Best Online Criminal Justice Schools in Arizona (AZ)
Arizona offers ample employment opportunities for detectives and investigators and police and sheriff patrol officers. While some entry-level positions only require a high school diploma, earning your criminal justice degree in Arizona can help advance your career in these and many other areas. This guide shows the full range of online criminal justice programs in Arizona and offers insights on how to select the best option for your goals. You’ll also find a variety of resources for your criminal justice career journey.
Associate Degrees in Arizona
Online programs for an associate degree in criminal justice provide general educational and basic criminal justice-related coursework to prepare students for entry-level positions in law enforcement, corrections, security, and related fields. An associate degree may also provide the academic foundation to move current entry-level employees up the career ladder into mid-level positions.
University of Phoenix
The Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice at the University of Phoenix teaches students about the criminal justice and corrections system and prepares them for careers that support various criminal justice agencies. This customizable degree consists of courses that are only five weeks long. Top skills learned in this program include enforcement, sociology, and communication for preparation in a variety of fields, including corrections and security. In addition to general education courses, student complete core courses in criminal justice, cultural diversity, police theory and practice, criminal court systems, corrections, and juvenile justice systems and processes.
Location: Phoenix
Mode: Online
Cost: $23,880
Admissions Requirements:
- Transcripts
- High school diploma or equivalent
- U.S. citizenship
- English proficiency test for nonnative speakers
Park University
The Criminal Justice Administration, A.S. degree at Park University prepares students for work in criminal justice and related areas. This 60-credit program includes courses in criminal law, criminology, the juvenile justice system, criminal procedure, and criminal investigation. Students also learn the basics of law enforcement, corrections, and security. The program prepares students for entry-level work in the criminal justice field and for continued studies for a bachelor’s degree and graduate work. Internships with local, state, and federal offices are also available to supplement learning and create professional contacts in the field.
Location: Gilbert, pluscampuses in 15 other states
Mode: Online
Cost: $34,500
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Transcripts
- English and math assessment
Scottsdale Community College
The Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Criminal Justice program at Scottsdale Community College provides the first two years of a four-year criminal justice program. It sets students up for entry-level positions like police identification and records officers and prepares them to pursue a bachelor’s in criminal justice and a graduate degree in a related field. Students learn to apply fundamental criminal justice principles, communicate clearly, analyze ethical situations, learn terminology and technology related to the field, and more. With the AA degree, students have multiple degree pathways to schools like Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University.
Location: Scottsdale
Mode: Online
Cost: $5,820 in-county, $32,760 out-of-county, $22,320 out-of-state
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- At least 18 years old if not in high school
- Parents and school permission if under 18
Bachelor’s Degrees in Arizona
A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice prepares students for diverse career pathways. These programs typically require four years of full-time study to complete, but there is often some flexibility, too. General programs offer a broad approach to criminal justice, but others provider a specific focus, including forensic science, cybersecurity, homeland security, and juvenile justice.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University’s Criminology and Criminal Justice, BS is for those interested in prelaw and those who want an understanding of the control and consequences of crime and of criminal justice agencies. Learning topics include crime across contexts and over time, history, legal issues, current practices, the court systems, and more. Study-abroad opportunities and Internship opportunities with over 200 agencies are available. The program has an accelerated option as well, which allows students to earn a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in as little as five years.
Location: Phoenix (two locations)
Mode: Online
Cost: $13,139/year (24 credits)
Admissions Requirements:
- College prep coursework
- Aptitude requirements (e.g., minimum GPA or ACT/SAT scores)
- Transcripts
University of Phoenix
The University of Phoenix offers three criminal justice bachelor’s degree programs: Bachelor of Science in Correctional Program Support Services, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration, and Bachelor of Science in Public Administration Degree. These programs teach the skills to support and serve the criminal justice system, though each offers a different focus. Experienced professionals such as police officers, captains, and lieutenants as well as judges and detectives serve as the faculty for these programs. Courses are only five weeks long. The programs require 120 credits and take four years to complete. Those with previous relevant work and life experience can potentially earn credits for that experience.
Location: Phoenix
Mode: Online
Cost: $47,760
Admissions Requirements:
- Transcripts
- High school diploma or equivalent
- U.S. citizenship
- English proficiency test for nonnative speakers
University of Arizona
The University of Arizona Global Campus offers two online criminal justice degrees. The BA in Homeland Security and Emergency Management gives a broad view of emergency preparedness and security, while the BA in Social and Criminal Justice provides a broad-based approach to work with law enforcement and the criminal justice system. Students take one course at a time and explore the impact of crime and the different approaches to combat it at various levels. The five-week structure for courses provide flexibility for busy adult learners, such as those currently working in corrections or related careers who want to expand their skillsets.
Location: Chandler
Mode: Online
Cost: $55,200
Admissions Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Transcripts
Master’s Degrees in Arizona
Master’s degree criminal justice programs prepare working professionals for advancement into administrative and other leadership roles. Master’s level programs become more specialized, with concentrations in public administration, criminology, law enforcement, corrections, and homeland security. Most criminal justice programs in Arizona are flexible and take a year and a half to two years of online study.
Arizona State University
The Criminal Justice, MA at Arizona State University deepens understanding of the legal system by studying crime’s impact on society. It also gives experience in data-driven decision making. It’s meant for criminal justice professionals with training in research methods and statistics to advance their skills in program planning and management, policy analysis, and program evaluation. Coursework covers criminology and operation of the justice system. The program can be specialized in areas like policing, corrections, and management. This MA can be paired with the Criminology and Criminal Justice bachelor’s degrees at ASU for an accelerated approach to earning both.
Location: Phoenix (two locations)
Mode: Online
Cost: $23,133
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in criminology, criminology, or related field
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Transcripts
- Two letters of recommendation
- Written statement
- Proof of English proficiency
University of Arizona
The University of Arizona’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice provides advanced skills for addressing 21st century challenges. It includes a variety of elements that all involve the study of people through sociology and psychology and how decisions are made. This MA prepares students for further academic endeavors or work in law enforcement or corrections. Accelerated six-week courses are taken one at a time and develop skills in a broad range of areas, including criminal law, forensics, ethics, victimology, and more. The program includes completing 39 credits with a minimum 3.0 GPA, and you can specialize in homeland security or law enforcement and corrections administration.
Location: Chandler
Mode: Online
Cost: $28,860
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree with minimum 2.0 GPA
- Transcripts
- Demonstrated English proficiency
University of Phoenix
The Online Master’s in Administration of Justice and Security at the University of Phoenix combines administrative training, policy development, and problem solving skills. It prepares students for roles in law enforcement, corporate security, and infrastructure security. Core courses include Foundations of Justice and Security, Cybercrime and Information Security, Ethics in Justice and Security, Public Policy and Civil Rights, and more. Courses are each six weeks long. This MS requires 37 credits, and course schedules vary based on previous experience, training, and transferable credits. Up to 30 credits can be covered through experience, training, and transfer credits.
Location: Phoenix
Mode: Online
Cost: $27,222
Admissions Requirements:
- U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
- Bachelor’s degree with minimum 2.5 GPA
- Transcripts
PhD, Doctoral, and Graduate Certificate Programs in Arizona
Criminal justice doctoral-level programs are for those who want to conduct advanced research or focus on applied knowledge in leadership, policy analysis, and advanced practice. Graduate certificate programs provide specialized knowledge for professionals seeking to enhance their expertise or shift into a new field.
University of Arizona
The University of Arizona’s Global Campus offers a Criminology Justice Studies Specialization for its Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program. It delves into the psychology behind crime and develops expertise in criminal behavior and the criminal justice and corrections system, teaching the use of psychological principles to find real-world solutions to complex problems. This PsyD program has accelerated courses that are six to nine weeks long, and students take one at a time. Up to 30 credits can be transferred from previous work. The goal of this four-year program is for students to become practitioner-scholars in their concentration areas.
Location: Chandler
Mode: Online
Cost: $50,344
Admissions Requirements:
- Master’s degree with minimum 3.0 GPA or Doctoral degree
- Proof of English proficiency
- College transcripts
- Transfer credit evaluation
Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers two criminal justice graduate certificates. The Homeland Security Certificate (HSC) covers topics such as domestic and international terrorism, cyberterrorism, and advanced crime. Students must be degree-seeking at ASU to pursue this certificate. The Corrections Leadership and Management Graduate Certificate (CLMGC) offers those with a bachelor’s degree a foundational understanding of correctional administration, leadership, and policy analysis. The curriculum includes 15 credits of coursework in criminal justice organizations, corrections and community supervision, institutional management, and cross-discipline public administration.
Location: Phoenix (two locations)
Mode: Online
Cost: $12,999 (HSC), $8,355 (CLMGC)
Admissions Requirements:
- Current degree-seeking student (HSC)
- Transcripts (CLMGC)
- Written statement of career and educational goals (CLMGC)
- Proof of English proficiency (CLMGC)
Park University
Park University’s Criminal Justice Administration Graduate Certificate explores the field from a comparative perspective. It shows the similarities and differences in various criminal justice systems across jurisdictions around the nation and world. It’s enhanced by key administrative aspects, including financial management and the policy making process. This graduate certificate has four courses equaling 12 credit hours that must be completed with at least a 3.0 GPA.
Location: Gilbert, pluscampuses in 15 other states
Mode: Online
Cost: $8,340
Admissions Requirements:
- Previous transcripts
Responding to FAQs for Criminal Justice Students
What financial aid opportunities are available for criminal justice students in Arizona?
Criminal justice programs in Arizona require a major financial commitment. The most common financial aid opportunities include student loans, like those through the Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid program as well as scholarships and grants. Work-study programs, assistantships and fellowships (mostly for graduate students), employer tuition reimbursement programs, and benefits for veterans are also available to those who qualify. Contact your school’s financial aid office for more information.
Is an online criminal justice degree in Arizona worth my time, money, and effort?
Whether a degree is “worth it” is highly dependent on your goals and individual circumstances. However, an online criminal justice degree provides students with added skillsets, such as stronger analytical and communication skills, in addition to specialized knowledge. Graduates can often expect increased job opportunities, promotions, and raises that come with those additional skills and knowledge.
Can I work while earning a criminal justice degree online in Arizona?
Most online programs allow you to manage your studies around your work schedule. This is especially true for undergraduate programs with part-time options and graduate programs designed for working professionals. Online criminal justice programs often allow you to pace yourself and complete schoolwork— and sometimes even exams— when it’s most convenient for you.
What should I consider when choosing an online criminal justice degree program in Arizona?
Regardless of degree type, make sure your criminal justice program in Arizona is accredited. Beyond that, explore specialty areas offered within the degree and the goals of each program to determine which option is best for you. Each program has a slightly different focus, and some exist mainly to set you up for additional educational pursuits while others focus on practical application in the criminal justice field. The field is pretty broad, including areas from law enforcement to forensics to legal services, so make sure the program you choose heads you in the right direction.
What kind of career opportunities exist for someone with a criminal justice degree?
Career opportunities for someone with a criminal justice degree depend on the degree. Some allow you to work as a police, correctional, or probation officer while others lead to work as an FBI agent, forensic science technician, paralegal, investigator, or victim advocate. Entry-level positions, like police or corrections officers, only require a high school diploma, but a criminal justice associate or bachelor’s degree can help with career advancement. Graduate degrees in criminal justice open up even more opportunities, such as leadership roles in law enforcement, corrections, and other agencies.
Earnings & Employment Paths for Criminal Justice Graduates
| Area | Occupation | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Correctional Officers and Jailers | $45,620 | $64,880 | $53,260 |
| Arizona | Court, Municipal, and License Clerks | $36,800 | $62,950 | $41,960 |
| Arizona | Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary | $55,450 | $175,180 | $68,460 |
| Arizona | Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $59,010 | $133,450 | $98,200 |
| Arizona | Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | $55,920 | $92,860 | $76,450 |
| Arizona | Private Detectives and Investigators | $38,480 | $103,700 | $62,420 |
| Arizona | Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | $45,790 | $83,450 | $60,260 |
| Arizona | Security Guards | $30,560 | $50,220 | $36,090 |
| Arizona | Social Workers | $42,440 | $101,670 | $57,640 |
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 % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Correctional Officers and Jailers | 8,320 | 8,180 | -140 | -1.70% |
| Arizona | Court, Municipal, and License Clerks | 2,520 | 2,600 | 80 | 3.20% |
| Arizona | Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary | 390 | 410 | 20 | 5.10% |
| Arizona | Detectives and Criminal Investigators | 1,680 | 1,720 | 40 | 2.40% |
| Arizona | Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | 10,070 | 10,330 | 260 | 2.60% |
| Arizona | Private Detectives and Investigators | 1,060 | 1,260 | 200 | 18.90% |
| Arizona | Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | 1,480 | 1,570 | 90 | 6.10% |
| Arizona | Security Guards | 24,070 | 26,130 | 2,060 | 8.60% |
| Arizona | Social Workers | 1,220 | 1,370 | 150 | 12.30% |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
Arizona Resources for Criminal Justice Students & Professionals
The following resources for criminal justice students and professions in Arizona include professional organizations offering a variety of resources. Some offer career services, others focus on scholarly research, and almost all provide a way to connect with other criminal justice professionals. Most of them also have something to offer both professionals and students.
- Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS): ACJS fosters professional and scholarly activities in the criminal justice field. It promotes research, education, and policy analysis for scholarship in any area of criminal justice. It also has a jobs board.
- Alpha Phi Sigma (APS) The Criminal Justice Honor Society: APS supports the academic pursuits of undergraduate and graduate criminal justice students. There are over 500 chapters in operation on college and university campuses throughout the U.S. and Canada.
- American Criminal Justice Association – Lambda Alpha Epsilon (ACJA-LAE): The ACJA-LAE is an international fraternity of criminal justice professionals and students with a goal of “encouraging the establishment and expansion of higher education and professional training in criminal justice.”
- Arizona Association of Crime Analysts (AACA): This non-profit organization serves law enforcement personnel and those working in crime analysis. Membership offers a variety of valuable professional networking opportunities as well as information on jobs, internships, and more.
- Arizona Law Enforcement Association (AZLEA): AZLEA represents personnel in over 30 law enforcement agencies in the state. Its mission is to improve member working conditions and economic and personal security and to promote camaraderie among its members.
- Arizona State University Library Guides: The ASU library provides physical and virtual resources for criminology and criminal justice students and is an example of what other schools offering extensive criminal justice programs may also offer.
- Guilty AZ Charged: This Law Behind the Crimes podcast focuses on everything criminal law in Arizona. It’s a great state-focused resource for Arizona professionals and anyone interested in the criminal justice system in the state.
- State Bar of Arizona: The State Bar of Arizona regulates the over 18,000 active attorneys in Arizona. It provides mental health and other support services for lawyers, judges, and law students and offers professional development education and development programs.
- University of Phoenix Career Services: The University of Phoenix’s Career Services department offers extensive career support for graduates. It’s representative of the career services that most universities offer students and alumni with everything from job services to career coaching.
Best Criminal Justice Schools Online: Arizona Edition
Quality, affordable online criminal justice programs are available for a host of degrees ranging from associate and bachelor’s degrees to doctoral options. The rankings below highlight the best online criminal justice schools in Arizona among accredited schools with ample career and academic services. They’re ranked based on their online learning offerings, affordability, and student outcomes. Learn more about online criminal justice programs by visiting Steps’ guide to the top online criminal justice degrees.
Eastern Arizona College
Thatcher, Arizona
Public
Mesa Community College
Mesa, Arizona
Public
