How to Get an Online Criminal Justice Degree: Steps, Curriculum, and What to Expect
Key Takeaways
- A criminal justice degree can be earned at the associate or bachelor's level, with each building foundational to advanced knowledge of law enforcement, corrections and the judicial process.
- Getting a criminal justice degree online generally involves choosing a program level, applying, transferring eligible prior credits and completing coursework in 8-week terms.
- Coursework spans policing, corrections, judicial process, criminology and legal research, building skills in critical thinking, ethical decision-making and communication.
- Online programs offer the flexibility working adults need, with monthly start dates and the option to study around a job or family commitments.
- University of Arkansas Grantham offers an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, both delivered 100% online.
Criminal justice brings together law enforcement, courts, and corrections to keep communities safe and move cases through the justice system.
Learning how to get a criminal justice degree starts with understanding your program options. Students can build their knowledge through associate or bachelor's-level study.
Here's what it takes to earn the degree online, what the coursework covers, and how UA Grantham's Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice and Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice build on one another.
What Is a Criminal Justice Degree?
The criminal justice field includes law enforcement, courts and corrections. Each plays a part in supporting public safety and moving cases through the judicial process.
Students can study the field at multiple degree levels. An associate degree introduces foundational concepts and practices. A bachelor's degree builds on that knowledge with more advanced study.
While closely related, criminology takes a different approach to the study of crime. It examines crime as a social phenomenon, including why it occurs and how it affects society. Criminal justice has a more practical and operational focus on the systems used to address crime. Students can explore a detailed comparison of criminal justice and criminology to learn more.
Steps to Get a Criminal Justice Degree Online
While requirements vary by school, learning how to get a criminal justice degree online generally involves these steps:
Step 1: Choose a Program Level
Decide which degree level fits your educational goals. An associate degree provides foundational study of criminal justice. A bachelor's degree builds on that foundation with more advanced coursework.
Step 2: Research Accreditation
Look for an accredited institution before choosing a program. UA Grantham is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
Step 3: Apply to the Program
Complete the school's application and submit the required information. UA Grantham offers a no-cost application for prospective students.
Step 4: Submit Transcripts for Transfer Credit Evaluation
Send transcripts from previous colleges or universities to determine which credits may transfer. Reviewing the school's transfer credit policy can help you understand how prior coursework may apply toward your degree.
Step 5: Enroll and Begin Coursework
Once enrolled, students can begin working through their degree requirements. UA Grantham offers 8-week terms with new terms starting each month.
Step 6: Complete Degree Requirements
Continue through the required general education and core criminal justice coursework. Completing these requirements brings students closer to earning their chosen criminal justice degree.
What You Study in a Criminal Justice Program
Foundational Coursework
Students build a foundation through subjects such as:
- Business and professional communication
- Research methods
- Writing and quantitative reasoning
- Government
- Psychology and sociology
Core Criminal Justice Coursework
Core study covers topics such as:
- Introduction to criminal justice
- Police systems and practices
- Correction systems and practices
- Juvenile justice I
- Judicial process
- Legal research
- Introduction to criminology
At the bachelor's level, students move into more advanced topics including criminal procedure, criminal law, Introduction to Criminal Justice Ethics, community corrections, criminalistics and Introduction to Public Administration.
Skills Developed Through the Program
Coursework helps students strengthen skills in:
- Critical thinking
- Ethical decision-making
- Understanding the judicial process
- Communication
- Analyzing the three components of the criminal justice system: police, courts and corrections
Associate vs. Bachelor's: Choosing Your Path
The 60-credit Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice introduces students to foundational concepts within the criminal justice system. This knowledge can also support continued study at the bachelor's level.
For students seeking more advanced study, the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice consists of 120 credit hours. Coursework goes deeper into topics such as criminal law, criminal procedure and corrections.
The two programs can also form a stackable academic pathway. Students may begin with the Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice and later continue into the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice.
What to Look for in an Online Criminal Justice Program
When comparing online criminal justice programs, consider factors such as:
- Accreditation: Look for an accredited institution with a strong reputation for academic quality.
- Flexibility: A 100% online program with monthly start dates can make it easier for working adults to balance school with other responsibilities.
- Transfer credit policy: Review how eligible prior coursework could carry over towards your degree.
- Cost and financial aid: Compare the cost per credit hour and available financial aid options to understand your educational investment.
- Student support: Consider the resources available throughout the program. Academic guidance can help students stay on track toward their degree.
Criminal Justice Degrees at UA Grantham
UA Grantham offers two online criminal justice degree programs: the Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice and the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice.
The Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice requires 60 credit hours. The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice requires 120 credit hours. Students may be eligible to transfer up to 75% of the credits required for either program.
Both programs are delivered 100% online with 8-week terms and monthly start dates. UA Grantham is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
The Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice Student Learning Outcomes are:
- Explain the various causes of crime using criminal justice theories, practices, and processes to a multicultural population
- Compare and contrast historical and contemporary police functions, issues, and responses to crime
- Describe the nature and function of corrections, its services, practices, and institutions
- Apply fundamental concepts of the administration of justice
The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Student Learning Outcomes are:
- Explain the various causes of crime using criminal justice theories, practices, and processes to a multicultural population
- Compare and contrast historical and contemporary police functions, issues, and responses to crime
- Describe the nature and function of corrections, its services, practices, and institutions
- Analyze relevant criminal law and procedures as they relate to the administration of justice
- Differentiate between adult and juvenile procedures throughout the criminal justice system
- Apply the concepts of professionalism, ethical behavior, and social responsibility to make decisions as a criminal justice professional
- Evaluate the three components of the criminal justice system
Ready to Start Your Criminal Justice Degree?
Studying criminal justice can help you deepen your understanding of the field and strengthen skills you can continue to build over time.
Explore Criminal Justice Degrees at UA Grantham<[/link] to learn more. Request Info or Apply when you're ready to get started.
FAQs
How long does it take to get an online criminal justice degree?
An online associate degree in criminal justice typically takes 24 months to complete, while a bachelor's degree typically takes 38 months. Time to completion is contingent on continuous enrollment and maintaining satisfactory academic progress.
Do I need a criminal justice degree to work in law enforcement?
Education requirements vary by employer and position. A criminal justice degree can build knowledge of law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Students seeking a career in law enforcement at the local or state level will need additional training and testing, determined by the Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) in their state, per the UA Grantham catalog.
Can I transfer credits into a criminal justice degree program?
Yes. Students may be eligible to transfer up to 75% of the credits required for the Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice or Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. Transfer eligibility depends on prior coursework and the university's transfer credit evaluation.
What's the difference between an associate and bachelor's in criminal justice?
An associate degree in criminal justice requires 60 credit hours and focuses on foundational study. A bachelor's degree requires 120 credit hours and explores topics such as criminal law, criminal procedure and corrections in greater depth.
Is an online criminal justice degree respected by employers?
Accreditation can be an important factor when evaluating an online criminal justice degree. UA Grantham is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). Employer requirements vary by organization and position.