Online Law and Criminal Justice Degrees in Criminal Justice |
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Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs
As a criminal justice professional, you will work with uniformed and non-uniformed employees of city, county, state, and federal enforcement agencies, prosecuting and defense attorneys, judges, corrections and probation officers, and court reporters and paralegals. Depending on your interests, you can choose a career in justice administration, juvenile justice, or law enforcement.
Often, criminal justice professionals work in all three of these areas at some point in their careers. For instance, a police officer might want to advance to a supervisor or detective's position. In addition to putting in the necessary time for advancement, a degree in justice administration might aid that police officer in his quest for advancement.
Criminal Justice Degrees and Training
To become a police officer, sheriff, or detective, you will need to pass the police academy, be a U.S. citizen, be at least 20 years old, and meet physical and personal qualifications. While a college degree is not always necessary to become a police officer, some departments require a college degree or at least one to two years successful completion of college. Police departments often encourage recent high school graduates who are interested in law enforcement to enroll in law enforcement or justice administration courses.
For those already in the police force, many law agencies pay all or part of the tuition for officers to take courses toward degrees in criminal justice or justice administration, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS further states that those who earn degrees often are paid higher salaries than those who do not. Earning a degree might help a police officer become promoted to detective or to specialize in a particular field, such as juvenile justice. To become an FBI agent, you will need to have a bachelor's degree and three years of police experience, or have a master's degree and two years of police experience. Many other federal employees are expected to have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Degrees in criminal justice include associate's, bachelor's, master's, and PhDs, or you could earn a certificate. A certificate can often be completed in a year; an associate's usually takes two years; a bachelor's degree usually requires four years; and a master's and PhD can require between two and five years to complete. Degree programs are available in juvenile justice, justice administration, and general criminal justice. Whichever program you pursue, your courses should focus on crime, justice, and the legal system.
Online criminal justice courses can allow you to remain in your current job while you are earning your certificate or degree. In addition to offering greater time flexibility, online courses should help improve your computer skills, which can help you in your career.
Criminal Justice Salaries
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2007 the median salaries for these criminal justice professionals were as follows:
- Police officers: $49,630
- Corrections officers: $26,970
- Police supervisor: $72,620
- Detective/criminal investigator: $59,930
- Corrections officer: $26,970
The BLS forecasts job growth, of 11 percent to seventeen percent, in all of these fields of criminal justice between 2006 and 2016.
Pursue your Criminal Justice degree today.
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Virginia College
Earn your associate's, bachelor’s or master’s degree from Virginia College. Our extensive programs are offered 100% online, so you can launch the career of your choice from the comfort of your own home.
Learn more about programs at Virginia College.
Designed to meet the needs of working professionals, VC Online's criminal justice program is intended for current and aspiring professionals in the field--or anyone who wants to make their community safer.
Looking for a new or better criminal justice job? VC Online's BS in criminal justice can prepare you to become a:
Criminal Justice in Homeland Security program at Virginia College, trains students in critical–thinking and program–management, and leadership skills needed within homeland security, an understanding of its history, domestic crime, substantive & procedural law within the criminal justice system, current homeland security policies, operational theories, functions and issues from domestic perspectives, and the ethical, political, social, environmental and economic issues related criminal investigations. Students will be able to differentiate the various threats to domestic security (including technological and political forms of terrorism) and the various phases of intelligence operations.
This program prepares students for potential careers in U.S. Border Patrol agents, Immigration inspectors, Customs inspectors, Federal Air Marshals, U.S. Secret Service special agents and U.S. Secret Service. Secret Service special agents also investigate counterfeiting, forgery of Government checks or bonds, and fraudulent use of credit cards.
The online Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) is designed for the busy criminal justice professional who seeks a career boost. Prepare for leadership positions in the courthouse, the police force, private security, corrections, parole and more.
Virginia College is a senior college accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to award certificates, diplomas, associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees. The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools is listed as a nationally recognized accrediting agency by the United States Department of Education and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
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Strayer University
Get the right foundation for your future with a degree from Strayer University. Evening, weekend and online classes are all available to meet the needs of busy adults.
Learn more about programs at Strayer University
This is your pathway to a career in Criminal Justice. If you are seeking a relevant and up-to-date foundation in Criminal Justice, Strayer University offers the Associate in Arts program. You?ll explore juvenile and adult crime prevention, adjudication and corrections while gaining important insight into the variety of career paths in this field. This program is ideal for you if you are interested in exploring the entire scope of the Criminal Justice profession, if you are seeking a quick entry into the field before continuing your education, and if you are currently working in the field but looking to make a change. Graduates of this program may apply all the credits earned toward a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Note: In Ohio, this program is called the Associate of Applied Business.
The principle objective of the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice is to teach students the theoretical, legal and operational aspects of crime and justice, equipping students with the knowledge and training needed to succeed in any of these fields.
This program is the ideal gateway for a variety of positions in the public and private sector. If you have a general interest in the field, or are currently employed in Criminal Justice seeking advancement, this degree is a vital component to your career aspirations. While students acquire fundamental (as well as practical and professional) skills in all areas of Criminal Justice, the Bachelor of Science program offers area concentrations that allow you to tailor your degree to your specific career and educational goals.
Students have the option of choosing a concentration in:
- Criminal Justice Administration
- Homeland Security Technology
- Homeland Security and Emergency Management
- Computer Security and Forensics
The average time to complete this undergraduate program attending on a part-time basis, 9.0 credit hours per quarter, is 60 months.
- Programs may vary by state and by campus
Strayer University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
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