Ohio Criminal Justice Programs Online: Finding the Right School

Online Associate’s Degrees for Criminal Justice Students

The associate degree is the fastest and most affordable option for students seeking a college degree in criminal justice. These two-year associate degree programs provide essential foundational knowledge for most criminal justice careers and general education coursework for a balanced education. Even when a college degree isn’t required for a particular position, getting this degree helps make the graduate more marketable and provides training and skills their peers may lack.

Bachelor’s Degrees Offered Online in Criminal Justice

A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice often takes twice as long to complete as an associate degree. The bachelor’s degree provides several advantages in return for this extra time in school. It offers added criminal justice training as well as a broad education as a result of the additional general education requirements. Earning a four-year degree opens the door to advancement later. Whether it’s a lateral transfer, promotion, or graduate school, having a bachelor’s degree can aid your progression.

Online Master’s Degrees in Criminal Justice

The master’s degree in criminal justice is best suited for existing criminal justice professionals who want to advance in their careers. This can include someone hoping to secure a promotion requiring a graduate degrees. However, master’s degree programs in criminal justice also provide leadership and management training to help graduates shift into managerial or supervisory roles within their current organizations. Additionally, the programs afford students the ability to study a particular area of criminal justice, like terrorism or cybersecurity.

Doctoral and Graduate Certificate Programs for Criminal Justice Students

Criminal justice doctorates are the least common type of criminal justice programs in Ohio. This is because most positions in the courts, corrections, and law enforcement don’t usually require doctoral training. However, some jobs benefit from or require this degree, such as those involving teaching at the postsecondary level, conducting research, or developing policies that affect the criminal justice system and how the government handles crime.

Alternatively, criminal justice graduate certificates exist so students may obtain the necessary training and skills in specific areas or specialization without spending extra time and money on courses they don’t need.

Answering Your FAQs About Criminal Justice Programs

Can I get financial aid for my criminal justice degree?

Paying for an Ohio criminal justice degree can be challenging, but various financial aid options are available, including loans, grants, work-study, fellowships, and scholarships. Scholarships, grants, and fellowships are ideal since they don’t require repayment, though they can be competitive. However, federal loans, which must be paid back, are a viable option. Begin by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, and take the time to look into your school’s scholarships and grants.

Is it worth it to get a degree in criminal justice in Ohio?

Whether any educational program is “worth it” depends on your goals, personal situation, and the program’s costs and outcomes. Generally speaking, though, a criminal justice degree in Ohio can offer diverse career opportunities in law enforcement, corrections, and security. While not always mandatory for entry-level positions, the degree enhances job prospects, provides valuable skills, and creates advancement opportunities. Consider starting at a community college to manage costs while pursuing this career path.

What job in criminal justice pays the most?

In the criminal justice field, certain careers offer notably high salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, lawyers earn a median annual salary of $145,760, making them among the top earners in the sector. Judges, adjudicators, and hearing officers also receive substantial compensation, with a median annual wage of $111,090. Additionally, first-line supervisors of police and detectives have a median annual wage of $101,750, reflecting the significant responsibilities associated with these roles. These positions typically require advanced education and extensive experience, aligning with their higher salary levels.

What is the highest degree in criminal justice?

A doctorate in criminal justice is the highest degree in the field, and it prepares students for careers in research, teaching, administration, and government. A Doctor of Criminal Justice degree is research-focused and prepares students to investigate, evaluate, and develop solutions to crime. Students typically complete core courses, a specialty track (criminology, victimology, applied statistics, forensic sciences, etc.), and a dissertation or project.

What jobs can I get with a degree in criminal justice?

A degree in criminal justice can lead to various career opportunities in Ohio, depending on the degree you choose to pursue. Below we’ve listed out some of the career possibilities based on education level:

Associate Degree

• Law Enforcement Officer
• Corrections Officer
• Security Officer

Bachelor’s Degree

• Probation or Parole Officer
• Crime Analyst
• Victim Advocate

Master’s Degree

• Criminal Justice Administrator
• Forensic Psychologist
• College Instructor

Doctoral Degree (Ph.D. or Doctor of Criminal Justice)

• University Professor
• Criminologist
• Policy Advisor

It’s important to note that some positions may require additional certifications or training beyond the degree. Additionally, career opportunities can vary based on individual experience and specific employer requirements.

Salaries & Careers for Ohio Criminal Justice Grads

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Ohio Resources for CJ Students & Professionals

Ohio offers a variety of resources for criminal justice students and professionals, including academic programs, professional associations, research centers, and policy initiatives. These resources provide educational opportunities, networking platforms, research collaborations, and policy development support to enhance careers and contribute to the field. Below is a list of resources that can help you both during and after your education.

• Alpha Phi Sigma: This is one of the most prominent criminal justice honor societies in the United States. Some of its benefits include mentorship and network events, as well as access to scholarships and career development opportunities. Local chapters are available throughout the country, including some criminal justice schools in Ohio.
• American Society of Criminology: Headquartered in Ohio, ASC promotes research on crime and criminal behavior, providing networking, conferences, and publications for criminologists, academics, and criminal justice professionals.
• Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police: This nonprofit organization promotes the interests of law enforcement executives and other law enforcement professionals with leadership responsibilities. Activities include networking events, research, and community engagement.
• Ohio Association of Security and Investigative Services: Also known as OASIS, the Ohio Association of Security and Investigative Services represents all private investigation and security professionals. Its activities include professional development and legislative advocacy.
• Ohio Community Corrections Association: Ohio’s penal system includes a community corrections program that assists individuals who have spent time in the state’s correctional system. This organization offers professional development and educational resources to community corrections workers.
• Ohio Identification Officers Association: This professional organization works on behalf of all professionals in Ohio who engage in the forensic and scientific examination of physical evidence from crimes. To achieve its mission, the association works to improve forensic procedures, support law enforcement agencies, and assist the Ohio government when drafting statutes and regulations.
• Ohio Innocence Project: The Ohio Innocence Projects works to exonerate wrongfully convicted individuals using DNA evidence, legal advocacy, and systemic criminal justice reforms.
• Ohio Justice & Policy Center (OJPC): Advocates for criminal justice reform, this organization provides legal assistance to incarcerated individuals and works to create fair sentencing policies in Ohio.
• OhioLINK: A consortium of Ohio’s college and university libraries, OhioLINK provides access to extensive academic resources, including electronic journals, books, and databases, to enhance research and learning.
• Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services(OCJS): OCJS provides grants, research, and training to enhance public safety, crime prevention, and law enforcement effectiveness across Ohio communities.
• Ohio Web Library: A collection of over 280 electronic information resources, the Ohio Web Library provides access to scholarly journals, popular magazines, newspapers, and educational tutorials, supporting diverse research needs.

Ohio’s Leading Online Criminal Justice Schools

Criminal justice is a popular field of study, so with the recent and dramatic growth of distance learning, many traditional schools in Ohio with on-campus criminal justice programs are now offering online degree options. To help you compare them and their various aspects, we’ve researched programs throughout the state and ranked them according to several factors like online availability, accreditation, and academic counseling services. You can find more information about these factors and others in the “About the Rankings” link below.