Do you want to support your community by solving crimes or helping victims? An associate degree in criminal justice online is a great first step, and can help you land an entry-level job in a rewarding field.
To start, finding the right program is key. To help, we’ve researched and analyzed hundreds of colleges nationwide to see which ones have online associate degrees in criminal justice with the elements you need, including customizable programs, quality student services, and affordable price tags. See which colleges earned top honors in 2024, and then keep reading to discover what you can expect to learn, how much these programs cost, and the specific jobs you can land after graduation.
Best Online Associate Degrees in Criminal Justice for 2024
We have ranked the top schools below. Our Rankings Data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES.) Click the About the Ranking link below for more information about our methodology.
- Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Assign Weightings
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
- For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
- Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
- Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
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Thatcher, AZPublic $
Students interested in a future career in law enforcement can choose from two associate degree programs at Eastern Arizona College. First, there’s the Associate of Arts in Administration of Justice program. It’s designed for students who want to earn their bachelor’s after earning an associate degree. Second, there’s the Associate of Applied Science in Administration of Justice program. It’s different in that the curriculum is tailored for more practical skills to prepare students to begin working right after graduation. Another difference is that the Associate of Applied Science track gives students the chance to take more electives for a customizable education. Both of these are hybrid online programs, consisting of on-campus and online coursework.
Program Highlights:
AA in Administration of Justice
- Credits: 64
- Length: About two years
- Cost: $93.00/credit (in-state); $383.00/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: HLC
AAS in Administration of Justice
- Credits: 64
- Length: About two years
- Cost: $93.00/credit (in-state); $383.00/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Fulton, MSPublic $
The Associate of Applied Science Criminal Justice Technology program from Itawamba Community College is a 100% online program that utilizes Canvas as the course management platform. The criminal justice technology program prepares students for future careers in law enforcement, corrections, and the criminal justice court system. In addition to the associate degree, students will also obtain a career certificate after completing just 30 hours of coursework. The online learning experience is enhanced by the fact that the student-to-faculty ratio is just 19:1, ensuring students receive plenty of help and assistance during their learning process.
Program Highlights:
AAS in Criminal Justice Technology
- Credits: 60-61
- Length: About two years
- Cost: $1,450.00/year (in-district); $2,550.00/year (out-of-state)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
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Alamogordo, NMPublic $
New Mexico State University Alamogordo’s criminal justice program offers students a flexible way to earn an associate degree and begin work as law enforcement officers. The program has several characteristics that offer convenient learning. Students can take all of their courses online, with no campus visits needed, and can self-pace their learning, taking more than two years to graduate if they wish. The electives in the curriculum are set up so that students can take certain courses to seamlessly transfer to New Mexico State University Las Cruces and earn a bachelor’s degree in just two years. Students can also choose to supplement their online learning with face-to-face learning via internships and on-campus classes.
Program Highlights:
Associate in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 60
- Length: About two years
- Cost: $261.80/credit (in-state); $327.25/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
9/1
-
Ankeny, IAPublic $$
Des Moines Area Community College has two associate degree options to choose from for anyone interested in a career in corrections, law enforcement, or the criminal court system. Those seeking to enter the workforce after they graduate should consider the Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice degree. Those who want to continue their college education can earn an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice degree and take advantage of the transfer pathway to a four-year college or university in Iowa. Both degree programs allow students to complete the bulk of their classes online. However, the Associate of Applied Science track requires completion of an internship. For added convenience, students can begin classes during any semester.
Program Highlights:
AAS in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 64
- Length: About two years
- Cost: $178.00/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: HLC
AA in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 64
- Length: About two years
- Cost: $178.00/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
Clyde, NCPublic $
Haywood Community College offers several programs to those interested in a career in criminal justice. These credentials include two certificates, a diploma, and an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice Technology. The AAS track is ideal for students who want the knowledge and skills to pursue careers in law enforcement, security, corrections, and the court system, but don’t already have a college degree. This associate degree from Haywood Community College is unlike many other similar programs in that it has additional academic requirements, necessitating the addition of a summer semester to allow students to graduate in two years. For added convenience, the bulk of the coursework can be completed online using Moodle as the online learning platform.
Program Highlights:
AAS in Criminal Justice Technology
- Credits: 72-73
- Length: About two years
- Cost: $1,289.75/semester (in-state); $4,361.75/semester (out-of-state)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
8/1
-
Highland, KSPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Pleasant Hill, CAPublic $
Online Programs
2
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
25/1
-
Washington, NCPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
9/1
-
Houston, TXPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Casper, WYPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Athens, TXPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Hamlet, NCPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Raymond, MSPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Omaha, NEPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Grand Island, NEPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Shell Lake, WIPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
7/1
-
Corpus Christi, TXPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Malvern, ARPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Salt Lake City, UTPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Asheboro, NCPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
9/1
-
Bedford, MAPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Fort Dodge, IAPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Indianapolis, INPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Albany, GAPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Auburn, MEPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Hot Springs, ARPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Norfolk, NEPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Shreveport, LAPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Chattanooga, TNPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Killeen, TXPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Wesson, MSPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
Albemarle, NCPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Appleton, WIPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Fayetteville, NCPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Wilmington, NCPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Columbus, OHPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
Corsicana, TXPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
22/1
-
Paducah, KYPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Rockville, MDPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Lansing, MIPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Largo, MDPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Prestonsburg, KYPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Eunice, LAPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
23/1
-
Lexington, KYPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
New Orleans, LAPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
Salisbury, NCPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Batavia, NYPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
15/1
-
Beaumont, TXPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
21/1
-
Concord, NHPublic $$
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
8/1
-
Rocky Mount, NCPublic $
Online Programs
1
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
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Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
Affordability
Support Services
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: January of 2024
Key Learning Outcomes from an Online Criminal Justice Associate Degree
Online criminal justice associate degrees are expected to give students the tools they need to succeed in the workplace. In addition, to be accredited schools are required to teach the skills criminal justice professionals should have. The following are some outcomes that criminal justice associate degree programs online have built into their coursework to provide these skills. While specific schools may have slightly different student goals, the following are generally what you can expect:
Verbal Communication Skills
Strong verbal communication skills are a must in criminal justice careers, whether you need to clearly communicate with parties involved in a dispute, speak in public about crime-related initiatives, or get the details right at a crime scene. A clear communication style can head off issues before they start and make all parties feel heard and understood.
Intercultural Skills
As communities become increasingly diverse, intercultural skills are more and more important. Once you have your online criminal justice associate degree, you’re likely to be dealing with people from different cultures—both in the community and at your workplace. This means you’ll need to know how to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds to get the job done, while not creating rifts caused by cultural misunderstandings.
Evaluation Skills
As you earn your online criminal justice associate degree, you’ll learn theories about victimology, criminology, criminal psychology, policing, and corrections. While working through the curriculum, you’ll develop evaluation skills that allow you to determine how the theories can be applied to specific real-life situations.
Ethical Skills
The criminal justice field is complicated, and professionals are tasked with applying the theories they learn to real-life situations that significantly impact real people in an ethical manner. During a criminal justice associate degree program online, you’ll learn the ethical standards professionals are required to uphold and how those standards are applied to specific situations. You’ll also learn what happens when professionals behave in an unethical manner and how that behavior impacts society.
What You’ll Study in an Online Criminal Justice Associate Degree Program
Through every course you take in an online criminal justice associate degree program, you get one more building block in the foundation of your workplace skills. The following are the types of coursework you’re likely to take in your program. Every program differs, so be sure to review the specific requirements for any online criminal justice associate degree program you’re interested in.
Communication in Criminal Justice
This course allows you to develop both your verbal and written communication skills so you have a well-rounded understanding of how to communicate in the workplace. From report writing to presentation skills, you’ll learn how to effectively communicate with both colleagues and those outside of your organization, including people in the communities you serve. In addition, you’ll learn nonverbal communication skills, so you understand how facial expressions, tone of voice, and gestures accentuate a message or cause confusion.
Criminal Procedure
This course provides an understanding of how people move through the criminal justice system, from the time they’re arrested to conviction and beyond. In this class, students learn how to evaluate the facts of a case and if criminal procedures were followed. In addition, you’ll learn the victim’s side of a criminal procedure and what they go through as a case progresses.
Basic Crime Scene Investigation
This course provides an overview of how crime scene investigators identify, collect, and preserve evidence found at a crime scene. You’ll learn rules and procedures, plus the ethical skills crime scene investigators are expected to have as they perform duties integral to solving a criminal case. The course may cover the types of evidence that crime scene investigators collect, the procedures they use to handle and preserve each type of evidence, and how it’s catalogued and stored.
Juvenile Delinquency
This course looks at the factors that may lead to minors becoming involved in the criminal justice system, from family life to education to emotional and psychological issues. Learn how to evaluate the behaviors of those in the juvenile justice system to understand how they ended up there. The course also covers juvenile crime prevention and rehabilitation.
Introduction to Corrections
In this course you’ll learn the fundamental principles of corrections, how these ideas guide decisions, and the ethical standards these decisions are based on. Topics include the history of corrections, adult and juvenile corrections strategies, and legal issues that corrections professionals must navigate every day.
Criminal Law
As you work through your criminal justice associate degree online, this class familiarizes you with the different types of crimes—from theft to murder and everything in between—and the elements involved in these offenses. You’ll develop the evaluation skills to determine how a crime should be categorized, and, ultimately, what kind of punishment should be applied.
FAQs About Earning Your Criminal Justice Associate Degree Online
As you’re researching online criminal justice associate degrees, chances are you’ll have questions. That’s understandable; choosing the right degree program for your needs and goals is a big deal. To help you make this important choice, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions prospective students have about an associate degree in criminal justice online.
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Can I earn my associate degree in criminal justice completely online?
You can earn an associate degree in criminal justice completely online, which is great news if you’re working full time or raising a family. In some cases, depending on the school you choose, you may be able to complete all your criminal justice coursework during times that are most convenient for you, which is known as an asynchronous model. However, some schools may have a synchronous model, which means you’re required to attend online classes on a set schedule, just as you would if you were enrolled in a traditional degree program.
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What career options are available for college grads with an associate degree in criminal justice?
When you earn your associate degree in criminal justice online, you qualify for a variety of entry-level positions that are springboards for a long, successful career. The following are some examples of the jobs you can land when you complete your degree:
- Security Manager
- State Trooper
- Criminal Court Officer
- Loss Prevention Manager
- Paralegal
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What accreditation should I look for in an online associate criminal justice program?
To ensure that you’re getting the best education value for your tuition, it’s important to only look for schools that have been accredited. When schools are accredited, they undergo a rigorous evaluation process to prove their curriculum provides the skills and knowledge employers look for. The accrediting organizations that provide this seal of approval include the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the Higher Learning Commission, and the New England Commission of Higher Education.
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What does the admissions process look like?
It’s important to keep in mind that every school offering an associate degree in criminal justice online will have its own standards for admission. However, schools generally require applicants to earn a high school diploma or its equivalent. In addition to submitting an application with school transcripts, some programs require that you participate in an interview with an admissions counselor at the college.
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How much does an online associate degree in criminal justice cost?
What you pay for your online criminal justice associate degree depends on the specific school you enroll in. For example, Purdue University Global charges $371 per credit for this degree program, Penn Foster College charges $2,199 per semester (about $124/credit), and the online criminal justice associate’s program at Herzing University charges $441 per credit.
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How much time does it take to earn an associate degree in criminal justice online?
You can earn a criminal justice associate degree online in about two years. That means you’ll be out of school quickly and ready to enter the workforce and put that degree to use.
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Are there any specialization options for associate degree criminal justice programs?
When you enroll in an online criminal justice associate degree, you may have the option to specialize your studies so you can gain expertise in one area. If your school has this option, here are the choices for concentrations that are likely to be available.
- Corrections
- Homeland Security
- Law Enforcement
Employment and Earnings Outlook with Your Associate Degree in Criminal Justice
Job options and salary potential is always a consideration when choosing any degree program. To give you an idea of what awaits you after graduation, we’ve compiled information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics below for your review.
| Career | Median Annual Earnings (2021) | Job Growth (2021-2031) |
|---|---|---|
| Police Officer | $66,020 | 3% |
| Correction Officer | $47,920 | -10% |
| Court Reporter | $60,380 | 1% |
| Private Detective | $59,380 | 6% |
| Paralegal | $56,230 | 14% |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics