There are many free tools online that search for criminal justice programs at schools across the country. Use a site such as All Criminal Justice Schools to search by city or state. You can also search by degree emphasis, such as corrections, court reporting and forensics.
Internships are often not paid, but offer a wealth of on-the-job experience as you pursue your degree. Working in a local police department, court or state office can help students relate classroom instruction to real-life jobs. Call local offices in the field you're studying and ask about internship opportunities. To search online for internships in criminal justice, visit sites such as Criminal Justice Internship (see Resources).
Most police departments allow civilians to ride along with an officer for a day. This program offers a way for people to get to know what law enforcement work is really like. It also gives people the chance to talk with serving officers about where they went to school, and how they earned their degree prior to becoming a police officer. Consider using the first-hand experience to guide your choices in choosing a degree program that suits your goals.
Many schools provide online criminal-justice degrees that don't require time in a classroom. Online schools offer a flexible class schedule, often with the same support from a teacher that's available in brick-and-mortar schools. Compare a variety of online programs and tuition rates at the Criminal Justice Degrees Guide online (see Resources).
Online blogs, or discussion forums, often provide peer reviews of schools and degree programs. Criminal Justice Online Blog, for example, provides a discussion thread specifically about associate's degrees in criminal justice. These forums also provide tips about what has worked for students and what hasn't.