Online Criminal Justice Programs in Pennsylvania: Inside Top Schools

Earn Your Associate Degree in Criminal Justice

An associate degree is the first academic level beyond a high school diploma. Completing an associate degree program in criminal justice typically takes two years.

These programs provide a basic, foundational understanding of criminal justice. Earning an associate degree in criminal justice enables students to pursue entry-level jobs in law enforcement, social work, and corrections. It also provides a knowledge base that allows students to seek further education, such as a bachelor’s degree.

Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Programs Online

A bachelor’s in criminal justice degree program is ideal for students with a high school diploma or associate degree. They should want to explore the foundations of criminal justice at a more advanced level. This four-year degree program exposes students to a variety of criminal justice topics and tracks, so they can choose a career that aligns with their interests.

Online Criminal Justice Master’s Worth Exploring

A master’s in criminal justice degree program can help students and professionals gain more specialized skills and pursue higher-paying careers. Whether you’re a mid-level police officer who wants to be hired as a captain or a legal assistant leveling up to a paralegal position, a master’s degree can equip you with the knowledge, skills, and qualifications to take on more advanced roles.

It also demonstrates dedication to your craft and a willingness to learn new concepts, which is an appealing trait for employers who are comparing competitive candidates.

Criminal Justice Doctoral and Graduate Certificate Options

A doctoral degree is best suited for students who want to hone specialized skills and take on advanced leadership/career roles. These roles include chief of police, federal agent, emergency management director, and policy analyst. A doctoral degree can lead to careers in fieldwork, research, and policy-making – areas that can make a significant impact in students’ communities.

Certificate programs provide specialized training in a particular area of criminal justice. They enable students to explore more focused topics and help distinguish their resumes from others’. Certificate programs are shorter than traditional degree programs; their length ranges from a few months to a year. So, they are an achievable option for students who want to avoid the time commitment of a conventional degree.

FAQs from Criminal Justice Students in Pennsylvania

What can I do with a criminal justice degree?

You can pursue a variety of careers in law enforcement, corrections, legal studies, security, and/or federal agencies with a degree in criminal justice. Some top career options are listed below.

• Correctional Officer – They work in state or federal prisons/correctional institutions like SCI Pittsburgh or SCI Dallas.
• Court Clerk – They assist with court proceedings, manage records, and handle administrative duties.
• Cybercrime Analyst – They help prevent online crimes like fraud, hacking, and identity theft.
• DEA Agent – They enforce drug laws and investigate drug trafficking in Pennsylvania and beyond.
• FBI Agent –They investigate federal crimes. This role requires additional training and qualifications.
• Homeland Security Officer – They protect borders, airports, and other sensitive locations.
• Juvenile Justice Counselor – They help rehabilitate young offenders in detention centers or community programs.
• Paralegal or Legal Assistant – They support attorneys with research, case preparation, and legal documentation.
• Police Officer – They work for local or state police departments (for example, the Pennsylvania State Police). This role requires police academy training.
• Probation or Parole Officer – They supervise offenders who are released on probation or parole. (Pennsylvania has extensive probation programs.)
• Security Manager – They oversee security operations for corporations, hospitals, and schools.
• Sheriff’s Deputy – They serve at the county level and handle law enforcement duties, prisoner transport, and court security.
• State Trooper – They enforce traffic laws, investigate crimes, and assist in emergency situations across Pennsylvania.
• Victim Advocate – They support crime victims through the legal process and connect them with resources.

How much does an online criminal justice degree program cost?

The answer to this question depends on the level of degree that a student pursues and the individual school. We gave tuition information for the schools listed above so students have an idea of what to expect, cost-wise. In addition to tuition, students should consider other factors that add to the cost of a criminal justice degree program.

Consider filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to determine eligibility for various financial aid options, including Pennsylvania state grants, scholarships, and state work-study programs. Students might also receive need-based scholarships (depending on their current financial status) and/or merit-based scholarships (based on their academic or athletic achievement). Additionally, some criminal justice schools in Pennsylvania offer scholarships and awards that are designed specifically for criminal justice students.

This STEPS guide to criminal justice scholarships can help students discover financial aid options plus other support resources.

What are the admissions requirements for an online criminal justice degree program?

Common admissions requirements include official transcripts, a minimum 3.0 GPA, a completed application, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and placement test scores, if applicable. However, specific submission details depend on the program you’re pursuing, and the admissions requirements for most schools are different. Students should look at their program’s requirements before they submit an application.

Do online criminal justice degree programs require in-person attendance?

The short answer is sometimes. Many criminal justice degree programs are offered fully online. But, others might require a campus visit at the start or end of the program. For example, the doctoral degree in criminal justice at PennWest Global Online starts with a five-day intensive session that can be attended online or in-person.

What subjects will I study in an online criminal justice degree program?

The breadth and depth of subjects you’ll study depends on your particular program. You might gain a broad understanding of the field by earning an associate degree but dive deeply into only one or two topics in a doctoral program. Throughout your education, you’ll likely study some of the following topics:

• Abnormal psychology
• American constitutional law
• Complex challenges facing the justice system today
• Corrections
• Courts
• Crime and community mapping
• Crime prevention
• Criminal behavior and deviance
• Criminal justice ethics
• Criminology
• Data-driven decision-making
• Functions of criminal justice agencies
• Juvenile studies
• Law enforcement
• Legal procedures
• Root causes of crime

Pennsylvania Criminal Justice Graduates: Salary and Career Data

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Helpful Resources for Criminal Justice Students and Professionals

Pennsylvania offers diverse resources for criminal justice students and professionals, including research databases, training programs, legal networks, forensic labs, and law enforcement agencies.

These resources provide career guidance, education, networking, internships, and policy insights, and help graduates advance in policing, corrections, forensics, legal defense, and public safety fields.

• Alpha Phi Sigma: This is the sole criminal justice honorsociety in the United States. AlphaPhi Sigma is a prestigious society that unites criminal justice students. Several criminaljustice schools in Pennsylvania – includingIndiana University of Pennsylvania, Point Park University, and Mansfield University – introducedchapters to their campuses.
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Philadelphia Division: The FBI’s Philadelphia Division offers internships, career opportunities, and resources on federal investigations. Through training and recruitment programs, students can explore roles in counterterrorism, cybercrime, and forensic science.
• Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission: This resource is relevant for law enforcement officers who seek training, certifications, and practical guidance on variousjob-related skills, including physical fitness, use-of-force protocols, and firearm usage.
• Office of Justice Programs: This federal agency provides training, resources, and funding to state and local criminal justice programs. Its virtual library contains over 80,000 materials, including “Pennsylvania’s Criminal Justice System – An Overview.” This resource can be helpful for entry-level students and professionals who want to familiarize themselves with how the state’s criminal justice system operates.
• Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL): PACDL supports criminal defense attorneys through training, networking, and legal resources. Students who are interested in defense law can access educational materials, case studies, and professional events to enhance their legal expertise.
• Pennsylvania Parole Board: This organization oversees probation and parole processes and offers students resources on offender rehabilitation, case management, and re-entry programs. It’s valuable for students who are pursuing a career in corrections, criminal rehabilitation, and/or legal advocacy.
• Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD): The PCCD focuses on policy-making and supporting criminal justice programs in Pennsylvania. It’s anexcellent resource for students and professionals who seek training in firearms, parole,probation, and more.
• Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association (PSCOA): The PSCOA represents corrections officers and advocates for training, safety, and labor rights. Criminal justice students can learn about corrections careers, prison policies, and the challenges of working in Pennsylvania’s correctional system.
• Pennsylvania State Police: The Pennsylvania State Police department provides helpful resources for current and prospective employees, including crime data, community services, eligibility requirements for police officers, training programs, available curriculum, and more.
• The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania: This website provides legal resources, case law databases, and insights into the judicial system. Criminal justice students can explore court procedures, rulings, and internships to better understand legal careers and courtroom operations.

Top Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs in Pennsylvania

Many criminal justice schools in Pennsylvania offer online degrees – an ideal solution for working professionals or students who want more flexibility. Additionally, online degree programs allow students to save time and money by eliminating necessary transportation and on-campus course materials.

Below, we’ll identify some of the top criminal justice degree programs throughout Pennsylvania. We looked at a variety of factors to determine each program’s value or quality and ranked them accordingly. See the methodology pop-up above for more detailed information.