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If you are interested in a career in corrections, law enforcement or the courts, completing an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice should be part of your plan. This area of study will also benefit you if you are planning a career in psychology, law, social work, or public administration. The advantage of studying online means that you can pursue your educational goals around a full-time job and/or family responsibilities. This type of program allows you to take your classes at a time that works with your schedule. For this list, our editors chose accredited online programs that they deemed best positioned to prepare individuals for the next steps in their criminal justice career.
#1 University of Massachusetts
Executive Summary
UMass Amherst University Without Walls has been offering distance learning programs for 40 years. The school is regionally accredited by New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Tuition
Tuition is $385.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
Students can design their own program and earn credit for their life experience to earn their degree faster.
#2 Upper Iowa University
Executive Summary
Upper Iowa University was founded in 1857. This private school operates on a not-for-profit basis and is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition
UIU students pay $365.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
Applicants to the BS in Criminal Justice online degree program must have graduated from high school before 2004 and have some college credits.
#3 Liberty University
Executive Summary
Liberty University offers degree programs taught from a Christian point of view. The University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition
Students at Liberty pay $325.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
Law enforcement officers who have successfully completed training at a police academy may be credited with hours toward their degree. Military experience may also qualify for college credit.
Concentrations
Business Administration and Management
Criminal Psychology
Forensics
Homeland Security
Public Administration
Strategic Intelligence
Youth Corrections
#4 Walden University
Executive Summary
Walden University has been offering degree programs since 1970. The school is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.
Tuition
At just $290.00 per credit hour, this is one of the most affordable online Bachelors degrees in Criminal Justice available.
Unique Features
Students who choose Walden will take core courses in restorative justice, computer forensics, criminal profiling, and weapons of mass destruction and disaster response.
Concentrations
Computer Information Systems and Security
Crime and Criminals
Criminal Justice Management and Administration
Homeland Security
Human Services for Criminal Justice
#5 Tiffin University
Executive Summary
Tiffin University is a private school that was established in 1888. It is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition
Tuition is $425.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
Class sizes are limited to 10-15 students. Programs start in January, March, May, July, August, and October.
#6 Colorado Technical University
Executive Summary
Colorado Technical University is a private, for-profit institution. It is a member of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges and accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition
Tuition is $325.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
Courses are taught by professors with real-world experience in their fields. Students can earn four CTU Academic Certificates as they complete the coursework toward their BS in Criminal Justice.
Concentrations
Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Human Services
#7 Rasmussen College
Executive Summary
Rasmussen College is a private, for-profit higher education institution. It is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition
Tuition at Rasmussen is $299.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
The University operates on a quarterly schedule. Tuition costs are locked in until a student graduates.
Concentrations
Client Services/Corrections
Criminal Offenders
Homeland Security
Investigation/Law Enforcement
Leadership and Management
#8 Strayer University
Executive Summary
Strayer University has been offering degree programs for over 120 years. It is a private, not-for-profit higher education institution that is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition
Tuition at Strayer is $575.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
The University operates on a quarterly schedule (Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer). The program can be completed entirely online.
Concentrations
Computer Science and Forensics
Criminal Justice Administration
Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Homeland Security Technology
#9 Ashford University
Executive Summary
Ashford University was established in 1918 by the Sisters of St. Francis in Clinton, Iowa. It is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition
Students at Ashford pay $402.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
The BA in Criminal Justice online degree includes courses dealing with the legal and social sides of working in this field. Applicants must be at least 22 years of age or hold an Associate’s degree to be considered.
Concentrations
Corrections Management
Forensics
Homeland Security
Political Science & Government
Security Management
#10 Herzing University
Executive Summary
Herzing University was founded in 1965. This private school operates on the philosophy of putting students first. It is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.
Tuition
Tuition at Herzing is $460.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
Students enrolled in the online Bachelor in Criminal Justice degree take courses in law enforcement security, evidence forensics, patrol procedures, law enforcement security, and report writing and communications.
Concentrations
No Concentration
Homeland Security
