Online Criminal Justice Degree

Online Criminal Justice DegreeLet CSU help you map your career success with one of our online criminal justice degrees. We offer online associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal justice and several degree programs related to this dynamic field.

Our online degree programs explore various areas of criminal justice such as criminal investigation, constitutional law, terrorism, justice system procedures and policies, leadership, theory and management. Students will learn about the historical foundations of criminal justice, agencies and processes. Our classes feature top instructors who work to challenge and help you meet your educational goals.

Career opportunities in criminal justice may include:

  • Police Officer
  • Detective
  • Deputy
  • Police Chief

Online Criminal Justice Degrees at Columbia Southern University

Online Degrees related to Criminal Justice


Get to Know Cindy Watts

 

Cindy Watts in UniformGet to Know Cindy Watts

The feeling of completion is a powerful one. Just ask CSU graduate Cindy Watts.

“My bachelor’s degree has given me a feeling of completion like no other,” the Foley, Ala., police officer said. “Earning the degree was not an easy thing to do, but the accomplishment and feeling of completion is amazing!”

Watts added, “The most important thing to me was not just the degree and the completion of it, but the fact that I did my best. When I received the actual certificate in the mail, I wanted to rearrange my room with a new desk just so I could hang it up properly.”

She graduated in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration and a 4.0 grade point average all the while raising a son alone and working a stressful job.

However, Watts, who has been in law enforcement since 1996, sees her work as very rewarding. “I love it. I really enjoy helping others.”

Because of her job and family, Watts found CSU’s flexible course schedule to be a good fit for her lifestyle.

You are able to study at your own pace, which in our line of work, is necessary, she explained. “There were many times court dates would be an issue, but knowing that I could do the work on my own, when I’m ready to do it, was great.”

This proved very beneficial for the 45-year-old when she had to have surgery. “Before I had surgery, I was able to work ahead knowing that I was going to be in bed for a week or so,” Watts said.

Another reason she enjoyed her education with CSU “was that the staff helped me through each and every step from transcripts to financial aid to registration. If the ‘Live Chat Now’ was a telephone number, it would have been on my speed dial.”

While her interaction with faculty and staff was frequent, Watts said the service she received was always helpful, informative and prompt. “I just can’t say enough good things about my experience with CSU.”

And good things later arose from her education with CSU. Within six months of graduation, Watts said her degree and coursework were instrumental in her promotion to corporal. “The written portion of the test for promotion covered the same material that I have taken in my classes.”

As the new corporal takes on her supervisory duties, she is continuing her studies with CSU as she seeks a master’s degree in emergency services management. Watts said she plans to graduate before her son does from high school.

Based on her determination and desire for completion, she can and she will.

See all the criminal justice related degrees at CSU

 

About CSU

CSU BuildingColumbia Southern University, one of the nation’s first completely online universities, was developed to provide working adults with an alternative to the traditional university experience. Our mission is to change lives through education by offering affordable, flexible, quality academic opportunities and extraordinary service, enabling adults to maximize their professional and personal potential, and serve the communities in which they live and work.

Online associate, bachelor, master, doctorate and certificate programs are available in a variety of fields including fire science, criminal justice, business administration, information technology, human resource management and occupational safety and health.

CSU also offers:

  • Accredited Programs
  • Self-Paced and Structured Classes
  • Textbooks Provided Through CSU Book Grant
  • No ACT, SAT, GRE or GMAT Required
  • TA and VA Benefits
  • Complimentary Tutoring Services

See all the criminal justice related degrees at CSU


Accreditation

DETC Accredited Degrees Distance Education
and Training Council
1601 18th Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009
202-234-5100
CHEA

Columbia Southern University (CSU) is an accredited member of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). The Accrediting Commission of the DETC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency. All CSU programs have been reviewed and approved by DETC.

Additionally, the Accrediting Commission of the DETC is a recognized member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). CHEA is a nonprofit organization serving as the national advocate for self-regulation through accreditation. Institutional membership is limited to nationally or regionally accredited colleges or universities.

Tuition & Financing

When comparing quality and cost, CSU is your best option. Our tuition is competitively priced to make achieving a quality education affordable and realistic for the average person.

Tuition rates

* The tuition rate for graduate courses per-credit hour is $250 for all active-duty military members (not applicable for CSU Learning Partners). The lower rate is offered to keep the tuition rate at the DoD cap of $250. CSU Learning Partners receive a tuition discount that is applied to the full tuition rate.

Federal Financial Aid

Federal Financial Aid offers grant and loan programs administered by the U.S. Department of Education. CSU participates in several grant and loan programs available through Federal Student Aid. Most CSU students who meet the following criteria may be eligible to receive financial aid. For more information, visit the Financial Aid section of the website.

Military Educational Benefits

CSU is approved to offer DANTES, Tuition Assistance (TA) and Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits.  Additional education funding is available to those approved for TA and eligible for MGIB-Active Duty benefits. In addition, all service members receive an application fee waiver. Immediate family members of active-duty service members will receive the waiver and a ten percent tuition discount. For more information about military educational benefits, visit the military section of the website.

Hero Behind the Hero Scholarship

Scholarship Programs
There are many scholarship opportunities available for CSU students. For more information, visit the scholarship page.