A world of possibilities. Online.

Criminal Justice Degrees OnlineTake the Next Step Today — Request Info

Request Information

required
1 of 3
The RN to BSN program requires you to have a valid RN license or to have earned one within your first semester of the program.

Which of these statements applies to you?
The DNP – Nurse Practitioner program requires you to be licensed to practice professional nursing in the state of Pennsylvania, or to be licensed prior to being admitted into the program.

Which of these statements applies to you?
The Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate program requires you to be licensed to practice professional nursing in the state of Pennsylvania, or to be licensed prior to being admitted into the program.

Which of these statements applies to you?
The Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate program requires you to be licensed to practice professional nursing in the state of Pennsylvania, or to be licensed prior to being admitted into the program.

Which of these statements applies to you?
The Family/Individual Across the Lifespan Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate program requires you to be licensed to practice professional nursing in the state of Pennsylvania, or to be licensed prior to being admitted into the program.

Which of these statements applies to you?

I agree to be contacted via phone, email, and text by Penn State World Campus and affiliates. I understand my information may also be shared with select providers to offer ads that may be of interest to me.Privacy Policy. reCAPTCHA protected. Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

100% Online

Earn your degree part-time and online while you continue to gain valuable work experience.

20+ Years

Penn State World Campus has been a leader in online education for more than two decades.

Nationally Recognized

US News and World Report Bachelor's badge
Our bachelor's degrees are highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

Earn a Criminal Justice Degree Part-Time and Online

As a law enforcement professional, you know firsthand the pressing issues facing your communities and others working in the field. Penn State’s nationally recognized undergraduate and graduate criminal justice programs are designed to advance your understanding of criminal behavior, crime control, and the justice system. You can acquire the critical knowledge, communication skills, and analytical mindset to help you improve your career trajectory and become a leader in your community.

Apply Your Training Credits to Fast-Track Your Degree

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.

Comfort in the Classroom

Your experiences in the field are invaluable. A core tenant of our curricula is to incorporate the experiences of law enforcement professionals. You will engage with and learn from those who understand the unique challenges of working on the front lines.

Undergraduate Programs

Our undergraduate degree programs are centered around giving you the tools to assess your unit’s response strategies and design solutions that produce results. You’ll learn how to analyze criminal activity trends and apply the behavioral sciences to help address crime as a societal problem. Hone your abilities not only as a problem-solver in the field, but as a leader for your community and agency.

Criminal Justice (Associate in Science)
Apply by March 15 to start May 19.
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.
Learn More
Criminal Justice (Bachelor of Science)
Apply by March 15 to start May 19.
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.
Learn More
Law and Society (Bachelor of Arts)
Apply by March 15 to start May 19.
Build strong research skills and broaden your understanding of the law as a social institution. This online degree program can help you prepare for a career in a variety of fields that require knowledge of the law and legal processes.
Learn More

Graduate Programs

The graduate degree programs are designed to take your understanding of criminal behavior and policy to the next level. You’ll identify new trends in the field and learn to apply data-driven practices that work for your agency and community.

Criminal Justice Policy and Administration (Master of Professional Studies)
Apply by December 1 to start January 13.
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.
Learn More
Global Justice and Security (Graduate Certificate)
Apply by December 1 to start January 13.
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.
Learn More

Completely Online — Designed for Working Adults

With our convenient online platform, you’ll have the flexibility to earn a world-class degree part-time and online — while balancing your work and family commitments.

  • asynchronous delivery
  • study whenever, wherever
  • complete weekly assignments at your preferred pace
  • freedom to take a semester off
  • start in fall, spring, or summer
  • SAT/GRE test scores are NOT required

Special Benefits for Military Members

Best for Vets Colleges, 2024 Military Times

Military members can earn a respected Penn State degree in less time and at a considerable discount. Penn State:

  • offers its Military Grant-in-Aid program — an award per credit for which all service members and their spouses are eligible
  • accepts Military Tuition Assistance and VA benefits
  • provides scholarship opportunities and undergraduate application fee waivers

For more information, submit the Request Information form or email our dedicated military support team at [email protected].

Request Info to Get Started

Or if you need immediate assistance, contact us directly at:

World Campus Admissions Counselors
Phone: 814-863-5386
[email protected]

We Are Penn State Online

This is the real Penn State. You will take courses with curriculum developed by the same professors who teach on campus. You can expect the same caliber of academic quality that you associate with Penn State.

Request Info