[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-2″]The criminal justice field accepts graduates from all degree levels, including associate degrees for entry-level positions and graduate degrees for leadership roles.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Finding the right criminal justice degree requires candidates to analyze program costs vs. benefits, the school location, and the potential career options. Prospective students should consider the different program, degree, and delivery options to find the best match for their strengths, interests, and goals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide provides links and resources on the criminal justice discipline. We rank the best criminal justice degrees and [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/online-colleges/”]best online colleges[/hen-ui-link], matching programs to your unique circumstances. You can also explore related fields, including law enforcement, homeland security, or legal studies, along with the most popular career pathways and the latest news affecting the field.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”deciding”]Deciding to Pursue a Criminal Justice Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Finding your ideal educational pathway is unique for each student. In addition to our guide on [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/how-to-choose-your-major/”]how to choose a major[/hen-ui-link], we offer several criminal justice-specific resources. For example, you can find a breakdown of the most common criminal justice courses, which can help you evaluate program curriculums and build your schedule.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prospective criminal justice students can also identify potential career opportunities with the resources below. In addition to more traditional career pathways, there are some non-police careers to consider. Having a career path in mind before enrolling can help learners make more effective in-program choices.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”selecting”]Selecting a Criminal Justice Degree Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Choosing from the many criminal justice degrees and programs can create challenges for prospective students. TheBestSchools wants to ease that process by hosting helpful guides that show each learner [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/how-to-pick-a-college/”]how to pick a college[/hen-ui-link] and what they can gain from the different [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/college-degree-levels/”]college degree levels[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We also provide information on the types of criminal degrees and programs, the most [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/online-colleges/popular-online-colleges/”]popular online colleges[/hen-ui-link], and the best online criminal justice degrees, along with guides on how to use our rankings. With the help of these resources, you can identify your ideal college, program, and type of study — such as in-person, online, or hybrid delivery.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/resources/how-to-pick-a-college/”]How to Pick a College[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Rankings: How to Use Them[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-teaching/”]Best Online Criminal Justice Degrees[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Are the Different Types of Criminal Justice Degrees?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The criminal justice field features different levels, types of degrees, and related disciplines. While not an exhaustive list, prospective students may encounter the following degree options at each level:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Associate: Associate of arts (AA) or associate of science (AS)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Bachelor’s: Bachelor of arts (BA) or bachelor of science (BS)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Master’s: Master of arts (MA) or master of science (MS)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Doctorate: Doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) or juris doctor (JD)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These degree types and levels can lead to varying professional roles and career opportunities for graduates. Programs, majors, and specializations can also have a postgraduate impact. In addition to criminal justice majors, prospective learners can learn about programs in criminology and justice studies, as well as other related programs highlighted below.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”criminal-justice-corrections”]Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Criminal justice students enjoy a great selection of program majors and degree levels. Criminal justice and corrections graduates can access some of the most desirable law enforcement and protective service professions. To help with the program selection process, you can find guides and rankings for some of the best programs available in the discipline.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We rank the best online [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-criminal-justice/”]associate degrees[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-criminal-justice/”]bachelor’s degrees[/hen-ui-link], master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees in criminal justice. We also rank some related programs, including the best online bachelor’s degrees in corrections and master’s degrees in criminology.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Finally, TheBestSchools lists some of the most [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/affordable/online-bachelors-criminal-justice/”]affordable online bachelor’s[/hen-ui-link] and master’s degrees in criminal justice to help distance learners save money.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-criminal-justice/”]Associate in Criminal Justice[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-criminal-justice/”]Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Master’s in Criminal Justice[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Doctorate in Criminal Justice[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Master’s in Criminology [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”law-enforcement”]Law Enforcement[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to criminal justice degrees, prospective students can pursue law enforcement and other related programs. Though criminal justice programs may touch on law enforcement topics, law enforcement programs offer more focused training for learners aiming for specific protective services careers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following links highlight some of the best programs in this field, such as the best online bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees in law enforcement. TheBestSchools also ranks the best online bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees in cybercrime, along with the best online [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-bachelors-crime-scene-investigation-csi/”]bachelor’s in crime scene investigation[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Bachelor’s in Law Enforcement [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Master’s in Law Enforcement[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-bachelors-crime-scene-investigation-csi/”]Crime Scene Investigation Degrees[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Bachelor’s in Cybercrime[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”homeland-security”]Homeland Security[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Department of Homeland Security oversees national threat monitoring. Degrees in this field train learners in anti-terrorism, border security, and emergency management. While the training delves into similar legal and criminal behavior topics as a criminal justice degree, homeland security programs focus more on immigration and citizenship laws.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]TheBestSchools has put together guides for the various homeland security programs, schools, and degree levels. We ranked the best online associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees in homeland security to ensure you know what programs are available and what they have to offer.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Associate in Homeland Security[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Bachelor’s in Homeland Security [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Master’s in Homeland Security [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”legal studies”]Legal Studies[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prospective students who want to delve more into the law beyond a criminal justice program often look to legal studies programs. TheBestSchools offers several resources for this discipline, including rankings for the best online bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees in legal studies.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to identifying the best schools and programs in this field, these links offer detailed program and career information. We also offer rankings and resources for the [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-paralegal-programs/”]best online paralegal bachelor’s degrees[/hen-ui-link] — ideal for students with more specific law career pathways in mind.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Bachelor’s in Legal Studies [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Master’s in Legal Studies [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Doctorate in Legal Studies [/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-paralegal-programs/”]Paralegal Programs[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”associate”]Associate Degrees in Criminal Justice[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Criminal justice and related associate degrees provide students with a foundation for many entry-level careers and training possibilities. Graduates can pursue many law enforcement and legal careers, continue their training with bachelor’s programs in the same field, or specialize in subfields.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following links explore this level of training and the opportunities it presents. We start with answering the question, [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/”]what is an associate degree?[/hen-ui-link] We also rank best online [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-criminal-justice/”]associate degrees in criminal justice[/hen-ui-link], and associate degrees in homeland security; providing specific program and career information for each option.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/”]What is an Associate Degree?[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-criminal-justice/”]Associate in Criminal Justice[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Associate in Homeland Security[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”bachelors”]Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With many criminal justice professions requiring a bachelor’s degree, this level of training draws plenty of interest from prospective students. TheBestSchools hosts several targeted resources to ensure that aspiring criminal justice professionals choose the proper program and pathway.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Readers can start their research with our guide that answers the question, [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/”]what is a bachelor’s degree?[/hen-ui-link] From there, they may want to read about the [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-criminal-justice/”]best online criminal justice bachelor’s[/hen-ui-link] and the [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/”]most affordable criminal justice bachelor’s[/hen-ui-link] degrees. With the help of these resources, you can save time and money and identify your ideal school or program.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/”]Online Bachelor’s Degree Guide [/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/affordable/online-bachelors-criminal-justice/”]Most Affordable Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-criminal-justice/”]Best Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice [/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”masters”]Master’s Degrees in Criminal Justice[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At the master’s level, criminal justice programs often become more specialized and focused, allowing learners to concentrate their studies. The advanced training can also prepare graduates for leadership roles and equip them with the research and academic skills to pursue doctoral degrees.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Interested students can start with our guide that answers the question of [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/”]what is a master’s degree?[/hen-ui-link] TheBestSchools provides rankings of the most affordable criminal justice master’s and the best online criminal justice master’s degrees, as well. With these links, readers can find the most suitable program for their interests and financial needs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/”]Online Master’s Programs Guide [/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Most Affordable Master’s in Criminal Justice[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Best Master’s in Criminal Justice[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”doctoral”]Doctoral Degrees in Criminal Justice[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While most graduates with a doctorate pursue teaching positions within colleges and universities, many other opportunities exist. Graduates can take on leadership positions within law enforcement or work in policy or research and development. They can also access careers in federal organizations.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To help guide prospective students, TheBestSchools hosts both general and program-specific doctoral degree resource pages. Readers can find out more about what the degrees offer with our [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/doctorate/”]what is a doctoral degree?[/hen-ui-link] guide. They can also identify the best online criminal justice doctorates and best online legal studies doctorates with our ranking pages.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/doctorate/”]Online Ph.D. Programs Guide[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Doctorate in Criminal Justice[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]Doctorate in Legal Studies[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Paying for a Criminal Justice Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Paying for college is one of the most important issues for students. TheBestSchools helps learners by exploring the different [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/”]college costs[/hen-ui-link] and college finances students encounter. We also host resource pages on available [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/about-student-loans/”]student loans[/hen-ui-link] and [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/scholarships/”]postsecondary scholarships[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Within the following links, readers can find ways to save money on their schooling and reduce their overall debt load. We provide information about finding loans and scholarships to help you pay for your education. Prospective students should also work with their school’s financial services teams to identify the most effective payment methods.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]TheBestSchools’ College Finances Guide[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/scholarships/”]How to Find Scholarships for College[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/about-student-loans/”]What You Should Know About Student Loans[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/resources/”]How Much Does College Really Cost?[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Criminal Justice Careers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With widely applicable training, graduates from this field can access many different [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/criminal-justice/”]criminal justice jobs[/hen-ui-link]. In the following links, TheBestSchools aims to inform students about their future career options. For example, we provide information on the most popular career pathways available after completing [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/criminal-justice/”]criminal justice and law degrees[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to information on common [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/criminal-justice/”]law and criminal justice jobs[/hen-ui-link], TheBestSchools offers resources on FBI jobs, [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/criminal-justice/”]legal assistant roles[/hen-ui-link], and [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/paralegal/”]paralegal careers[/hen-ui-link]. By knowing their professional opportunities and requirements, learners can ensure they take the appropriate steps to improve their chances of achieving their goals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/criminal-justice/”]Best Criminal Justice Jobs[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/criminal-justice/”]Legal Assistant Careers[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/paralegal/”]Paralegal Careers[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/criminal-justice/”]What Can You Do With a Criminal Justice or Law Degree?[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″]What Does a Career as an FBI Agent Look Like?[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”news”]Latest News for Criminal Justice Students[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Industry changes, news, and updates can have a major impact on education and future careers, and we aim to keep students informed. Through TheBestSchools’ magazine, readers can learn about the latest developments in education, financial aid organizations, and the criminal justice field in particular.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”accreditation”]A Quick Guide to Criminal Justice Accreditation[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]All schools offering criminal justice degrees should have proper regional accreditation. Without this status, they cannot offer students federal financial aid, and their graduates may not qualify for future training or employment. Prospective students should only consider accredited schools.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While not mandatory, programmatic accreditation also has some benefits. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.acjs.org/page/Cert_Programs/”]Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences[/hen-ui-link], for example, recognizes some of the best bachelor’s and master’s programs in the field. Programmatic accreditation assures students and employers that the recognized programs have met a high set of industry standards.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-3″][hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]All You Need to Know About Accreditation[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What Does a Degree in Criminal Justice Get You?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A criminal justice degree offers graduates access to various law enforcement and legal careers. This degree also provides a foundation for further studies in criminal justice or a more specialized field, such as law or cybercrime.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Is a Degree in Criminal Justice Worth It?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes. A criminal justice degree qualifies graduates for many protective services occupations. The careers in this field offer a median salary from $37,090 for security officers, to $53,290 for correctional officers. However, you could apply your degree in various fields, such as management or consulting, potentially increasing earning potential.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How Many Years Does It Take to Get a Degree in Criminal Justice?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The length of study depends on the chosen degree. An associate degree in criminal justice takes approximately two years to complete. A bachelor’s requires four years, a master’s takes two years, and a doctorate can stretch to five years or more.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-sm text-right”]Header Image Credit: ajr_images | Getty Images[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Learn more, do more.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h5″]More topic-relevant resources to expand your knowledge.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-criminal-justice/,/degrees/criminal-justice/courses/,/careers/career-guides/non-police-careers/”][/hen-ui-article-row] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]