Best Criminal Justice Schools in Georgia: Online/Campus

Associate Degrees in Georgia

An associate degree in criminal justice offers students a quick and affordable path to entry-level positions primarily with police departments, corrections facilities, parole services, and private security agencies. Online criminal justice associate degree programs are quite popular and available throughout Georgia via state and technical colleges, as well as via a few universities.

Bachelor’s Degrees in Georgia

As a foundational degree for criminal justice programs at four-year colleges and universities in Georgia, the bachelor’s degree offers students a more advanced and interdisciplinary course of study compared with an associate degree program. The degree additionally prepares graduates to advance into master’s programs in criminal justice, criminology, and other closely related fields.

Master’s Degrees in Georgia

Online criminal justice master’s programs in Georgia provide current professionals with the criminal justice education and training to help them move into advanced administrative and management roles. These programs also provide students with the foundation to continue their academic studies to earn a criminal justice doctorate. Program lengths vary depending on the student’s study pace, but most students earn their degrees in 18 months to two years.

PhD, Doctoral, and Graduate Certificate Programs in Georgia

Criminal justice professionals seeking top-tier positions in academia or leadership may want to consider earning a doctoral degree. There are two basic types of criminal justice doctorates: PhD in Criminal Justice, which is designed for those interested in careers in research, policy-making, and teaching at the post-secondary and post-graduate levels, and the Doctor of Criminal Justice, which is geared toward students pursuing jobs in criminal justice leadership and administration.

Get Answers: Georgia Criminal Justice Student FAQs

What types of criminal justice degrees are available in Georgia?

Just about every type of criminal justice degree is available from one or more Georgia colleges. In fact, there are so many options that finding the right one can be confusing. Popular options include associate degrees, undergraduate bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and PhDs or doctorates. Each degree type differs in duration, admission requirements, and curriculum focus.

How much does a criminal justice degree cost in Georgia?

The cost of a criminal justice degree in Georgia varies, depending on the degree type and learning format. In general, online degrees tend to cost less than in-person degrees. Degrees tend to get more expensive with each level, with associate’s degrees being the most affordable and PhDs costing the most. That said, there are affordable criminal justice degree programs at all education levels.

Are there financial aid opportunities for criminal justice students in Georgia?

If you’re like most students, finding the money to pay for your criminal justice school in Georgia requires time and effort. Fortunately, several financial aid options are available, including:

• Scholarships and grants, such as those available through both external and internal (college and program) sources. Examples of criminal justice schools in Georgia that offer exclusive scholarship opportunities include Georgia Highlands College and the University of Georgia.
• Student loans, such as those available through Federal Student Aid.
• Fellowships and assistantships (primarily for graduate students).
• VA education benefits (for military veterans, service members, and their qualifying family members)
• Work-study.
• Employer tuition reimbursement.

Speak with the financial aid office at your school for resources specifically geared toward your program. Another great resource is the Georgia Student Finance Commission, which offers information on scholarships, grants, and loans.

Are there any online criminal justice programs in Georgia?

Many online and hybrid criminal justice programs are available in Georgia. In fact, the state has at least one online option at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. It’s important to note that there are fewer online or hybrid doctoral degrees.

What’s the best criminal justice school in Florida?

The “best” program is subjective. The state has many accredited schools that excel in terms of academics, career development resources, and affordability. Plus, many programs are offered in an online or hybrid format. Beyond that, reflect on your own career goals and what type of program will best suit those needs. Remember to look at electives as well, since those can help round out your education.

Salary & Career Forecast for Criminal Justice Graduates in Georgia

Criminal Justice Resources for Students & Professionals in Georgia

Criminal justice students and professionals in Georgia benefit from a variety of great education programs, but those aren’t the only resources available to them. Ahead are 10 Georgia-specific resources, such as scholarships and networking events, to help you succeed professionally.

• Alpha Phi Sigma: The Criminal Justice Honor Society: Alpha Phi Sigma is the preeminent fraternal organization for criminal justice students and educators. Nineteen campus chapters are active in Georgia, including on the campuses of Augusta University, Columbus State University, Georgia Gwinnett College, and Georgia State University.
• Criminal Justice Association of Georgia (CJAG): This nonprofit organization of criminal justice professionals, students, and faculty is dedicated to the promotion of professionalism and academic advancement in the criminal justice field.
• Criminal Justice Career Fair: Many universities offer career fairs to connect students and alumni with criminal justice employment opportunities. This one from Georgia Southern University is a good example.
• Criminal Justice Scholarships and Aid: Our guide offers insights on scholarship opportunities, college support services, and other useful resources specifically for criminal justice students.
• Criminal Justice Society (University of Georgia): The Criminal Justice Society (CJS) is a registered student organization on the campus of the University of Georgia that offers professional development and support for students planning careers in criminal justice and related fields.
• Criminal Justice Student Association at Georgia State University: Society members have access to a number of association-sponsored functions, including guest speakers, employment seminars, field trips, and alumni networking events. Many other Georgia colleges and universities sponsor similar criminal student organizations.
• Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council: This state-run organization clears grants and policies proposed for the state’s criminal justice system. It’s a great place to brush up on state-specific policies and opportunities.
• Georgia Justice Project (GJP): The GJP offers students interested in criminal justice the opportunity to spend a semester or summer during their time in college or graduate school to gain firsthand experience working with GJP clients.
• Georgia Scholarships and Grants: These financial aid opportunities are offered by the Georgia government, including many that are applicable to criminal justice students at all levels.
• Southern Criminal Justice Association (SCJA): The SCJA is a nonprofit organization representing the interests of criminal justice practitioners, researchers, educators, and students in 11 southern states (including Georgia). Student members are eligible for several financial awards and enjoy networking opportunities at conferences, receptions, and other events.

Rating Criminal Justice Schools Online: Georgia Edition

Online college programs provide an excellent alternative to traditional on-campus programs, particularly for working professionals who consider study convenience and flexibility a top priority. The good news is that many quality and affordable online criminal justice degrees are available in Georgia. Not all online programs are the same, however. To help you discern which programs are best, we ranked the criminal justice programs in Georgia in terms of academics, affordability, and professional development support. To learn more about how the rankings were determined, click “About the Rankings.”