Online Criminal Justice Degrees in North Carolina: Comparing Schools
A career in criminal justice allows you to protect your community and uphold the law in North Carolina. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, North Carolina employs over 21,000 police and sheriff’s patrol officers, reflecting solid opportunities in public safety. If you’re ready to serve and protect your community, use this DFG guide to explore hybrid and online criminal justice degree programs in North Carolina.
Expertise: ECECriminal JusticeHigher Ed.
Expertise: Higher Ed.EditorialOnline LearningAssociate Degrees in Criminal Justice
An associate degree in criminal justice is a great entry point for students in the early stages of their career or educational journeys. Typically, it only takes two years to complete these degrees, and your classes can be much more affordable than those offered by four-year colleges. Earning an associate in criminal justice opens the doors to entry-level careers like crime scene tech, corrections officer, or police officer. You can also apply credit toward a bachelor’s degree later.
Surry Community College
Surry Community College offers an associate degree in criminal justice technology that teaches the nuts and bolts of criminal justice systems. To do this, the curriculum combines coursework covering computers and technology used in the criminal justice field, as well as legal concepts, investigative principles, and the ethical standards expected from criminal justice professionals. The program covers types of law, including juvenile, criminal, and constitutional law, and provides an understanding of courtroom procedures and how evidence is handled during different stages of the legal process. Communication skills are also emphasized.
Location: Dobson, NC
Mode: Online and on campus
Cost: $76 per credit in-state; $268 per credit out-of-state
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or its equivalent
- SAT or ACT scores
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A Look Into Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degrees
Typically, it takes four years to earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. The length of the program gives you time to develop your skills and explore a broad range of topics related to specific areas of criminal justice. With your degree, you may be able to move into better-paying roles in police forces, corrections facilities, or public policy organizations.
Gardner-Webb University
Gardner-Webb University’s bachelor’s degree in criminal justice provides an interdisciplinary look at the field, so students are exposed to criminal justice and liberal arts coursework. Specific classes cover ethics in criminal justice, public safety theory and research, and criminal investigation. By the end of the program, students gain writing, public speaking, critical thinking, problem solving, and social interaction skills. In addition, you will become familiar with criminal justice research, allowing you to understand how studies are conducted and how data is analyzed.
The school also offers a campus-based criminal justice administration bachelor’s degree. In addition to completing coursework, students in this program participate in field experience that reinforces classroom learning.
Location: Boiling Springs, NC
Mode: Online
Cost: $375 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- A minimum 3.72 grade point average
- A minimum 1,015 SAT score or a 22 minimum composite on the ACT
Online Criminal Justice Master’s Programs
Earning a master’s degree in criminal justice allows you to examine critical components of the system to gain a deep understanding of these concepts. You’ll have more freedom to follow your interests and develop specialized skills in these programs. In the job market, your advanced degree qualifies you for higher-profile positions in management and the development of law enforcement organizations. With a master’s in criminal justice, you’ll be prepared to teach the topic at some colleges in the state.
East Carolina University
East Carolina University’s criminal justice master’s degree program is designed for those who want to take a leadership role in a criminal justice setting, such as law enforcement agencies, the court system, victim services organizations, or correctional facilities. The program is delivered asynchronously, so students have the flexibility to work on their assignments, as well as communicate with classmates and professors on their own schedule. This is particularly beneficial if you’ll be working full time as you earn your degree. But no matter when you decide to participate in classwork, you’ll benefit instructors who have years of work experience and scholarship in criminal justice and criminology.
Location: Greenville, NC
Mode: Online
Cost: $263.83 per credit in-state; $994.33 per credit out-of-state
Admissions Requirements:
- Minimum bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
Doctorates and Graduate Certificates in Criminal Justice
If you’re interested in conducting research, teaching the next generation of criminal justice practitioners, or rising to the highest level of management in government or private organizations, then a doctoral degree in criminal justice is the right choice for you. These programs allow you to choose a specialty to gain expertise in the criminal justice area most relevant to your career goals.
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
The PhD in criminal justice from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is a 65-credit program that includes core coursework about quantitative research methods, data analytics, advanced statistics, and theories of criminal behavior. Also, you can focus on one of four areas: digital forensics, research methodology, investigative science, and social justice. In the digital forensics concentration, for example, you’ll study cybercrime, operating system forensics, and the tools and techniques used to detect digital crimes. If you want to focus on investigative science, you will take classes about blood pattern analytics, crime scene construction, forensic ballistic investigation techniques, and the legal implications of forensic science.
Location: Greensboro, NC
Mode: On campus
Cost: $4,896 per year in-state; $17,696 per year out-of-state
Admissions Requirements:
- Master’s degree in a social science discipline
- Minimum 3.33 grade point average
Addressing Frequent Questions From North Carolina Criminal Justice Students
Is financial aid available for criminal justice students in North Carolina?
Yes, you can find financial aid from a variety of sources. First, check financial aid programs at your school. Most schools offer some support to students based on academic merit or financial need. For example, you can receive funding directly from schools like East Carolina University and Gardner-Webb University.
Next, look into outside scholarships, grants, and other aid. For example, the North Carolina Department of Justice offers a student loan forgiveness program for criminal justice majors who go on to work for the state. Also, on the federal level, you may be able to receive grants and student loans.
How long does it take to earn a criminal justice degree online in North Carolina?
Completion time depends on the program. If you enroll in a certificate, for example, you may spend about six months to one year on your studies. An associate degree can be completed in two years, while a bachelor’s degree takes four. On the graduate level, you may spend two to six years in school, depending on whether you enroll in a master’s or doctoral program.
Should a criminal justice degree program be accredited?
Yes, it is always best to pay attention to accreditation as you’re exploring degree programs. Generally, criminal justice programs are not accredited by a specific organization, though some may be certified by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS).
You should look for a school that has received institutional accreditation in your search. Colleges and universities are accredited by regional organizations such as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). In North Carolina, schools are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Is an online criminal justice degree worth it?
Yes. A criminal justice degree can prepare you for careers in corrections, law enforcement, or advocacy, and you can use your degree to open doors. When you complete your degree online, you’re able to keep costs down because the tuition rate tends to be lower than traditional degree options.
What is the difference between criminology and criminal justice?
Although criminal justice and criminology are closely related, they are not the same discipline. Criminal justice focuses on the processes related to justice and law, such as police procedure, forensic science techniques, and how a case travels through the court system. Criminology focuses on the nature of crime, including the causes of criminal behavior, the psychological issues that influence offenders, and the impact crime can have on its victims.
Pay & Employment Outlook for Criminal Justice Graduates in NC
| Area | Occupation | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | Correctional Officers and Jailers | $37,670 | $58,080 | $46,440 |
| North Carolina | Court, Municipal, and License Clerks | $32,610 | $54,200 | $42,560 |
| North Carolina | Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary | $38,100 | $73,330 | $59,520 |
| North Carolina | Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $47,950 | $127,210 | $61,320 |
| North Carolina | Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $40,860 | $77,790 | $52,380 |
| North Carolina | Private Detectives and Investigators | $36,340 | $96,860 | $60,940 |
| North Carolina | Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | $41,790 | $68,240 | $52,600 |
| North Carolina | Security Guards | $24,620 | $49,610 | $33,550 |
| North Carolina | Social Workers | $43,740 | $103,540 | $59,320 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Occupation | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | Correctional Officers and Jailers | 13,830 | 12,990 | -840 | -6.10% |
| North Carolina | Court, Municipal, and License Clerks | 4,210 | 4,470 | 260 | 6.20% |
| North Carolina | Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,390 | 1,470 | 80 | 5.80% |
| North Carolina | Detectives and Criminal Investigators | 3,160 | 3,440 | 280 | 8.90% |
| North Carolina | Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | 20,610 | 23,100 | 2,490 | 12.10% |
| North Carolina | Private Detectives and Investigators | 830 | 940 | 110 | 13.30% |
| North Carolina | Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | 3,400 | 3,370 | -30 | -0.90% |
| North Carolina | Security Guards | 26,840 | 28,320 | 1,480 | 5.50% |
| North Carolina | Social Workers | 1,460 | 1,600 | 140 | 9.60% |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Criminal Justice Resources for North Carolina Students
Ready to learn more? There are a number of resources available to augment classroom learning and help throughout your career. The following are some resources that we curated for criminal justice students and professionals.
- All Things Judicial Podcast: Produced by the North Carolina Judicial Branch, this podcast covers the latest news, including court decisions, about the state’s criminal justice system. Also, the show features human interest stories about the impact of the justice system on North Carolinians.
- NC Criminal Debrief: In this podcast, host Phil Dixon, a faculty member at the UNC School of Government, discusses various topics related to criminal law. Episodes cover areas such as federal and state court decisions that affect the criminal justice system in North Carolina.
- NC Law Enforcement Officers Association: The NCLEOA is made up of law enforcement officers around North Carolina. The group provides educational conferences, quarterly newsletters, legislative reports, and opportunities to connect with other professionals around the state.
- North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police: This organization supports the needs of police chiefs, captains, and assistant and deputy chiefs as they keep communities around the state safe. Members participate in networking events, professional development activities, and community engagement programs.
- North Carolina Criminal Justice Association: The North Carolina Criminal Justice Association links career professionals and academia. Their goal is to keep people in the field up to date with emerging research and current best practices. You can access the back catalog of journals, information about upcoming events, and scholarship information on the organization’s website.
- North Carolina Department of Adult Correction: This state-run site consolidates all the information for correction facilities across North Carolina. Here, you can learn about state-sponsored resources for corrections officers, keep current on the latest research, and browse statewide job opportunities.
- North Carolina Fraternal Order of Police: North Carolina police officers benefit from their local chapter of The Fraternal Order of Police. Nationally, The Fraternal Order of Police is the largest organization for police officers and supports its members through professional development, scholarships, and legal funds.
- North Carolina Jail Administrators’ Association: The North Carolina Jail Administrators’ Association caters specifically to corrections officers at every career level. This site is a great resource for industry-related news, networking, and scholarship opportunities.
- The North Carolina Judicial Branch: The state’s judicial branch website includes information on the different types of courts around North Carolina, including the Court of Appeals, business court, district court, recovery courts, and the Supreme Court.
- North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation: This site includes information about the work of the NCSBI, including investigations related to computer crimes, arson, financial offenses, and cold cases. The site also includes statewide crime statistics and information about background checks.
List of the Best Online Criminal Justice Schools in North Carolina
Hybrid and online criminal justice degrees in North Carolina make it easier to attend classes from your couch or a coffee shop. Online programs can be a lifesaver for full-time workers, people managing family obligations, or those who don’t have access to a nearby campus. The best part is that you’ll earn the same degree as students who attend on-campus programs without breaking the bank.
To find the best online criminal justice schools around the state, review our rankings below. Also, we include information about our methodology to help you understand why these schools were chosen.