Earn an Online Criminal Justice Degree
- $330/credit (120 total credits)
- Transfer up to 90 credits
- 24/7 online access to the classroom
- No application fee or SAT/ACT scores
- Online CJ club and events
- Get up to 12 credits for law enforcement training
Online Criminal Justice Bachelor's Degree Overview
Criminal justice is an ever-evolving field that requires qualified professionals who have both a deep understanding of our legal system and adept interpersonal skills.
At Southern New Hampshire University, you can earn the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice with real-world perspective. Expanding the boundaries of a traditional criminal justice program, you’ll be exposed to:
- Current criminology theories
- Discretion in decision making
- Emerging national and global trends
- Effective communication strategies
The bachelor's degree in criminal justice includes an embedded communication certificate, which can help give you the tools to write and speak effectively in situations where every detail matters.
Get credit for law enforcement training: If you have completed a basic police, corrections or probation and parole academy training, you may receive up to 12 credits toward your criminal justice degree at SNHU.
What You'll Learn
- The impact of tech on criminal justice agencies
- Community relations and partnerships
- Communication to diverse audiences
- Laws, regulations and ethical standards
- Research-based solutions to complex problems
- Human motivation and behavior
How You'll Learn
At SNHU, you'll get support from day 1 to graduation and beyond. And with no set class times, 24/7 access to the online classroom, and helpful learning resources along the way, you'll have everything you need to reach your goals.
Concentration Options
Corrections
With the U.S. correctional system in a state of change, there's a need for professionals focused on prisoner rehabilitation and reintegration within the broader offender treatment system.
In Southern New Hampshire University's online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Corrections, you'll explore evidence-based programs and practices for rehabilitating offenders in correctional institutions and in the community.
This program addresses the continuum of services provided in corrections, including community-based supervision and the social factors that lead to incarceration. Through simulated scenarios, you'll encounter actual challenges and solve them with the guidance of experienced instructors.
Career outlook:
While the U.S. prison system continues to need correctional officers, additional job opportunities may present themselves in community-based programs that rehabilitate prisoners and limit their risk of repeated offenses.
A bachelor's degree is often required for roles in this field. SNHU's online degree in criminal justice and corrections can help prepare you for a variety of roles within the corrections, probation and parole system. These jobs include:
- Correctional administrator
- Correctional case manager
- Correctional officer
- Correctional treatment specialist
- Parole officer
- Probation officer
- Public safety officer
In the field, most probation officers and correctional treatment specialists work either in state or local government – excluding education and hospitals – with a smaller amount working in social assistance.1
In addition, probation officers and correctional treatment specialists can feel personal satisfaction from counseling members of their community and helping them become productive citizens.
Law enforcement positions may involve additional training and eligibility requirements.
Courses may include:
- Cultural Awareness in Criminal Justice
- The United States Correctional System
- Offender Rehabilitation
- Correctional Administration
Criminology & Crime Analysis
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Criminology & Crime Analysis will give you the opportunity to apply criminological theory to develop crime reduction and prevention strategies.
Examine the important roles that criminologists and crime analysts play in the development of data-based, proactive policing methods and crime prevention policies with this online criminology degree concentration.
Courses may include:
- Criminology & Public Policy
- Prevention of Crime
- Data-Based Policing Strategies
- Crime Analysis and Solutions
Cybercrime
In a society that has become inherently dependent upon technology, cybercrime is now a growing threat to individuals, corporations and governments.
Armed with the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Cybercrime, you'll have the knowledge and skills you need to combat a slew of tech-based criminal activity, from email hacking and identity theft to child exploitation and cyberbullying.
"Cybercrime is no longer a niche area of concern or study reserved for technology experts," said Dr. Jeff Czarnec, adjunct faculty at SNHU. "It continues to expand, placing unprecedented pressure on all levels, roles and assignments of law enforcement personnel."
Career Outlook:
If you aim to pursue or advance a career in law enforcement, a cybercrime degree offers a critical skillset that can help you shine in the eyes of employers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for police and detectives is projected to grow 3% through 2031.1
As a graduate of this program, you'll gain the skills you need to analyze and investigate cyber criminal offenses. You'll have the foundational qualifications you need to pursue a number of different occupations, including:
- Computer forensic examiner
- Cybercrime investigator
- Cyber forensic analyst
- Cybercrime operational risk specialist
- Detective or criminal investigator
- Federal agent
- Information security analyst
- Private investigator
This cybercrime concentration also stands out for its heavy emphasis on practical application – giving you the experience you need to back up the knowledge you gain throughout the program.
"The SNHU Cybercrime concentration possesses highly effective content designed by industry experts and gives the student an enhanced understanding of cybercrime while immersing them into real-world problem solving activities," Czarnec said.
Courses may include:
- Cybercrime Principles
- Cybercrime Targets: Organizations
- Cybercrime Targets: Individuals
- Cybercrime Investigations
Homeland Security & Counterterrorism
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Homeland Security & Counterterrorism offers a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the threat of terrorism.
Examine the history of terrorism, how terrorist groups succeed and fail, and responses to domestic and international terrorist campaigns with this online homeland security degree concentration.
Courses may include:
- Intelligence and Counterintelligence
- Terrorism in the United States
- Security Management
Human Services & Advocacy
Learn how advocates intervene in the criminal justice system to help people find the resources needed to address a wide range of challenges they may face.
With your Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Human Services & Advocacy, you'll examine public policy, child welfare and support services that can help families navigate the system – including community medical and mental health providers, nonprofit organizations, family courts and human services departments.
Your coursework will dive into state and federal laws and regulations, as well as ethical principles that guide and impact child welfare programs. Other issues you'll discuss in the human services concentration include child protection programs, child abuse and treatment laws, parent and child rights and responsibilities, education law and emancipation laws. Go further into issues regarding children with course topics that include custody, foster care, adoption and best interest standards.
The human services and advocacy concentration also helps you gain the skills necessary to develop policies that allow you to plan and lead an advocacy campaign.
The need for social and community service managers continues to grow. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 12% growth for these positions through 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.1
Courses may include:
- Public Policy and Advocacy
- Family and Community Systems
- Ethics and Laws in Child Welfare
Students seeking to become a human services professional may also be interested in the online human services degree program. The degree has several concentrations that allow you to specialize your skill set even further.
Police Administration & Operations
This Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Police Administration and Operations helps students understand the demands, functions and goals of modern police agencies.
You'll dive into topics like deployment of patrol assets, policy development and crime analysis with this online law enforcement degree concentration, which provides a thorough understanding of the many roles police agencies assume throughout the United States.
Courses may include:
- Effective Patrol and Community Policing
- Crisis Intervention for Police
- Leadership/Management in Criminal Justice Organizations
Security Management
In this innovative concentration, you'll take a deep dive into the diverse world of security management. From understanding the various types of security and the importance of preparedness to identifying potential threats and maintaining business continuity after a crisis, the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Security Management explores what it takes to protect an organization's employees and assets.
Other topics discussed in this concentration include security partnerships, emerging industry trends, cybersecurity defenses, loss prevention and risk assessment.
With experienced faculty from the field by your side and hands-on coursework, this program is designed to give you the opportunity to develop the techniques, strategies and skills employers are looking for to help protect their business.
Earning your security management degree online can kickstart or advance your career in a number of industries. Corporations and other private organizations hire security management professionals in areas related to loss prevention, continuity planning, risk assessment and crisis management. Potential roles in security management include:
- Chief security officer (CSO)
- Corporate physical security supervisor
- Corporate security manager
- Internal security manager
- Security operations manager
Courses may include:
- Security Management Principles
- Security Risk Assessment
- Security Crisis Management
- Business Continuity and Resiliency Planning
If you wish to pursue a career in private security or hope to leverage your law enforcement experience with a managerial or leadership-focused opportunity, this concentration may be right for you.
Students seeking a more traditional cybersecurity career should check out our full online cybersecurity degree program.
Substance Abuse
With increasing recognition of the substance abuse crisis in the U.S., the need for highly skilled community workers is on the rise. Through 2031, growth for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors is projected to grow 22% – much faster than the average of all jobs – according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Substance Abuse was designed to help you become a voice for justice and a conduit for recovery for people in treatment facilities, outpatient programs and the court system. Graduates of the program are prepared to provide entry-level services to individuals, groups and families in residential addiction treatment facilities, outpatient addiction programs, the drug court system and corrections departments.
According to the BLS, counselors who work with substance abuse, behavioral disorders and mental health typically work for employers like:1
- Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers
- Individual and family services
- State, local and private hospitals
- Residential mental health and substance abuse facilities
- Government
The substance abuse program provides students with a strong foundation in the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) 12 core functions of a drug and alcohol counselor, theories of addiction, assessment, diagnosis and treatment of individuals diagnosed with substance use disorder, as well as legal and ethical issues associated with addiction. This program is an important educational first step toward becoming a drug and alcohol counselor.
Courses may include:
- Foundations of Addiction
- Substance Use: From Screening to Consultation
- Pharmacological Factors in Substance Use Treatment
If you have a heart for recovery, you may also be interested in the online Bachelor of Arts in Human Services with a substance abuse degree concentration.
The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Substance Abuse offered by Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) does not directly lead to licensure. It does provide a significant portion of the substance abuse coursework most often recognized as necessary for licensure. Students seeking licensure and/or certification may be required to complete additional coursework and will be required to complete fieldwork as prescribed by each state. Most states also require a passing score on a licensing exam.
The licensure process and educational requirements for drug and alcohol counselors vary from state to state. This program does not directly lead to licensure.
It is the student’s responsibility to contact their state board or agency for additional information regarding the licensure process and educational requirements. If the student moves to another state, the requirements for licensure will likely be different from the state where the student currently resides, and the student is responsible for determining the licensure requirements in the state to which he/she relocates. Southern New Hampshire University does not guarantee that the completion of this program will result in state licensure or certification.
Career Outlook
Whether you’re looking to start a career in criminal justice or advance in your current role, earning your online criminal justice degree opens doors to positions in a variety of areas:
Advocacy and Law
Corrections
Law Enforcement
Security
"I attribute my education with my promotion and have seen, firsthand, the continued career opportunities that are now attainable as a result of earning my degree," said Joseph Medina '17 '19, a citywide mobile sergeant with the Boston School Police Department. Medina earned his associate degree in criminal justice at SNHU and then seamlessly moved on to his bachelor's degree in the same subject.
Law enforcement positions may involve additional training and eligibility requirements. Some students also choose to gain more knowledge through an online master's in criminal justice: SNHU offers the general track, as well as 2 concentrations – advanced terrorism and public safety administration – for more specialized graduate study.
Job Growth and Salary
There are many avenues you can pursue with a degree in criminal justice — from law enforcement and security to advocacy, law and government. Learn more about the job growth and salary for positions like these.
Job Growth
Careers as police and detectives are projected to see 3% growth through 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.1
Salary
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that median pay for police and detectives was $66,020 per year in 2021.1
Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
Start Your Journey Toward an Online Criminal Justice Degree
Why SNHU for Your Criminal Justice Degree
Flexible
With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7.
Affordable
As part of our mission to make higher education more accessible, we’re committed to keeping our tuition rates low. In fact, we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.
Prior coursework could also help you save time and money. SNHU’s transfer policy allows you to transfer up to 90 credits toward your bachelor's degree and 45 credits for an associate degree from your previous institutions—that means you could save up to 75% off the cost of tuition. You could also save time and money by getting college credit for previous work experience, or by taking advantage of military discounts and employer tuition assistance if available to you.
Respected
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 160,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), a regional accreditor, which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report named SNHU the 2021 Most Innovative University in the North and one of the nation's "Best Regional Universities"
- Awarded the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology by The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
- A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Network
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 300,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
93.6% of online students would recommend SNHU (according to a 2022 survey with 17,000+ respondents). Discover why SNHU may be right for you.
Admission Requirements
Expanding access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials:
- Completed free undergraduate application
- Prior transcripts, which we can retrieve at no cost to you
- Test scores are not required as part of your application
Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 6 (8-week) undergraduate terms.
How to Apply
If you’re ready to apply, follow these simple steps to get the process going:
- Complete a free undergraduate application
- Submit any additional documents required
- Work with an admission counselor to explore financial options and walk through the application process
If you have questions or need help filling out your application, call 1.888.387.0861 or email enroll@snhu.edu.
Learn from Instructors with Real-World Experience
David Lemieux '18
"(My criminal justice degree) has provided me with the knowledge in constitutional law to conduct proper police community involvement. Every instructor had a vast array of knowledge; they got back to you within 24-48 hours on a question that you might have."
120 Credits
8-Week Terms
100% Online
No Set Class Times
Courses & Curriculum
Throughout the courses in this online criminal justice degree program, you'll gain the practical, hands-on experience that can help you pave your way in the field.
Our criminal justice faculty have experience working for major law enforcement agencies, including:
- Atlanta Police Department
- Chicago Police Department
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- Homeland Security
- Houston Police Department
- Miami Police Department
- New York Police Department (NYPD)
"Criminal justice programs have a duty to produce critical thinking educated professionals who can protect and serve the diverse communities in which we all live," said Dr. Tharinia Oyegun, associate dean of criminal justice and human services at Southern New Hampshire University.
"Having professors that have combined centuries' worth of knowledge is incredibly handy," said Casey Dickson '21, a graduate of the bachelor's in criminal justice program. "You can pick their brain on just about anything you want."
Curriculum Requirements & Resources
Degree Specific Courses
General Education
All undergraduate students are required to take general education courses, which are part of SNHU's newly redesigned program, The Commons. The goal of The Commons' curriculum is to empower you with some of the most in-demand skills, so you can succeed not only in your academic career, but in your personal and professional life too.
Technology Resources
We provide cloud-based virtual environments in some courses to give you access to the technology you need for your degree – and your career. Learn more about our virtual environments.
Earn Math Credits
Save time and tuition with our Pathways to Math Success assessments. Depending on your scores, you could earn up to 12 math credits – the equivalent of 4 courses – toward your degree for less than $50 per assessment. For additional information, or to register for a Pathways to Math Success assessment, contact your admission counselor or academic advisor today.
View Full Curriculum in the Catalog |
---|
BS in Criminal Justice |
Courses May Include | ||
---|---|---|
BS in Criminal Justice Online | ||
CJ 112 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | In this introduction to the criminal justice program students will begin to understand the major components within various professions at the state, local and federal levels and how they are interconnected. Communication skills, career prospects, and an overview of the core components of the United States government will be reviewed to provide students with a holistic view of sworn and civilian roles within the criminal justice system. |
CJ 205 | Policing in the United States | Students will explore the historical evolution of policing to better understand its current structure and function within criminal justice. The value of positive community relationships and partnerships will be covered, as well as how sworn and civilian positions work together to maintain public safety. Various types of communication such as internal reports and documentation will be practiced. |
CJ 207 | The United States Judicial System | Students will examine the structure and function of the United States court system through the lens of both sworn and civilian professionals. Students will focus on the different levels of the federal court system, roles and responsibilities of criminal justice professionals and allied organizations, and common processes and procedures in the United States judicial system. |
CJ 210 | The United States Correctional System | Students will examine the function of corrections in the United States criminal justice system to develop an understanding of the structure, function, and relationships with allied professions. Systemic issues impacting incarceration, ideologies of punishment that influence sentencing, and the role of public policy in corrections will be analyzed. |
CJ 305 | Technology in Criminal Justice | Students will analyze how technology is leveraged by criminal justice professionals and used as a tool to commit crime. Legal aspects of using technology in the field as well as positive and negative impacts technology has had on the criminal justice field will be discussed. |
CJ 485 | Problem Solving for Criminal Justice Professionals | Knowledge of criminal justice theory and practice will be applied to develop creative, evidence-informed solutions to identified professional problems. Students will evaluate potential solutions for feasibility before presenting recommendations to various audiences. |
Total Credits: 120 |
Minimum Hardware Requirements
Component Type |
PC (Windows OS) |
Apple (Mac OS) |
---|---|---|
Operating System |
Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. |
Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
Memory (RAM) |
8GB or higher |
8GB or higher |
Hard Drive |
100GB or higher |
100GB or higher |
Antivirus Software |
Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
SNHU Purchase Programs |
||
Internet/ Bandwidth |
5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency |
5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency |
Notes:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Note: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.
- Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government.
- Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
Helping People is Her Passion

Sharla Kaleihua Kahale-Miner '23
“I was a travel manager for 30 years but decided to change my career to help local people in Hawaii live better lives. My degree in criminal justice will help me do that.”
Tuition & Fees
As a private, nonprofit university, we’re committed to making college more accessible by making it more affordable. That’s why we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.
We also offer financial aid packages to those who qualify, plus a 30% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.
Online Undergraduate Programs | Per Course | Per Credit Hour | Annual Cost for 30 credits |
---|---|---|---|
Degree/Certificates | $990 | $330 | $9,900 |
Degree/Certificates (U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty)* | $693 | $231 | $6,930 |
Tuition Rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually. *Note: students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional Costs No Application Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get a criminal justice degree online?
Yes. A bachelor's degree in criminal justice can be earned online the same way you would get a degree at a brick-and-mortar school: through classes and assignments, interactions with your classmates and discussions with your instructor.
Getting an online criminal justice degree is especially ideal for those who are already working in the field. Many people in the industry don't work a standard 9-to-5 schedule, meaning a traditional, set class time on campus isn't the most convenient. By having access to a classroom that's open 24/7, you can do your classwork when it's most convenient for you.
"I chose SNHU because I was looking for a program where I could continue working full-time while working towards my degree," said Kaitlin Roach '21, a graduate of the online criminal justice program. "I wanted to be considered a full-time student and the schedule with SNHU worked with my work schedule."
Thousands of students have graduated with SNHU's online criminal justice bachelor's degrees, and many continue on to earn their master's degree online.
What is the best online college for criminal justice?
The best place to earn your online bachelor's degree in criminal justice depends on what you are looking to get out of your program, as well as what your career goals are.
SNHU may be the right online college for you. Here are some unique features of our online program:
- An emphasis on cultural literacy, problem-solving and decision making, as well as exposure to new technologies in criminal justice and developing research skills
- A criminal justice communication certificate that’s embedded in your online program
- Field authentic learning experiences
- Prior learning assessment opportunities for police academy and corrections academy training, saving you time and money
- Faculty members who bring experiences from law enforcement agencies ranging from big city departments – like Houston and New York – to federal agencies – like the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security
How long does it take to get a criminal justice degree online?
The time it takes you to earn your 120-credit bachelor's degree in criminal justice completely depends on how many credits you start your program with.
If you begin the online program with no credits – and you enroll full-time – it would take you around 4 years to graduate. At SNHU, being a full-time online student means taking 2 classes per 8-week term. And there are 6 terms each year.
Most students who begin an online program here are transferring in any number of credits – from a handful of courses up to the maximum 90 credits that the university accepts. Transferring credits can significantly reduce the number of courses you need to take – helping you get across that finish line quicker.
For Kaitlin Roach '21, transfer credits made a big difference to her timeline. "Not only did I graduate, I graduated with honors and did so in less than four years," she said.
You may be able to earn credit for your criminal justice degree from your law enforcement training – from basic police, corrections, or probation and parole academies. With at least 400 hours of instruction, you could receive up to 12 credits toward the following courses:
- CJ-112 Introduction to Criminal Justice
- CJ-140 Communication Skills for Criminal Justice
- CJ-207 The United States Judicial System
- CJ-205 Policing in the United States OR CJ-210 The United States Correctional System
What job can I get with a criminal justice degree?
There are a wide range of careers in the criminal justice field. Depending on your background, interests and qualifications, you may find some positions to be a better fit.
Law enforcement agencies may have specific requirements for sworn officers such as age, fitness or education. But there are also many positions in the criminal justice system for civilians, including those for crime analysts, victim advocates and private investigators.
Likewise, SNHU's online bachelor's in criminal justice offers a wide range of concentrations to match your interests:
- Corrections
- Criminology & Crime Analysis
- Cybercrime
- Homeland Security & Counterterrorism
- Human Services & Advocacy
- Police Administration & Operations
- Security Management
- Substance Abuse
Will a criminal justice degree help me become a cop?
Getting a bachelor's in criminal justice won't solely earn you a uniformed position – but it can be a big advantage in your career.
To become a police officer, you typically have to graduate from the police academy and pass the law enforcement entrance exam – though requirements can vary by department.
A bachelor's degree can give you a leg up on gaining entry-level jobs. It also can help you if you're interested in climbing the law-enforcement ladder as your career progresses.
In addition, the curriculum here complements academy training, which is often focused on tactics and procedure. Our bachelor's in criminal justice teaches critical thinking and working with diverse populations – as well as communication skills, which is why SNHU's program includes an embedded communication certificate.
What's the difference between criminal justice and criminology?
Criminal justice refers to the system of law enforcement, courts and corrections, while criminology tackles the academic and research side of the field.
Those who study criminal justice more often are on the front line, dealing with criminals and unlawful behavior. Those in the field aim to both prevent criminal activity and punish criminal acts.
Students pursuing a criminology path may be more interested in profiling, data collection, analysis, psychology and environmental factors. Criminologists study crime and the who, why and how behind the criminals.
At SNHU, you can earn your bachelor's in criminal justice, but you can add a concentration in criminology.
What can you do with a cybercrime degree?
"A cybercrime degree can help with the foundational understanding of emerging technologies and bridge the gap that law enforcement has in this ever-changing field," said Tim Craig, a cybercrime SME and adjunct professor at SNHU.
As a graduate of the program, you'll have the foundational qualifications you need to pursue a number of occupations, including:
- Computer forensic examiner
- Cybercrime investigator
- Cyber forensic analyst
- Cybercrime operational risk specialist
- Detective or criminal investigator
- Federal agent
- Information security analyst
- Private investigator
How do I get a job in cybercrime?
Like many professions, employers often look for candidates who have the education, knowledge and demonstrable skills they need to succeed in their field.
"Most careers require a certain level of experience, but what makes the SNHU Cybercrime degree program unique is that there is real-world experience injected into the curriculum week by week," said Jason Compton, a cybercrime subject-matter expert and adjunct professor at SNHU. "Students will have the exposure and knowledge needed to shine in a pool of professional candidates."
With practical application at its core, our cutting-edge program will help give you an operational understanding of how to investigate cybercrimes, collect evidence and understand relevant laws on the local, state and federal levels.
"This places the student into an advantageous position in future career aspirations, as they will have a deep knowledge base which will enable them to excel in many applicable professions," Compton said. "Cybercrime changes and advances at the speed of evolving technology, so students will finish the program with advanced and current knowledge to apply to real-word careers immediately upon graduating."
What are the most common cybercrimes?
"Cybercrime is frequently associated with the term 'hacker,' but cybercrime is much more in depth than just that," said Jason Compton, an adjunct professor at SNHU. As he points out, there are hundreds of types of cybercrime. Of those identified, the most frequently observed examples are:
- Email compromise – Business and personal e-mails open the door to gaining access to many different accounts that could cause much more severe harm.
- Identity theft – Your identity is sacred. The impacts of your identity being compromised can be severe.
- Ransomware – As the name suggests, this is malicious software that locks down your sensitive files and holds them “hostage” until you pay a fee or “ransom” to have them unlocked.
- Spoofing and phishing – One of the more common methods of gaining sensitive information or enabling an adversary to compromise your account(s).
- Online predators – One of the most severe issues faced today. Exploitation of youth online is extremely prevalent.
What is the difference between cybercrime and cybersecurity?
While often mistaken as interchangeable terms, there are, in fact, key differences between cybercrime and cybersecurity.
"Cybercrime is a situation where an actual individual and/or their property is targeted by an adversary," said Jason Compton, an adjunct professor at SNHU. "Cybersecurity involves incidents where a larger business or corporation is targeted with the intent to compromise their network by various different methods of attack."
While there may be crossover between the two – and both can qualify as criminal offenses – it's "the act itself and the actions in response to the act that truly separate cybercrime from cybersecurity," Compton said.
University Accreditation
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) as well as several other accrediting bodies.
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References
Sources & Citations (1)
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/probation-officers-and-correctional-treatment-specialists.htm (viewed October 20, 2022)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/police-and-detectives.htm (viewed October 20, 2022)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/social-and-community-service-managers.htm (viewed October 20, 2022)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm (viewed October 20, 2022)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.