvas learning management platform. Students have access to academic advising, tutoring, and career development center.

UTA accepts applications through the Common Application and ApplyTexas (fee required). Transfer students must use ApplyTexas and have a minimum 2.25 GPA. Official transcripts and test scores (minimum scores: 1100 SAT; 22 ACT) must be submitted with the application.

The online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice degree at the University of Colorado Denver offers online students the same education as their on-campus counterparts. Hosted by the School of Public Affairs, this online criminal justice degree program offers two concentrations in Law Enforcement or Victims and Victim Services to allow students to tailor their education to meet their career goals. The degree requires 120 credit hours, and at least three credit hours must be obtained through an internship. Topics covered in the curriculum include homeland security, victimology, and crime theory and causes.

Online courses are asynchronous and run for 16-week terms. Classes are accessible through the Canvas learning management system. Online students have access to various resources like career services, academic advising, and library databases.

Applicants are paired with an Enrollment Navigator to take them through the admissions process. Prospective students are required to submit an online application (with fee) and official transcripts. ACT/SAT scores are required only for incoming first-year students or those with less than 24 transfer credits. Non-resident students who study online qualify for a special tuition rate.

The online Bachelor of Arts in Applied Criminal Justice Leadership at Loyola University Chicago provides students with leadership skills and an understanding of criminal justice practices and theories. The 120-credit program includes 30 credits of upper-division courses covering general theory and advanced topics in conflict management, crime analysis, and procedures. Students must also complete nine credits through the School of Continuing and Professional Studies (including a capstone course), core courses, mission-specific (philosophy or theology related) courses, and general electives to graduate.

Online coursework is asynchronous, and classes run in eight-week sessions. Distance learners have access to academic and career advising services.

Prospective students must submit an application, official transcripts, and a minimum 2.0 GPA to apply.