Are Online Criminal Justice Degrees Legitimate?

Earning a criminal justice degree online can fast-track your way toward a career in law enforcement. However, while online programs can be more convenient and cheaper than in-person options, some students may wonder if these online programs are legitimate.

Yes, as long as you enroll in an online program from an accredited institution that completes with a degree, then the program is legitimate. This article will review what to look out for when choosing which online college to attend for criminal justice, and the top programs available.

Do Employers Respect Online Criminal Justice Degrees?

It's important to find an online program with a respectable institution recognized across different industries. In most circumstances, employers are more interested in students who show a deep understanding and passion for their professional path, rather than who went to the most prestigious school.

Likewise, in criminal justice professions, you may have to complete additional certification and training throughout your employment, which will better dictate your proficiency in the role. Still, there are some steps you can take to ensure you're going to a school with a good reputation among employers.

What To Look For in an Online Criminal Justice Degree Program

Not all criminal justice degrees online are the same. Some colleges claim to be legitimate while others have accreditation and structure programs to justify it. Here are some things to look out for when applying to online colleges.

Accreditation

Going to an accredited school is a must for many students as most financial aid options are only available to students who attend an accredited college. For example, FAFSA is only applicable when the school has national accreditation. The most recognizable is the Higher Learning Commission, a national nonprofit that verifies program quality. Distance Education Accrediting Commission focuses solely on online programs. Most colleges will prominently display where their accreditation comes from on the website.

Reputation

What kind of reputation does the college have among professionals and students? Aside from how the public sees the school, you want to make sure that students who are currently enrolled there are happy. This will give you insight as to whether or not, you will find your enrollment fulfilling. You can best find this information by:

• Checking school rankings online
• Reviewing student reviews
• Checking out the LinkedIn profiles of professors in that college

Nonprofit Vs. For-Profit Degrees

The difference between nonprofit and for-profit degrees can be significant and typically relates to how expensive the overall tuition cost is. Nonprofit colleges tend to charge lower, annual tuition fees and have more financial resources for students. A nonprofit state school may also offer added discounts for in-state students. For-profit universities can charge as much as they would like for annual tuition and tend to have less financial support available. Even so, students can apply for grants and scholarships through third-party programs to supplement their education.

Graduation Rates

If you want to predict your future, success at a school, one of the best metrics to look at is the graduation rates of the students. A graduation rate calculates how many enrolled students graduated on time and completed their degrees. A school with a higher graduation rate may mean that the school has more resources and emphasizes student success.

Differences Between Online Criminal Justice Degrees and Traditional Criminal Justice Degrees

The major differences between an online criminal justice degree and one that can be completed on campus come from how convenient a program is. As online learners, students aren't required to commute to campus, attend classes at a specific time of day, or be involved with time restraints from attending an on-campus program.

While on-campus courses require students to report to class at a specific time, many online programs are pre-recorded and asynchronous. However, if the student prefers a more social environment and one-on-one time with their professor, an online program may not provide this experience.

Benefits of Earning Your Criminal Justice Degree at an Online School

The benefits of earning a criminal justice degree at an online school depend on the student. If the student places a high value on convenience and flexible classes, then an online school will be a great fit for them. Online classes can usually be taken from anywhere in the world at any time of day. Online courses also tend to be slightly less expensive than in-person, offering an additional benefit to cost-conscious students.

Featured Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs

For the best degree in criminal justice available online, these colleges have legitimate programs that are well-respected within the industry. Students who complete the program successfully will go on to earn a degree and may be prepared to enter the labor force soon after.

1. Southern New Hampshire University

Beyond its campus in New Hampshire, Southern New Hampshire University has a thriving online program with a multitude of available courses. The Bachelor of Science in criminal justice has flexible term starts and is completed in eight weeks segments. The courses are asynchronous, which means students can complete them at any time of the day on their schedule.

2. Arizona State University

Arizona State University promises to prepare students to negate the world of criminal justice and criminology through its online program. This program consists of 40 courses that can be completed in 120 credit hours. For those who are already in the workforce and want to advance their education, Arizona State University offers two options for a master's degree available online.

• Online BA/BS in criminology and criminal justice
• Online MA in criminal justice
• Online MS in criminal analysis

3. Boston University

Boston University offers a blend of online and hybrid programs to help the next generation of law enforcement agents. While their programs are directed towards continuing education for professionals, several graduate certificates are available aside from a master's degree.

• Master of Science in criminal justice with concentrations in crime analysis, cybercrime investigation & cybersecurity, and strategic management
• Graduate Certificate in crime analysis
• Graduate Certificate in criminal justice
• Graduate Certificate in cybercrime investigation & cybersecurity
• Graduate Certificate in strategic management
• Graduate Certificate in digital forensics

4. University of Massachusetts Lowell

The University of Massachusetts (UMass) Lowell offers a 100% remote online Bachelor of Science in criminal justice. The curriculum designers sought to create a program that was virtually identical for both online and in-person, students, allowing each to get a quality education no matter what platform they chose. Students can transfer up to 90 credits and can complete the program within one to three years.

5. Walden University

Walden University emphasizes technological skills and understanding of information systems used throughout the criminal justice system. It prepares students for the changing landscape of law enforcement in the 21st century through its online Bachelor of Science in criminal justice. It is recognized by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.

Start Your Educational Journey Today

Are you considering pursuing an online criminal justice degree? Check out one of the online criminal justice degree programs listed above. Also, make sure to use Learn.org's robust library of resources to research information about your potential degree or future career.