An online criminal justice degree is the perfect way to get ahead of your competition and make the transition into law enforcement, private investigation, cyber security, or intelligence analysis. But with so many different options out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by your choices. Fortunately, we’ve done all of the legwork for you and found what we think are the top 10 online criminal justice degrees that will help you fast-track your career in the next year!
Baylor University
Criminologists study why people break the law and what factors lead people to commit crimes. This major prepares students for careers in the criminal justice system such as police officer, probation officer, and prison guard. In order to complete their degree requirements for criminology majors, students must complete either a minor or an additional major that focuses on another aspect of criminal justice such as behavioral sciences or sociology.
Boston University
With a 3.2 student/faculty ratio, Boston University offers a variety of criminal justice degrees including a bachelors of science degree in criminology and criminal justice, master’s degree programs in criminal justice and criminology, and doctoral programs. Boston University also has top-ranked online courses for the future crime analyst or police officer.
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
There are many criminal justice degrees out there for you, but the CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice’s online criminal justice degree has a lot going for it. The online program is ranked #1 by U.S. News and World Report, and alumni are well-respected professionals nationwide. The online format makes it easy to maintain work or family obligations while earning your degree on your own time, which is convenient for busy adults who already have a career. And with over 100 undergraduate programs available, you’re sure to find one that suits your interests and needs—whether you’re looking for a bachelor’s or master’s degree in criminal justice.
Fordham University
Fordham is one of the best colleges for criminal justice. They’re ranked number one on The Princeton Review’s The Best Colleges. Their undergraduate programs are nationally ranked by U.S. News and World Report at number five, which is impressive considering they have a diverse curriculum that includes everything from law to accounting. Fordham University isn’t the cheapest school out there, but it offers a higher quality education and because of that they’re ranked number four on Forbes’ list of colleges with the best return on investment (ROI). Fordham University offers over 75 majors and minors as well as graduate-level degrees in business, information systems, and education.
Rutgers University
In order to earn an online degree in criminal justice, you might consider the University of Phoenix. The University of Phoenix offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as certificates and continuing education. The school was founded by Dr. John Sperling, who also founded Apollo Group which is the parent company for schools such as University of Phoenix and Axia College. Located on a 60-acre campus just outside of Phoenix, Arizona, the university offers more than 100 bachelor’s degree programs and more than 70 graduate degrees. Students at University of Phoenix are able to take classes at their own pace with some offering accelerated options so that students can complete their degree sooner rather than later. Students can also participate in internships or work on community service projects during their time at the school if they wish.
Sam Houston State University
In the 21st century, criminal justice is one of the most sought-after careers. With that being said, it can be difficult to find a school with an affordable price and a strong program. Luckily, Sam Houston State University offers both of those things and more! There are many reasons why this university is ranked so highly as one of the top universities for criminal justice degrees. One reason is that SHSU offers a beautiful campus which makes for a perfect learning environment. The faculty at SHSU are also excellent teachers who know how to best teach their students about what they need to know about criminal justice. When you want an excellent education in criminal justice, Sam Houston State University should be your first choice!
Temple University
The online criminal justice degree programs at Temple University are fully accredited and offer students the opportunity to pursue their education from the convenience of their own homes. This makes it an excellent option for those who are unable to travel as much, as well as those with children or other obligations that keep them from attending school full-time. While there is an application fee, this fee will be waived if you enroll in the program on a full-time basis, which is worth considering if you plan on pursuing your degree full time.
There are also various scholarships and grants available for those who meet certain criteria and demonstrate need. There are a number of different majors offered through Temple’s online program, including forensic science, cyber security management, and criminology with a concentration in law enforcement administration.
The University of Alabama
At The University of Alabama, the online criminal justice degree is nationally ranked, and students can choose from six different concentrations. Students can then specialize with a master’s degree or PhD if they wish to go further in their education.
The online criminal justice program’s success is largely due to its high-quality professors, who are leaders in their respective fields.
University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati’s College of Law offers an online criminal justice degree program that is ranked among the top ten nationally. The program is designed for students who are unable to attend campus classes due to work, family or other commitments. For those who want a more personalized experience, there is also the option for a blended course load with some on-campus courses. With a variety of courses and flexible scheduling, this criminal justice degree can help prepare you for the competitive job market and advance your career.
University of Florida
The University of Florida provides a variety of online criminal justice degrees, such as an online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and an online master’s degree in public service administration with a concentration in criminal justice. They also offer certificate programs for professionals working towards careers within the law enforcement, corrections and homeland security fields.
The University of Florida has been ranked as the #1 public university by U.S. News & World Report for seven consecutive years and is consistently one of the most prestigious universities worldwide. It has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) since 1947 and it has over 100 undergraduate majors across 14 colleges.