Guide to the Best Online Criminal Justice Degrees in Florida

Associate Degrees in Florida

Individuals seeking entry-level criminal justice positions should consider associate’s degree programs. They generally take two years to complete and prepare students for a variety of roles, including corrections officer, court reporter, paralegal, and police officer. Coursework typically covers the court system, the juvenile justice process, criminology, crime scene investigation basics, and criminal justice ethics.

Bachelor’s Degrees in Florida

A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice gives students a deep understanding of different areas of the discipline, including juvenile delinquency, the courts, criminology, forensic science, and corrections. These programs, which have a four-year curriculum, allow students to choose between a bachelor of science and bachelor of arts degree.

Master’s Degrees in Florida

Professionals working in the criminal justice field who wish to progress in their careers can pursue a master’s degree. At this level, students can focus their studies on specific areas such as homeland security, cybersecurity, forensic technology, corrections, or public administration. The majority of these programs offered by top criminal justice schools in Florida typically require a two-year time commitment.

PhD, Doctoral, and Graduate Certificate Programs in Florida

For individuals seeking the most prestigious roles in the criminal justice industry, a PhD program in criminal justice offers the necessary preparation. These programs at top criminal justice schools in Florida are highly demanding, emphasizing advanced theory and research to mold students into effective leaders. Graduates are prepared for positions as college professors, researchers, intelligence analysts, police chiefs, and more.

Criminal Justice Student FAQs: Your Questions Answered

What Florida college has the best criminal justice program?

The best criminal justice program is subjective, as each individual’s needs and degree pursuits vary. A student who’s entirely new to the criminal justice field may find the online associate’s degree from St. Leo University suits their needs. In contrast, a law enforcement professional looking to move into a leadership role may benefit from the master’s degree at Florida Atlantic University. To determine the right school for you, first clarify what degree type you want to pursue, your career goals, your budget, and if you want an online, hybrid, or in-person program. Then review our insights and rankings and do your own research to determine which program is best for you.

What are the admissions requirements for criminal justice programs in Florida?

Admission requirements vary based on degree type. Most undergraduate degrees require students to submit their high school GPA, SAT/ACT score, essays, and letters of recommendation. Many also require students to be in their final year of high school or to already have a high school diploma. Graduate programs may also require essays and letters of recommendations, but most look at GRE scores instead of SAT/ACT scores and at applicants’ GPAs from their undergraduate programs.

Are there financial aid opportunities for Florida criminal justice students?

Students at criminal justice schools in Florida have multiple avenues for the financial aid. For example, schools like Florida State University, Florida Atlantic University, and the University of North Florida award scholarships to graduate and undergraduate students in their departments. Also, students can get scholarships from organizations like Alpha Phi Sigma, which is the criminal justice honor society, or private companies like employment screening company Disa (formerly Crimcheck). Additionally, scholarships and grants are available through the state and federal government.

What can I do with a criminal justice degree in Florida?

A criminal justice degree in Florida provides you with the knowledge to work in law enforcement, corrections, or legal services at the local, state, or federal level. More advanced degrees provide opportunities to specialize in a specific area of criminal justice, such as parole or homeland security.

Are there any online criminal justice programs in Florida?

Florida offers online and hybrid criminal justice programs at all education levels. Popular programs include the online bachelor’s from the University of Central Florida, the online associate from Indian River State College, and the online master’s from Florida State University.

Career Prospects & Salary Details for Criminal Justice Graduates in Florida

Resources for Criminal Justice Students & Professionals in Florida

Finding the right criminal justice program for you is critical, but getting connected to additional resources can make your degree more affordable and/or provide networking and career growth opportunities. Here are 10 resources that should be on your radar.

• Central Florida Criminal Justice Association: This LinkedIn group provides professional development resources and alerts on networking events of interest to criminal justice professionals and students in central Florida.
• Criminal Justice Career Paths: Florida National University explores the benefits of having a criminal justice degree, either at the undergraduate or graduate level, and explores seven careers you can pursue with a degree.
• Criminal Justice Scholarships: Our guide to criminal justice scholarships presents various financial aid opportunities and resources for those looking to enter the criminal justice field in Florida.
• Criminology Podcasts: The University of Florida offers a list of podcasts for students who want to learn more about the field of criminology and criminal justice career opportunities.
• Florida Criminal Justice Test Prep: Many criminal justice jobs in Florida require students to pass state-moderated tests. This hub provides study guides and additional resources for these exams.
• Florida Criminology Scholarships: Florida Atlantic University provides a good look at what school-sponsored scholarships look like for criminal justice systems. While these financial aid options are only for FAU students, it’s a good example of what solid financial support looks like.
• Florida Justice Association: This organization supports criminal justice professionals throughout the state and helps connect legal and criminal justice professionals to community members who need their services.
• Florida Law Enforcement Academy Scholarship Program: Anyone interested in becoming a licensed law enforcement officer should check out this guide on financial resources and licensure requirements.
• Florida Sheriff’s Association Scholarship: The Florida Sheriff’s Association awards 10 $2,000 scholarships to students pursuing a criminal justice degree at a Florida university each year. Applications from children of sheriffs are prioritized.
• SWFL Heroes Foundation: Students who live in Southwest Florida and want to pursue a career as a first responder upon graduating should consider this foundation’s scholarships.

Rating the Best Online Options for Criminal Justice Schools in Florida

Ready to dive into more research on Florida’s criminal justice programs? Explore the rankings below. Rankings were determined based on affordability, academia quality, support services, and scheduling flexibility. All ranked schools are accredited, and most offer various forms of financial aid and career support services. For more information on how rankings were chosen, click “about the rankings.”