Top Online Criminal Justice Degrees in Indiana (IN)

Spotlight on Indiana’s Best Online Associate Degree

If you want to study criminal justice but can’t commit to going to school for four years or more, an online associate degree program might be for you. Often, these degrees take two years to complete and after graduation, students can apply for entry-level jobs in the field, such as working as a patrol officer, bailiff, or emergency management director.

Inside the Best Bachelor’s Degrees in Indiana

Getting your bachelor’s degree in Indiana is a great way to advance your career in criminal justice. If you need a more flexible program, some schools in Indiana also offer these degrees online.

Upon graduation, students are prepared to work across a variety of criminal justice disciplines. Depending on your previous education, a bachelor’s degree takes 2-4 years to complete.

Identifying Popular Master’s Degrees in Indiana

If you already have your bachelor’s degree and want to deepen your knowledge in criminal justice, an online criminal justice master’s program might be exactly what you need. These postgraduate degrees are also ideal for those wanting to enter the criminal justice field from a non-criminal justice background and allow students to explore a more specific area of criminal justice.

Profiling Top PhD, Doctoral, and Graduate Certificate Programs in Indiana

A doctorate in criminal justice can lead to a career in academia and research, or a career as a high-level consultant and leader in the private or public sector. If your primary interest is in another field, but you want to gain an educational background in criminal justice, consider a certification program to further your experience and education.

All You Need to Know: Criminal Justice Student FAQs

What college in Indiana has the best criminal justice program?

Some of the highest rated criminal justice programs in Indiana are at Indiana University, Ball State University, and Indiana Tech. However, the right school for you might depend on your specific goals and circumstances. Factors such as accreditation, cost, and availability of online programs may affect your final choice.

What is the difference between a criminal justice degree and a criminology degree?

Criminal justice and criminology often lead to different types of careers. While both a criminal justice degree and a degree in criminology are related to crime, they have different areas of focus.

Criminal justice degrees focus on the legal aspects of the criminal justice system while criminology focuses more on the social aspect and how crime impacts communities. Which type of program you choose will depend on what your career goals are.

How fast can you get an associate’s degree in criminal justice?

An associate’s degree will generally take about two years to complete. Much like other associate degrees, an AAS in Criminal Justice will take about two years in most cases. Some accelerated programs may take less time, but two years is the average for this type of degree.

Comparatively, a bachelor’s degree will generally take closer to four years, while a master’s degree may take between two and three years.

How much does it cost to get a bachelor’s degree in Indiana?

In Indiana, the average cost for in-state tuition per year is $7,824 and private tuition can be above $30,000. For most students, that large tuition cost is the barrier to getting their degree. Luckily, there are financial aid opportunities available such as grants, scholarships, loans, and the federal work-study program.

While you should apply for more general financial aid, you also want to apply for opportunities that have specific eligibility requirements, such as state residency or preferred majors. In Indiana, you might consider:

• Indiana Choice Scholarship Program
• The Promise Scholarship from Michigan City, Indiana
• Indiana Sheriffs’ Association Scholarship Fund

As a criminal justice student, you also want to apply for scholarships, grants, and other resources designed specifically for your discipline. Check out our guide to criminal justice scholarships and financial aid for even more financial aid opportunities.

How long does it take to get a criminal justice degree online?

Unless you’re signed up for an accelerated program, the length of your degree will be about the same whether your classes are online or in-person. Most online programs are similar to in-person programs, except that assignments and lectures are offered virtually, either through synchronous or asynchronous learning.

How long a degree program takes will also depend on how many credits you currently have and how many you’re able to transfer to your new degree program. Talk to an advisor at one of your preferred schools to learn more.

Indiana’s Criminal Justice Job and Pay Outlook

Suggested Resources for Criminal Justice Students in Indiana

Even if you have a career plan and know what type of degree you plan on pursuing, you might need some assistance along the way. Thankfully, there are plenty of resources for criminal justice students in Indiana from organizations that prepare you for your future career to guides that help you fund your tuition.

• 21st Century Scholars: The 21st Century Scholars program through Learn More Indiana was created to help college students pay for school. The scholarship offered through this program covers up to 100% of tuition for eligible students.
• Indiana Commission for Higher Education: The Indiana Commission for Higher Education helps make college affordable for Indiana students by offering financial aid, scholarships, and grants. This includes the Frank O’Bannon Grant and the Workforce Ready Grant.
• Indiana Criminal Justice Association: The Indiana Criminal Justice Association offers free publications and professional development resources to help students navigate finding a criminal justice career in the state. Members enjoy additional resources and events, with a student membership option available.
• Indiana Criminal Justice Institute: Professionals who work in criminal justice may find the resources from the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute helpful. Their resources include law enforcement offerings, online career development resources, and more.
• Indiana Sheriffs Association: Interested in becoming a law enforcement leader? Check out the Indiana Sheriffs Association. This group offers networking events, leadership training, and other free resources to their members. Some resources are also available to non-members.
• Indiana State Police Department Internship: The Indiana State Police Department offers an internship for students considering a career in law enforcement. This internship provides students with on-the-job experience while they complete their degree.
• Learn More Indiana: Learn More Indiana provides numerous resources for students entering college. This includes assistance with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and applying for scholarships and grants.
• Marion County Prosecutor’s Office: The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office is another great resource for those preparing for a public service career. They offer an internship program for both law students and non-legal graduates in areas such as Special Victims Unit and Juvenile Division.
• Probation Officer Professional Association of Indiana: Students interested in becoming probation officers should consider joining this association. Members enjoy networking events, training, and access to a job board. Certain free professional development resources are also available to non-members.
• UIndy Cadets: Many criminal justice schools in Indiana have student associations specifically for criminal justice students, like the UIndy Cadets at the University of Indianapolis. This program partners with the University of Indianapolis Police Department to provide internships to students.

Top Picks: Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in Indiana

Online criminal justice programs often provide students with the flexibility they need, but it’s not always easy to find the right program for you. To help you choose the right criminal justice program, we’ve ranked some of the schools in Indiana based on factors such as accreditation, number of online programs, and available support services. Learn what to expect from online and hybrid classes in Indiana, take a look at our rankings for this school year.