Online Criminal Justice Degrees
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for police and detectives to grow 5% between 2019 and 2029, faster than the average for all other occupations. These professionals earned a median income of $65,170 in 2019. They typically spend their days responding to calls, patrolling areas, and collecting evidence from crime scenes.
A bachelor’s degree takes about four years to complete, and busy learners can earn a criminal justice degree online. Keep reading to learn about the top criminal justice programs, common courses, and scholarships for aspiring law enforcement officers.
Courses in a Criminal Justice Program
During their studies, criminal justice students hone hard and soft skills. Courses involve soft skills like interpersonal communication and active listening skills. They also cover hard skills, like record keeping and protocols for crime scene investigations.
Most criminal justice programs include 10-15 courses totaling 30-45 credits. Credit requirements can impact program length, but most learners complete this undergraduate degree within four years.
Criminal justice courses cover theories about crime prevention, the history of laws, and elements of restorative justice. Some criminal justice programs may require in-person components like an internship. In the following sections, we highlight five common criminal justice courses.
Professional Organizations for Criminal Justice Students
Professionals can commit to lifelong learning by joining professional organizations. These groups publish informative newsletters and scholarly journals, host conferences, and connect criminal justice professionals from varying backgrounds and experience levels. Some criminal justice organizations allow students to join. See below for a few of the many professional organizations for criminal justice degree-seekers.
- Academy of Criminal Justice SciencesACJS promotes scholarly activities within the criminal justice field. More than 1,800 members benefit from an educational annual meeting, access to four scholarly journals, and a job board. This organization also offers research grants to advance the field.
- American Academy of Forensic SciencesThis professional organization invites anyone working in the U.S. legal system to get involved. AAFS allows members to join a specialized section, such as the toxicology or pathology section. The organization hosts meetings, offers education training, and publishes a reference library.
- American Correctional AssociationACA aims to advance correctional effectiveness. The organization formed in 1870 and now connects thousands of criminal justice professionals across the world. To join, ACA charges $35-$150 depending on the member’s years of experience. Members gain access to online training discounts and exclusive industry publications.
- American Society of CriminologyThis organization helps its members pursue scholarly information on how to control and prevent crime. Members can join specialized ASC divisions that focus on one topic, like corrections or cybercrime. ASC provides three annual publications to its members that discuss current criminal justice topics.
Scholarships for Criminal Justice Students
Degree-seekers can avoid large student loan payments by applying for scholarships. Private companies, foundations, nonprofits, and educational institutions all offer this type of financial aid. Most scholarships require a short essay, recommendation letters, and official transcripts. See below for three scholarships reserved for criminal justice students.