Best Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs of 2024

1.San Diego State University

• Cost per Credit:
• In-State | $278
• Out-of-State | $396
• Credits to Graduate: 120
• Average Undergrad Tuition In-state:$5,742 Out-of-state: $17,622
• Average Graduate Tuition In-state:$7,176 Out-of-state: $16,680

The bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at SDSU focuses on intersections between criminal law, justice, and social justice. The program can be completed in 15 months using a 100% online format and asynchronous scheduling.

The program is primarily designed for students who are transferring to complete their degree. It covers topics such as criminal law, justice management, and crime in urban environments. Students can also choose to minor in public management, which is a good option for those interested in government.

2. University of Massachusetts, Lowell

• Cost per Credit:
• In-State | $380
• Out-of-State | $380
• Credits to Graduate: 120
• Average Undergrad Tuition In-state: $15,078 Out-of-state: $33,004
• Average Graduate Tuition In-state: $14,590 Out-of-state: $26,370

UMass Lowell’s online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice examines the interactions between policing and the court system from a systemic perspective.

Students must take courses in criminal law and criminology theory. These courses prepare students for the culminating capstone course.

A generous policy of transfer credits allows learners to graduate within 12 months. Students can transfer 90 credits and enjoy the flexibility of an asynchronous delivery.

3. Florida International University

• Cost per Credit:
• In-State | $153
• Out-of-State | $567
• Credits to Graduate: 120
• Average Undergrad Tuition In-state:$4,721 Out-of-state: $16,529
• Average Graduate Tuition In-state: $8,912 Out-of-state: $21,393

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at FIU focuses on the interaction between the policing, criminal justice, and correctional systems. The degree is designed for students who have at least 60 credits. Its core of 18 credits covers criminal justice theory, research methods, and professional development.

The program concludes with a capstone and offers optional but highly recommended internships. The FIU’s Bachelor of Science in Crime Science online program is an alternative for those with a forensic focus.

4. Citadel Military College of South Carolina

• Cost per Credit:
• In-State | $500
• Out-of-State | $925
• Credits to Graduate: 120
• Average Undergrad Tuition In-state: $8,356 Out-of-state: $30,857
• Average Graduate Tuition In-state:$10,740 Out-of-state: $18,390

Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice at The Citadel is a unique degree program. The degree is offered by this historic military college through a “2+2 transfer” structure. Students can either complete the first two years of their degree at one or more partner institutions, or transfer existing credits in order to advance.

The course work focuses on social causes of criminality and the responses from government and criminal justice agencies. The electives allow learners to customize their degree by pursuing interests in criminal justice or criminology.

5. University of Washington, Tacoma Campus

• Cost per Credit:
• In-State | $517
• Out-of-State | $1,497
• Credits to Graduate: 180
• Average Undergrad Tuition In-state:$10,927 Out-of-state: $38,757
• Average Graduate Tuition In-state: $16,605 Out-of-state: $29,763

The online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at UW Tacoma explores the criminal system from a social justice perspective. The program focuses on harm reduction, restorative Justice, and rehabilitation.

The core coursework is based on five interrelated topics: justice administration and theory, corrections, criminal law, and research methods. Multidisciplinary electives offer extensive opportunities for specialization and customization.

Students who have 90 credits or more can complete the program in six semesters.

6. St. Joseph’s University, New York

• Cost per Credit:
• In-State | $740
• Out-of-State | $740
• Credits to Graduate: 120
• Average Undergrad Tuition In-state:$29,976 Out-of-state: $29,976
• Average Graduate Tuition In-state: $20,250 Out-of-state:$20,250

St. The BS program in criminal justice policy and practice at St. Students develop advanced quantitative skills and gain the ability to analyse policy through this model.

The program is designed for criminal justice professionals who are currently working. Its core consists of 53 credits.

The program culminates with a senior capstone, where students create an original research paper based on evaluating key criminal justice texts and theories.

7. University of Oklahoma, Norman Campus

• Cost per Credit:
• In-State | $500
• Out-of-State | $500
• Credits to Graduate: 120
• Average Undergrad Tuition In-state:$4,920 Out-of-state: $20,724
• Average Graduate Tuition In-state:$8,034 Out-of-state: $23,096

The online bachelor’s of arts program in criminal justice leadership allows students to earn their degree quickly with fast-paced courses and a compact timetable.

The program is divided into eight-week sessions, allowing students to complete their degree in as little as 18 months.

The major requirements include organizational leadership, conflict management, and aspects of U.S. criminal and policing justice systems.

Online programs at OU are designed for learners who already have postsecondary credits. You must be at least 25 years old and have 60 college credits to qualify for admission.

8. University of Central Florida

• Cost per Credit:
• In-State | $179
• Out-of-State | $716
• Credits to Graduate: 120
• Average Undergrad Tuition In-state:$4,478 Out-of-state: $19,810
• Average Graduate Tuition In-state: $6,916 Out-of-state: $25,759

The online criminal justice program at UCF leads to a bachelor’s degree in either science or arts. Both degrees provide a comprehensive overview of the modern justice system using innovative teaching methods, including interactive training.

The course begins with a historical overview of crime in America before moving on to the technical aspects of modern criminal justice. The classes also examine policing within the context of police culture and interactions with the public. The learners also develop advanced knowledge in career-oriented research methods and data analyses.

9. University of Northern Iowa

• Cost per Credit:
• In-State | $350
• Out-of-State | $350
• Credits to Graduate: 120
• Average Undergrad Tuition In-state:$7,780 Out-of-state: $18,480
• Average Graduate Tuition In-state:$9,296 Out-of-state: $19,928

The online Bachelor of Applied Science in Criminal Justice program at UNI is a four-year course on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students can select either the full-time or part-time track.

Applicants must have an Associate of Science degree. Graduates can pursue careers in public policy, juvenile courts, crime analysis, research and law enforcement. Students will have an enrollment contact and a program coordinator to help them navigate the course sequence.

10. California State University, Sacramento

• Cost per Credit:
• In-State | $489
• Out-of-State | $489
• Credits to Graduate: 60
• Average Undergrad Tuition In-state:$5,742 Out-of-state: $17,622
• Average Graduate Tuition In-state: $7,176 Out-of-state: $16,680

Cal State Sacramento’s online criminal justice program confers BS degrees to graduates. It maintains a disciplinary approach, exposing students to theories, applications and ethics related to crime and justice.

To enrol in the degree completion program, you must be a Cal State Sacramento Student and have completed 12 credits of lower division courses. The 48 remaining credits will be taken after acceptance into the program.

The program offers not only a major but also a minor, a certificate of law enforcement and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice.