Protect and serve at a higher level.

Criminal Justice Degrees

Launch or advance your education

At Rasmussen University, our online Criminal Justice degrees are perfect for those who want to make a positive impact on your community. In our online Criminal Justice Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree programs, you’ll focus on launching or advancing your career in a rewarding field through:

Affordable and fully online courses
$149 self-directed assessments to show that you already have the knowledge for a particular course and don't need to take it
Live interactive sessions with faculty and peers
Real-world projects and scenario-based assessments
Well-rounded curriculum led by experts in the field
In-demand skills and critical-thinking abilities

This Criminal Justice program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in any states. The program has not been approved by any state professional licensing body and does not lead to any state-issued professional license.

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Advance Your Education

Easily transfer your Associate's degree credits toward a Criminal Justice Leadership and Management Bachelor's degree.

Make a Positive Impact

Be an active leader in the well-being of your organization and local community—and learn how you can help prevent criminal behavior.

Pursue a Variety of Careers

Apply your training in a broad range of environments and situations, from security to juvenile justice and domestic violence.

Stackable Credentials

Education You Can Build On

Total Associate's Degree Credits Needed to Complete

91 Credits

Total Bachelor's Degree Credits Needed to Complete

180 Credits

Our ladder lets you reach higher.

Our "laddering" approach to education allows you to bolster your resume by earning your online Criminal Justice Associate’s degree in the process of earning your online Criminal Justice Bachelor’s degree. Then, once you’re ready, you can transfer those initial credits to complete your Bachelor’s degree. It’s both time- and money-saving. 67% of program requirements may be completed through Knowledge Credit™: transfer credits, self-directed assessments, course waivers or other ways of getting credit for prior learning. Don’t discard credits—make the most of them.

Bachelor's Degree Details
Associate's Degree Details

Learn from seasoned professionals in your field.

Everything you’ll learn in our online Criminal Justice programs has been validated by criminal justice professionals with experience in the FBI, DEA, United States Secret Services, Homeland Security and more.4 Our instructors bring experience in law enforcement, narcotics, combatting human trafficking and corrections.

Plus, transferable skills that take you farther.

Wherever your career takes you, you’ll be a stronger contributor with skills in:

Communication
Critical Thinking
Diversity and Teamwork
Ethics and Professional Responsibility
Digital Fluency
Information Literacy

"The program reflects an ongoing effort to ensure our curriculum reflects current issues, challenges, and topics in the criminal justice field and that our students have the necessary skills to be successful in the career and to service their communities."

Patty Laney, JD
Fargo/Moorhead Professor

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Program Details and Applying for Classes
Financial Aid and FAFSA (for those who qualify)
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Detailed Program Plans

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You've Got Questions, We've Got Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

What is criminal justice?

You may assume criminal justice simply means being a police officer but there’s much more to the field and the careers you’ll find in it. The justice system spans from crime prevention to legal careers to corrections and rehabilitation.
Is Criminal Justice a good career?

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), criminal justice careers are in demand with reasonable salaries to account for the important role these workers play in our society. For example, First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives earned a median salary of $69,030 in 2020 and show an average projected job growth of 7% between 2020 – 2030.3
What can you do with a criminal justice degree?
While it may depend on your education level, the criminal justice field can lead to a variety of career options. Some of the most in-demand criminal justice careers are:
- Court clerk
- Security officer
The Criminal Justice program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in any states. The program has not been approved by any state professional licensing body and does not lead to any state-issued professional license.1
What can I expect from an online criminal justice program?

Many students are busy, working adults and need a program that can fit to their schedule. Our program offers you the flexibility to keep working and complete your fully online courses on your own time to give you more control and balance over your busy schedule.
Will I receive hands-on training?

The online program covers the skills you’ll need to serve and protect once you graduate. Through live interactive sessions, real-world projects and scenario-based assessments, and the curriculum led by experts in the field—you’ll be able to gain the in-demand skills, critical-thinking abilities and confidence to enter the workforce and serve your community.
Where can I find a criminal justice program near me?

Our online programs are available nationally, and we offer on-the-ground support at 23 campuses in Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin.

See all our campus locations

Don't See Your Question Here?

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Call: 888-549-6755

The Criminal Justice Leadership and Management Bachelor’s degree and Criminal Justice Associate’s degree programs have not been approved by any state professional licensing body, and the programs do not lead to any state-issued professional license. For further information on professional licensing requirements, please contact the appropriate board or agency in your state of residence. Additional education, training, experience, and/or other eligibility criteria may apply.

In Minnesota, the Criminal Justice Associate’s degree program does not meet the standards established by the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training Board for persons who seek employment as a peace officer.
2019 Rasmussen University Credit Transfer Data, collected December 17, 2019. The average number of transfer credits will vary by student. Tuition savings information displayed here is based on the credit transfer data of incoming students who enrolled in a Rasmussen University program in 2019. Rasmussen University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to policies outlined in the course catalog. Actual time to completion will be based upon transfer evaluation and eligibility.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment Statistics, [salary data accessed October 6, 2021] www.bls.gov/oes/. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, [career information accessed October 6, 2021] www.bls.gov/ooh/. BLS salary data represents national, averaged earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries. Employment conditions in your area may vary.
2019 Criminal Justice Associate's and Bachelor's Degrees Curriculum Summit included industry experts from various organizations who designed and reviewed the curriculum, collected February, 2020.