Top 10 Online Criminal Justice Schools

#1. Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University is a private Catholic liberal arts university founded in Florida in 1889. Offering online education since 1999, Saint Leo is a recognized leader in online learning with special distinction for military education. The school’s online programs combine top quality academics with extremely competitive tuition rates.

Online Criminal Justic programs:
Saint Leo University offers an accredited online B.A. in Criminal Justice and an online M.S. in Criminal Justice. The 120 credit B.A. program offers concentrations in Criminalistics and Homeland Security. The 36 credit M.S. program offers concentrations in Critical Incident Management and Forensic Science.

Accreditation:
Saint Leo University is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

#2. Liberty University

Liberty University is the largest private Christian university in the world, and is located Lynchburg, VA. The vast majority of Liberty’s more than 80,000 students take their courses through Liberty Online, the university’s online campus. Liberty Online combines high quality online education programs with an explicitly Christian worldview.

Online Criminal Justice Programs:
Liberty offers an accredited online B.S. in Criminal Justice and an online MBA with a Criminal Justice Concentration. The 120 credit-hour B.S. program provides theory and practical skills in criminology, law enforcement, and other areas of criminal justice, with specializations in Administration and Management, Forensics, Homeland Security, and Youth Corrections.

Accreditation: Liberty University is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

#3. Everest University

Everest University is a private university in Florida specializing in career-oriented online degree programs. Everest has been ranked among the top online schools by multiple publications and offers some of the most affordable tuition rates available.

Online Criminal Justice Programs:
Everest University offers accredited online Criminal Justice degrees at the Associates, Bachelor’s, and Master’s level. B.S. students can choose to specialize in areas such as drug control, gang activity, and management. The online M.S. program prepares experience criminal justice professionals for management and leadership positions, with specialized study offered in drug abuse and abuse counseling, juvenile justice, and corrections.

Accreditation:
Everest University is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools.

#4. Kaplan University

Kaplan University is a private online university named in honor of Kaplan Test Prep founder Stanley H. Kaplan. Kaplan offers one of the largest selection of accredited online degrees and gives prospective students the opportunity to try out a class before enrolling.

Online Criminal Justice Programs:
Kaplan University offers multiple online degrees in Criminal Justice at every level from Associate’s to Master’s. Concentrations are available in computer crime, corrections, crime scene investigation, forensics, homeland security, juvenile justice, and law enforcement. A fast-track option from a Bachelor’s into a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice is available, with specializations in corrections, global issues, law, leadership and executive management, and policing.

Accreditation:
Kaplan University is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#5. Arizona State University

Founded in 1885, Arizona State University (ASU) is a world-class public university in Phoenix, AZ. ASU Online’s Criminology and Criminal Justice programs have earned an excellent reputation due to excellent teaching, high graduation rates, and low tuition costs.

Online Criminal Justice Programs:
ASU Online offers an accredited online B.S. in Justice Studies, an online B.S. in Criminology & Criminal Justice, and an online M.A. in Criminal Justice, each with multiple specializations. The B.Ss in Justice Studies prepares students to understand process of justice and social change. The B.S. in Criminology and Criminal Justice offers three areas of emphasis: criminology, courts, and pre-law. The Master of Arts degree is 33 credit hours and offers three areas of emphasis: law enforcement, probation, parole, and corrections.

Accreditation:
Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.

#6. Regis University

Regis University is a private, Jesuit university in Denver, CO. Founded in 1877, Regis continues to be guided by the Jesuit principles of intellectual, spiritual, and social development. A pioneer in online education, Regis offers a number of top ranked online degree programs in criminal justice and other subjects.

Online Criminal Justice Programs:
Regis University offers an accredited online B.S. in Criminology and an online M.S. in Criminal Justice. The B.S. degree is a 128 credit-hour program designed for working adults to learn the intricacies of criminal psychology and behavior to prepare for employment in law enforcement, homeland security, and criminal justice. The M.S. degree takes 36 credit hours to complete and prepares students for higher levels of management and leadership in criminal justice fields.

Accreditation:
Regis University is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.

#7. Bellevue University

Bellevue University is a private university in Bellevue, Nebraska, founded in 1965. Ranked one of the top online schools by US News & World Report, Bellevue offers a number of online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate level.

Online Criminal Justice Programs:
Bellevue University offers accredited online B.S. degrees in Criminal Justice and Investigations, as well as an online M.S. in Justice Administration and Crime Management. All of the degrees prepare students for careers in the criminal justice system with an emphasis on contemporary social issues, ethical principles, and management and policy development.

Accreditation:
Bellevue University is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

#8. Drexel University

Drexel University is a private research university founded in 1891 by its namesake, Anthony J. Drexel. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Drexel is known for its cooperative education program, one of the best in the world. Drexel’s online degree programs have garnered numerous awards and distinctions for their quality and rigor.

Online Criminal Justice Programs:
Drexel offers an accredited online B.S. in Criminal Justice. This 182 credit-hour program provides a thorough grounding in criminology, as well as the history, policy, and administration of the criminal justice system, preparing students for multiple positions within the criminal justice system. The program also provides a strong foundation for computing in criminal justice settings.

Accreditation:
Drexel University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

#9. Boston University

Boston University (BU) is a private research university in Boston, MA. The University has been ranked among the top 50 universities nationally by multiple publications, including US News & World Report. All of BU’s online degree programs are very highly regarded, but it’s online masters in Criminal Justice degree program is among the very best in the country.

Online Criminal Justice Programs:
Boston University offers an accredited online Master of Criminal Justice (MCJ) degree designed for working professionals looking to deepen their credentials while still working in the criminal justice field. The 30 credit-hour program prepares students for the sociological, theoretical, legal and practical aspects of a career in criminal justice, with courses taught by experienced faculty who have worked in law enforcement, corrections, and law.

Accreditation:
Boston University is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

#10. University of Massachusetts

The University of Massachusetts (UMass) is a public research university in Amherst, MA, with a history going back to 1863. UMass is consistently ranked among the top universities in the country and its official online division, UMassOnline, has earned numerous distinctions and awards for its distance learning programs.

Online Criminal Justice Programs:
UMassOnline offers an accredited online B..A degree-completion program with a concentration in Criminal Justice Studies, as well as an online M.A. in Criminal Justice. The B.A. completion program is designed for students who have completed core coursework or who have an associate’s degree and allows for the transfer of as much as 30 credits for work experience. The online M.A. in Criminal Justice is designed for students who are already working in criminal justice professions and who wish to specialize further or take on leadership roles with higher training requirements.

Accreditation:
The University of Massachusetts is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.