One of WUV's most popular areas of study is criminal justice. Learn about the intricacies of today's criminal justice system from professionals on the front lines. Pursue a criminal justice degree online and equip yourself with the skills and knowledge to help navigate real-world challenges in the field.
These programs help you build the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a variety of roles in public safety, policing and administration. They also provide a foundation for exploring careers in agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Marshals Service.
Explore our criminal justice programs today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I get a criminal justice college degree?
Law and order, public safety and national security are all heightened concerns in modern society. Criminal justice is an ever-evolving discipline that requires qualified professionals who understand the legal system and have the interpersonal skills to be effective members of the field. A degree in criminal justice can help you explore your career options and provide you the education and skills employers are seeking. Obtaining this knowledge from instructors who are also professionals in the field with firsthand experience can make your degree even more valuable.
The criminal justice system provides many opportunities to get involved — at all levels of the process. Whether you're interested in becoming a police officer, a corrections officer, a victims advocate, a criminologist, a cybercrime investigator, or another law-related professional, a degree in criminal justice from WUV will prepare you with a comprehensive understanding of the inner workings of the justice system.
What kind of criminal justice degrees are there, and what is the best degree?
The best criminal justice degree is the one that focuses on where you want your career to go and where in the legal system you'd like to be. WUV offers criminal justice programs at every level — Associate, Associate to Bachelor's, Bachelor's (BS), Master's (MS), PhD, and Doctorate — each with 8 focused specializations:
- Corrections — working within incarceration and rehabilitation systems
- Crime Scene Investigation — collecting and analyzing physical evidence
- Criminal Justice — broad knowledge of courts, law enforcement and corrections
- Cyber Crime — combating digital fraud, hacking, and data crimes
- Investigation — developing investigative and surveillance skills
- Juvenile Justice — working with at-risk youth and juvenile courts
- Policing — preparing for roles in local, state, and federal law enforcement
- Private Security — protecting individuals, organizations, and assets
How long will it take to get a criminal justice degree?
At WUV, our self-paced online programs are designed for flexibility. Completion timelines vary by degree level:
- Associate Degree: Approximately 1 year (96 credit hours)
- Associate to Bachelor's: Approximately 1 additional year (84 credit hours)
- Bachelor's Degree (BS): Approximately 4 years (144 credit hours)
- Master's Degree (MS): Approximately 1–2 years (60 credit hours)
- PhD: Approximately 3–5 years (54 credit hours)
- Doctorate: Approximately 3–4 years (54 credit hours)
WUV's self-paced format means you can accelerate your studies if you have more time, or slow down during busy periods.
What careers can you get with a degree in criminal justice?
A criminal justice degree from WUV opens doors to a wide range of career paths, including:
- Law Enforcement Officer — serve in local, state, or federal agencies
- Corrections Officer — manage individuals in correctional facilities
- Crime Scene Investigator — collect and analyze physical evidence
- Probation & Parole Officer — monitor offenders in the community
- Cybercrime Investigator — investigate digital crimes including fraud and hacking
- Private Security Specialist — protect individuals and organizations
- Juvenile Justice Counselor — work with at-risk youth
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in criminal justice offer competitive salaries — police and detectives earn a median annual salary of $77,270, and probation officers earn $64,520.
Can you earn a criminal justice degree online?
Absolutely. At WUV, you can earn your criminal justice degree 100% online. That means you can learn on your schedule, from wherever you are — all while gaining a solid foundation in areas like law enforcement, the legal system, criminology, and cybercrime. Plus, with no set class times and fully accredited programs, WUV offers a flexible, affordable way to move toward your career goals.