[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The most affordable online [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-criminal-justice/”]bachelor’s degree in criminal justice[/hen-ui-link] allows you to earn your [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/criminal-justice/”]criminal justice degree[/hen-ui-link] in a convenient, cost-effective way.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When choosing a school, be sure to take into account all relevant costs, including tuition, fees, books, and program length.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You’ll also want to consider how you can pay for your bachelor’s in criminal justice online and the popular careers you can pursue afterward, from private investigator to forensic science technician.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]10 Best Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice: Program Expectations[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s in criminal justice provides a general overview of the criminal justice system. The program also prepares you for careers in areas like policing, corrections, security, and forensic investigation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Here’s an overview of what you can expect in a criminal justice bachelor’s program: [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It takes an average of four years to earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Criminal justice coursework focuses on topics like the justice system, criminal law, policing, and correctional services.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Tuition and fees can vary widely depending on the school and program length.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While criminal justice programs can vary, coursework typically includes fundamentals of law enforcement, public safety, and criminal investigations.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You’ll study law, psychology, and sociology while honing your critical thinking, analytical, and research skills.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Additionally, some online criminal justice bachelor’s degrees provide opportunities to take specialized coursework.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Common Concentrations in a Criminal Justice Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Here are some of the most common concentrations you can pursue in a criminal justice degree program:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Criminal Forensics:[/hen-ui-text] This concentration emphasizes crime, criminal behavior, and forensic investigations. Forensic concentrations often include coursework in chemistry and information technology.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Juvenile Justice:[/hen-ui-text] Juvenile justice coursework focuses on prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation for youth offenders. You’ll learn about laws and policies that apply to juveniles and the psychology of juvenile behavior.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Homeland Security:[/hen-ui-text] This concentration emphasizes theories and practices of preventing, detecting, and managing national security threats. Coursework includes border safety, transportation security, and infrastructure protection.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Administration:[/hen-ui-text] Criminal justice administration coursework emphasizes function and leadership in the criminal justice field. You’ll study interagency communication, court systems and processes, and politics and government.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Funding Your Degree in Criminal Justice[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You have many options when it comes to funding your online criminal justice degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can start your [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/online-college-financial-aid/”]financial aid[/hen-ui-link] journey by filing the [hen-ui-link href=”https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa” target=”_blank”]Free Application for Federal Student Aid[/hen-ui-link] (FAFSA).[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Submitting the FAFSA may let you qualify for [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/about-student-loans/”]student loans[/hen-ui-link] and can lead to additional funding opportunities like scholarships and work-study. Members of specific communities may have even more financial aid options.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Military service personnel and veterans can apply for additional aid, along with members of specific communities. Women, students of color, and learners in certain disciplines can pursue private scholarships to help pay for college as well. Additionally, some scholarships are awarded based on academic merit.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Here are some examples of popular criminal justice scholarships you can apply for.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://wifle.wildapricot.org/awards-scholarshps/#:~:text=under%20WIFLE%20Scholarship.-,WIFLE%20Members%20Scholarship,year%20without%20renewing%20the%20application./” target=”_blank”]Women in Federal Law Enforcement Annual Scholarship[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-icon icon=”dollar-sign” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /] [hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Award Amount:[/hen-ui-text] $1,500[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The WIFLE Scholarship supports students majoring in criminal justice and related fields. To be eligible, you must enroll full time, earn a minimum 3.0 GPA, and submit an essay and letter of support.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://noblenational.org/noble-awards-scholarship/” target=”/"_blank"”]National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) Scholarship[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-icon icon=”dollar-sign” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /] [hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Award Amount:[/hen-ui-text] $1,000-$2,500[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Through the NOBLE Awards program, you can apply for several scholarships, including national scholarships and local chapter scholarships. Scholarship recipients will be recognized at NOBLE’s Annual Training Conference.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.honorbrianterry.com/apply-to-be-a-brian-terry-scholar/” target=”/"_blank"”]Brian Terry Scholar Program[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-icon icon=”dollar-sign” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /] [hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Award Amount:[/hen-ui-text] Full Tuition, Books, and Living Expenses[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To become a Brian Terry Scholar, you must make a positive impact on your community, demonstrate a commitment to criminal justice, and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. The application requires two letters of recommendation, an essay, and transcripts.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″][hen-ui-link href=”https://crimcheck.net/resources/criminal-justice-scholarship/” target=”/"_blank"”]Melissa Linville Criminal Justice Scholarship[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-icon icon=”dollar-sign” color=”primary” aria-hidden=”true” /] [hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Award Amount:[/hen-ui-text] $500[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Honoring its namesake, the Melissa Linville Criminal Justice Scholarship supports students pursuing careers in criminal justice. To apply, you must submit an essay and transcripts and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Careers in Criminal Justice[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The versatility of a [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/criminal-justice/”]criminal justice degree[/hen-ui-link] can lead to many career opportunities. You can pursue entry-level roles like police officer, corrections specialist, and criminal investigator.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some positions for criminal justice graduates may require additional certification, training, or licensure. A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can also lead to continued criminal justice study at the master’s and doctoral levels.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Salaries for those professionals with criminal justice degrees< vary by position, location, and experience.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Two common roles for criminal justice grads are probation officers and police officers. Both jobs have modest employment projections for 2022-2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Emergency management directors, who must possess advanced degrees, rank among the top-paying positions for criminal justice professionals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Popular Criminal Justice Careers[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Job[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Annual Salary[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Projected Job Growth (2022-2032)[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/emergency-management-directors.htm” target=”_blank”]Emergency Management Directors[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$86,130[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2022-2032)”]4%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/forensic-science-technicians.htm” target=”_blank”]Forensic Science Technicians[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$67,440[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2022-2032)”]13%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/police-and-detectives.htm/” target=”_blank”]Police and Detectives[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$77,270[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2022-2032)”]4%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/private-detectives-and-investigators.htm/” target=”_blank”]Private Detectives and Investigators[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$52,370[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2022-2032)”]5%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/probation-officers-and-correctional-treatment-specialists.htm/” target=”_blank”]Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]$64,520[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2022-2032)”]4%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ style=”text-align:right” class=”text-sm”]Source: BLS[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Justice Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Is an online criminal justice degree more affordable than an in-person degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An online criminal justice degree program can cost the same as an on-campus program. If you want to save on your degree, choose a public in-state college or university instead of a private or out-of-state school.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To determine the total cost of your program, consider everything — tuition, fees, books, and so on.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online students can benefit from not having to pay for transportation to and from campus or on-campus housing.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What’s the highest-paying job in criminal justice?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Emergency management director is one of the highest-paying jobs you can get with a criminal justice degree. This job currently boasts a median annual salary of $86,130, according to the BLS.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Other well-paying criminal justice jobs include forensic science technician, police officer, and detective.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most criminal justice jobs offer opportunities for advancement, which can increase your earnings as you progress in your career.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Is a criminal justice degree worth it?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A criminal justice degree can be worth it if you’re passionate about serving and protecting your community, helping victims, and ensuring justice.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]What’s more, criminal justice jobs will always experience some demand. For example, jobs for forensic science technicians are projected to grow by 13% between 2023-2033, according to the BLS.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]