Law enforcement, legal studies, homeland security, and correctional are just a few of the fulfilling professions that can be pursued with an online criminal justice degree.
Many students now opt for online criminal justice degrees because of the internet’s flexibility, which allows them to pursue their objectives without sacrificing their obligations to their families or jobs.
There are excellent and reasonably priced options for criminal justice bachelor’s degrees, criminal justice master’s degrees, and specialty online criminology degrees.
The top approved online criminal justice schools are examined in this guide, along with their main benefits, drawbacks, and unique selling points.
Arizona State University (ASU)
Degree Offered: BA in Criminal Justice
Why It Stands Out: ASU Online delivers one of the most recognized online criminal justice degree programs in the U.S. Taught by the same faculty as on-campus students, the curriculum focuses on ethics, law, and policy.
Pros: Highly ranked; respected diploma; extensive alumni network
Cons: More expensive than public schools in your home state
Florida State University (FSU)
Degree Offered: BS in Criminology
Why It Stands Out: FSU’s online criminology degree is one of the top-rated in the country, designed for students planning to pursue graduate school or research-oriented careers.
Pros: Strong academic focus; excellent faculty
Cons: Limited flexibility—some live components required
Liberty University
Degree Offered: BS and MS in Criminal Justice
Why It Stands Out: Liberty offers flexible eight-week terms and faith-based content. It’s a great fit for adult learners seeking accelerated online criminal justice programs or a master’s in criminal justice.
Pros: Fast-track options; military-friendly; generous transfer credit
Cons: Religious curriculum may not suit everyone
University of Massachusetts – Lowell
Degree Offered: BA and MA in Criminal Justice
Why It Stands Out: UMass Lowell is a top-tier public university known for its affordable online colleges for criminal justice and research-driven curriculum.
Pros: Accredited; strong academic support; affordable tuition
Cons: Courses follow a semester schedule—less flexibility than others
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
Degree Offered: BS in Criminal Justice, MS in Criminal Justice
Why It Stands Out: SNHU’s self-paced online criminal justice degree is ideal for working adults. You can specialize in areas like homeland security or legal studies.
Pros: 24/7 access; multiple start dates; no set class times
Cons: May not be as rigorous for students aiming for federal roles
Purdue University Global
Degree Offered: BS and MS in Criminal Justice
Why It Stands Out: A branch of the respected Purdue University system, this program is tailored to adult learners seeking career advancement or a transition into public service.
Pros: Multiple term starts; personalized academic plans
Cons: Less interaction with faculty compared to on-campus
University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)
Degree Offered: BS in Criminal Justice
Why It Stands Out: UMGC is known for its flexible, low-cost tuition and is especially attractive for military students or those seeking the cheapest online criminal justice degree from a state university.
Pros: Affordable; ideal for transfer students; military support
Cons: Fewer elective options than some competitors
Sam Houston State University
Degree Offered: BS in Criminal Justice, MS in Criminal Justice
Why It Stands Out: Based in Texas, SHSU’s online programs are research-based and aligned with current justice system practices.
Pros: Recognized faculty; good internship placement
Cons: Not fully asynchronous—may include deadlines or live sessions
Colorado State University Global
Degree Offered: BS in Criminal Justice
Why It Stands Out: This online college for criminal justice offers affordable, career-centered education with the ability to stack credentials.
Pros: Monthly start dates; competency-based format
Cons: Less traditional college feel; minimal campus community
National University
Degree Offered: BS in Criminal Justice Administration
Why It Stands Out: National University is a veteran-founded institution offering accelerated four-week classes and flexible pacing.
Pros: Focused learning; ideal for busy adults
Cons: Fast pace may overwhelm some learners
Final Thoughts
Your chosen learning style and job choice will determine which online criminal justice school is best for you. A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from a flexible, regionally accredited university can help you pursue a career in law enforcement or incarceration.
A master’s degree in criminal justice from a reputable university, such as ASU or UMass Lowell, can lead to leadership positions or federal jobs if you’re already working in the sector and want to progress.
If you’re aiming for leadership, research, or academic positions in justice, it’s worth looking at online doctoral programs that align with criminal justice policy and administration.
If your long-term goal is to teach criminal justice at the college level, an online master’s in education can enhance your credentials and teaching skills.
Affordability is also important. Options like UMGC or CSU Global provide some of the most affordable online criminal justice degree pathways for students on a low budget without compromising academic quality.
Additionally, colleges like FSU or Liberty University offer specialized paths if you’re interested in fields like criminology, cybersecurity, or legal studies.