An associate's degree in criminal justice requires at least 60 credits and may help you to get a promotion if you already work in law enforcement or an entry-level job if you're just entering the field. You'll need a GED or high school diploma and proficiency in English to enroll. Look for a not-for-profit college or university with regional accreditation so your credits will transfer if you decide to seek a higher degree. Make sure your school has been in business for at least 10 years and requires proctored finals to certify your online work.
To enter program of study toward a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, you'll need to take the CLEP or DANTES test. This is to your advantage, because you may be able to "test out" of some basic courses. Before enrolling, ask for the school's Carnegie Classification and its system of verifying that you've completed your online work. If you've already earned an associate's degree in criminal justice, consider getting your bachelor's from the same institution so all your hours will count. Most transfers only allow a certain percentage of hours from other schools.
Working professionals who have a bachelor's degree but lack the time or funds to enter a master's degree program may opt to study for an online post-bachelor's certificate in criminology and criminal justice such as those offered by Portland State University's Hatfield School of Government or St. Joseph University. Post-bachelor's certificates are offered by only a small number of online schools and aren't for everyone, but they can be a career-enhancing alternative.
For an online master's degree in criminal justice, choose an accredited program that allows you to go on to a doctoral program if you choose. Since there are no online programs that lead to a fully accredited Ph.D. in this field, those who wish to obtain doctorates in criminal justice must attend a brick-and-mortar school. A couple of for-profit schools offer online doctorates, but they're not accepted as real Ph.D.s in criminology. Do yourself a favor and get the most prestigious online master's degree in criminal justice you can afford, just in case.