Best Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs of 2025

Fighting crime isn’t about donning a cool black batsuit and taking down some bad guys.

It’s about understanding what makes people do “bad” things, how society responds to crime, and how our policing and legal systems try to correct or prevent criminal activity.

An online criminal justice degree can give you a broad understanding of the justice system as a whole and prepare you for a number of rewarding criminal justice careers, including in law enforcement, corrections, legal services, and forensic science.

Check out these top-ranked online criminal justice degree programs to get started.

The purpose of a criminal justice degree is to teach students the foundational theories, principles, and practices that underpin our justice system. From there, students explore the many ethical and legal questions that arise when applying the concepts of crime and justice in law enforcement, corrections, and legal services.

Students develop critical analysis and research skills that can help them navigate the complexities of criminal justice with competence and integrity. These skills equip students to administer justice, uphold the rule of law, and advance equity and well-being in communities that have been affected by crime.

An online criminal justice degree program is a flexible and convenient path to a career in the criminal justice system. You can balance work with school, control your pace of study, and minimize stress.

A criminal justice degree also lays the groundwork for a stable job. You’ll qualify for government roles that rarely go away and earn excellent benefits.

The cost of an online degree varies widely. A virtual program can cost anywhere between $6,000 and $36,000 a year, depending on the school and program you select.

In 2022, the National Center for Education Statistics reported that the average net cost for full-time, online college was $18,020 a year. Public universities were less expensive than for-profit or private colleges, with an average cost of about $12,980 a year.

Criminal justice programs are known for their broad applications in various fields. You may qualify for jobs as a paralegal, forensic analyst, or public policy official. This degree can also prepare you for positions that require field experience, such as arbitrator, mediator, or conciliator.

Some of the most popular criminal justice careers include:

Since a bachelor’s degree exceeds the minimum education requirement for many entry-level law enforcement jobs, you may qualify for senior roles in law enforcement as well. For example, police officers and detectives with a bachelor’s degree may qualify for senior administrative roles in law enforcement.