From fighting crime in the streets and conducting investigations in forensics labs to advocating for justice in the courtroom and protecting our rights through public policy, criminal justice college graduates contribute to a safer world.
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the full range of online and on-campus criminal justice programs in Arizona today and highlight this year’s best overall options to help you find the right program for your needs. You’ll also discover how earning your criminal justice degree in Arizona can help you launch or advance your career in law enforcement, corrections, criminal law, private investigation, security, forensics, and any number of other roles in the criminal justice field.
So, if your dream is a successful career as a criminal justice professional, keep reading. Discover how to turn that dream into reality by earning your degree or certificate from one of the top criminal justice schools in Arizona for 2024.
Spotlighting the Best Arizona Colleges for Criminal Justice in 2024
Ready to get started? Begin your program search with these three spotlights on top criminal justice schools in Arizona for 2024. We’ve based our selections on critical considerations like accreditation, affordability, quality curriculum and faculty, and the availability of student-friendly academic and career support services. These spotlights also provide a preview of our full rankings of Arizona criminal justice schools, coming soon — so be sure to check back.
Arizona State University
Located in Phoenix, Arizona State University is one of the largest public universities by enrollment in the United States. Through its School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, it also offers a wide variety of criminal justice degree programs and certificates. Included are both undergraduate and graduate (master’s and doctoral) degree programs, as well as certificates in both the undergraduate and graduate degree levels. A number of these programs are offered on campus or online. ASU additionally offers students in its Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice program the opportunity to earn both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in less time and with less cost through its Accelerated BS/MS or MA program. Qualifying undergraduate and graduate students may earn college credits and gain valuable real-world experience through internship programs with ASU-affiliated criminal justice organizations and businesses throughout Arizona and nationwide.
Program Highlights:
BS in Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Credits: 120
- Length: 3-4 years
- Cost: $808 per credit in-state (on-campus) | $1,310 per credit out-of-state (on-campus) | $563 per credit in-state and out-of-state (online)
- Delivery: On-Campus; Online; Full-Time
- Specializations: General; Policing
- Credits: 33
- Length: As few as 18 months
- Cost: $565 per credit in-state and out-of-state
- Delivery: Online
- Specializations: Customizable via elective choices
MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Credits: 33
- Length: As few as 18 months
- Cost: $884 per credit in-state | $1,429 per credit out-of-state
- Delivery: On-Campus
- Specializations: None
PhD in Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Credits: 84
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $884 per credit in-state | $1,429 per credit out-of-state
- Delivery: On-Campus
- Specializations: None
Northern Arizona University
If you’re researching criminal justice schools in Arizona, you’ll want to check out Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff — another quality and affordable public institution that offers a number of degree options through its Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice. Of note is NAU’s Bachelor of Science in Indian Country Criminal Justice program — offered both online and on the university’s Flagstaff campus — which is the only one of its kind in the United States. The program focuses on the facets and challenges of this unique and complex field, providing analysis of criminal justice based on the foundational principle that American Indian nations are self-governing sovereigns. In addition, NAU offers a BS in Criminology and Criminal Justice or MS in Applied Criminology, both of which are available on campus only. And students seeking both undergraduate and graduate degrees can save time and money with the Criminology and Criminal Justice 3+2 accelerated bachelor’s and master’s degree option.
Program Highlights:
BS in Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $473 per credit in-state | $710 per credit Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) | $1,150 per credit out-of-state
- Delivery: On-Campus; Full-Time
- Specializations: None
BS in Indian Country Criminal Justice
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $473 per credit in-state and all online students | $710 per credit Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) | $1,150 per credit out-of-state
- Delivery: On-Campus; Online; Full-Time
- Specializations: None
- Credits: 36
- Length: Varies (depends on student’s chosen pace in thesis completion)
- Cost: $610 per credit in-state | $1,630 per credit out-of-state
- Delivery: On-Campus
- Specializations: Communities, Health, and Justice; Law, Policy and Social Change; Transnational Crime and Justice
Park University
Park University offers a sweeping slate of degree and certificate programs in criminal justice. Unlike our other spotlight programs, Park also offers an associate degree option in addition to its bachelor’s and master’s degrees through its robust Criminal Justice Administration program. The school offers criminal justice students the chance to gain valuable real-world experience through internships with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, Homeland Security, correctional facilities, adult and juvenile courts, and probation and parole agencies.
While Park University is headquartered in Parkville, Missouri, the private school maintains a campus in Gilbert, Arizona as well as two Arizona campus centers. All Park University criminal justice administration degrees mentioned here, as well as its undergraduate minor and a graduate certificate, are available online, on its Gilbert campus, and at its campus center at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base near downtown Tucson.
Program Highlights:
AS in Criminal Justice Administration
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years full-time (but varies by student’s chosen study pace)
- Cost: $580 per credit in-state and out-of-state
- Delivery: On-Campus; Online; Full-Time; Part-Time
- Specializations: None
BA in Criminal Justice Administration
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years full-time (but varies by student’s chosen study pace)
- Cost: $580 per credit in-state and out-of-state
- Delivery: On-Campus; Online; Full-Time; Part-Time
- Specializations: Corrections; Law Enforcement; Security
Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA) with Criminal Justice Concentration
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years full-time (but varies by student’s chosen study pace)
- Cost: $580 per credit in-state and out-of-state
- Delivery: On-Campus; Online; Full-Time; Part-Time
- Specializations: Criminal Justice
BS in Criminal Justice Administration
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years full-time (but varies by student’s chosen study pace)
- Cost: $580 per credit in-state and out-of-state
- Delivery: On-Campus; Online; Full-Time; Part-Time
- Specializations: Corrections, Law Enforcement, Security
Master of Public Administration (MPA) with Criminal Justice Concentration
- Credits: 36
- Length: Varies (depends on student’s chosen study pace)
- Cost: $695 per credit in-state and out-of-state
- Delivery: On-Campus; Online; Blended/Hybrid; Full-Time; Part-Time
- Specializations: None
Top Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs in Arizona
Online and hybrid criminal justice degree and certificate programs provide a convenient alternative to traditional on-campus programs. That’s a big plus for anyone looking to fit their studies into already busy job and life schedules. And with Arizona’s vast open spaces, an online program may be the best option for students who don’t want to commute. The good news is that quality, affordable online criminal justice degrees in Arizona are available for master’s, bachelor’s, and even associate degree seekers, as evidenced by the programs available from the three schools spotlighted below. You’ll even find fully online undergraduate and graduate certificate programs as well. To learn more about online criminal justice programs in Arizona and throughout the nation, be sure to visit our guide to the top online criminal justice degrees.
Grand Canyon University
Private, Christian-affiliated Grand Canyon University offers two master’s degree options in the criminal justice field, both of which are available entirely online. The Master of Science in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Law Enforcement is designed to enhance the career qualifications for working professionals in law enforcement. Students gain knowledge and skills in crime analysis, strategic planning, contemporary crime trends, risk management in policing, and more. GCU’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Legal Studies provides current professionals the ability to gain skills in the areas of justice administration, public policy, and social research, all with a focus on ethical decision-making.
In addition to its criminal justice master’s programs, GCU offers an online Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies program featuring an interdisciplinary curriculum covering topics in criminal and civil law, corrections, threat assessments, and how law impacts individuals and communities.
Grand Canyon University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and authorized in Arizona by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education.
Program Highlights:
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $687.50 per credit in-state and out-of-state (on-campus) | $485 per credit in-state and out-of-state (online)
- Delivery: On-Campus; Online; Full-Time
- Specializations: None
MS in Criminal Justice with Emphasis in Law Enforcement
- Credits: 38
- Length: Varies (depends on number of courses taken at a time)
- Cost: $575 per credit in-state and out-of-state
- Delivery: Online; Full-time; Part-time
- Specializations: Law Enforcement
MS in Criminal Justice with Emphasis in Legal Studies
- Credits: 38
- Length: Varies (depends on number of courses taken at a time)
- Cost: $575 per credit in-state and out-of-state
- Delivery: Online; Full-Time; Part-Time
- Specializations: Legal Studies
University of Arizona Global Campus
The University of Arizona Global Campus is an independent, public online university affiliated with the University of Arizona. Regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), UAGC offers dozens of undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs entirely online, including three criminal justice degrees through its College of Arts and Sciences. Undergraduates can choose between two Bachelor of Arts options. The BA in Social and Criminal Justice provides foundational knowledge and skills to students interested or currently working in law enforcement or the criminal justice system. The BA in Homeland Security and Emergency Management offers a broad-based approach to emergency preparedness and the professional security fields. Graduate students can advance in their criminal justice careers with the MS in Criminal Justice program.
All three of these online criminal justice degrees in Arizona are delivered 100% online, with students completing one course at a time. Each program additionally offers a number of specialization options that allow students to tailor their studies to meet their unique professional interests.
Program Highlights:
BA in Social and Criminal Justice
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $510 per credit in-state and out-of-state
- Delivery: Online; Full-Time
- Specializations: Business Economics; Cognitive Studies; Entrepreneurship; Health and Wellness; Real Estate Studies; Supply Chain Management
BA in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $510 per credit in-state and out-of-state
- Delivery: Online; Full-Time
- Specializations: Business Economics; Cognitive Studies; Entrepreneurship; Health and Wellness; Real Estate Studies; Supply Chain Management
- Credits: 39
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $740 per credit in-state and out-of-state
- Delivery: Online; Full-Time
- Specializations: Homeland Security; Law Enforcement & Corrections Administration
University of Phoenix
The University of Phoenix is a private university known for offering online programs at every degree level. That’s certainly true of its menu of online criminal justice degree programs, which includes master’s, bachelor’s, and associate degree options. The Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice is designed to prepare students for entry-level careers in law enforcement and corrections. Credits earned are also considered transfer-friendly, meaning they’re transferable into University of Phoenix criminal justice bachelor’s programs and likely can be transferred into bachelor’s programs at other colleges and universities, too.
A key feature of UOP’s online criminal justice degrees in Arizona is that coursework is delivered asynchronously: Students can access classes from anywhere at any time. Program start dates are available monthly for undergraduate programs and every three months for master’s programs.
The University of Phoenix is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is an Institutional Member of the Academy of Criminal Justice Studies (ACJS).
Program Highlights:
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $398 per credit in-state and out-of-state
- Delivery: Online; Full-Time
- Specializations: None
BS in Correctional Program Support Services
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $398 per credit in-state and out-of-state
- Delivery: Online; Full-Time
- Specializations: None
BS in Criminal Justice Administration
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $398 per credit in-state and out-of-state
- Delivery: Online; Full-Time
- Specializations: None
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $398 per credit in-state and out-of-state
- Delivery: Online; Full-Time
- Specializations: None
Master of Public Administration
- Credits: 36
- Length: As few as 17 months
- Cost: $698 per credit in-state and out-of-state
- Delivery: Online; Full-Time; Part-Time
- Specializations: None
MS in Administration of Justice and Security
- Credits: 37
- Length: As few as 18 months
- Cost: $698 per credit in-state and out-of-state
- Delivery: Online; Full-Time; Part-Time
- Specializations: None
Types of Criminal Justice Degrees in Arizona You Can Earn
Among criminal justice schools in Arizona, you’ll find colleges and universities offering a full range of undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate options, ensuring you’ll be able to find at least one program that fits your academic needs and career goals. But with all of the different types of programs out there, how do you know which one is the right one for you? Below are descriptions and examples of each of the different criminal justice program types to help you decide.
Associate Degrees
An associate degree in criminal justice provides general educational and basic criminal justice-related coursework to prepare students for entry-level positions in law enforcement, corrections, security, and related fields. It may also provide the academic foundation some employers look for to move current entry-level employees up the career ladder into mid-level positions. A criminal justice associate degree additionally provides its holder with college credits that can be transferred to bachelor’s degree programs. Like most associate degree programs, you’ll likely need to devote two years of full-time study to earn your degree.
Examples of Accredited Arizona Colleges with this Criminal Justice Degree
| College | Location | Delivery | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coconino Community College – AAS in Administration of Justice | Flagstaff | On-Campus | Higher Learning Commission |
| Park University – AS in Criminal Justice Administration | Gilbert; Davis-Monthan AFB | On-Campus; Online | Higher Learning Commission |
| Pima Community College – AAS in Justice Professions | Tucson | On-Campus | Higher Learning Commission |
| Scottsdale Community College – AA with Emphasis in Criminal Justice | Scottsdale | On-Campus | Higher Learning Commission |
| University of Phoenix – AA in Criminal Justice | Phoenix | Online | Higher Learning Commission |
Bachelor’s Degrees
Criminal justice students seeking a more comprehensive and broader-ranging foundation in the field than is available with an associate degree will want to consider a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. There are many on-campus and online programs available from four-year colleges and universities throughout Arizona. A bachelor’s in criminal justice, like an associate degree, prepares its holder for career pathways in diverse criminal justice fields such as law enforcement and public safety. These programs typically require four years of full-time study to complete, although some criminal justice schools in Arizona may allow flexibility.
Examples of Accredited Arizona Colleges with this Criminal Justice Degree
| College | Location | Delivery | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Christian University – Bachelor of Political Science in Criminal Justice | Glendale | On-Campus | Higher Learning Commission |
| Arizona State University – BS in Criminology and Criminal Justice | Phoenix; West Valley; Lake Havasu | On-Campus; Online | Higher Learning Commission |
| Grand Canyon University – BS in Justice Studies | Phoenix | On-Campus; Online | Higher Learning Commission |
| Northern Arizona University – BS in Criminology and Criminal Justice | Flagstaff | On-Campus | Higher Learning Commission |
| The University of Arizona – BS in Criminal Justice Studies | Tucson | On-Campus | WSCUC |
Master’s Degrees
Master’s degree programs in criminal justice are designed to prepare current working professionals for advancement into administrative and other leadership roles in the criminal justice field. It’s also at the master’s degree level that programs become more specialized, something typically reflected in either the degree’s title or in the specializations offered within the degree program. Some common concentrations include public administration, criminology, law enforcement, corrections, and homeland security. Since these programs are designed with working professionals in mind, you’ll likely find most criminal justice programs in Arizona are offered with flexible study options and completion times (full-time students may be able to earn their degrees in around 1½ to 2 years), and many are available fully or partially online.
Examples of Accredited Arizona Colleges with this Criminal Justice Degree
| College | Location | Delivery | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University – MA in Criminal Justice | Phoenix | Online | Higher Learning Commission |
| Grand Canyon University – MS in Criminal Justice with Emphasis in Law Enforcement | Phoenix | Online | Higher Learning Commission |
| Northern Arizona University – MS in Applied Criminology | Flagstaff | On-Campus | Higher Learning Commission |
| The University of Arizona Global Campus – MS in Criminal Justice | Chandler | Online | WSCUC |
| University of Phoenix – MS in Administration of Justice and Security | Phoenix | Online | Higher Learning Commission |
Doctoral Degrees
The criminal justice doctoral degree is the terminal degree for professionals in the field. There are two basic types of criminal justice doctoral degrees: the PhD in Criminal Justice and the Doctorate in Criminal Justice. Differences between the two types can be subtle. Generally speaking, however, the PhD is designed primarily for students seeking to become top-level criminal justice scholars and leaders in academia, research, and policy-making. The Doctorate in Criminal Justice is geared more toward highly experienced professionals interested in top-tier leadership positions with criminal justice organizations and agencies.
Below you’ll find criminal justice schools in Arizona offering doctoral degree options in the field.
Examples of Accredited Arizona Colleges with this Criminal Justice Degree
| College | Location | Delivery | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University – PhD in Criminology and Criminal Justice | Phoenix | On-Campus | Higher Learning Commission |
| Arizona State University – PhD in Justice Studies | Tempe | On-Campus | Higher Learning Commission |
| University of Arizona Global Campus – Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) with specialization in Criminology and Justice Studies | Chandler | Online | WSCUC |
Certificates
Criminal justice certificates offer students the ability to enhance their professional knowledge and skills in a particular area of the criminal justice field without having to take on the time and expense of an entire degree program. Earning a criminal justice certificate can provide you with a valuable addition to your resume that will help you stand out from your competition in the job market. Certificate requirements vary by program in total credits (typically 12 to 21) and completion times (six months to one year, in most cases).
Examples of Accredited Arizona Colleges with this Criminal Justice Degree
| College | Location | Delivery | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University – Undergraduate Certificate in Homeland Security | Phoenix | On-Campus; Online | Higher Learning Commission |
| Arizona State University – Graduate Certificate in Corrections Leadership and Management | Phoenix | On-Campus; Online | Higher Learning Commission |
| Northern Arizona University – Undergraduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Administration | Yuma | Online | Higher Learning Commission |
| Northern Arizona University – Graduate Certificate in Leadership in Criminal Justice Administration | Yuma | Online | Higher Learning Commission |
| Park University – Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Administration | Gilbert; Davis-Monthan AFB | On-Campus; Online | Higher Learning Commission |
Financial Aid Opportunities for Criminal Justice Students in Arizona
Criminal justice programs in Arizona, like anywhere else, require a major financial commitment. Fortunately, you can tap into a variety of valuable resources to help pay for your education. Among the most common:
- Student loans, particularly those available through the Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid program
- Scholarships and grants, both program-exclusive (like those available to CJ students at Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University and external
- Work study programs
- Assistantships and fellowships (mostly for graduate students)
- Employer tuition reimbursement programs
- VA benefits for veterans
To get detailed information on any funding opportunities available to you, be sure to contact your school’s financial aid office. Another great resource is the State of Arizona’s Student Financial Aid programs website. And for more help paying for criminal justice colleges in Arizona, be sure to check out our own Criminal Justice Scholarships and Resources guide.
Employment and Earnings Outlook for Criminal Justice Grads in Arizona
In the chart below, we’ve listed the most recent Department of Labor employment outlook and earnings figures in the state for some of the most common occupations open to graduates of criminal justice programs in Arizona. They’ll give you a general idea of what the job market in the state currently looks like. It’s important to keep in mind that the earnings figures are averages for the entire state. What you actually earn in your job will depend, among other things, on your specific employer, job title and level of experience. Your specific geographic location will also influence what you earn. For example, here are the most recent annual mean wages (also from the Department of Labor) for police and sheriff patrol officers for three Arizona metro areas:
- Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale: $74,150
- Flagstaff: $63,120
- Yuma: $58,250
It’s also important to remember that your salary and job growth potential will likely be positively impacted by the fact that you possess a criminal justice degree or certificate.
| Job Growth Rate (2020-2030) | Average Annual Openings (2020-2030) | Annual Mean Wage (2022) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | -2.4% | 110 | $90,010 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | 5.9% | 130 | $98,430 |
| Police and Sheriff Patrol Officers | 6.9% | 860 | $69,900 |
| Private Detectives | 19.6% | 50 | $59,060 |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | -0.7% | 670 | $58,340 |
Sources: Projections Central;Bureau of Labor Statistics
Resources for Criminal Justice Students and Professionals in Arizona
- Alpha Phi Sigma: The Criminal Justice Honor Society
Alpha Phi Sigma supports the academic pursuits of undergraduate and graduate criminal justice students, as well as those pursuing a Juris Doctor degree. There are over 500 chapters in operation on college and university campuses throughout the U.S. and Canada, including three in Arizona — at Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Phoenix. - American Criminal Justice Association – Lambda Alpha Epsilon (ACJA-LAE)
The ACJA-LAE is an international fraternity of criminal justice professionals and students with a goal of, “encouraging the establishment and expansion of higher education and professional training in criminal justice.” Arizona collegiate chapters operate at Paradise Valley Community College in Phoenix and Arizona Western College in Yuma. Other criminal justice students in the state can join as members-at-large. - Arizona Association of Crime Analysts (AACA)
This non-profit organization serves law enforcement personnel and those working in crime analysis. Associate memberships are available to Arizona criminal justice students. Membership offers a variety of valuable professional networking opportunities through AACA-sponsored events and relationships with nearly 50 member agencies located throughout the state. Check the “Employment” page for leads on jobs, internships, and more. - Arizona Law Enforcement Association (AZLEA)
AZLEA is a non-profit association representing personnel in over 30 law enforcement agencies in the state. The association’s mission is to improve member working conditions and economic and personal security, as well as to promote camaraderie among its members. In addition to law enforcement, memberships are also available to civilians (including students). - Arizona Probation, Parole, and Corrections Association (APPCA)
This is the professional association for corrections employees in Arizona, with the goal of promoting the growth of its members and supporting/facilitating educational opportunities in the probation, parole, and corrections fields. Criminal justice students can join as Associate members.