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.

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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.

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.

CONCENTRATIONS
    COURSE EFFORT
    15–18 hrs/week
    CREDITS REQUIRED
    90
    AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE
    2 years
    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.

    CONCENTRATIONS
    • Business Foundations
    • Crime Scene Investigation
    • Forensic Psychology
    • Homeland Security
    • Juvenile Justice
    • Law Enforcement
    COURSE EFFORT
    15–18 hrs/week
    CREDITS REQUIRED
    180
    AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE
    4 years
    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.

    CONCENTRATIONS
      COURSE EFFORT
      You Control Your Pace
      CREDITS REQUIRED
      180
      COURSE LENGTH
      10-Week Terms
      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.

      CONCENTRATIONS
        COURSE EFFORT
        15 hrs/week
        CREDITS REQUIRED
        45
        AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE
        1 year
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        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.

        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.

        CONCENTRATIONS
          COURSE EFFORT
          15–18 hrs/week
          CREDITS REQUIRED
          41
          AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE
          11 months
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          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.

          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.

          CONCENTRATIONS
            COURSE EFFORT
            15 hrs/week
            CREDITS REQUIRED
            45
            AVERAGE TIME TO COMPLETE
            1 year
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            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.

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            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.

            Learn More

            Admissions Requirements and Resources

            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:

            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.

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            We offer rolling start dates throughout the year. Choose the one that works best for your schedule.
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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.

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            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.

            Learn More

            Dedicated Faculty Offer Rich Experience

            Purdue Global faculty members share knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and real-world industry experience.

            Meet Our Criminal Justice Faculty

            Frequently Asked Questions

            • 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

            • 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.

            • 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: 1.5 years 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: 1.5 years of full-time study

              See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

            Your Path to Success Begins Here

            Connect with an Advisor to explore program requirements, curriculum, credit for prior learning process, and financial aid options.

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            NOTES AND CONDITIONS

            Average Completion Time: Completion time based on a full-time schedule. Programs will take longer for part-time students to complete.

            Employment and Career Advancement: Purdue Global does not guarantee employment placement or career advancement. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience and opportunities for employment.

            ExcelTrack® Degree Pace: ExcelTrack® is designed to advance your progress based on existing knowledge; however, degree pace and time and cost savings will vary by individual. Students must enroll in a minimum number of credits per term to remain eligible for financial aid. Refer to the Financial Information section of the University Catalog for additional information.

            Largest Providers of Public Safety Programs: Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2021–2022 Total Degrees and Certificates Conferred, First Major, Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting, and Related Protective Services, https://nces.ed.gov/IPEDS. Based on total number of degrees and certificates granted by Purdue Global compared to other degree-granting institutions.

            Law Enforcement Jobs: Local, state, and federal law enforcement jobs may require additional training or education including additional state-approved higher education beyond the Purdue Global degree. This program was not designed to meet any specific state’s requirements, and Purdue Global makes no representations or warranties as to whether the degree or any individual courses meet such requirements. Refer to the University Catalog for additional information. Graduates of Purdue Global criminal justice programs are not eligible to attend police academies in Minnesota.