An online associate’s in criminal justice degree is a great jumping off point for students who want to begin their education in criminal justice. Those who enter this type of degree program will be introduced to core concepts and critical theories that underly the operation and function of the criminal justice system. They will study topics including law and justice, policing, deviant behavior, incarceration, and much more. This is a great degree option for students who want to begin their education into this field or those who are looking for an entry-level position in careers related to criminal justice and law enforcement. By enrolling online, students can save money and time while being afforded greater flexibility over their class schedule.
Students that are interested in this type of justice degree will find the ranking of our top programs below. This ranking only includes programs from schools that have been accredited by a nationally recognized accreditation board and have also had their nonprofit status verified. These programs have all been scored based upon their affordability and length and have been ordered from highest to lowest.
Featured Programs
Note that tuition rates listed below are based on cost per credit, and individual programs may have additional fees.
#1. Florida State College at Jacksonville
Online Associate in Science in Criminal Justice Technology
Jacksonville, Florida
Students at Florida State College at Jacksonville can elect to enroll in the school’s Online Associate’s in Criminal Justice Technology degree. Through this program of study, students will examine a variety of different criminological theories, criminal ethics, as well as the various technologies that enable the criminal justice system. This program is designed to be completed in 18-24 months and has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. To graduate with this degree, students must earn a total of 60 credits.
Tuition: $6,293
Score: 100
#2. Albany State University
Online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice
Albany, Georgia
Albany State University offers its Online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice degree to students entirely online. In this program of study, students will study the modern issues facing the criminal justice system. Students will learn about the various criminological theories that govern deviant behavior as well as different means of intervention for helping to curb criminal behavior. They will also work to gain a deeper understanding of the criminal justice system. Albany State University has received accreditation for this degree from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. A total of 62 credits are needed for the completion of this degree program.
Tuition: $7,316
Score: 99.75
#3. University of North Georgia
Online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice
Dahlonega, Georgia
The Online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice degree is offered to students by the University of North Georgia. This online associate of criminal justice degree program is a great starting point for students who wish to learn more about the function of the criminal justice system. By pursuing this degree, students will gain the foundational knowledge needed to prepare for a career in criminal justice. Courses in this program include American Government, Introduction to Sociology, Introduction to Law Enforcement, and much more. To complete this program of study, students must earn a total of 60 credit hours.
Tuition: $7,560
Score: 99.5
#4. Middle Georgia State University
Online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice
Macon, Georgia
Middle Georgia State University currently offers its online criminal justice degree to students entirely online. Students will be tasked with studying a variety of criminological theories as well as learning the various factors that influence modern crime. This program includes introductory courses in criminology, criminal law, corrections, and more. Middle Georgia State University has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges for this program. A total of 60 credits are needed to complete this degree.
Tuition: $7,800
Score: 99.25
#5. Southeastern Illinois College
Online Associate’s in Applied Science in Criminology
Harrisburg, Illinois
Students can select to enroll in an Online Associate’s in Applied Science in Criminology degree offered by Southeastern Illinois College. Students will learn about the various functions of the criminal justice system and the various entities that make it up. Courses in this program of study include Criminal Law, Intro to Juvenile Justice, Police Administration, and much more. Southeastern Illinois College has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission for this program. A total of 62 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study.
Tuition: $8,112
Score: 99
#6. Georgia Military College
Online Associate’s in Criminal Justice
Milledgeville, Georgia
Georgia Military College offers its students an Online Associate in Criminal Justice. Students will learn the skills needed to prepare for a variety of careers in criminal justice-related fields. This program of study covers topics including policing, the management of criminal justice facilities, and much more. Georgia Military College has received accreditation for this program from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. A total of 60 credits are needed to complete this program of study.
Tuition: $9,360
Score: 98.75
#7. College of Southern Nevada
Online Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
Las Vegas, Nevada
Offered entirely online, this Online Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice degree is made available by the College of Southern Nevada. By enrolling in this online degree, students will learn about all parts of the criminal justice system. By being introduced to the roles of courts, police, corrections, and social services, students will survey the criminal justice system to gain a better understanding of what role they might want to play. Students who have completed this program of study have gone on to start careers as juvenile probation officers, private investigators, social workers, and much more. A total of 62 credits are needed for the completion of this degree program.
Tuition: $11,285
Score: 98.5
#8. University of the Cumberlands
Online Associate’s in Criminal Justice
Williamsburg, Kentucky
Made available through the University of the Cumberlands online platform, this Online Associate’s in Criminal Justice degree is available entirely online. Students will learn the various roles that the criminal justice system fulfills within our society and the ways that law enforcement is employed to curb deviant behavior. They will also examine the way culture impacts policing efforts and how to bridge the gap between law enforcement and communities. To complete this program of study, students must earn a total of 61 credit hours.
Tuition: $12,139
Score: 98.25
#9. Western New Mexico University
Online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice
Silver City, New Mexico
Students at Western New Mexico University can enroll in the Online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice degree made available to students entirely online. Students will study deviant behavior and learn how law enforcement personnel are used to curb such behavior. They will also learn about the systems of law and justice within our country and how they function. To complete this program of study, students are required to earn a total of 65 credit hours.
Tuition: $13,390
Score: 98
#10. Bismarck State College
Online Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
Bismarck, North Dakota
At Bismarck State College, students can select to enroll in an Online Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice degree. Courses in this program of study include American Government, Introduction to Psychology, Criminal Law, and much more. Courses in this program last eight weeks. Bismarck State College has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission for this degree program. To earn this online associate’s in criminal justice, students must complete a total of 60 credit hours.
Tuition: $15,120
Score: 97.75
#11. New Mexico State University
Online Associate of Criminal Justice
Las Cruces, New Mexico
This Online Associate of Criminal Justice degree is offered to students by New Mexico State University. Through the pursuit of this degree, students will begin to become familiarized with the basic concepts of criminal justice. Students will study topics including law enforcement, adult corrections, juvenile corrections, and much more. As they learn about the many facets of the criminal justice system, students will begin to consider potential career paths for themselves within the system. A total of 60 credits are needed for the completion of this degree program.
Tuition: $15,180
Score: 97.5
#12. Georgia State University
Online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice
Atlanta, Georgia
Students at Georgia State University are given the opportunity to enroll in the school’s Online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice degree. Through the pursuit of this degree program, students will learn about the various systems and practices of the government that make up the criminal justice system. Students will learn of the mechanisms of social control and rehabilitation that are employed within this system to improve our society. To complete this program of study, students must earn a total of 60 credit hours.
Tuition: $15,420
Score: 97.25
#13. San Bernardino Valley College
Online Associate of Administration of Justice
San Bernardino, California
San Bernardino Valley College currently offers its students the opportunity to enroll in the school’s Online Associate of Administration of Justice degree. Courses in this program of study include Legal Aspects of Evidence, Concepts of Criminal Law, Principles of Investigation, and much more. A fantastic entry-level degree for a career in criminal justice, this program has been accredited by Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. A total of 60 credits are needed for completion.
Tuition: $15,480
Score: 97
#14. Amridge University
Online Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
Montgomery, Alabama
This Online Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice degree is offered to students at Amridge University. Students will study topics including criminal behavior, the investigative process, legal aspects governing the criminal justice system, and much more. This program of study has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. A total of 64 credits are required for the completion of this degree program.
Tuition: $16,000
Score: 96.75
#15. Eastern Oklahoma State College
Online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice
Wilburton, Oklahoma
Eastern Oklahoma State College offers students an Online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice degree. Made available entirely online, students who participate in this degree program will gain an introductory knowledge of the various functions and laws governing the criminal justice system. Students will study topics including rehabilitative services, corrections, criminal behavior, and much more. After completing this degree, students will be prepared for a variety of entry-level positions related to criminal justice. This program of study has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. A total of 60 credit hours are needed for completion.
Tuition: $16,320
Score: 96.5
#16. Eastern Wyoming College
Online Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice
Torrington, Wyoming
Students at Eastern Wyoming College can choose to enroll in the school’s Online Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice degree. Those enrolled in this program of study will be gain an introduction to the core concepts of criminal justice. Students will study topics including corrections, law enforcement procedures, constitutional law, and much more. By completing this program, students will be ready for a variety of entry-level positions in law enforcement-related fields. A total of 60 credit hours are needed for the completion of this degree program.
Tuition: $16,920
Score: 96.25
#17. Salem University
Online Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
Salem, West Virginia
Offered entirely online, this Online Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice degree is made available to students entirely online by Salem University. Through this online degree program, students will begin a survey of the various systems and rules that govern the criminal justice system in the United States. Many students who have completed this program have gone on to have careers as correctional officers and police officers. A total of 60 credit hours are needed for completion.
Tuition: $17,580
Score: 96
#18. Southern New Hampshire University
Online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice
Manchester, New Hampshire
Southern New Hampshire University offers students the opportunity to enroll in an Online Associate’s in Criminal Justice degree. Students in this course of study will be introduced to theories, concepts, and ideas that relate to the function and operation of the criminal justice system in the United States. Specific courses in this program of study include Ethics and the Criminal Justice Leader, Research Methods for Criminal Justice, Criminal Law, and much more. Students are required to earn a total of 60 credit hours.
Tuition: $19,200
Score: 95.75
#19. SUNY College of Technology at Canton
Online Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice
Canton, New York
Students at SUNY College of Technology at Canton can elect to enroll in the school’s Online Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice degree. Through this program of study, students will gain a survey of topics including criminal law, criminal investigations, corrections, law enforcement, and much more. This program is offered in three different tracts: Law Enforcement, Corrections, and Generalist. To complete this degree program, students must earn a total of 60 credit hours.
Tuition: $21,180
Score: 95.5
#20. Saint Leo University
Online Associate of Criminal Justice
St. Leo, Florida
This Online Associate of Criminal Justice degree is currently offered through Saint Leo University’s online learning platform. Through this course of study, students will examine topics including criminal procedure, criminal justice ethics, and much more. This program also introduces students to contemporary issues including hostage negotiation, sex trafficking, and other modern issues. Students must earn a total of 60 credit hours.
Tuition: $21,600
Score: 95.25
#21. Purdue University Global
Online Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology
West Lafayette, Indiana
Purdue University Global’s Online Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology degree is offered to students online. In this program, students will be introduced to the basics of criminal justice studies. They will learn about topics including criminology, forensics, and psychological profiling. By completing this program, students will be able to analyze crime data, predict patterns of criminal behavior, establish procedures, and other crucial skills needed for a career in criminal justice. Courses in this program include Deviance and Violence Fundamentals of Psychological Profiling, Introduction to Constitutional Law, and more. A total of 90 credits are needed for the completion of this degree program.
Tuition: $22,500
Score: 95
#22. Columbia College
Online Associate’s in Criminal Justice Administration
Columbia, Missouri
Students at Columbia College can select the school’s Online Associate’s in Criminal Justice Administration for online enrollment. In this program of study, students will begin their journey towards becoming criminal justice professionals. Courses in this program of study include Criminal Law, Drug Abuse and Crime Control, Criminal Procedures, and much more. This program of study has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. To complete this program of study, a total of 60 credits hours are needed to complete this degree.
Tuition: $22,500
Score: 94.75
#23. Endicott College
Online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice
Beverly, Massachusetts
Endicott College offers students an Online Associate’s in Criminal Justice degree. This online degree does not require students to visit the Endicott College campus for its completion. Students will study topics including law enforcement, justice systems, corrections, social services, and much more. Courses in this program of study include Global Issues, Corrections, The American Court System, and much more. Endicott College has received accreditation for this program from the New England Commission of Higher Education. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete.
Tuition: $22,860
Score: 94.5
#24. Missouri Western State University
Online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice
St. Joseph, Missouri
The Online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice degree is offered to students at Missouri Western State University. This online associate degree is a great option for students who want to begin their academic journey in criminal justice studies. Students will be introduced to criminal justice concepts as they work to construct a foundational knowledge needed for a career in this field. Missouri Western State University offers this program of study in five different concentrations: Administration, Corrections, Juvenile Justice, Law Enforcement, and Legal Studies. A total of 62 credit hours are required to complete the program.
Tuition: $23,250
Score: 94.25
#25. Liberty University
Online Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
Lynchburg, Virginia
Students enrolled at Liberty University are able to enroll in the school’s Online Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice degree. Liberty University has designed this degree program to act as an introduction to criminal justice studies. Students will begin to learn about law enforcement, the court system, criminal law, deviant behavior, and much more. Courses include Criminal Law, Judicial Process, Criminology, and much more. The Southern Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Colleges has provided accreditation for this program. A total of 60 credits are needed to earn this degree.
Tuition: $23,400
Score: 94
#26. Franklin Pierce University
Online Associate’s in Criminal Justice
Rindge, New Hampshire
Franklin Peirce University offers its Online Associate’s in Criminal Justice degree to students entirely online. Students will survey topics including criminology, deviant behavior, corrections systems, and much more. By completing this degree, students can find entry-level careers in law enforcement and other related fields. This program has been accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study.
Tuition: $24,000
Score: 93.75
#27. Indiana Institute of Technology
Online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Offered online by Indiana Institute of Technology, this online associate of science in criminal justice degree is a great introduction to the various concepts and skills needed for a successful career in criminal justice. Students will learn about the different components of the criminal justice system including the police force, the courts, and the corrections system. Those who have completed this program have gone on to careers as legal assistants, parole officers, youth counselors, and much more. This program of study has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. A total of 60 credit hours are needed for completion.
Tuition: $24,240
Score: 93.5
#28. New England College
Online Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
Henniker, New Hampshire
New England College offers students the opportunity to enroll in an Online Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice degree. Students will gain an introduction to the various careers and roles that make up the criminal justice system. Courses in this program include Criminology, Introduction to Criminal Justice, Contemporary Law Enforcement, and much more. This program of study has been accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. A total of 60 credit hours are needed for completion.
Tuition: $24,300
Score: 93.25
#29. Regent University
Online Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Students at Regent University can choose to enroll in the school’s Online Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice. Students will study a multitude of topics including criminal investigation, theories of criminal justice, and criminal law. After completing this program, students will be ready for a variety of entry-level careers in this field of work. Courses are eight weeks long. This program of study has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. A total of 64 credits are needed for completion.
Tuition: $25,280
Score: 93
#30. LeTourneau University
Online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice
Longview, Texas
At LeTourneau University, students can choose to enroll in the Online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice degree. Students will learn about the various parts of the criminal justice system including the courts, the police, and corrections. Courses include Justice and Human Rights, Terrorism & Counter-Terrorism, Criminal Law, and much more. This program’s courses last five weeks each. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study.
Tuition: $27,000
Score: 92.75
#31. Upper Iowa University
Online Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
Fayette, Iowa
This Online Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice degree is offered to students by Upper Iowa University. Students will study topics including law enforcement, ethics, investigations, corrections, and much more. This program of study has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Courses last for eight weeks. To complete this degree, students must earn a total of 60 credits.
Tuition: $27,240
Score: 92.5
#32. Maranatha Baptist University
Online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice
Watertown, Wisconsin
Offered through Maranatha Baptist University’s online learning initiative, this Online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice degree was built from the ground up for students to take online. In this program, students will develop their behavioral science and communication skills as they apply to the pursuit of criminal justice studies. Courses include Ethics in Criminal Justice, General Psychology, Nature of Crime, and much more. Maranatha Baptist University has received accreditation for this program from the Higher Learning Commission. A total of 64 credits are needed for completion.
Tuition: $27,520
Score: 92.25
#33. Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice
Clarion, Pennsylvania
One of the many online programs available at Clarion University of Pennsylvania, this Online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice degree was built with online learning in mind. In this program, students will develop strong background knowledge in the five main areas of criminal justice studies: policing, juvenile justice, criminology, law adjudication, and corrections. By completing this degree, students will have a greater understanding of criminal behavior and will be prepared for a career in law enforcement careers. This program has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. A total of 60 credit hours are needed for completion.
Tuition: $27,660
Score: 92
#34. Colorado Christian University
Online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice
Lakewood, Colorado
This Online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice degree is offered to students by Colorado Christian University. Through this program, students will study topics including ethics, criminal courts, corrections, criminology, juvenile justice, and much more. Courses are five weeks long. This program has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. A total of 60 credits are needed to complete this degree.
Tuition: $28,140
Score: 91.75
#35. Thomas Edison State University
Online Associate’s in Applied Science in Criminal Justice
Trenton, New Jersey
Thomas Edison State University offers its students an Online Associate’s in Applied Science in Criminal Justice degree. Students will gain an introductory knowledge of the skills and information needed to succeed in this field of work. Courses in this program include Criminology, Forensic Science, and much more. This program has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. A total of 60 credits are needed to complete this program.
Tuition: $29,940
Score: 91.5
#36. Excelsior College
Online Associate’s in Criminal Justice
Albany, New York
Students at Excelsior College are able to enroll in the school’s Online Associate’s in Criminal Justice degree. Students will study topics including corrections, probation and parole, inmate rehabilitation, and much more. Upon completing this program of study, students will be ready for careers as law enforcement personnel, corrections officers and much more. This program has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. A total of 60 credit hours are needed for completion.
Tuition: $30,600
Score: 91.25
#37. Florida Institute of Technology
Online Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
Melbourne, Florida
Offered completely online, this Online Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice degree is made available by Florida Institute of Technology. Students will gain an overview of the concepts and theories that govern the modern administration of criminal justice. They will also examine concepts such as homeland security, crime prevention, court administration, and much more. Those who complete this degree have gone on to have careers as court administrators, police officers, caseworkers, and much more. To complete this program of study, students must earn a total of 61 credit hours.
Tuition: $31,110
Score: 91
#38. Bethel University
Online Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
St. Paul, Minnesota
Students can enroll in an Online Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice degree at Bethel University. Designed to be completed entirely online, this program of study provides students with the foundational criminal justice theories and concepts that will prepare them for a successful career in the field. Courses include Overview of Criminal Procedure, Professionalism in the Workplace, Drugs in Society, and much more. This program of study has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. A total of 60 credit hours are required for completion.
Tuition: $31,800
Score: 90.75
#39. Chaminade University of Honolulu
Online Associate of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Honolulu, Hawaii
Chaminade University of Honolulu offers an Online Associate of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice degree as part of its online offerings. Students will learn topics including public safety, criminology, law, and much more. This program of study has been accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. A total of 60 credit hours are needed for completion.
Tuition: $33,000
Score: 90.50
#40. University of Maine at Augusta
Online Associate of Science in Justice Studies
Augusta, Maine
This Online Associate of Science in Justice Studies degree is offered by the University of Maine at Augusta. Students can choose to enroll in the Community Policing or Forensics specialization to customize their degree program. Those who have completed this program of study have found careers as parole officers, law enforcement agents, and much more. This program has been accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. A total of 60 credit hours are needed to complete.
Tuition: $33,840
Score: 90.25
#41. Peirce College
Online Associate’s in Science in Criminal Justice
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Part of Peirce College’s online offerings, this Online Associate’s in Science in Criminal Justice degree can be completed entirely online. Students will learn about the various functions of the criminal justice system and the different career paths found within this field of work. Students can choose to customize their education by focusing on Law Enforcement, Correctional System, Criminal Investigation, Juvenile Justice and much more. Courses in this program include Criminology, Ethics in Criminal Justice, and much more. To complete this program, students must earn a total of 61 credits.
Tuition: $36,600
Score: 90
#42. Pennsylvania State University
Online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice
University Park, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania State University offers students an Online Associate’s in Science in Criminal Justice degree. Students gain an overview of the most important topics including criminology, deviant behavior, criminal justice, and much more. Courses include Policing in America, Race and Ethnic Relations, Corrections in America, and much more. This program has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. A total of 64 credits are needed for completion.
Tuition: $38,144
Score: 89.75
#43. Lincoln College of New England
Associate’s in Criminal Justice Online
Southington, Connecticut
Students at the Lincoln College of New England can enroll in the school’s Online Associate’s in Criminal Justice degree. Designed from the ground up to be taken online, this degree program acts as an introduction to a variety of different skills and competencies needed for a career in criminal justice. Students learn about correctional theories, deviant behavior, private security, and much more. They will also learn the different functions of court systems, ethical issues in policing, and much more. To complete this program, students are expected to earn a total of 60 credits.
Tuition: $42,600
Score: 89.5
#44. Keiser University
Online Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
The Online Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice degree is offered to students by Keiser University. Students will learn about different criminal behavior patterns, juvenile corrections systems, legal principles, and much more. Specific courses in this program include Criminal Law, Criminal Investigations, and much more. Keiser University has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. A total of 60 credit hours are needed for completion.
Tuition: $45,540
Score: 89.25
#45. Utah Valley University
Online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice
Orem, Utah
Utah Valley University offers an Online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice degree. Students will study the various functions of the criminal justice system. Courses include Criminal Law, Laws of Evidence, Criminal Investigations, and much more. Utah Valley University has received accreditation for this program from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. This program requires a total of 60 credits for completion.
Tuition: $52,740
Score: 89
Related:
Online Bachelor’s Criminal Justice
Online Master’s Criminal Justice
