Is it worth it to get an online bachelor's degree in criminal justice?

Yes, as many employers require a bachelor's degree for career advancement. Many in-demand, entry-level jobs within the criminal justice field also require a bachelor's. Earning a bachelor's degree can also help you develop transferable skills. You can use these skills to transition to a career outside the criminal justice field.

How long does it take to get a bachelor's in criminal justice degree online?

Typical full-time students need four years to earn a bachelor's in criminal justice degree. You can finish a bachelor's program in less time if you earn good Advanced Placement (AP) scores or pass a prior learning assessment (PLA). Colleges offer PLAs to incoming degree-seekers with relevant work or life experience.

What is the difference between a bachelor’s in criminal justice vs. a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement?

A bachelor’s in law enforcement program generally appeals more to undergraduates preparing for a career as a police officer, as the curriculum emphasizes skills police officers can use on the job. A bachelor's in criminal justice program provides a broader overview of criminal justice topics you can apply in many related careers.

Bachelor's in criminal justice degrees

Earning a bachelor's in criminal justice degree can help prepare you to explore many career paths, such as intelligence analyst and youth correctional counselor. You can also use your degree to apply to graduate school. Discover concentrations, curricula, and potential career options for students looking to earn their bachelor's in criminal justice degree.

Explore criminal justice degrees

Why earn a bachelor's degree in criminal justice?

Pursue a career that can make an impact

Earn a degree that qualifies you for various careers that can potentially improve communities and individuals' lives.

Enter a challenging but potentially exciting field

Enter a dynamic work environment where every day can present new challenges to those who enjoy complex problem-solving.

Earn a degree from home on your own schedule

Online learning can offer many benefits, such as affordable tuition, asynchronous education, and high-quality academic and career services.

Find the right online bachelor's in criminal justice program for you

Online bachelor's in criminal justice program overview

No two online bachelor's in criminal justice programs feature the same curriculum. However, you can expect a mix of general education, major, and elective courses. Some programs may even award credit for work or life experience.

When exploring programs, keep an eye out for those that offer concentrations that are aligned with your desired career path. Keep in mind that the degree type can impact your career potential just as much as your concentration, and academic and career counselors can help you choose between a bachelor of arts (BA) and a bachelor of science (BS) in criminal justice program.

What jobs can you get with a criminal justice bachelor's degree?

A bachelor's in criminal justice degree can help you qualify for an entry-level career or promotion to a higher-paying job. Employers posting jobs like those below may prefer applicants with a degree. A degree can also improve your application if you lack work experience.

Here are a handful of common careers for those with a bachelor's in criminal justice degree, with salary and job outlook data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

Bachelor's of science vs. bachelor's of arts

Some colleges and universities may offer a BA and a BS in criminal justice. These degrees differ in important ways, such as curriculum.

BA vs. BS

BA degree

Emphasizes general education classes, which makes the BA a great choice for learners who want to develop transferable skills.

BS degree

Emphasizes technical skills you can use in your first criminal justice career. Graduation requirements for a BS may include an internship.

College admissions, academic, and career advisors can help you choose the right bachelor's degree. Program websites may also discuss curriculum differences and relevant career paths.

Curriculum

Although graduation requirements vary by college, expect to take general education, core, and elective courses. General education courses cover the humanities, arts, natural sciences, and social sciences.

The core curriculum may require courses in:

Introduction to criminal justice and society
Fundamentals of corrections
Justice and public safety administration
Contemporary issues in criminal justice

Concentrations

A concentration can help you make the most of your program's elective courses. Concentrations align with specific criminal justice jobs and graduate programs. Some common examples include:

Contemporary justice
Criminal behavior
Criminalistics

Check program websites to research how concentrations affect graduate outcomes and salary potential.

Further education in criminal justice

A bachelor's in criminal justice degree can help prepare you for a career and graduate school. Consider a if you want to advance your career or improve your résumé. Some programs take only one year.

Further education may include professional certifications, depending on your career path. Crime analysts can earn the Certified Law Enforcement Analyst (CLEA) from the International Association of Crime Analysts (IACA). The CLEA requires a mix of educational and work experience.

Admissions requirements for an online bachelor's in criminal justice program

Typical bachelor's in criminal justice admissions requirements include a high school or GED diploma. Your local community college may offer GED-preparation classes and administer the test on site.

Other requirements vary by school but may include:

One or more letters of recommendation
ACT or SAT scores
A personal essay
A current résumé or CV

Many colleges also require Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) results. This important form helps schools determine your financial aid eligibility. Institutional scholarships and grants may reduce your cost of attendance significantly.