Online Criminal Justice Degrees and Certificate Programs
Looking for a criminal justice program that targets your career goals?
As one of the largest providers of public safety programs in the United States, we offer online degrees and certificates that can prepare you for roles in criminal investigations, police departments, sheriff’s departments, law enforcement offices, juvenile detention facilities, court systems, private-sector and corporate security, government and private detection or investigation.
Learn from practicing professionals with extensive experience in criminal justice and gain the credentials, industry certifications, and experience you need to succeed. All classes are 100% online, so it’s easy to create a study schedule that fits your lifestyle.
See Notes and Conditions below for important information.
Complete this form to receive the Purdue Global program guide.
Find the Online Program That’s Right for You
Criminal Justice
Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice
Develop knowledge in criminology, criminal investigation, criminal law, domestic and international terrorism, and counterterrorism. You'll also gain the skills to launch your career in law enforcement, adult and juvenile corrections, and more.
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Learn about the U.S. criminal justice system, applied research methods and techniques used in the field and different types of criminal offenses. You'll also explore national law enforcement reform initiatives, diversity and inclusivity and more.
- Business Foundations
- Crime Scene Investigation
- Forensic Psychology
- Homeland Security
- Juvenile Justice
- Law Enforcement
Crime Scene Technician Certificate
Study analytical procedures used by crime scene technicians, including documentation, collection, and evidence preservation processes. You'll also learn to apply ethical investigative methods and prepare written reports detailing crime scenes.
ExcelTrack® Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Earn the same Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree, but faster and for less tuition. If you have previous college credit or experience in the field and are motivated to learn independently, ExcelTrack ® could be for you.
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
This program will advance your skills with a strong focus on organizational behavior, management, and leadership of human resources and design and structural processes in criminal justice organization.
Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
This program advances your leadership skills and focuses on the legal, social, business, economic, and political aspects of the industry. You'll study a range of topics, including economics and resource availability, regulation and law, and more.
What Criminal Justice Area of Study Are You Interested In?
Online Criminal Justice Programs
Our society needs men and women who are willing to protect and serve the civilian population. Beyond delivering justice to those who have been accused of committing crimes, criminal justice also entails taking strategic actions to reduce and prevent crimes from occurring, with the goal of achieving a safer society.
Online Crime Scene Technician Programs
Law enforcement agencies rely on crime scene technicians to analyze evidence that will stand up in a court of law. Technicians are well-versed in analytical procedures, as well as documentation, collection, and preservation processes that are employed to handle crime scene evidence.
Online Homeland Security and Emergency Management Programs
Society needs men and women who are driven to provide safety at local and national levels, and who are willing to lead others to do the same. In addition to providing safety and guidance to citizens during crises and day-to-day life, you’ll protect critical infrastructures and deal with issues such as border security, cyberattacks, terrorist activity, financial crimes, and more.
Criminal Justice Micro-Credentials
Diversity Micro-Credential
Analyze the various impacts of culture, race, gender, and ethnicity in the workplace and address communication challenges in a diverse society.
Law Enforcement Micro-Credentials
Explore the basic framework of law enforcement and how it can affect positive change in society. Choose a micro-credential in Law Enforcement’s Role in Society and Social Change or Leading Law Enforcement Reform.
What Are the Admissions Requirements?
To get started as a Purdue Global student, you must meet certain academic requirements and complete an enrollment application. Here’s what you’ll need to begin:
Admissions for Undergraduate Programs and Certificates
- You must be a high school graduate, possess a General Education Development (GED) certificate, or other equivalency diploma. If you are a high school senior eligible to apply, you must submit proof of high school graduation.
For Graduate Programs and Certificates
- A bachelor's degree is required to enroll in a master's degree or graduate certificate program. You will need to provide an official transcript that shows completion of the required degree from an accredited institution, though an unofficial copy may be provided during the application process.
Want to know if online learning is right for you before you enroll? Watch our virtual campus tour to learn more.
Understanding Your Investment
How long? How much? These are important questions! Try our online Calculator to estimate when you’ll finish and see how your prior credits and experience can save you time and money.
Ready to Enroll?
Purdue Global makes the process easy. You can apply online today (self-guided) or contact us to walk you through the process.
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Resources Related to Studying Criminal Justice
To help you in your criminal justice career goals and options, we have the news and resources you need.
Criminal Justice Careers: Corrections vs. Law Enforcement
Those who choose a career in the protective services tend to possess a deep and abiding sense of justice and community responsibility. Many jobs in criminal justice maintain public safety by protecting citizens and property.
What Can You Do With a Criminal Justice Degree?
Criminal justice degree programs can prepare you for a variety of positions, including those in the courts, corrections offices and law enforcement.
Criminal Justice Programs
To explore all the benefits of earning your associate or bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Purdue Global.
Military Training
If you have military training, Purdue Global offers online criminal justice degree programs that are articulated to specific occupations. Find out how much of your training counts as credit.
Dedicated Faculty Offer Rich Experience
Purdue Global faculty members share knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and real-world industry experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get a criminal justice degree online? What are the different types of criminal justice degrees?
Yes, you can earn a criminal justice degree online. There are several different types of online criminal justice degrees available through Purdue Global. Our online criminal justice programs include:
- Master of Science in Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
- ExcelTrack® Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
- Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice
- Crime Scene Technician Certificate
- Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
What can you do with a criminal justice degree?
There is a wide variety of jobs you can get with a criminal justice degree. Check out our degree programs below for examples of potential career opportunities.
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
- First-line supervisors of police and detectives
- Correctional officers and jailers
- Detectives and criminal investigators
- Police and sheriff’s patrol officers
- Transit and railroad police
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
- First-line supervisors of police and detectives
- Correctional officers and jailers
- Detectives and criminal investigators
- Police and sheriff’s patrol officers
- Transit and railroad police
ExcelTrack® Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
- First-line supervisors of police and detectives
- Correctional officers and jailers
- Detectives and criminal investigators
- Police and sheriff’s patrol officers
- Transit and railroad police
Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice
- Security managers
- Loss prevention managers
- Detectives and criminal investigators
- Police and sheriff's patrol officers
Crime Scene Technician Certificate
- Forensic science technicians
- Correctional officers and jailers
- Detectives and criminal investigators
Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
- Emergency management directors
- First-line supervisors of police and detectives
- Detectives and criminal investigators
See Notes and Conditions below for important information.
How long does it take to get a criminal justice degree?
Times may vary depending on several factors, such as whether you’re taking classes on a full-time or part-time schedule. For an estimated average completion time, check out our degree program offerings below:
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
Average Completion: 1 year of full-time study
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Average Completion: 4 years of full-time study
Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice
Average Completion: 2 years of full-time study
Crime Scene Technician Certificate
Average Completion: 11 months of full-time study
Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Average Completion: 1 year of full-time study
See Notes and Conditions below for important information.