Online criminal justice degrees

Prepare for a career to help your community

Our online criminal justice degrees prepare you for careers in corrections, the court system, law enforcement and security. Pursue a degree that gives you skills that professionally support and protect justice.

Learn more about our associate, bachelor's and master's online criminal justice degrees.

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Why earn your criminal justice degree with us?

Our online criminal justice degrees are designed specifically for working professionals, like you. Which means they help you build a strong foundation in criminal justice while learning the leadership skills to prepare for a career in corrections, the court system or other positions within the fields of criminal justice, public administration and security without leaving your current role to attend school.

Save time and money

Graduate faster by transferring in prior eligible credits from another accredited institution. If you have existing industry certifications as well as military, security, or law enforcement training you can apply to have that relevant experience evaluated for college credit toward degrees in Criminal Justice Administration, Public Administration and Administration of Justice and Security.

Transfer your credits

Affordable, fixed tuition

We’ve locked in our affordable tuition for the duration of your online criminal justice degree. So, you can count on your tuition to be as dependable as your education.

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Gain real-world knowledge

At University of Phoenix our instructors average 25 years of experience in the fields they teach. So, you won’t just study theory you’ll learn how to apply it.

Learn about our faculty

Education and professional growth go hand in hand. Where I am now is a testament to that philosophy.”

Joshua V.

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration, '11

How to apply

We're with you every step of the way

Set your goals

Select your criminal justice degree, course or certificate.

Begin online application

Complete your application on your own or with the help of an enrollment representative.

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Frequently asked questions

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Our criminal justice degrees can prepare you to work in a variety of settings:

Criminal justice – Operate in the field, using your new understanding of the agencies, corrections systems and procedures involved in criminal justice
Criminal justice administration – Serve your community via administrative responsibilities in law enforcement, criminal courts and corrections
Public administration – Work in both the public and private sectors, engaging in areas such as civic leadership and non-profit management, to governmental, finance, and budgeting
Security management - Keep workplace assets safe as the front line of defense for employee safety and asset protection
Administration of justice/security - Work in management positions in law enforcement, corrections, court operations and security organizations

Here’s how long it can take to complete a criminal justice, public administration or security degree program without any prior academic or professional experience transfers:

Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice (AACJS): approximately 2 years
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration (BSCJA): approximately 4 years
Bachelor of Science in Public Administration (BSPA): approximately 4 years
Bachelor of Science in Security Management (BSSEC): approximately 4 years
Master of Science in Administration of Justice and Security (MS/AJS): approximately 18 months
Master of Public Administration (MPA): approximately 1 year, 5 months

A criminal justice degree from University of Phoenix can help you in a number of ways:

Equip you with general skills like communication, critical-thinking and problem-solving
Show potential employers your commitment to personal and professional growth

The University’s Criminal Justice programs are educational degree programs. For those interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement, corrections or as a peace officer with any particular local, state, tribal, federal or international agency, there are numerous additional qualifications (and often disqualifications) depending on the position. Before enrolling in a Criminal Justice program, potential students are highly encouraged to check with the relevant agency for a complete list of position requirements. The University makes no representations regarding whether any particular University program will qualify a graduate for any such position.