Online Criminal Justice Degrees
American InterContinental University's accredited online criminal justice degree programs are available at the associate and bachelor's levels. Students pursuing an online criminal justice degree will explore areas such as law enforcement, corrections, criminology, courts, and ethics. The criminal justice degree program online is also designed to help students strengthen essential skills in communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership—key competencies for careers in public safety and the justice system.
Find Your Program
Use the filter tools below to sort through the American InterContinental University program options in order to narrow down your selection.
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- Associate of Science
- Criminal Justice
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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Some online criminal justice degrees available at AIU include the Associate of Science in Criminal Justice and the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (General track) — plus specializations such as Forensic Science and Homeland Security & Crisis Management.
Yes. AIU offers multiple criminal justice degrees that can be completed 100% online—including associate and bachelor’s options (see Criminal Justice Degree Programs for program listings). AIU is a member of the American InterContinental University System. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
To start on your path to pursuing a degree online at AIU, follow these steps:
- Explore AIU's accredited program to review core courses in law enforcement, corrections, and criminology; see how each aligns with your educational goals in public safety, criminal investigation, or security.
- Review the admission requirements, which typically include a high school diploma or equivalent—AIU does not require SAT or ACT scores for enrollment.
- Evaluate tuition and financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, or payment plans that may help make your education more accessible.*
- Submit your application before the next term begins — once enrolled, familiarize yourself with AIU’s online learning platform to prepare for your courses and begin working toward your degree online.
*University grants or scholarships are based on established criteria as published in the University Catalog or on its website and are awarded after verification that the conditions of eligibility have been met.
The timeline for earning an online criminal justice degree varies by level and pace: at AIU, bachelor’s programs are structured as 48 months and associate programs are around 2 years. All paths depend on transfer credits, course load (full- or part-time), and any scheduled breaks. AIU offers 5-week classes with up to 10 undergraduate and 8 graduate start dates each year—so students bringing prior credits* and studying full-time may finish faster, while those balancing work or family may take longer.
*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
AIU's online criminal justice degree program is designed to provide flexibility and a clear path to developing skills to pursue law enforcement, security, or public service career paths. AIU offers five-week sessions, multiple annual starts, credit for prior learning (via AIU Accelerate)* and transfer credit* , plus career-focused coursework you can complete around work and family through AIU's virtual campus.
*Prior Learning, including transfer credits are evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
AIU’s Online Criminal Justice Degree Benefits
Earning an online criminal justice degree at American InterContinental University could help you prepare to pursue a career path in one of the federal, state, or local agencies that comprise the U.S. criminal justice system.
Around-the-Clock Support
Access to our dedicated, 24/7 technical support team and online library that provides access to articles, books, websites, and additional resources.
Personalized Learning
Personalize your learning plan and skip what you already know with intellipath®, AIU's adaptive learning platform.
Credit For Prior Learning*
To qualify, the outcomes of employment experience, non-collegiate/non-school based education, or life experience must be documented and applicable to the student’s chosen program of study
Flexible Learning For Busy Schedules
Attend class, work on assignments, read course material, and so much more from everywhere you have access to a web-enabled device.
* Prior Learning, including transfer credits are evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
Online Criminal Justice Degree Admission and Program Requirements
No SAT or other standardized test scores are required for acceptance to AIU. Applicants to our online criminal justice degree programs must provide proof of high school graduation or completion of an equivalent program by submitting official high school transcripts, a high school diploma, or GED transcripts or certificate, as applicable. Homeschooled students are required to submit additional documentation and should reach out to an Admissions Advisor for guidance.
Successful completion of 180 credit hours is required to graduate from AIU’s online criminal justice bachelor degree program, while completion of 90 credit hours is necessary to graduate from the online criminal justice associate degree program—although applicants with job education, military, or law enforcement experience may be able to receive education credit.* Please see our admissions FAQ page for answers to a number of popular questions relating to the application process.
Prior Learning, including transfer credits are evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
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Associate of Science Degree in Criminal Justice
Requirements:
90 credit hours
24 month completion
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Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Requirements:
180 credit hours
48 month completion
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BSCJ in Forensic Science
Requirements:
180 credit hours
48 month completion
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BSCJ in Homeland Security and Crisis Management
Requirements:
180 credit hours
48 month completion
Ways To Save On Tuition And Fees
Estimating and planning for your online college criminal justice degree expenses doesn't have to be stressful. AIU's tuition and graduation date calculator makes it easy to estimate the cost and potential timeline for earning your criminal justice degree online. Various types of financial aid may be available for those who qualify. And some of the same programs that can enable you to complete your business degree online faster may also help save you money:
Grants
AIU students may be eligible for a variety of institutional grants, including the AIU Advantage Grant, AIU Veterans Grant, and AIU Lifelong Learning Grant. 1
Military Benefits
Active military students, including members of the Reserves and National Guard, may be eligible for a tuition reduction of up to 45 percent in undergraduate programs and up to 20 percent in graduate programs. Military students and their families may also be eligible for a variety of grants and scholarships, including the AIU Veterans Grant, AIU Military Spouse Grant, and AIU Yellow Ribbon Grant.
Transfer Credits
AIU offers credit for prior learning and permits students to transfer up to 75 percent of the credits required to complete your degree.2 See below for more details.
Credits For Professional Experience
Professional or military experience that is relevant to your chosen degree program may qualify you to receive course credit, pending an assessment or exam.2
1 University grants or scholarships are based on established criteria as published in the University Catalog and are awarded after verification that the conditions of eligibility have been met.
2 Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
AIU’s Online Criminal Justice Degree Options
AIU’s online criminal justice classes offer flexibility and convenience for those with busy schedules, allowing you to read, listen to, or watch customized course content from any web-enabled device. In our online associate or online bachelor’s in criminal justice degree programs, you’ll have the opportunity to study the fundamentals of criminal corrections, crisis management, forensics, the U.S. court system, and more.
Associate in Criminal Justice Online Program
Through our Associate in Criminal Justice degree program, you can work to develop knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant to obtaining an entry-level position in the criminal justice field. This program covers fundamentals of the U.S. criminal justice system and theories of crime causation, while also exploring juvenile delinquency and the juvenile justice system. Included in the core curriculum is a course on career paths in criminal justice, addressing key topics such as reporting procedures and requirements, crime scene management, interviewing/interrogation skills, and job search strategies.
Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Degree Programs
AIU's online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice degree program is designed to help you prepare to pursue a potential career path within the field of criminal justice. You can choose among specializations in forensic science or homeland security and crisis management, or you could opt for the criminal justice general track. Each of these options can provide an opportunity to think critically and apply your knowledge to various issues within the criminal justice sphere.
- Forensic Science: With an online forensic science degree specialization, you could study criminology online and explore the processes used in investigating and solving crimes. Electives include: Criminalistics I & II, Medicological Death Investigation, Forensic Biology, and Criminal Investigation.
- Homeland Security and Crisis Management: This specialization provides in-depth coverage of foreign and domestic terrorism threats, as well as crisis/disaster management. Electives include: Foundations of Crisis Management, Terrorism & Homeland Security, Critical Infrastructures, and Communication & Crisis Planning.
- General Track: In lieu of choosing a specialization, students pursuing the general criminal justice track can choose any five elective courses.
AIU is a member of the American InterContinental University System. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. AIU is also approved by the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) through the Arizona SARA Council. NC-SARA aims to expand distance education opportunities and has established comparable national standards for the interstate offering of postsecondary distance education.
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What Students Are Saying About Their AIU Experience
I’m so thankful for AIU and the flexibility it offers during my part-time job and my full-time job as a mom and wife.
Crystal N., Current Student Anticipated graduation 2027, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
AIU provides the tools and support needed to succeed, and I’m grateful for this opportunity to pursue my goals.
Jessica R., Current Student Anticipated graduation 2027, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
My student advisor kept me going. AIU was so accommodating. They understood that people do have challenges in life.Paris S. 2024 Graduate, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
