Criminal Justice Schools, Online Degrees and Programs
Americans depend upon criminal justice professionals to help protect our country from within and from outside our borders. Whether you want to become a police officer or sheriff, join the FBI, work in our country's state and federal prisons, or in help record court proceedings, online criminal justice schools and degree programs can provide the career training you need.
Search for more degrees:
- Corrections
- Criminal Justice
- Fire Science
- Forensic Science
- Homeland Security
- Law Enforcement
- Security and Protective Services
- Court Reporting
How to Prepare for a Career in Criminal Justice
According to The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), many law enforcement career training begins at the associate's degree level. Employees at local, regional, or state law enforcement agencies typically complete an online associate or bachelor's degree in criminal justice or police science. For law enforcement positions with federal agencies, you may need to complete a bachelor's or master's degree. If you're already working in law enforcement or criminal justice, earning an advanced degree through online criminal justice schools can qualify you for advancement.
Criminal Justice Wages
Police and sheriff's patrol officers earned median annual wages of $51,410 in 2008. Police and detective supervisors drew $75,490. The middle 50 percent of correctional officers earned between $29,660 and $51,000 in 2008.
Criminal Justice Career Outlook
The BLS predicts a 10 percent growth in police and detective jobs between 2008 and 2018. Jobs for correctional officers will increase by nine percent. Federal jobs are predicted to grow by 11 percent during the decade.