Online Criminal Justice Programs in Tennessee: Comparing Schools

Associate Degrees for Criminal Justice Students

A criminal justice associate degree is primarily for students seeking a foundational education that prepares them for entry-level employment. During your program search, you’ll notice that many criminal justice associate degree programs come with theTennessee Transfer Pathway (TTP) designation, meaning you can transfer credits from your associate degree to a future bachelor’s degree. Criminal justice associate degree programs in Tennessee may be campus-based or online and typically require two years of full-time study to complete.

Finding the Right Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice

While requiring more time than an associate degree program, a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice offers students the advantage of additional general education and major-specific coursework. Those with this degree are attractive for employers and graduate programs alike and can make it much easier to advance in the criminal justice landscape.

Bachelor’s degree programs in criminal justice are offered by four-year colleges and universities, both public and private, and happen on campus, online, or both. Like most bachelor’s programs, students should expect to invest four years of full-time study into earning their degrees.

Master’s Degree Programs in Criminal Justice

Master’s degrees in criminal justice are designed to prepare professionals currently employed in criminal justice-related fields for advanced practice and leadership positions. For those seeking academic careers, Master’s programs also provide the academic credentials needed to earn a doctoral degree.

Many of these programs in Tennessee are available entirely online in part-time formats, meant to allow the greatest convenience and flexibility to working professionals. Program lengths vary as a result, but most students will complete their studies in around 1.5 to 2 years.

Earn a Doctorate or Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice

A doctoral degree in criminal justice is strictly for professionals seeking the highest tier of practice in the criminal justice field. There are two basic criminal justice doctoral degree types: the PhD in Criminal Justice, which prepares graduates for top-level positions in academic research and teaching; and the less common Doctorate in Criminal Justice, which is geared more toward those interested in leadership positions.

There are, however, currently no criminal justice doctoral degree programs based in Tennessee, though the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, does offer a PhD in Sociology with a Criminology specialization. You can also earn an online PhD or doctoral degree from schools outside of Tennessee.

Student Support: FAQs About Tennessee’s Criminal Justice Programs

What types of online criminal justice degrees are available?

Tennessee offers a range of online, on-campus, and hybrid criminal justice degrees, including associate, bachelor’s, graduate, and post-graduate level programs. The flexible online options accommodate varying schedules and living situations, making higher education accessible even for those with work or family commitments.

How expensive are online criminal justice degrees in Tennessee?

The cost of a criminal justice degree in Tennessee can vary depending on factors like the type of degree (associate, bachelor’s, or graduate), residency status, tuition rates, and additional costs such as books or living expenses. On average, you can expect to pay between $12,000 and $32,000 before financial aid (drawing from the programs highlighted above). It’s important to research the programs you are applying for and plan according to your personal financial situation.

What kind of jobs can I get with a criminal justice degree?

A criminal justice degree can open a wide range of career opportunities in law enforcement, legal services, corrections, victim advocacy, forensic science, and security. Graduates are well-equipped to pursue meaningful roles that contribute to public safety and social justice. Some example careers include:

• Police Officer – Enforce laws, respond to emergencies, and protect the community.
• FBI Agent – Investigate federal crimes, conduct surveillance, and enforce national security.
• Correctional Officer – Supervise inmates in prisons and rehabilitation facilities.
• Parole or Probation Officer – Monitor and assist individuals on parole or probation.
• Forensic Analyst – Analyze crime scene evidence to help solve cases.
• Private Investigator – Conduct investigations for private clients or companies.
• Crime Scene Investigator – Collect and analyze evidence at crime scenes.
• Legal Assistant or Paralegal – Support lawyers in legal research and case preparation.
• Homeland Security Agent – Protect the nation from threats like terrorism and cybercrime.
• Social Worker (Criminal Justice Focus) – Help rehabilitate offenders and support victims of crime.

How long does it take to earn a criminal justice degree?

Most degrees will take anywhere from 2 to 4 years to complete. Associate degrees will typically take two years, while a bachelor’s degree will take around four. If seeking a graduate degree, you will typically spend an additional two years per degree level (two for a master’s degree and an additional two for a Ph.D.). You can shorten the length of your degree by transferring previously earned college credits and testing out of general education courses.

Can I earn my criminal justice degree fully online?

Yes, Tennessee offers several online programs that allow you to earn a criminal justice degree entirely online, including up to the master’s level. However, if you’re interested in earning a Ph.D. in criminal justice in the state, in-person attendance at a university will be required.

What to Expect With a Criminal Justice Degree in Tennessee

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Student Resources for Criminal Justice Students in Tennessee

Students pursuing degrees in criminal justice have access to various resources, including academic advisors, internships, and fieldwork opportunities. Many institutions offer specialized workshops, mentorship programs, and access to research databases. Scholarships, grants, and professional organizations also support students with financial aid, networking, and career development.

• Alpha Phi Sigma: The Criminal Justice Honor Society – The only criminal justice honor society recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies, Alpha Phi Sigma is a major presence on over 500 campuses in the U.S. and Canada. Alpha Phi Sigma chapters are currently in operation in Tennessee at Austin Peay State University, Tennessee State University, the University of Memphis, and on seven other campuses throughout the state.
• Criminal Justice & Criminology Society (East Tennessee State University) – This student-run organization is open to ETSU students interested in criminal justice, the law, current issues, and other related topics. Members attend meetings with guest speakers, take field trips to criminal justice and criminology-related agencies and facilities, and participate in charitable/volunteer activities. Similar clubs and organizations are active on many other Tennessee campuses. Examples include Tennessee State University, the University of Memphis, and the University of Tennessee Southern.
• Debra K. Johnson Criminal Justice Memorial Scholarship – Provided by the Tennessee State Employees Association (TSEA), this $1,500 scholarship is for students majoring in Criminal Justice. Applicants must be high school seniors or college freshmen, sophomores, or juniors and either dependents of TSEA members or full-time TSEA employees.
• Frank Lee Memorial Endowed Scholarship – Offered by Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), this scholarship is for Tennessee residents who are full-time students majoring in Criminal Justice Administration. Applicants must have a minimum 2.75 GPA and demonstrate financial need.
• International Association for Identification – Tennessee Division (TNIAI) – The TNIAI is a professional association of detectives, police officers, forensic scientists, crime scene technicians, and others working in the crime scene processing and forensic identification fields. Student memberships are available, offering access to a range of networking benefits and scholarship opportunities.
• Police Perspectives Podcast – Hosted by Jim Leach, a law enforcement veteran, this podcast offers insights into law enforcement practices and perspectives, beneficial for understanding the operational side of criminal justice.
• Southern Criminal Justice Association (SCJA) – Active in eleven southern states (including Tennessee), Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the non-profit SCJA is a professional association that serves students, researchers, educators, and practitioners in the criminal justice field.
  Student memberships are available, allowing students to participate in a variety of SCJA activities. Graduate student members are additionally eligible for the annual Outstanding Graduate Student award.
• Tennessee Justice Center – For nearly 30 years, the Tennessee Justice Center has supported and advocated for the rights and well-being of the state’s most vulnerable children and families. Internship and volunteer positions are available to criminal justice students and members of the general public alike.
• University of Tennessee at Chattanooga – Offers a comprehensive Criminal Justice Research Guide that supports both domestic and international research on crime, its causes, impacts, legal and social implications.
• University of Tennessee College of Law – Provides a Criminal Law Study Guide featuring resources such as Aspen Learning Library, CALI materials, Exam Pro, flashcards, Nutshell, outlines, and questions to aid in exam preparation.

Leading Online Criminal Justice Schools in Tennessee

Some criminal justice programs in Tennessee are available online. These programs offer busy students, especially working professionals, the flexibility and convenience of completing some or all criminal justice coursework from anywhere with reliable internet access. Saving the added cost of traveling to and from campus to attend classes is another significant benefit of earning your degree or certificate online.

To help you make informed choices, we’ve researched criminal justice programs throughout the state and have ranked them based on criteria like tuition, availability of online programs, average amount of financial aid awarded, student-to-faculty ratio, and more. For more information, please see the “About the Rankings” pop-up below.