Virginia Criminal Justice Programs Online: Comparing Top Schools

Associate Degree Programs in Criminal Justice

An associate degree in criminal justice serves as a foundational education for students who seek an entry-level position in the field. These programs cover fundamental concepts of law enforcement, corrections, and the law. Graduates often secure roles as police officers, security guards, or administration. An associate degree from a criminal justice program in Virginia can also be a stepping stone for a bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Explore Bachelor’s-Level Criminal Justice Programs

A bachelor’s degree from a criminal justice program in Virginia is designed for students who aspire to develop in-depth knowledge and prepare for leadership roles in the criminal justice system. These programs work well for students who seek an understanding of law enforcement, criminology, and legal processes.

Graduates are well-prepared for various careers in criminal justice and often pursue advanced degrees in law or graduate studies in criminal justice.

A Look Into Criminal Justice Master’s Degrees

A master’s degree from a criminal justice program in Virginia is ideal for students who want to pursue expertise and leadership positions within criminal justice and related fields. These programs are designed for students who seek a deep understanding of topics such as criminology, law enforcement strategies, and public policy.

Graduates are prepared for diverse roles such as criminal justice administrator, policy analyst, and forensic psychologist. They often thrive in dynamic careers across government agencies, research institutions, and advocacy organizations.

Criminal Justice Doctoral & Graduate Certificate Programs

Criminal justice degree programs in Virginia at the doctoral level are ideal for students who want to increase their expertise in the field. These programs are designed for graduate students who hold a passion for advancing criminological theory, policy analysis, and justice reform. They prepare graduates for roles as university professors, high-level researchers, consultants, and leaders in criminal justice-related fields.

In contrast, criminal justice graduate certificates offer targeted information for students who seek specialized skills in the field. These programs are ideal for students who want to enhance their professional skills but don’t want to commit to the hefty academic requirements and time commitment of a full undergraduate or graduate degree program.

Criminal Justice Online Student FAQs

What kind of topics will I study in a criminal justice degree program?

Whether you’re enrolled in an associate degree program or a PhD degree program, your studies will focus on the various components of the criminal justice system – including law enforcement, courts, corrections, and forensic science.

The courses you take depend on the school and specific program. For example, graduate students at South University take classes such as Ethics and Moral Behavior in the Criminal Justice System.

How important is accreditation for criminal justice degree programs in Virginia?

Accreditation is very important. You should ensure that your school or program is regionally or nationally accredited. This accreditation ensures that your credits will transfer to other schools (or advanced degrees) and that you’ll be eligible for financial aid. It also proves that a school’s academic offerings meet certain standards.

Many criminal justice degree programs are from schools that are regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Can I receive financial aid for a criminal justice degree program in Virginia?

Criminal justice schools in Virginia offer various avenues for students to secure financial aid and scholarships to support their education. The Virginia Department of Education offers the need-based Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program, which provides financial aid to eligible in-state students. Additionally, the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant Program assists Virginia residents who attend private, non-profit colleges or universities in the state.

Scholarships are generally available from both private sources and schools themselves. For example, financial aid opportunities from Virginia State University, George Mason University’s OLLI Scholarship, and the Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute Scholarship Program can help fund your education while empowering you to pursue academic and career goals.

Check out STEPS’ criminal justice scholarships and resources page to learn more ways to fund a criminal justice degree program in Virginia.

What kind of degree do I need to work in criminal justice?

It depends; with an associate degree in criminal justice, you’ll be prepared to work in a police department, sheriff’s department, or correctional facility. If you’re looking for a role outside corrections and enforcement, you might want to consider a career as a court clerk or a paralegal.

With a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree in criminal justice, you’ll be prepared to take on leadership and managerial positions. Police detectives and employees in federal agencies often need a bachelor’s degree or higher.

If you’re interested in research or teaching at the college level, a PhD in criminal justice might be a good professional goal. For example, the PhD in Criminology and Criminal Justice degree program at Old Dominion University specifically prepares criminal justice students for a career in higher education.

Is a criminal justice degree program worth the cost?

This answer depends on your unique situation. But, many criminal justice graduates find that they’re more competitive in the job market. For example, more than 90% of Virginia Wesleyan University graduates are either employed or enrolled in graduate school in the year following graduation.

If you want to increase your career opportunities or earning potential, an advanced degree is a way to stand out in the criminal justice field.

Criminal Justice Careers for Virginia Grads

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Resources for Virginia Criminal Justice Students

As you work towards a degree in criminal justice, rest assured that you’re not on your own. Many resources – from podcasts to professional organizations’ websites – are available online; they can provide information and support.

Listed below are 10 Virginia-specific resources for criminal justice students and professionals.

• Admissible Podcast: This 12-part criminal justice podcast series is produced by Virginia Public Media (VPM), PBS, and NPR. The series investigates the case of 13 men who were exonerated when DNA samples were found in a Virginia records facility.
• Crime Time: with Virginia Defense Attorneys: This podcast – with over 100 episodes and counting – features discussions with Virginia defense attorneys. If you’re considering working within the criminal justice system, hearing their perspectives can be valuable and interesting.
• Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Careers: This site is your hub for DHS jobs, with ample options in Virginia and Washington, D.C. Featured hiring paths include cybersecurity careers, women in law enforcement, and students and recent college graduates.
• FBI Jobs: This recruiting site is designed for students who are interested in a career with the FBI; it’s the home base for all of your FBI career needs. From a job placement quiz to job postings, this site can help jumpstart your career as one of over 37,000 FBI professionals across the United States.
• James Madison University’s Internship Opportunities and Resources: This site features a comprehensive list of organizations that offer (or offered in the past) internships for criminal justice students. Many of the organizations listed are based in Virginia or Washington, D.C.
• University of Virginia’s Center for Criminal Justice: This site is a solid resource for future lawyers that promotes a more just society. The group offers clinics in areas such as juvenile justice, criminal defense and prosecution, and arrest procedures.
• USAJOBS: Whether you’re looking for a paid internship or your first job post-graduation, this database offers location-specific opportunities within the federal government. This site is a good starting point for criminal justice students as they preview the employment landscape.
• Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services: This state agency provides training, resources, and oversight to enhance professionalism and effectiveness in the state’s criminal justice system. Visit the site for news plus information on conferences and training.
• Virginia Sheriffs’ Association: This organization provides valuable resources, training, and networking opportunities for law enforcement professionals across the state. It helps them enhance their skills and promote effective law enforcement practices.
• Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute Scholarship Program: This scholarship program is designed specifically for criminal justice students who attend schools in Virginia. Applicants must be a permanent resident of Virginia and a registered voter (if they are 18 years or older).

Top Online Criminal Justice Schools in Virginia

We ranked schools to help you evaluate the best online criminal justice degree programs in Virginia. To be eligible for our rankings list, schools must be accredited and offer an online component plus career and/or academic counseling. We ranked each school based on its affordability, student-to-faculty ratio, and robust online offerings.

Check out the rankings pop-up for more detailed information.