The general education requirement for any level of criminal justice degree is similar at most online universities. These requirements include English composition I and II, American or U.S. government, sociology, algebra, psychology, speech composition and physical science courses. While the exact required courses vary from school to school, a student can expect a full year of study in general education requirements.
An online associate's degree in criminal justice is a degree that focuses on theory and application of criminology, evidence, criminal and court procedure, correctional facilities, policing, court document writing and computer application. The communication, research and organization skills are considered appropriate for an entry-level position for careers such as court clerks, corrections officers, security officers and social workers. This broad overview of the justice system can be completed online within two years of full time study.
An online bachelor's degree in criminal justice is a four-year degree that focuses on the theory and application of criminology, evidence, criminal and court procedure, correctional facilities, policing, court document writing, computer application, juvenile delinquency, computer crime, victimology, alternatives to incarceration and interview and interrogations. Similar to an associate's degree in course structure, a bachelor's degree is more comprehensive and advanced in the study of these areas of the legal system. A bachelor's degree in criminal justice will ready a student for a career as a court clerk, or a clerk with a correctional organization or law enforcement agency.
An online master's degree in criminal justice is a graduate level degree that focuses on the theory and application of law, ethics, crime, criminology, research methods, critical issues in criminal justice, constitutional theory, management skills and victimology. This degree will prepare a student for a career in a management level position in the courtroom, probation, corrections, immigration or security.