An associate's degree program in criminal justice provides students with a knowledge base and necessarily skills required for further studies in the area. The associate's degree typically leads to a bachelor's program in criminal justice. An associate's program can typically be completed in two academic years. Colleges like Liberty University, University of Phoenix, Virginia College, Kaplan University and Iowa Central Community College offer associate programs that can be completed online without attending on-campus classes.
A bachelor's degree is typically a four-year program that includes extensive coursework on the subject and comprises topics like juvenile justice, terrorism, criminal behavior and law enforcement systems. This degree will help you get an entry-level position or pursue a graduate program in a specialized field. University of Phoenix, Portland State University and Ashford University offer distance learning bachelor's programs in criminal justice. Capella University and Kaplan University offer many bachelor's degree programs related to criminal justice including Crime Scene Investigation, Juvenile Justice, Homeland Security and Counterterrorism and Private Security.
A master's degree distance-learning program in criminal justice is usually suitable for working professionals in the field who want to blend their practical knowledge with coursework content. A master's program teaches you advanced research methods for analyzing criminal justice issues, and qualifies you for higher positions in law enforcement agencies. You can enroll in a two-year master's degree program online at universities like Boston University, The Florida State University, Indiana State University, University of Cincinnati and Everest University Online, as well as online-focused options including University of Phoenix (which offers a Master of Science in Administration of Justice and Security).
A doctorate degree in criminal justice allows you to select a particular concentration area to major in. In the chosen area of interest you will learn to apply theory as well as practice in a justice agency, law enforcement units, sheriff's departments and other police departments. According to Distance-Learning-College-Guide.com website, coursework for a doctorate degree may include criminal justice policy, criminology theory and statistical analysis concerning crime analysis and crime rates. Usually you can qualify for a PhD program if you completed your bachelor's or master's with a good grade point average. You can start an online PhD program at colleges like Capella University, Walden University, Northcentral University Online, and University of the Rockies.