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Criminal Justice
Online Degree and Certificate Programs

64 credits

Associate Degree

120 Credits

Bachelor’s Degree

30 Credits

MPS in Criminal Justice Policy and Administration

7Criminal JusticeDegrees and Certificates

Degrees

Criminal JusticeAssociate in Science
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Gain the knowledge and skills needed to enter or advance in a wide range of careers in criminal justice and social services with this online associate degree program. Course work explores the intersections between public policy, behavioral science, and criminal justice.
  • 100% Online
  • Apply by October 31 to start January 11
  • 64 Credits $644/$692 per credit
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Criminal JusticeBachelor of Science
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Stand out among your peers with a highly respected online degree program, designed and taught by expert faculty in the criminal justice field. The bachelor’s degree program features courses that focus on criminology, ethics, policing, and more.
  • 100% Online
  • Apply by October 31 to start January 11
  • 120 Credits $644/$692 per credit
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Criminal Justice Policy and AdministrationMaster of Professional Studies
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This master's degree is designed for those who want to address pressing criminal justice issues facing society. Learn to evaluate the societal workings that create crime, assess equity in policy enforcement, and propose data-driven and evidence-based solutions that benefit the greater society.
  • Online courses with online or in-person internship
  • Apply by December 1 to start January 11
  • 30 Credits $1,048 per credit
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Certificates

Criminal Justice Administration and ProcedureGraduate Certificate
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The criminal justice administration and procedure graduate certificate can provide you with a broad understanding of criminal justice systems, key legal procedures, and ethical criminal justice systems considerations. Whether you are already working in law enforcement, the courts, or corrections or are transitioning into the field, this program can equip you with skills and knowledge that align with real-world challenges.
  • 100% Online
  • Apply by December 1 to start January 11
  • 9 Credits $1,048 per credit
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Criminological Theory and ResearchGraduate Certificate
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The criminological theory and research graduate certificate is designed to enhance your skills in advanced statistical techniques in criminology. You will focus on understanding the latest theories in criminal justice best practices, analyzing computer-generated data, and researching how to address current criminal justice issues.
  • 100% Online
  • Apply by December 1 to start January 11
  • 9 Credits $1,048 per credit
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Global Justice and SecurityGraduate Certificate
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Build the knowledge and skill base needed to succeed in the international security field. Courses from the 9-credit Graduate Certificate in Global Justice and Security can be applied to a Master of Professional Studies in Criminal Justice Policy and Administration.
  • 100% Online
  • Apply by December 1 to start January 11
  • 9 Credits $1,048 per credit
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Impacts on Victims and OffendersGraduate Certificate
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The impacts on victims and offenders graduate certificate can provide you with a broad perspective on the effects of crime and the criminal justice system on both victims and offenders. The certificate program introduces you to the field of victimology, explores theories of criminology, and examines research and policies related to sentencing decisions, including the death penalty.
  • 100% Online
  • Apply by December 1 to start January 11
  • 9 Credits $1,048 per credit
View Certificate

Bachelor's Degrees

Criminal JusticeBachelor of Science
View Degree
Stand out among your peers with a highly respected online degree program, designed and taught by expert faculty in the criminal justice field. The bachelor’s degree program features courses that focus on criminology, ethics, policing, and more.
  • 100% Online
  • Apply by October 31 to start January 11
  • 120 Credits $644/$692 per credit
View Degree

Associate Degrees

Criminal JusticeAssociate in Science
View Degree
Gain the knowledge and skills needed to enter or advance in a wide range of careers in criminal justice and social services with this online associate degree program. Course work explores the intersections between public policy, behavioral science, and criminal justice.
  • 100% Online
  • Apply by October 31 to start January 11
  • 64 Credits $644/$692 per credit
View Degree

Master's Degrees

Criminal Justice Policy and AdministrationMaster of Professional Studies
View Degree
This master's degree is designed for those who want to address pressing criminal justice issues facing society. Learn to evaluate the societal workings that create crime, assess equity in policy enforcement, and propose data-driven and evidence-based solutions that benefit the greater society.
  • Online courses with online or in-person internship
  • Apply by December 1 to start January 11
  • 30 Credits $1,048 per credit
View Degree

Graduate Certificates

Criminal Justice Administration and ProcedureGraduate Certificate
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The criminal justice administration and procedure graduate certificate can provide you with a broad understanding of criminal justice systems, key legal procedures, and ethical criminal justice systems considerations. Whether you are already working in law enforcement, the courts, or corrections or are transitioning into the field, this program can equip you with skills and knowledge that align with real-world challenges.
  • 100% Online
  • Apply by December 1 to start January 11
  • 9 Credits $1,048 per credit
View Certificate
Criminological Theory and ResearchGraduate Certificate
View Certificate
The criminological theory and research graduate certificate is designed to enhance your skills in advanced statistical techniques in criminology. You will focus on understanding the latest theories in criminal justice best practices, analyzing computer-generated data, and researching how to address current criminal justice issues.
  • 100% Online
  • Apply by December 1 to start January 11
  • 9 Credits $1,048 per credit
View Certificate
Global Justice and SecurityGraduate Certificate
View Certificate
Build the knowledge and skill base needed to succeed in the international security field. Courses from the 9-credit Graduate Certificate in Global Justice and Security can be applied to a Master of Professional Studies in Criminal Justice Policy and Administration.
  • 100% Online
  • Apply by December 1 to start January 11
  • 9 Credits $1,048 per credit
View Certificate
Impacts on Victims and OffendersGraduate Certificate
View Certificate
The impacts on victims and offenders graduate certificate can provide you with a broad perspective on the effects of crime and the criminal justice system on both victims and offenders. The certificate program introduces you to the field of victimology, explores theories of criminology, and examines research and policies related to sentencing decisions, including the death penalty.
  • 100% Online
  • Apply by December 1 to start January 11
  • 9 Credits $1,048 per credit
View Certificate

Minors

Penn State World Campus students can optionally supplement their degree with a minor.

Criminal JusticeUndergraduate Minor
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Enhance your degree with an understanding of crime and the criminal justice system. This minor is a great complement to your studies if you are majoring in psychology, law and society, political science, social sciences, or related natural sciences.
  • 100% Online
  • 18 Credits $644/$692 per credit
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A degree in criminal justice balances a foundational knowledge in criminal justice with the critical components that make up the invaluable liberal arts degree. It offers students the opportunity to develop in-depth knowledge about how the criminal justice system operates, understand contemporary issues and solutions that can improve its operations — including evidence-based programs — and assess ethical standards to ensure people are treated fairly and that the system is viewed as trustworthy. Students can expect to be able to communicate clearly, lead with integrity, and appreciate lifelong learning.

Core Learning Outcomes

  • Apply empirical evidence to describe how the use of the broad discretionary powers of police is controlled and to evaluate innovations in policing.
  • Apply law, procedure, and legal philosophy to criminal justice and judicial processes.
  • Apply the goals of corrections and principles of behavior modification to offenders and offender populations.
  • Employ social science methodology to address criminal justice problems.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in written communication at a level appropriate to criminal justice professionals.
  • Incorporate contemporary scholarly perspectives on ethics and social justice into decision-making.

The criminal justice field offers a wide range of career pathways that support long-term career advancement and evolving career goals for today’s criminal justice professionals. While many people associate criminal justice careers the role of a police officer in a police department, the field extends far beyond traditional law enforcement.

Opportunities include roles such as criminal investigators, probation officers, correctional treatment specialists, protective services, public safety, corporate security, private-sector security, and security management, as well as careers connected to human services and social services within local government. Informed by labor statistics and workforce demand, these roles span both the public and private sectors. Whether you’re starting out or building on an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree, Penn State World Campus offers criminal justice programs designed to help you reach your professional goals.

Common Criminal Justice Careers

  • Parole Officer — Parole officers are an essential criminal justice job. These individuals guide former offenders as they transition back into society, oversee compliance with parole conditions, and investigate allegations of parole violations. These also include correctional officers.
  • Court System Administrator — Court system administrators manage the daily operations of the court system. Opportunities for this criminal justice job exist in managing case flow and court operations, policy development, court recording, budgeting, and jury administration.
  • Paralegal — Paralegals aid legal teams in processing court case materials, developing briefs, conducting legal research, examining evidence and cases, gathering client statements, and managing client relations.
  • Research/Crime Analyst — Research and crime analysts conduct research for private or governmental agencies. Their work aims to investigate the causes of criminal behavior and trends using data gathering and analysis.
  • Private Security — Private security careers include security guards, loss prevention personnel, and private investigators.
  • Wildlife (Fish/Game) Warden — Wildlife wardens investigate crimes or accidents on game lands and waterways and work to protect wildlife and their habitats.

Build Your Job Around Your Criminal Justice Degree

Earning an associate degree in criminal justice is a first step toward an exciting and meaningful criminal justice career.

A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can prepare you for a variety of professional paths, including law enforcement, corrections, and private sector careers.

At both the national and global scale, maintaining and modernizing the criminal justice system is essential to continued public safety.

Interested in pursuing a graduate education in criminal justice? At Penn State World Campus, you can decide how you want to achieve your goals. While you can apply and enroll in the Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Criminal Justice Policy and Administration, you can also break up your education into graduate certificates. It’s a great way to quickly gain new skills while adding valuable credentials to your résumé.

Finish the requirements for three certificates and the 3-credit capstone course, and you will have completed the requirements to earn the MPS in Criminal Justice Policy and Administration. Please note that you must apply and be accepted to each program on an individual basis.

Complete Both of These Certificates (18 credits)

  • Criminological Theory and Research (Graduate Certificate)
  • Criminal Justice Administration and Procedure (Graduate Certificate)

Complete One of These Certificates (9 credits)

  • Global Justice and Security (Graduate Certificate)
  • Impacts on Victims and Offenders (Graduate Certificate)

Complete the Culminating Capstone (3 credits)

After the certificate requirements have been met, you just need to complete the 3-credit culminating capstone course to finish the master’s degree. You will work closely with an adviser to create a relevant and meaningful project around your specific career goals.

You’ve worked hard to establish yourself in your career. We think that should count for something. If you’ve completed training programs, you may be eligible to receive academic credit toward your Penn State World Campus criminal justice degree. Students with Pennsylvania state or municipal police training, deputy sheriff training, or Act 120/Act 2 training may receive up to 16.5 academic credits for the following courses:

  • CAS 203: Interpersonal Communication (3 credits)
  • CRIMJ 100: Introduction to Criminal Justice (3 credits)
  • CRIMJ 210: Policing in America (3 credits)
  • CRIMJ 220: Courts and the Prosecution Process (3 credits)
  • KINES 067: Physical Conditioning (1.5 credits)
  • NURS 203: First Aid and CPR (3 credits)

Training from other states will be reviewed upon request.

Ready to Learn More?

Get the resources you need to make informed decisions about your education. Request information on this program and other programs of interest by completing this form.

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Related Topics

Those interested in criminal justice may also be interested in these topics:

Public Policy