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.
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.
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.
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.
Comfort in the Classroom
Your experiences in the field are invaluable. A core tenet 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.
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
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]