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Online Criminal Justice Degree Bachelor of Science

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Register By: June 24 Classes Start: June 26

Earn an Online Criminal Justice Degree

  • $320/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.

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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

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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

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

Victim advocates help victims navigate the criminal justice system and connect them with the support services they need.

Corrections

Within the correctional system, there are many careers, including probation and parole officers, corrections officers and case managers.

Law enforcement

Positions in law enforcement, for both sworn officers and civilian employees, exist at all levels of government: federal, state and local.

Security

Security management professionals focus on protecting businesses from threats to people, property and assets.

Joseph Medina in uniform with the text Joseph Medina"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.

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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

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Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that median pay for police and detectives was $66,020 per year in 2021.1

Start Your Journey Toward an Online Criminal Justice Degree

Learn from instructors with real-world experienceDavid Lemieux round headshot

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."

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.

Critical thinking and communication are crucial for success in the field, and it's why this program includes courses that make up an embedded criminal justice communication certificate – a bonus if you want to move up the ranks.

Dr Jeff Czarnec in a suit with text 'Dr. Jeff Czarnec'

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)
Casey Dickson with the text Casey Dickson

"Criminal justice programs have the direct responsibility to help ensure that future law enforcement professionals have an enhanced understanding of the human condition along with strong critical thinking skills in order to become culturally competent public servants," said Dr. Jeff Czarnec, associate dean of criminal justice and social science programs at Southern New Hampshire University. Czarnec spent decades with the Manchester (N.H.) Police Department.

"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

Critical thinking and communication are crucial for success in the field, and it's why this program includes courses that make up an embedded criminal justice communication certificate – a bonus if you want to move up the ranks.

General Education

All bachelor's students are required to take general education classes. Through these foundation, exploration and integration courses, students learn to think critically, creatively and collaboratively, giving you the edge employers are looking for.

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.

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 $960 $320 $9,600
Degree/Certificates (U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty)* $675 $225 $6,750

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, $150 Graduation Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)

Frequently Asked Questions

University Accreditation

New England Commission of Higher Education 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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