Best Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs in NY

Associate Degrees in New York: A Deep Dive

Earning an associate degree in criminal justice is a great way to start your academic or professional journey. These degrees help lay the foundation of knowledge needed to enter an entry-level position or earn a higher-level degree. Criminal justice associate programs are typically offered by community colleges, which helps to make them affordable.

An Overview of Bachelor’s Degrees in New York

Earning a bachelor’s degree from criminal justice schools in New York gives you an edge when it’s time to look for jobs. You’ll likely find yourself qualified for higher status and higher-paid positions. The extra time in school also gives you a chance to explore your interests and develop unique skills.

New York’s Best Master’s Degrees

Earning a master’s degree from a criminal justice school in New York qualifies you to work at the highest levels of the justice system. Graduates can go on to work in federal agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), as well as take on leadership roles in criminal justice organizations or work in public policy. In academia, a master’s degree qualifies you to teach criminal justice at some colleges or prepares you for a PhD program.

Comparing Online PhD, Doctoral, and Graduate Certificate Programs in New York

A doctoral degree in criminal justice prepares you to take on big roles. Graduates of doctoral programs go on to work in high levels of government, manage large police forces, or become policy analysts. If you’re more interested in the intellectual components of criminal justice, you’ll be qualified to work as a researcher or a professor at colleges and universities.

Answering Common Questions From Criminal Justice Students in New York

Is there financial aid available for criminal justice students in New York?

Earning a criminal justice degree at a school in New York is a worthy investment in your future. Like any investment, though, you’ll want to do everything you can to minimize your out-of-pocket cost.

There are many kinds of financial aid available to lower the price you’ll pay. For starters, many schools, such as SUNY Canton, offer merit and needs-based financial aid packages that reduce your tuition costs and fees.

From there, you’ll find that some law enforcement professional groups offer scholarships and grants to students enrolled in criminal justice schools in New York. For example, the New York State Sheriffs’ Institute awards funding to promising students. You may also qualify for grants from the federal government, as well as loans if you need additional funding.

Should a criminal justice degree program be accredited?

Not necessarily. Although some programs do receive accreditation from the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS), you are not required to enroll in an accredited criminal justice program to get a job.

Accreditation is still important. To ensure that you’re getting the education you deserve, you should still look for a school that has been accredited by a regional organization.

Accrediting bodies like the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) ensure that a school provides a high-quality curriculum that is delivered by qualified instructors. In New York, colleges and universities are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

How long does it take to complete a criminal justice degree in New York?

It depends on what degree level you’re interested in. On the undergraduate level, an associate degree from a criminal justice program in New York takes two years to complete, while a bachelor’s is a four-year commitment.

On the graduate level, you can get a master’s degree in about two years, or a doctoral degree in four to six. If you’re interested in a certificate program at any level, you can expect to spend about six months to one year on your studies.

Are online criminal justice degrees affordable?

Yes. When you enroll in an online criminal justice degree program, you’re able to save money in a few ways. Online programs tend to charge by credit, rather than a flat fee for a semester or year. This fee structure can save a significant amount of money, depending on which school you attend.

Since you’re studying online, you’re able to save money by not traveling back and forth to campus. If you work full time, online programs make it more convenient to incorporate your classes into your busy lifestyle, so you’re able to continue earning money as you work on your degree.

Is it better to get a BA or BS in criminal justice?

It depends on what your goals are. A Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice provides a broader look at the field through the lens of liberal arts. As a result, students in these programs take general criminal justice classes along with psychology and sociology coursework.

On the other hand, a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice is more focused on the research and science of the profession. Students take classes in statistics, quantitative research methods, and technology.

Earnings & Careers: Criminal Justice Professionals in New York

Criminal Justice Organizations & Resources in New York

Whether you are currently in a criminal justice degree program in New York or you’ve begun your career, there is always more you can learn about the profession. The following are some resources that can help you keep abreast of what’s going on in the field and increase your understanding.

• Associated Licensed Detectives of New York State (ALDONYS): This association is made up of private detectives, security professionals, and other nongovernmental workers in the criminal justice field. ALDONYS is a valuable resource for independent workers to network, attend professional development workshops, and stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field.
• Criminal Justice Podcasts: This page has a library of podcasts produced by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services. Topics covered include the work of the New York State Division of Parole, missing child cases, and child endangerment laws.
• Criminal Legal System Data: On this page of the New York State Defenders Association’s website, you will find resources related to crime, pretrial releases, and criminal sentencing.
• New York Office of Probation and Correctional Alternatives (OPCA): The OPCA is a state-run organization dedicated to oversight, resources, and professional development. Here, you can access practical resources including news, current statistics, project information, and a considerable library.
• New York State Minorities in Criminal Justice: This organization works to promote justice for minorities around the state. Also, the group seeks to increase the influence minority populations have on the system in New York.
• New York State Probation Officers Association: This professional organization offers you access to a network of current and retired probation officers. Through their regular events and networking resources you can learn from their collective experience and build connections in your field.
• NY Legal History Podcast: This podcast, which is produced by the Historical Society of the New York Courts, explores the history of jurisprudence in the state. Discussions look at legal issues in New York from a historical lens and seminal figures in the legal system.
• Podcast Archives: This page of the New York State Bar Association’s website features the organization’s podcast archive.
• Police Benevolent Association of New York City: The Police Benevolent Association represents the entirety of New York City’s police force. The organization advocates for officers’ rights and offers support to them and their families. The group also runs a scholarship program for criminal justice students who intend to pursue careers in the police force.
• Police Conference of New York: Despite its name, the Police Conference of New York is actually a professional network for law enforcement officers of all types. Here, you can stay up to date on current issues, learn about events, and connect with other law enforcement professionals.

Ranking New York’s Best Online Criminal Justice Schools

Right now, you may be asking yourself, “Do I really want to move to attend school?” It’s totally understandable if you don’t want to uproot your life for the sake of your education. Fortunately, there are some equally amazing programs that you can attend fully online. These programs are designed to be particularly flexible to accommodate the needs of working professionals, students with family responsibilities, or those who are just plain busy.

The following rankings were created for prospective students just like you. Review these schools to find out what the best in New York have to offer. If you’d like to know more about our ranking system, be sure the read through our methodology bel.