Best Online Associate Degrees in Criminal Justice: 2024
An online associate degree in criminal justice can lead to many rewarding careers in law enforcement, corrections and similar fields, making it an attractive degree choice. To help narrow down your options, we’ve identified accredited universities and community colleges with this year’s best online criminal justice associate degree programs. See which programs ranked the highest in 2024, and find the one that best meets your academic and career goals.
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
Private, Christian-affiliated Regent University offers their criminal justice degree entirely online through its Associate of Science in Criminal Justice program. Students complete a minimum of 63 credits of general education and major specific core coursework in subjects that include corrections, criminal investigation, criminology, criminal and constitutional law, and ethics. All courses are available 100% online in an asynchronous format, allowing students to access and complete their studies at anytime. The program is also available on Regent's Virginia campus in the city of Virginia Beach. Online criminal justice students are mentored by faculty members in Virginia Beach. Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions in local, state, federal, and international law enforcement. All credits earned in the program can be applied to Regent's BS in Criminal Justice program, which is also offered both on-campus and remotely.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Science in Criminal Justice
- Credits: Minimum 63
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $395/credit (full-time); $450/credit (part-time)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
2
Livonia, Michigan
Madonna University in Livonia, Michigan offers its Associate of Science in Criminal Justice program in a fully online format with courses delivered asynchronously, allowing students the greatest level of study convenience and flexibility. Students complete a 60-semester hour curriculum consisting of 21 credits of core general education classes, three credits of religious values coursework, 24 credits of criminal justice major coursework, and the elective classes. Major course topics include criminal justice, corrections, juvenile justice, criminal law and procedure, interviewing and investigative report writing, and more. The AS in Criminal Justice program is also available on Madonna's Livonia, Michigan campus. Credits earned in the AS program are transferable into MU's Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program which is also available online and on-campus.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Science in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $525/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
3
Ashland, Ohio
Ashland University is a private, Christian-affiliated university with its main campus in Ashland, Ohio. Ashland's Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice degree offers a fast and convenient path to a career in law enforcement and a number of other criminal justice system related occupations. Students complete 60 credits of general education and criminal justice major coursework, and students can take these courses on an asynchronous online format. All coursework in the AA program is transferable into Ashland's Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program, which is also available online. Key features to the program include credit for work and life experience through a Prior Learning Assessment Portfolio and matching funds for veterans through the Federal Yellow Ribbon program. First Responders, members of the Fraternal Order of Police, and their family members are eligible for a 15% tuition discount.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $395/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
4
Canton, New York
5
Great Falls, Montana
6
Lakewood, Colorado
7
Parkville, Missouri
8
Logan, Utah
9
Muncie, Indiana
10
Mansfield, Pennsylvania
11
Russellville, Arkansas
12
Reno, Nevada
13
Glenville, West Virginia
14
Lynchburg, Virginia
15
Spartanburg, South Carolina
16
Pocatello, Idaho
17
Clarion, Pennsylvania
18
Nashville, Tennessee
19
Anderson, Indiana
20
Aberdeen, South Dakota
21
Saint Leo, Florida
22
Silver City, New Mexico
23
Summerdale, Pennsylvania
24
University Park, Pennsylvania
25
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
26
Watertown, Wisconsin
27
Johnson, Vermont
28
Waleska, Georgia
29
Fort Kent, Maine
30
Augusta, Maine
31
Bismarck, North Dakota
32
Henniker, New Hampshire
33
East Liverpool, Ohio
34
Columbia, Missouri
35
Dayton, Ohio
36
McKenzie, Tennessee
37
Marquette, Michigan
38
West Lafayette, Indiana
39
Elko, Nevada
40
Buies Creek, North Carolina
41
Rock Springs, Wyoming
42
Topeka, Kansas
43
Presque Isle, Maine
44
Woodland Park, New Jersey
45
Clarksville, Tennessee
46
Louisville, Kentucky
47
Brookfield, Wisconsin
48
Montgomery, Alabama
49
Honolulu, Hawaii
50
Oakdale, Pennsylvania
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
Fulton, Mississippi
The AAS in Criminal Justice Technology at Itawamba Community College in northeast Mississippi is a two-year full-time program that prepares students for entry-level positions in law enforcement. Course topics include community policing, corrections, criminal investigation, criminal law, and traffic law. Students receive a Career Certificate upon completion of the first 30 credits of the program and their AAS degree upon completion of the entire 60-61 credit program. Admission is open to applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent. Itawamba CC's education funding policy is that no qualifying student should be denied an education because of financial need. Therefore, ICC works with students who can demonstrate financial need to provide a package of funding resources that may include student loans, state and federal grants, county guaranteed tuition grants, work study, and more.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice Technology
- Credits: 60-61
- Length: 4 semesters
- Cost: $145/credit (in-state); $245/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
2
Napa, California
Napa Valley College is a public community college with campuses in Napa and St. Helena in California. NVC offers an Associate of Science in Administration of Justice degree with two options, each with slightly different course requirements. The AS in Administration of Justice prepares graduates for entry-level law enforcement positions, as well as to continue on to a four-year school to earn a bachelor's degree. The program culminates in the completion of an internship with any of a number of law enforcement related agencies. The AS-T in Administration of Justice is specifically designed to provide a “clear pathway” for students intending to earn their bachelor's degree at a California State University system institution. An internship is not required of AS-T students, but is available as an elective. Both degree options require students to complete 60 credits of general education and major-specific courses. Coursework is presented in a combination of in-person and asynchronous online classes.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Science in Administration of Justice
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $46/credit (in-state); $471/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: ACCJC-WASC
3
Santa Rosa, California
Santa Rosa Junior College is a public community college in Northern California' Sonoma County. SRJC's Associate of Science for Transfer (AS-T) in Administration of Justice degree allows graduates to seamlessly transfer to earn their bachelor's degree at a California State University system or University of California school. Earning the AS-T degree requires completion of 60 credits including the CSU or IEGTC General Education Pattern courses along with 18 Administration of Justice major-specific courses. The major-specific courses can be completed 100% online although some courses may not be available online during some semesters. Additionally, not all general education classes are taught online. Students must also obtain an overall minimum GPA of 2.0 to earn the AS-T degree and qualify for a transfer to a four-year institution.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Science for Transfer in Administration of Justice
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $46/credit (in-state); $462/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: ACCJC-WASC
4
Pleasant Hill, California
5
Norfolk, Nebraska
6
Shell Lake, Wisconsin
7
Waco, Texas
8
Fort Dodge, Iowa
9
Mountain Home, Arkansas
10
Elizabeth City, North Carolina
11
Grand Island, Nebraska
12
Clyde, North Carolina
13
Tishomingo, Oklahoma
14
Marshalltown, Iowa
15
Brockton, Massachusetts
16
Martinsburg, West Virginia
17
El Reno, Oklahoma
18
Spindale, North Carolina
19
Pinehurst, North Carolina
20
Flat Rock, North Carolina
21
Highland, Kansas
22
San Diego, California
23
Thatcher, Arizona
24
Harriman, Tennessee
25
Sedalia, Missouri
26
Hobbs, New Mexico
27
Wesson, Mississippi
28
Ankeny, Iowa
29
Wheeling, West Virginia
30
Washington, North Carolina
31
Albany, Georgia
32
Haverhill, Massachusetts
33
Auburn, New York
34
El Dorado, Kansas
35
Chicago, Illinois
36
Bedford, Massachusetts
37
Schriever, Louisiana
38
Willmar, Minnesota
39
Mount Laurel, New Jersey
40
Goldsboro, North Carolina
41
Tampa, Florida
42
Waterloo, Iowa
43
Lansing, Michigan
44
Dryden, New York
45
Salina, Kansas
46
Poplar Bluff, Missouri
47
Amarillo, Texas
48
Columbus, Ohio
49
Whiteville, North Carolina
50
Appleton, Wisconsin
Getting to Know the Online Associate Degree in Criminal Justice
The criminal justice associate degree is an excellent academic pathway for anyone looking to build a career in law enforcement. Taking around two years to complete, most associate degree programs consist of 60 credits, completed over four semesters.
In addition to taking courses in criminal procedure, constitutional law, and corrections, students can also receive a well-rounded education by taking general education courses, like public speaking, English, and history. Given that the curriculum is easily delivered in a classroom setting, criminal justice degrees are perfect for students seeking the flexibility of distance learning options. Let’s dive into what you can expect from an online criminal justice associate degree program.
Types of Online ACJ (Associate of Criminal Justice) Programs
Students interested in earning an associate degree in criminal justice have two primary tracks to choose from: traditional and online. The traditional track is perfect for those who desire an on-campus experience. However, many who seek a college degree need the flexibility of taking courses remotely and on a schedule that can work around their professional or family obligations. That’s where online degrees come in.
In addition to flexibility, speed of completion is a primary concern for online students. As a result, there are two primary types of online associate degree programs available for those interested in a criminal justice degree: standard and accelerated.
Standard Criminal Justice AS Program Online
Most online criminal justice associate degree programs will have a default timeline of two years for completion. Each year, a student will attend classes for two semesters and take approximately 15 credits per semester. During the semester, they will be able to progress through their coursework at their own pace, from a location and class start time of their choosing.
Standard online criminal justice associate degree programs are best for students who do not need to quickly enter the workforce and would like to have their summers free to work or engage in other, non-academic activities.
Accelerated Criminal Justice AS Program Online
For students wishing to finish their associate degree as quickly as possible, an accelerated program is something to consider. Instead of finishing in two years, students can earn their degree in as little as one year. The specifics of these programs will depend on the school, but it includes acceptance of transfer credits, such as is the case with Colorado Christian University. Other schools may allow students to speed up their learning by taking courses year round or taking a higher than usual course load. Other institutions, such as Purdue University Global, will provide academic credit for prior military or professional experience.
How are Online Associate Programs in Criminal Justice Accredited?
Accreditation ensures a program meets specific standards of academic quality. Therefore, before enrolling, prospective students should ensure their school of choice has been accredited at the regional or institutional level. Keep in mind that most online associate level criminal justice programs will not have accreditation beyond what a school may receive from a regional or institutional accrediting body. However, there is one organization that may come up as a potential accrediting body at the program level.
The Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences: Technically speaking, the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) does not accredit criminal justice programs. Rather, it provides certification to programs that meet the ACJS’ quality standards. As of the time of this writing, no associate degree criminal justice programs have ACJS certification, though approximately 15 bachelor’s and master’s level programs do. The ACJS is no longer certifying any program “until further notice.”
ACJ Curriculum Overview
Each school will have its own unique curriculum, but there will be many similarities in the subjects covered. The following is a list of several courses found in a typical online associate degree program.
The Basics of Criminal Justice
Students will learn about the three components of the criminal justice system: corrections, the courts, and law enforcement. Students will also learn about the imperfections of the current criminal justice system and potential new policies and ideas to improve it.
Criminology
Students will learn the foundational concepts of criminal behavior. These include a review of criminal theory, causation, and the various types of crimes that society recognizes.
Courts
This class will provide an overview of the criminal court system. In addition to an explanation of due process and courtroom procedures, students will examine the differences between the traditional criminal court system and the juvenile court system.
Ethics in Criminal Justice
When theories behind crime and punishment are applied to the real world, they don’t always result in fair or moral results. This course examines these ethical dilemmas commonly faced by criminal justice professionals and different perspectives for solving them.
Policing
Students will learn about the theoretical basis for policing in society, as well as how it’s implemented and performed in real-world situations. Ethical considerations will also be reviewed.
Private Security
It’s not always public law enforcement officers that maintain public order and safety. This class will look deeper into the privatization of security duties for the protection of business and communities, including operational analysis.
Law Enforcement of Different Cultures
The United States is known as a melting pot of different cultures, languages, and religions. This course will take a look at various considerations when engaging in law enforcement services for minority communities and groups.
Introduction to Crime Scene Investigations
Students will learn the proper techniques and procedures when it comes to the investigative stage of the criminal justice process, as well as the constitutional and practical considerations behind these procedures.
What Core Concepts Will You Study?
An associate degree in criminal justice will provide a comprehensive overview of how a justice system works. It starts with generally accepted theories and principles, then moves on to law enforcement, crimes, evidence gathering, the legal court process, and forms of punishment. To help explain and facilitate this process, as well as reduce crime and improve safety, students can expect to learn the following core concepts.
Analyze data
Statistics is a major tool for preventing and fighting crime. Students will learn basic principles for statistical analysis and how to apply them to real-world scenarios such that community safety can be improved while criminal justice resources are reduced.
Predict patterns and criminal behavior
While human behavior is notoriously unpredictable, when examining a large enough group, patterns can emerge that allow criminal justice professionals to anticipate crime and prevent or reduce its negative effects.
Create criminal profiles
To better understand criminals and the crimes they commit, criminal justice students will grasp the theories behind creating a criminal profile. Profiling will help analyze the motives behind a specific individual’s actions and may even allow law enforcement officials to anticipate or predict future criminal behavior.
Establish agency protocols and procedures
To ensure the integrity and reliability of the criminal justice system, certain rules and procedures must be followed. A criminal justice degree will teach students how to follow these protocols to effectively and efficiently operate while still respecting the rights of the accused.
Online Criminal Justice Associates Degree: FAQs
Earning an associate degree in criminal justice online is convenient, but it’s hardly an easy task. It takes plenty of discipline, preparation, and hard work. To help you get the most out of your online degree in criminal justice, take a look at the following FAQs, which address a few of the more critical questions you might have.
Will I Get Accepted into an Online ACJ Program?
Admissions requirements can vary widely. Almost all programs require an application and transcripts, but to ensure you have the highest probability of acceptance, make sure you’re aware of the following points.
What’s the Timeline for an Online Associate in Criminal Justice?
When it comes to an associate degree in criminal justice, students should expect to spend about 2 years working on completing their degree. However, with more online degree options for criminal justice becoming available, it is possible that a student could complete their degree in as little as one year. Below is a look at how Truckee Meadows Community College breaks down their associate in criminal justice degree.
| Term | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 1 | A humanities or diversity course Foreign language English Social Science Introduction to Administration of Justice | 16 |
| Spring 1 | Foreign Language English Composition Mathematics Two required criminal justice courses of the student’s choice | 16 |
| Fall 2 | Criminal justice elective One required criminal justice course of student’s choice Criminal Law and Procedure Foreign language Science | 15 |
| Spring 2 | Fine arts Science Foreign Language Criminal justice elective | 13 |
How Much Does an Online Associate Degree in Criminal Justice Cost?
Earning an online degree isn’t easy. It takes a significant amount of time, effort, and money. Of those three issues, the biggest hurdle might be the financial aspect. It’s vitally important to understand the costs, what financial aid might be available, and the payment expectations of the school before making a final decision on which program is right for you. Let’s take a look at what to expect in terms of tuition.
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Texas College | 60 | $77 (in-district), $87 (out-of-district), $200 (out-of-state | $4,620 (in-district), $5,220 (out-of-district), $12,000 (out-of-state |
| Clarion University | 60 | Annual cost of $9,805 (in-state) and $11,084 (out-of-state) when taking full semester course loads of 12-18 credits. | $19,610 (in-state) and $22,168 (out-of-state) |
| Purdue University Global | 90 (quarter credits) | $371 (per quarter credit hour) | $22,500 (maximum cap) |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 60 | $320 | $19,200 |
| Liberty University | 60 | $390 | $24,395 |
