Degrees in the Criminal Justice Field
Many schools offer online criminal justice degrees. Professionals in the criminal justice field use strategic thinking and observational skills to solve crimes and oversee justice.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects protective service occupations will have slower job growth from 2024-2034 than the national average. Even though there will not be much growth in jobs, there will be around 423,600 openings each year, on average.A bachelor's degree in criminal justice prepares graduates to enter this field. This page lists the most affordable criminal justice degrees online, including costs and common classes.
Best Online Criminal Justice Colleges
Why Get a Degree in Criminal Justice?
Earning a criminal justice degree can lead to fulfilling criminal justice careers. Workers provide vital services and prevent potential tragedies. A criminal justice degree can also help professionals increase their earning potential.
Students can often work part-time or full-time while pursuing an online criminal justice degree. Asynchronous classes let students watch recorded lectures anytime. Some schools may charge less for online programs.
How Much Does a Criminal Justice Degree Cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual cost of an online bachelor's degree in social sciences (closely related to criminal justice), costs $13,676. However, costs vary by school and learners' residency status. Students attending public in-state schools usually pay the most affordable tuition. Learners earning a degree from an out-of-state or private school may spend much more.
Students who pursue an online criminal justice degree can save money by not commuting. They can also enroll in the most affordable program without relocating.
Additional Online Student Fees
Online learners should budget for extra expenses. Some schools charge technology fees for tech support and virtual classroom platforms. Schools may also charge graduation fees.
Online students may need to buy a new computer or upgrade their internet. They also need to buy supplies and books. Buying used books or renting them can save money. Criminal justice degree-seekers may need to pay for tools like fingerprint-dusting kits for fieldwork.
How Much Do Criminal Justice Graduates Make?
Salaries vary depending on workers' experience, geographic location, and employer. For example, Maryland detectives and criminal investigators earn a mean wage of $127,850 as of May 2024. The same professionals in Mississippi only earn $67,560.
Criminal justice graduates can also work as police officers. These professionals earn a median annual salary of $77,270 as of May 2024. Correctional officers make a median of $57,950 per year.
Courses in Criminal Justice
Most criminal justice bachelor's programs require 120 credits. Full-time learners can earn the degree in four years. Students with transfer credits or an associate degree may complete the program in two years.
Degree-seekers study the laws and theories that guide criminal justice. Many classes require course discussions. Students learn how to prevent and respond to crimes. Some programs let students choose a minor or concentration. Options may include forensic psychology and criminology.
See below for three common criminal justice classes. Keep in mind that classes vary by program.
The U.S. Legal System
This class covers the judicial system. Students learn about a judge and jury's role in navigating issues between respondents and defendants. Part of the class also focuses on alternative dispute measures, like mediation. Learners gain knowledge of the local, state, and federal legal systems.Corrections
This class covers the U.S. penal system. Learners discover the history of corrections. They also identify current issues, such as lack of resources. Part of the class examines how penal systems in developed countries vary. Students discuss theories and best practices for corrections.Constitutional Law
Most criminal justice programs feature a constitutional law course. In this class, students learn how the justice system upholds the laws outlined in the document. Learners study notable Supreme Court cases that led to new laws. Enrollees must usually memorize the Bill of Rights.
Career and Salary Outlook for Criminal Justice Students
An online criminal justice degree prepares learners for various careers. Learners can choose a program that aligns with their desired career. For example, aspiring investigators should look for a program that offers a minor in detective work.
In this section, we highlight three potential criminal justice careers. Click the embedded links in the chart for more information.
Police officers patrol areas and arrest people who commit criminal behavior. They also respond to calls, issue citations, and make traffic stops. Some police officers provide protective services. Detectives inspect crime scenes and observe suspects' activities. Both police and detectives create reports of their observations and findings.
The government hires most detectives. However, detectives may also work for individuals or companies. These professionals provide supplemental work for criminal investigations. In some situations, private investigators look into financial or personal matters for clients.
These professionals work with people in custody, on parole, or on probation. They evaluate the best course for rehabilitation. Probation officers visit clients and record their progress. They also connect inmates with services like career counseling.
| Career | Median Annual Salary (2024) | Projected Growth Rate (2024-2034) |
|---|---|---|
| Police and Detectives | $77,270 | 3% |
| Private Detective and Investigators | $52,370 | 6% |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | $64,520 | 3% |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Justice Degrees
Criminal justice careers include police officer, detective, and correctional officer. Some degree-holders continue their education and become lawyers.
