Inside Online Degrees in Public Service
Get ready to impact your community by earning a degree in public service. See the best schools, look into top degree options, and learn what it takes to complete a program online.
The Best Online Degrees in Public Service: STEPS 2024 Rankings
Online degrees remain one of the fastest-growing learning options out there. Thousands of colleges across the U.S. have added both fully online and hybrid programs to their catalogues, making them commonplace in just about every subject. Online programs in social work, education, criminal justice, and more than a dozen other disciplines have made it easier for students to earn degrees and start careers focused on public service and community impact. But which schools offer the best combinations of flexibility, availability, and cost? Follow STEPS as we rank schools with the top online degrees in public service disciplines, using meticulous data collection and analysis from talented data scientists. Select a ranking below, read the methodology, and see who stands out in 2024.
Best Online Degrees by Subject
- Community Colleges: Best Overall
- Criminal Justice: Best Overall; Associate; Master’s; Doctorate; Most Affordable
- Cyber Security: Best Overall; Master’s; Doctorate; Most Affordable
- Education & Teaching: Best Overall; Master’s; Doctorate (EdD); PhD; Early Childhood Education (ECE); Elementary; Secondary; Physical Education; Special Education
- Environmental Science: Best Overall; Master’s
- Emergency Management: Best Overall; Master’s
- Law Enforcement: Best Overall
- Library Science: Master’s
- Fire Science: Best Overall
- Forestry: Best Overall
- Paralegal: Associate; Certificate
- Political Science: Bachelor’s; Master’s
- Public Policy: MPP
- Occupational Health and Safety: Best Overall
- Homeland Security: Best Overall; Master’s
- Psychology: Best Overall; Master’s; PsyD; PhD; Clinical Psychology Master’s; Counseling Psychology Master’s; Forensic Psychology; Forensic Psychology Master’s; School Psychology; School Psychology Master’s; Most Affordable Overall; Most Affordable Master’s
- Public Administration: Best Overall; MPA; Most Affordable MPA
- Public Health: Best Overall; MPH; MPH Epidemiology; DrPH
- Social Work: Best Overall; MSW; DSW; PhD; Most Affordable
Best Online Degrees in Public Service – Overall Winners
College Ranking Methodology
Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs
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).
- 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.
- Career placement and academic counseling services.
Assign Weightings
After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings, followed by online learning and academic quality metrics (equally weighted).
Affordability
- Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for undergraduate students per academic year.
- Percentage of students who receive institutional financial aid (directly from the school).
- Average amount of institutional financial aid awarded.
Online Learning
- Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
- Percentage of students at the school taking at least one class online.
Academic Quality
- Student-to-faculty ratio.
- Percentage of full-time, first-time students graduating within 6 years.
About Our Data
All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2023
Accreditation Glossary
ABHE: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation
ABHES: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
ACCJC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
ACCSC: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
DEAC: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
HLC: Higher Learning Commission
MSCHE: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
NECHE: New England Commission of Higher Education
NWCCU: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SACSCOC: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
TRACS: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission
WSCUC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
1
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Regent University offers online undergraduate and graduate public service programs in a wide variety of subjects, including education, cybersecurity, and psychology. These degree programs are designed with virtual students' unique needs in mind. The school understands that many people enrolled in distance programs need to juggle their education with their daily responsibilities, so it strives to make the education process as convenient as possible. For example, there are eight-week class sessions offered to foster flexibility and a transfer policy that allows those with previous college experience to transfer up to 90 credits, saving them time and money. Regent University streamlines its enrollment and financial aid application process so prospective students aren't tied up with red tape for a long period of time.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $450/credit
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $450/credit
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
- Credits: 33-37
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $565/credit
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
2
Cincinnati, Ohio
From certificates to doctorates, the University of Cincinnati-Main Campus has online programs that meet you wherever you are on your educational and professional journey. In fact, the school is so interested in meeting the needs of prospective students that it even requests suggestions for new programs to continuously expand the education offered to meet more students' needs. As you consider the school's offerings, you'll have the opportunity to engage with staff to find out more details about the public service programs you're interested in. You can connect with an advisor online, participate in live virtual degree information sessions, and access numerous resources about the school's public health, criminal justice, or social work programs.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Science in Public Health
- Credits: 61
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $314/credit in-state; $329/credit out-of-state
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: HLC
Bachelor of Social Work
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $573/credit in-state; $588/credit out-of-state
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: HLC
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 33
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $746/credit in-state; $761/credit out-of-state
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: HLC
3
Lynchburg, Virginia
Are you new to online learning and wondering if you'd be successful in an online public service degree program? Liberty University, which offers degrees in criminal justice, psychology, and urban planning, offers a unique solution for that. You can enroll in a class simulation to determine if online learning is the right path for you. During the sample class, you'll have access to Canvas to become familiar with how the learning management system works. You'll find out what class modules, assignments, and quizzes are like, as well as how to participate in course discussion boards. If you decide that enrolling in an online program at Liberty University will work for you, you'll continue to have access to helpful resources. For example, the school offers technical support, course guides, and supplemental instruction to ensure that your time as a student there is well spent.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Credits: 120
- Length: 3 1/2 years
- Cost: $390/credit
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
Master of Public Administration in Urban Planning
- Credits: 36
- Length: 1 1/2 years
- Cost: $565/credit
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
Doctor of Criminal Justice
- Credits: 60
- Length: 3 years
- Cost: $565/credit
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
4
Kalamazoo, Michigan
5
Muncie, Indiana
6
Gainesville, Florida
7
Tampa, Florida
8
Springfield, Illinois
9
Kent, Ohio
10
Fresno, California
11
Marion, Indiana
12
Tucson, Arizona
13
Greenville, North Carolina
14
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
15
Mississippi State, Mississippi
16
Flagstaff, Arizona
17
Baltimore, Maryland
18
Wheeling, West Virginia
19
Springfield, Missouri
20
Bowling Green, Kentucky
21
Columbus, Ohio
22
Athens, Ohio
23
Jackson, Mississippi
24
Vermillion, South Dakota
25
Natchitoches, Louisiana
26
Omaha, Nebraska
27
Jonesboro, Arkansas
28
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
29
Emporia, Kansas
30
Newark, Delaware
31
Oswego, New York
32
Las Cruces, New Mexico
33
Cincinnati, Ohio
34
Saint Louis, Missouri
35
Tallahassee, Florida
36
Boston, Massachusetts
37
Louisville, Kentucky
38
Mobile, Alabama
39
Pensacola, Florida
40
Columbia, Missouri
41
Parkville, Missouri
42
Norfolk, Virginia
43
Lakewood, Colorado
44
Buffalo, New York
45
Champaign, Illinois
46
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
47
University Park, Pennsylvania
48
Grand Forks, North Dakota
49
Fitchburg, Massachusetts
50
New York, New York
College Ranking Methodology
Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs
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).
- 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.
- Career placement and academic counseling services.
Assign Weightings
After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings, followed by online learning and academic quality metrics (equally weighted).
Affordability
- Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for undergraduate students per academic year.
- Percentage of students who receive institutional financial aid (directly from the school).
- Average amount of institutional financial aid awarded.
Online Learning
- Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
- Percentage of students at the school taking at least one class online.
Academic Quality
- Student-to-faculty ratio.
- Percentage of full-time, first-time students graduating within 6 years.
About Our Data
All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2023
Accreditation Glossary
ABHE: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation
ABHES: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
ACCJC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
ACCSC: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
DEAC: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
HLC: Higher Learning Commission
MSCHE: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
NECHE: New England Commission of Higher Education
NWCCU: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SACSCOC: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
TRACS: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission
WSCUC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
1
Napa, California
The courses offered in Napa Valley College's public service degree programs are delivered on a fully online or hybrid basis, so students can choose the delivery method that works best for them. For example, the administration of justice associate degree program for criminal justice students has courses that can be taken entirely online, partially online, or even entirely on campus. If you prefer to complete all of your coursework remotely, then a fully online option is best for you. Otherwise, if you're the type of learner who would also like to engage with professors and classmates in person, you can choose hybrid classes that have on-campus requirements. The school's administration of justice degree program, for example, is delivered in both online and hybrid formats. All online work is done in the Canvas learning management system, where students participate in classes, hand in assignments, and have conversations with their instructors and other students. Although online learning provides a lot of autonomy, there is still help available if you need it. The school's distance education help desk allows you to get technology assistance if you have problems in the virtual learning environment.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Science Degree in Administration of Justice
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $1,150/year in-state; $8,734/year out-of-state
- Mode: 100% online and partially online
- Accreditation: WASC
2
Fulton, Mississippi
When students enroll in the virtual public service degree programs offered by Itawamba Community College, they can rest assured that they'll not only receive a quality education, but they'll also get the help they need navigating an online learning environment. Whether you choose to study disciplines like public health or criminal justice, the school offers technical support that includes help working with Canvas and Microsoft Office 365, as well as assistance setting up the school's email system on their mobile devices. There is also academic support available, so students have access to instructional services that help them better understand course content, and online tutoring that includes feedback on writing assignments. To further ensure student success, Itawamba Community College provides detailed information on all of the policies those enrolled in online programs need to know, so they fully understand what's expected of them throughout their studies.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Applied Science in Public Health Technology
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $1,550/year in-state; $2,750/year out-of-state
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice Technology
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $1,550/year in-state; $2,750/year out-of-state
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
3
Albany, Georgia
From fire science to cybercrime investigation to criminal justice, Albany Technical College has online public service programs to help you prepare for your future. Whether you're interested in earning an associate degree that prepares you for further education or a full-time job later on, or you want to quickly earn a diploma or technical certificate to start working right away, there's a program to help you reach your goals. Program options include operations cybersecurity, criminal justice technology, and fire science technology. No matter which program you choose, classes will be provided through the Blackboard learning management system, which gives you access to all of the course materials you need. This conveniently allows you to do all of your work in one area and get questions answered by your instructors.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science
- Credits: 62
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $100/credit (Resident); $200/credit (Nonresident)
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
Associate of Applied Science in Cybercrime Investigation
- Credits: 64
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $100/credit (Resident); $200/credit (Nonresident)
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
Criminal Justice Specialist Technical Certificate of Credit
- Credits: 15
- Length: 1 semester
- Cost: $100/credit (Resident); $200/credit (Nonresident)
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
4
Aptos, California
5
Americus, Georgia
6
Elizabeth City, North Carolina
7
Shell Lake, Wisconsin
8
Asheboro, North Carolina
9
Clyde, North Carolina
10
Wheeling, West Virginia
11
Murphy, North Carolina
12
Flat Rock, North Carolina
13
Statesboro, Georgia
14
Fall River, Massachusetts
15
Morgantown, West Virginia
16
Mason City, Iowa
17
Norwalk, California
18
Schriever, Louisiana
19
Cleveland, Wisconsin
20
Santa Rosa, California
21
Wesson, Mississippi
22
Sandersville, Georgia
23
Grand Island, Nebraska
24
Arkansas City, Kansas
25
Jacksonville, North Carolina
26
Mountain Home, Arkansas
27
Waco, Texas
28
Spindale, North Carolina
29
Tishomingo, Oklahoma
30
Colby, Kansas
31
Bronx, New York
32
Madisonville, Kentucky
33
Sioux City, Iowa
34
Prestonsburg, Kentucky
35
Blytheville, Arkansas
36
Harrison, Arkansas
37
Casper, Wyoming
38
Porterville, California
39
Poteau, Oklahoma
40
Hot Springs, Arkansas
41
Camden, Arkansas
42
Pleasant Hill, California
43
Waycross, Georgia
44
Fayetteville, North Carolina
45
Amarillo, Texas
46
Pocahontas, Arkansas
47
Paducah, Kentucky
48
Lumberton, North Carolina
49
Sedalia, Missouri
50
Hamlet, North Carolina
Featured Online Public Service Degree
Social Work. An online degree in social work gives students a flexible way to enter a career as a social worker. At the bachelor’s level, coursework focuses on ethical principles of social work, diversity training, human rights and social justice, human behavior, socioeconomic well-being, engagement and intervention techniques, and more. A Master of Social Work (MSW) often moves into more research-based and policy study and crafting innovative strategies to foster community and global change.
Online Degrees in Public Service by Subject
Public service is loosely defined as a service rendered for the public good. Here at STEPS, we focus on careers and educational pathways that make the community safer, healthier, smarter, and stronger. But when it comes to higher education, it can be difficult to identify which public service areas have online learning opportunities, who offers them, and how many programs actually exist. Here’s a look at the most popular online degrees in public service with links to pages that breakdown flexible learning options across criminal justice, education, social work, and more.
Schools & Online Degree Programs in Public Service
# of Schools | # of Online Programs | Accreditation Needed | |
---|---|---|---|
Criminal Justice | 200 | 618 | Institutional |
Cyber Security | 169 | 274 | Institutional |
Education & Teaching | 191 | 3,740 | Institutional, CAEP, CEA |
Emergency Management | 36 | 67 | Institutional |
Fire Science | 71 | 130 | Institutional |
Forestry | 8 | 11 | Institutional |
Homeland Security | 57 | 89 | Institutional |
Psychology | 125 | 326 | Institutional, APA |
Public Administration | 50 | 72 | Institutional, NASPAA |
Public Health | 113 | 224 | Institutional, CEPH |
Social Work | 95 | 125 | Institutional, CSWE |
Total | 1,115 | 5,676 |
Source: Data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
Only schools with verified programs were included in this table.
Online Degrees in Public Service by State
Although you can work, study, and participate in fully online programs from just about anywhere, it’s nice to explore online schools and degrees near you. Click on a state below to see which schools have online degrees in public service.
Source: Data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
Only schools with verified programs were included in this map.
Online Public Service Degrees by Level
One of the best things about public service? You can learn and work at every level. Whether you have just a high school diploma and want a certificate, or you have a master’s and want a doctorate, a wide range of higher educational options exist. Here’s how today’s online certificates and degrees in public service break down by level.
# of Schools | # of Online Credentials | |
---|---|---|
Certificates | 487 | 1,661 |
Associate | 327 | 520 |
Bachelor’s | 506 | 855 |
Master’s | 598 | 2,312 |
Doctorates | 94 | 293 |
Source: Data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Only schools with verified programs were included in this map.
Online Degrees at Community Colleges
Community colleges and junior colleges represent some of the most affordable higher education options for students. They also focus on making education more accessible to all types of students, no matter their circumstances or career interests. Over the past decade, more and more community colleges have made online degrees a primary learning option, with fully-online and hybrid options across a wide range of subjects. Learn how online community colleges are changing the online learning landscape, and if one could be right for you.
9 Benefits of an Online Degree Program
For years, online learning was considered supplemental (and inferior) to face-to-face education. Professors would create a course that relied mostly on in-person lecture and participation, with elements of remote work sprinkled in. But for many students, these online components offered a number of benefits that made completing courses and earning degrees far more convenient. Both colleges and professors began to make online learning a featured element of their programs and courses, attracting a wider range of students who now could make their higher education goals a reality. Here are 10 of the biggest benefits of online degree programs.
- Convenience
Attending multiple classes face-to-face can be a challenge. There’s traffic, parking, walking to class, and juggling other in-person commitments. Yet with online programs, most if not all coursework can be done from home, a coffee shop, the doctor’s office, or anywhere you find yourself with time to log on. - Affordability
With online degree programs, cost savings can occur in a couple different areas. First, the remote nature of the coursework means no car wear-and-tear commuting to campus, no parking fees, and no need to burn gas driving across town. Second, many colleges offer online programs for the same price as their in-state tuition, or even lower. - Expanded opportunity
With campus-based courses, you’re restricted to the courses that take place on campus. With online programs and courses, there’s no geographic restriction. Many colleges and universities with multiple campuses across a state, region, or the nation, make all of their online programs available to their students regardless of where they live. You may also be more likely to get accepted into an online school. These are just some of the best online colleges with high acceptance rates. - Accreditation
In the early days of online learning, accreditation was tricky. A majority of programs had national accreditation or a special distance education accreditation, which isn’t the same as regional accreditation endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education. Now, a majority of online programs come from colleges and universities who hold regional accreditation, and have the same quality standards as their on-campus relatives. Learn more about accreditation for online colleges. - Real-world readiness
Although many people work face-to-face with co-workers on a daily basis, more and more work is done online: email, applications, mobile, online collaboration tools, etc. Learning to use web-based communication and data programs in college is a great stepping-stone to using them effectively in a work environment. - Networking
Yes, you use a network when logging onto your online program, but in this case, networking means connecting more easily with peers and professors across the country. Online forums, meet-ups, and other connection hubs make talking about coursework, virtual labs, comparing notes, and asking questions a much wider activity if desired. These connections can also turn into career opportunities after the degree has been earned. - Customization
This can mean two things, as well. First, the wider selection of online courses can make customization of a specific degree program easier. There’s no need to wait for courses to become available, and more and more courses can be combined to craft unique degree programs within your major. Second, you can customize your learning experience by finding both when and where you learn the best. If you study and participate better in your home office, that works. A coffee shop? That works, too. At the library, go plug in there. - Immediate feedback
With face-to-face classes, you take quizzes and tests in-person, and get your grade the following week or so. In some cases this may not matter, but in others, the anticipation of knowing how well you did can elevate your anxiety. In many online courses, quiz and exam results are calculated and delivered as soon as you hit Submit. - Self-discipline
With great flexibility comes great responsibility. If you’re in an online program that lets you study and submit work at your own pace, the burden is solely on you to get it done. You need to set aside study time, quiz time, collaboration time, and more. You may have a support group (or person) to help you, but, ultimately, it’s mostly self-controlled.
Achieving Online School Success
Whether you’re a student or a teacher, online programs can be tough — at least at first. There’s new technology, new ways to communicate, and new ways of actually learning. And many of these challenges require solutions, especially insight and ideas from experts who have extensive training and experience when it comes to the digital classroom. Use the following resource to start your online learning journey.
Teacher’s Guide to Online School Success: Learn the importance of digital access, organization, having the right tech, and insight from online learning insiders.
Netiquette in the Online Classroom: How you communicate with others can be critical to your success as an online student (or teacher). Learn the do’s and don’ts of online classroom communication and discover key tips to maximize your academic relationships with others.
How to Avoid Cheating & Plagiarism in Online School: Whether you’re a teacher or a student, know the signs and learn what to avoid when you’re taking your lessons, assignments, and quizzes to the virtual classroom.
Organization & Note-Taking in Online School: The online classroom experience poses unique advantages and challenges. Learn what you can do to stay organized and on top of your note-taking as an online student with techniques, hacks, and resources.
How to Transfer Online College Credits: The idea of transferring online college credits can be daunting, but by following a few crucial steps, you can make it happen. Learn how to transfer your online college credits without losing any along the way and get answers to some of your most common questions.
Online School Tech: Resources for Students & Parents: From Canvas and Blackboard to Google Meet and Zoom, there’s a lot of tech to become familiar with as an online student. Whether you’re a student yourself or the parent of an online learner, get the resources your need to make the transition to the digital classroom smooth sailing.