Students can earn a degree in criminal justice online, when and where it is convenient for them. Criminal justice degrees are available in a variety of courses to fit many different careers. American InterContinental University is based in Illinois but offers online criminal justice degree programs. Students can work toward an associate or bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Both degree programs will arm students with specialized knowledge and skills to prepare them for working in the field. Everest University online offers associate, bachelor's and master's degree programs with concentrations in immigration, corrections, probation, forensics, security administration and criminology. Both schools were listed as top online schools for criminal justice by the Online Education Database, a leading online education directory that reviews and lists only accredited colleges.
Criminal justice was one of the most popular types of associate degrees earned in the United States in 2007, according to the information site www.legal-criminal-justice-schools.com. Students can normally finish an associate degree program in two years. After completion, students are ready for an entry-level career in law enforcement, corrections, security and the court systems or to transition into a bachelor's program. Strayer University has locations across the United States that offer associate of arts degrees in criminal justice. Campuses are in 23 states and online. Ivy Bridge College in Toledo, Ohio has a criminal justice associate degree program with a focus on law enforcement. Students learn all of the skills necessary for a successful career in law enforcement. U.S. News lists these schools as among the best choices for associate degrees.
Graduates can earn a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, usually in four years, gaining an understanding of how the system works while preparing themselves for careers in law enforcement, immigration, in the courts systems and more. University of Missouri-St. Louis has a department of criminology and a criminal justice department that has been ranked fourth in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. Students can earn a bachelor's degree on campus through traditional class work and training. John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City is the only school in the United States that focuses only on criminal justice and public service studies. Bachelor of arts and bachelor of science programs in criminal justice are available.
Achieving a master's degree in criminal justice can provide more opportunities for those working in this career field. Many master's programs are designed for working law enforcement professionals who wish to acquire additional education. The University of Maryland's graduate program in criminal justice was ranked first by U.S. News in 2009. Students can work toward a traditional or professional master's that will prepare them for a career in teaching and research or with professional agencies. The University at Albany was ranked second in 2009 and offers a master's degree in criminal justice and a dual master's degree that combines criminal justice and social work. Most master's degree programs require at least an additional two to three years of post-bachelor's education.