Before enrolling in a Criminal Justice program, potential students are highly encouraged to check with the relevant agency for a complete list of position requirements.

Before enrolling in a Criminal Justice program, potential students are highly encouraged to check with the relevant agency for a complete list of position requirements. 

Distance learners have access to virtual mentors as well as highly engaged faculty who are experts in their fields. 

With this degree on your résumé, you can be prepared and qualified to advance your career in such fields as protective services, law and corrections, crime-related prevention and support, security management, court administration, and social services. Students also benefit from a student services department dedicated to online students. You want a reputable program with classes that cover relevant material. Complete your degree in less time and for less money with our Prior Learning Assessment. You can feel confident that this program is respected and renowned throughout the industry. Students with Peace Officers and Standards Training (POST) completion or military/federal law enforcement training have the option to transfer even more credits. More details, including Grant-In-Aid forms, can be found on the Military Grants and Scholarships page. 

A Criminal Justice degree is more than just a matter of record. There are many cost-benefits to our on-campus or online Criminal Justice degree programs. The University makes no representations regarding whether any particular University program will qualify a graduate for any such position. And our courses are taught by the same on-campus faculty with real-world experience, who have been trained to teach online. Flexibility and convenience are important to you, which is why taking just one 5 or 6-week class at a time will help you balance coursework and focus on just one subject rather than juggling many. For those interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement, corrections or as a peace officer with any particular local, state, federal or international agency, there are numerous additional qualifications (and often disqualifications) depending on the position. Online students may pursue a formal minor in such areas as Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology. Receive up to 30 credits for your Basic Police Academy (POST) training. Our on-campus or online Criminal Justice degree programs can help prepare you to work in careers including probation officers, correctional treatment specialists, child protective services, compliance officers, and administrative or management positions within the criminal justice fields. Offerings include Juvenile Justice & Corrections; Criminal Law; Realizing Justice in a Multicultural Society; and Issues in the Administration of Criminal Justice. Bachelor's in Criminal Justice Program Video Penn State's Online Criminal Justice Curriculum This criminal justice bachelor's program balances the theoretical and practical aspects of crime control as they relate to adult and juvenile justice. Why Choose an Online Criminal Justice Degree from Penn State? Penn State's Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program has been certified by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) as meeting all ACJS academic certification standards as documented through the ACJS academic certification review process.  This certification underscores the high praise that the online program receives for quality criminal justice instruction. Earn Your Bachelor's in Criminal Justice — 100% Online The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice delivered through Penn State World Campus is an ideal program, whether you are interested in starting your criminology degree, or you have already completed criminal justice credits or an associate degree, or have experience in the field. You want your education to be as unique as you are — which is why we offer many electives that can fit well into your own degree path. You may also elect to enhance your degree with the 18-credit Homeland Security Minor, which can prepare you for a number of security positions in the public and private sector. Your diploma will look no different from the one earned by students on our physical campus. Course topic areas include criminology law, policing, and corrections in America ethics in criminal justice security and police administration alternatives to incarceration aspects of the juvenile justice system sociology psychology Military Grant-in-Aid Benefits for Criminal Justice Students The Military Grant-in-Aid is an undergraduate program that brings our tuition rate closer to the Department of Defense cap, making a Penn State World Campus quality education more affordable to our military students and spouses. Our online programs allow you to collaborate with classmates from diverse backgrounds in an interactive, virtual environment. The curricula in our criminal justice degree programs is designed with the shared knowledge of criminal justice agencies, external membership relations with the International Association of the Chief of Police, FBI National Academy Associates, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives and the National Sheriffs’ Association. The on-campus criminal justice program at Washington State University has been in continuous operation since 1943, making it the second-oldest criminal justice program in the US. Online students may also elect to complete an internship in a criminal justice setting, though this is not a degree requirement. Balancing work and school can be challenging, but finding time for both can be a bit easier if you earn your criminal justice degree online or on-campus. A safer community starts with people like you — so arm yourself with the education to get the job done by earning your Criminal Justice degree from University of Phoenix. Beyond the five-course criminal justice core, students take six credit hours of courses covering criminal justice institutions as well as a further nine credit hours of criminal justice electives. The curriculum includes a prescribed list of bachelor's program courses, upper-level courses in criminal justice, and other general education credits and electives. Plus, you may find what you learn from your current courses immediately applicable to your current position. The University’s Criminal Justice programs are educational degree programs. In addition to being prepared for criminal justice careers in law enforcement, corrections, and federal agencies, graduates will be prepared for advanced study, including law school. Protect your community and contribute to a better society — it all starts with a Criminal Justice degree.



Washington State University offers an online bachelor’s in criminal justice through its Global Campus. Alternatively, students can get credit for SMIP, FBINAA, and Basic Corrections Academy. By taking your courses online, you'll be able to earn your degree at your own pace while still fulfilling your work and family commitments.

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