Anyone interested in a long-term, stable career should consider an online criminal justice degree. Many high-growth and high-paying jobs are available to those with a degree in criminal justice, and online studies make it easier for full-time workers to earn their degree without putting their current career on hold.Students who earn a degree in criminal justice can choose from a plethora of career paths, including positions as a police officer or detective. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), an estimated 53,400 jobs will be added to this field from 2016-2026. This career boasts a respectable median pay of $63,380, higher than the national median pay rate. There will always be a need for police and detectives, so these positions are unlikely to see huge layoffs.After earning one of the best online criminal justice degrees available, you could also find work as a forensic science technician, fish and game warden, or even as a teacher — and these are only some of the other options you could have after completing your bachelor's degree. To get your career started, here are the best online criminal justice degrees.
Meet Our Expert: Mary Lou Chernik
Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Maryland University College
Online Criminal Justice Degree Overview
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, police and detective work will grow at a rate of 4% between 2014-2024. Graduates of online criminal justice degree programs will have an edge over the competition, making it far easier to secure a job. Employers in the criminal justice field value professionals who demand and deserve respect, and earning your degree will demonstrate your commitment to justice.
| Degree Level | Average Cost | Loan Default Rate | Time Commitment | Early Career Pay | Mid-Career Pay | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | $12,837 | 15.78% | 1+ years | $30,600 | $46,000 | 8.9% |
| Bachelor's | $18,070 | 11.51% | 4 years | $36,900 | $62,900 | 4.7% |
| Master's | $16,476 | 10.39% | 1+ years | $43,100 | $62,900 | 3.9% |
If you want to ensure public safety on the ground in your community, an associate degree will take you less time and money to earn while ensuring opportunities for advancement as a police officer. If you have more specific interests in criminal justice, a higher-level degree such as a bachelor's or master's may be a better fit. A bachelor's degree requires less financial investment when spread across four years and results in stronger employment opportunities. Though a bachelor's degree will, on average, cost approximately $5,000 more than an associate degree, the average difference in salary between the two degrees is $6,300, making a bachelor's degree a worthwhile financial investment. A master's or doctoral level program requires additional financial investment, but will likely yield higher salaries across the span of your career.
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Online Criminal Justice Degrees
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Online Criminal Justice Choose Your Career
| Career | Median Salary | Projected Growth | 2014 Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uniformed Police Officer | $58,630 | 4% | 806400 |
| Probation Officer | $49,060 | 4% | 91700 |
| Detective | $75,720 | 4% | 108720 |
| Legal Investigator | $44,570 | 5% | 34900 |
| Computer Forensic Investigator | $55,360 | 27% | 14400 |
Online Criminal Justice Degree in Action
Meet Our Expert: Mary Lou Chernik
Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Maryland University CollegeMary Lou Chernik is an Air Force vet with more than 27 years of investigative experience that has earned a master of science in management for criminal justice, and a bachelor of science in criminal justice from Colorado Technical University (CTU), online. She also earned two associate of applied science degrees by going to on-ground campuses part-time while in the Air Force.As a board certified fellow with the American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators, she has worked in private, federal, and state agencies. She has 24 years of experience as the administrator of a woodworking company and ran her own private investigations business for 16 years. In addition to teaching criminal justice courses online, she works part-time as a field deputy medical investigator.
Online Criminal Justice Professional Requirements
State law prescribes whether or not you need to pursue a professional certification to work in criminal justice. Generally, uniformed police officers are required to be certified with the Peace Officer Skills Training Certification before they can work in the field. A Certified Criminal Justice Professional Certification will likely enhance a probation officer's credentials. Take a look below for more information.
The Criminal Justice Awareness and Terminology Certification
Whether or not you hold a college-level degree, this short, ultra low-cost, and highly recognized multiple choice certification is a great way to demonstrate your professional prowess and boost your résumé.
Certified Criminal Justice Professional
Parole or probation officers who work with recovering drug users may pursue this clinical certification. Specific requirements vary by state, but a bachelor's degree is usually required. Additional hours of work-experience and specialized education may also be required depending on your jurisdiction.
Peace Officer Skills Training Certification
This certification is required in order to work as a uniformed police officer. In some jurisdictions, correctional officers are also required to have this certification. Only candidates who have successfully completed 500 hours in an approved peace/police officer academy and have at least a high school diploma or GED are eligible for this certification.