Earning an online criminal justice degree in Virginia can open up many career opportunities in law enforcement, homeland security, corrections, forensic science, and other fields. Online programs allow students to advance their education and careers on their schedule while still earning a fully accredited degree.
In this article, we will explore Virginia’s 10 best online criminal justice degree programs based on academic quality, affordability, and program offerings. For each school, we will overview the available online criminal justice degrees, highlight the programs, and provide insights into costs and admissions requirements.
What to Look for in an Online Criminal Justice Program
When researching online criminal justice programs in Virginia, there are several key factors to consider:
- Accreditation – Ensure the program holds regional accreditation and any required program-specific accreditation. Accreditation ensures quality standards are met.InformationGuideNigeria
- Curriculum – Look for a curriculum that aligns with your interests and career goals. Typical courses may include criminology, criminal law and procedure, research methods, ethics, and electives within your specialty.
- Faculty – Examine the faculty’s background and expertise. Faculty with real-world experience can provide valuable insights.
- Cost and financial aid – Compare tuition costs and availability of scholarships, grants, student loans, and other assistance. Make sure the program fits within your budget.
- Admissions requirements – Pay attention to the admissions process, documents needed, minimum GPA, and entrance exam requirements. Make sure you can meet all requirements.
These key factors will help you select the right online criminal justice degree in Virginia for your needs.
Read Also: 10 Best Online Criminal Justice Degree Wisconsin
The 10 Best Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs in Virginia
1. Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University offers a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Criminal Justice through its online program. The curriculum covers criminology, research methods, criminal justice policy, law enforcement, and other core topics.10 Best Online Criminal Justice Degree Virginia
Online Degrees:
- B.S. in Criminal Justice
- M.S. in Criminal Justice
Highlights:
- Ranked as one of the top online criminal justice bachelor’s degrees nationally by U.S. News & World Report
- Accelerated online format helps working students finish faster
- Graduate degree offers concentrations in criminology or digital forensics
Admissions Requirements:
- 2.50 minimum undergraduate GPA for B.S. program
- 3.00 minimum undergraduate GPA for M.S. program -GRE scores required for M.S. program
Cost Per Credit: $399 in-state; $888 out-of-state
Old Dominion provides an affordable pathway to earn an online criminal justice degree in Virginia with academic excellence and nationally ranked programs.
2. Liberty University
Liberty University is a private Christian university based in Lynchburg, Virginia. Students can pursue an Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, or Doctor of Philosophy fully online.
Online Degrees:
- A.A. in Criminal Justice
- B.S. in Criminal Justice
- B.S. in Criminal Justice – Business Administration
- B.S. in Criminal Justice – Public Administration
- M.S. in Criminal Justice
- Ph.D. in Criminal Justice
Highlights:
- One of the largest criminal justice programs in the nation
- Incorporates Christian values while teaching concepts and techniques
- A graduate degree offers multiple concentration options
Admissions Requirements:
- 2.00 minimum GPA for A.A. program
- 2.50 minimum GPA for B.S. program
- 3.00 minimum GPA for M.S. and Ph.D. Programs
- SAT/ACT scores required for undergraduate programs
Cost Per Credit: $395 undergraduate; $545 graduate
Liberty University provides a faith-based approach to earning accredited and affordable criminal justice degrees online.Best Physical Therapy for Waist Pain
3. Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Commonwealth University offers an online Master of Science in Criminal Justice approved by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences. The 30-credit curriculum can be completed part-time in as little as two years.
Online Degrees:
- M.S. in Criminal Justice
Highlights:
- Emphasis on critical thinking, analysis, and research
- High-quality degree from a public research university
- Respected criminology faculty and expert instruction
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- 2.70 minimum undergraduate GPA
- Statement of purpose
Cost Per Credit: $717 in-state; $1,272 out-of-state
Virginia Commonwealth University provides an academically challenging criminal justice graduate degree focused on research and analysis skills.15 Best Individualized Treatment
Read Also: 10 Best Online Criminal Justice Degrees Utah
4. Saint Leo University
Saint Leo University offers flexible online criminal justice degrees including an Associate, Bachelor, and Master of Science. The private Catholic university emphasizes community service and ethical values.
Online Degrees:
- A.A. in Criminal Justice
- B.S. in Criminal Justice
- M.S. in Criminal Justice
Highlights:
- 8-week online courses provide schedule flexibility
- All programs available 100% online
- Faculty with criminal justice and law enforcement experience
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent for A.A.
- 2.0 minimum GPA for B.S. and M.S. programs
- Essay and letters of recommendation
Cost Per Credit: $365 undergraduate; $730 graduate
Saint Leo University provides accelerated online criminal justice degrees with flexible scheduling options.
5. Bluefield College
Bluefield College offers an online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Public Administration. The 120-credit program combines criminal justice training with public administration skills.
Online Degree:
- B.S. in Criminal Justice and Public Administration
Highlights:
- Only 8-week course terms
- Combines criminal justice concepts with public administration
- Prepares students for careers in law enforcement or government
Admissions Requirements:
- 2.0 high school GPA
- SAT/ACT test scores
- Essay and recommendation
Cost Per Credit: $374
For students interested in criminal justice and public administration, Bluefield College provides an accelerated fully online bachelor’s degree.105 Good Morning My Love Messages
Read Also: UAB Online Criminal Justice Degree
6. Shenandoah University
Shenandoah University’s online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice examines the criminal justice system and its legal, ethical, and policy dimensions. Students can complete the 120-credit degree in as little as 16 months.
Online Degree:
- B.S. in Criminal Justice
Highlights:
- Can complete a full degree in 16 months
- Prepares students to advance in criminal justice careers
- Faculty with professional experience in the field
Admissions Requirements:
- 2.0 minimum GPA
- High school diploma or GED
Cost Per Credit: $510
Shenandoah University offers an accelerated online criminal justice bachelor’s degree taught by experienced faculty.200 Romantic Message for Her
7. University of Maryland Global Campus
University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) provides an online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with concentrations available in cybercrime or intelligence studies.
Online Degree:
- B.S. in Criminal Justice: Cybercrime concentration
- B.S. in Criminal Justice: Intelligence Studies concentration
Highlights:
- Specialized concentrations in high-demand fields
- Courses taught by practitioners in their field
- Transfer credits accepted from prior college, work, or military training
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Transcripts from all previous colleges
Cost Per Credit: $399 in-state; $499 out-of-state
UMGC allows students to focus their online criminal justice degree through specialized concentrations.
Read Also: 10 Best Online Criminal Justice Degrees in Massachusetts
8. American Public University
American Public University offers online criminal justice degrees including an Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Master of Science. Self-paced classes start monthly.NYSC Portal
Online Degrees:
- A.A. in Criminal Justice
- B.S. in Criminal Justice
- B.S. in Criminal Justice – Administration
- M.S. in Criminal Justice
Highlights:
- Respected for supporting military and public service professionals
- Monthly start dates and self-paced options
- Transfer-friendly with easy credit evaluation
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED certificate
- Transcripts from all previous institutions
Cost Per Credit: $270 undergraduate, $350 graduate
American Public University provides flexible and affordable online criminal justice programs tailored for public service professionals.
9. University of Richmond
The University of Richmond offers an online Master of Science in Criminal Justice for students looking to advance their criminal justice careers. The 30-credit program focuses on administration, leadership, and policy analysis.
Online Degree:
- M.S. in Criminal Justice
Highlights:
- Emphasizes criminal justice administration and leadership -Accelerated 7-week course format
- Small classes taught by full faculty
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college
- 3.0 minimum GPA
- GRE test scores
Cost Per Credit: $1,305
The University of Richmond provides an accelerated leadership-focused criminal justice master’s degree online.
Read Also: 10 Best Online Criminal Justice Degrees in Michigan
10. Radford University
Radford University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with concentrations available in justice policy or cybercrime investigation. Courses cover criminology, corrections, ethics, and criminal law.JAMB Portal
Online Degrees:
- B.S. in Criminal Justice: Justice Policy concentration
- B.S. in Criminal Justice: Cybercrime Investigation concentration
Highlights:
- 8-week accelerated courses
- High-demand concentration options
- Strong reputation for public service education
Admissions Requirements:
- 2.0 minimum GPA
- SAT/ACT test scores
- High school diploma
Cost Per Credit: $352 in-state; $881 out-of-state
Radford University provides focused concentrations within its online criminal justice bachelor’s degree.
Conclusion
Earning an online criminal justice degree in Virginia can help advance your career in law enforcement, corrections, homeland security, and related fields. When researching programs, compare academic quality, affordability, admissions requirements, and curriculum options.
The schools profiled throughout this article represent the 10 best accredited online criminal justice programs based on these criteria. Whether you are looking to earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, these Virginia schools offer respected criminal justice programs online to fit different needs.
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