An online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice may provide students with the skills and training to work within the criminal justice system. Students enrolled in these four-year programs may learn how to use evidence to solve crimes as well as utilize law enforcement systems and procedures. Coursework may include a bulk of general education requirements along with electives and major-specific courses, such as police administration, policing in America, and border security.

Graduates may seek entry-level employment or they may further their education and pursue an online graduate-level degree in criminal justice. Bachelor’s-level graduates may find employment opportunities in a variety of government settings, including jails, correctional facilities, and prisons.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: High School Diploma or GED
• Program Length: Four years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Entry-Level Employment or Master’s / Doctoral Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 5% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum within an online bachelor’s degree program in criminal justice may combine several general education requirement courses along with major-specific classes and electives. In these four-year programs, students may learn how to understand the roles of policing, corrections, juvenile justice, and courts. Core online criminal justice classes may include the following:

• Criminology
• Policing in America
• Criminal Justice Ethics
• Elementary Statistics
• Police Administration
• Border Security
• Juvenile Justice System

Career Options

Graduates of online baccalaureate-level programs in criminal justice may seek careers working for the federal, state, or local government. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for those pursuing careers as correction officers are expected to increase by 5% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Private Detective
• Correction Officer
• Loss Prevention Officer
• Investigator
• Jailer

Continuing Education

Graduates of online bachelor’s degree programs in criminal justice may continue their education and enroll in a master’s-level program in criminal justice. These graduate degree programs may provide students with additional training and skills on the criminal justice system, including criminal behavior, law enforcement, and the judicial system. Employers may prefer candidates hold a bachelor’s degree at minimum for upper-level positions.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook