Earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice provides graduates with the opportunity to work in a variety of critical roles in law enforcement, corrections, community policing, community services, and homeland security.
Many students start working right after earning their bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
Some students continue their education by earning a graduate degree after completing a bachelor’s degree program.
Students often lead busy lifestyles and do not have the time to commit to attending on-campus classes on a full-time basis.
They often choose a school that offers an online option to complete their degree.
These best Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice programs prepare students for a rewarding career and for career advancement opportunities.
1 Walden University
About the School
Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The school offers five specializations in its online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Program.
Courses Offered
Enjoy the flexibility offered by completing your Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree in an online format at Walden University.
Choose the concentration that meets your goals.
The concentration options include Advanced Topics in Criminal Justice, Crime and Criminal Investigation, Corrections and Human Services, and Criminal Justice Management and Administration.
Students also have the option to choose the Self-Designed program concentration option.
The student and advisor create the program.
Courses offered in the program include Criminology and Social Control, Contemporary Criminal Justice Systems, Criminal Law, and Data Analysis for Criminal Justice Professionals.
Students take additional courses based on their concentration.
Contact Information
- Address: 100 Washington Avenue South, Suite 1210, Minneapolis, MN., 55401
- Phone: 866-492-5336
- Website: Visit School Website
2 Arizona State University
About the School
Arizona State University offers its 120-credit Online Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice program as one of the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions that helps prepare students to make a difference in communities.
Courses Offered
Explore the impact of crime on communities and society.
Develop and implement strategies to reduce crime by completing a Bachelor’s in Criminology and Criminal Justice program at Arizona State University.
The curriculum for the online program covers topics such as theory, behavioral science, and the causes and consequences of crime.
Some students complete this degree as part of an Accelerated Master’s program.
Courses include Introduction to Policing, Introduction to Criminal Justice, Courts and Sentencing, and Research Methods.
Contact Information
- Address: 350 E. Lemon St., Tempe, AZ., 85287
- Phone: 866-277-6589
- Website: Visit School Website
3 Georgia State University
About the School
Georgia State University works with the Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Online Education to create innovative online courses.
The school retains its commitment to excellence in teaching.
Courses Offered
Georgia State University offers a 120-credit hour Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program online.
The accredited school offers students the opportunity to choose the Crime and Justice Concentration or the Legal Studies Concentration.
No matter which concentration students select, they can be assured that they will receive a well-rounded education from faculty who are dedicated to the student’s success.
Courses offered in the program include Policing in America, Social Science and the American Crime Problem, Statistical Analysis in Criminal Justice, and Ethical Issues in Criminal Justice.
Contact Information
- Address: 33 Gilmer Street SE., Atlanta Georgia
- Phone: 404-413-2000
- Website: Visit School Website
4 University of Central Florida
About the School
The University of Central Florida prepares online students for a career path of their choice by offering both a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program.
Courses Offered
Gain an in-depth understanding of the criminal justice system and how it works, whether you choose the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program or the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program at the University of Central Florida.
Both career paths provide students with the knowledge and skills that they need to excel as criminal justice professionals.
Students gain hands-on learning experiences, in addition to the online coursework.
Some courses offered include Police and Society, Crime in America, and Careers in Criminal Justice.
Contact Information
- Address: 4000 Central Florida Blvd., Orlando, Florida, 32816
- Phone: 855-903-8576
- Website: Visit School Website
5 University of Colorado Denver
About the School
Students living in any state can now enroll in the online programs at the University of Colorado Denver, including students who enroll in the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program.
Courses Offered
The University of Colorado Denver offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program for students who want to work in law enforcement, corrections, criminology, forensic analysis, and other criminal justice fields.
The school, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, allows students to choose their preferred area of concentration from three options.
Choose the General Track concentration, the Law Enforcement concentration, or the Victims and Victim Services concentration.
Sample courses from the program include Justice:
An Overview, Crime Theory and Causes, and Statistics for Criminal Justice.
Contact Information
- Address: 1201 Larimer St., Denver, CO., 80204
- Phone: 303-860-5604
- Website: Visit School Website
6 Franklin University
About the School
Franklin University indicates that the U.S. Criminal Justice System is “on the precipice of a new era” with the need for smart and innovative leaders in criminal justice.
The school offers an online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration program to educate those leaders.
Courses Offered
The transfer-friendly, 120-credit-hour Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration online program at Franklin University prepares students for their future criminal justice career or for current criminal justice workers to advance their career.
The 100 percent online program provides students with knowledge and skills to meet the changing requirements and the challenges of working in criminal justice administration.
Courses in the program include Intro to Criminal Justice Administration, Evidence-Based Practice and Research, Courts and Criminal Procedure, and Corrections in America.
Students choose from electives such as Cybercrime, Probation and Parole, Forensic Psychology, and Contemporary Policing Strategies and Issues.
Contact Information
- Address: 201 S. Grant Ave., Columbus, Ohio, 43215
- Phone: 614-797-4700
- Website: Visit School Website
7 California State University, San Bernardino
About the School
California State University, San Bernardino presented students with a unique option effective with the 2021 spring semester.
Students may now enroll in the Homeland Security Certificate program as part of their Online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program.
Courses Offered
Enroll in the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice online program at the University of California, San Bernardino for the flexibility of learning online.
Prepare for a future in criminal justice by completing a variety of courses that provide students with the solid, comprehensive background that they need to start or advance their criminal justice career.
Theories of Crime and Delinquency, Crime Prevention, Terrorism, Police and Police Systems, and Integrative Studies in Criminal Justice are some of the courses in the program.
Contact Information
- Address: 5500 University Parkway, San Bernardino, CA., 92407
- Phone: 909-537-5000
- Website: Visit School Website
8 Western Carolina University
About the School
Western Carolina University, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), is a highly ranked school.
The university offers more than 120 undergraduate programs, including the Bachelor of Science Online program.
Courses Offered
Enjoy the convenience and flexibility of earning a degree from Western Carolina University by choosing the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Online program.
Students who enroll in the online program still can enjoy the same extracurricular activities as students who learn in a traditional on-campus environment.
Program courses in the eight-semester program include Court Procedure and Evidence, Organized Crime, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, and Investigative Principles.
Students also complete Juvenile Justice, Professional Research and Reporting, Interviews/Interrogation, and other required, and elective courses.
Contact Information
- Address: 1 University Drive, Cullowhee, NC.
- Phone: 828-227-7211
- Website: Visit School Website
9 Southern Utah University
About the School
Southern Utah University, accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, features career-focused learning and hands-on experiences for all students, including those enrolled in the Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Online program.
Courses Offered
Students who enroll in the online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice program at Southern Utah University gain extensive knowledge related to the U.S. Criminal Justice System.
They learn how to effectively apply the law and best practices while working as criminal justice professionals.
The courses in the program prepare students to start work immediately after graduation or to further their education.
The program allows students to earn up to 12 credits toward a Master of Public Administration degree.
Some courses in the program include Criminal Law, Criminal Justice Management, Forensic Psychology, Drugs and Behavior, and Criminological Theory.
Students also complete 21 credit hours of elective courses. Choose from courses such as Constitutional Law, Deviance, Juvenile Delinquency, and Courts.
Contact Information
- Address: 351 W. University Blvd., Cedar City, Utah, 84720
- Phone: 435-586-7700
- Website: Visit School Website
10 University of North Texas – UNT Online
About the School
The University of North Texas Online understands that students need flexibility in how and where they learn.
The school offers a variety of online programs, including the Online Criminal Justice Bachelor of Science program.
About the School
Students who enroll in the University of North Texas Online Criminal Justice Bachelor of Science program prepare for entering the field or advancing their career in criminal justice.
Many students choose to continue their studies at the University of Texas by completing a master’s degree or a doctoral degree program.
The program courses cover a variety of topics, including criminological theory, police and correctional systems, criminal justice and public policy, and research methods.
Courses include Crime and Justice in the U.S., Diversity Issues in Criminal Justice, Police Systems, and Correctional Systems.
Students have the option to complete an internship during their senior year or to choose an advanced criminal justice elective.
They also complete the Senior Seminar:
Criminal Justice and Public Policy.
Contact Information
- Address: 410 Avenue C, Suite 289, Denton, Texas, 76201
- Phone: 940-565-2000
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
Choosing the right online Bachelor’s program in Criminal Justice is crucial for anyone aspiring to pursue a legal career. These programs not only offer flexibility but also provide a solid foundation for various career paths within the criminal justice system.
As someone interested in a legal career, I appreciate the emphasis on online programs. The convenience of studying criminal justice online opens up opportunities for individuals who may be working or have other commitments.
This list couldn’t have come at a better time! As someone passionate about criminal justice and aiming for a legal career, I was overwhelmed by the numerous options available.