Best Online Criminal Justice Degrees in North Carolina

North Carolina is an appealing place to work in law enforcement, advocacy, and corrections because of its commitment to criminal justice education and training standards. As you earn an online degree from one of the criminal justice schools in North Carolina, you’ll learn about the intricacies of the legal system, including the roles of law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Additionally, you’ll delve into criminology theories that help analyze the causes and patterns of criminal behavior, contributing to a deeper understanding of societal dynamics.

No matter what your goals or interests are, there’s a criminal justice school that is right for you in North Carolina. Start learning about some of the top online programs today, get answers to frequently asked questions, and explore programs for every degree level.

Top-Rated Online Programs in North Carolina

Hybrid and online criminal justice degrees in North Carolina are the latest twist on education. Imagine attending classes from your couch or a coffee shop. Criminal justice schools in North Carolina make it possible. These programs can be a lifesaver for full-time workers, people managing family obligations, or folks who don’t have access to a nearby campus. The best part is that you’ll earn the same degree as students who attend on-campus programs without breaking the bank.

If you have more questions about online programs, we’ve got you covered. Check out our guide to online criminal justice degrees to learn more about what to expect from programs around the country.

Financial Aid Programs for Criminal Justice Students in NC

School can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. With a bit of planning and initiative, you can earn your degree for far less money than advertised on a school’s website. Here are just a few ways to go about lowering your tuition costs.

First, look into financial aid programs at your school. Most schools offer some financial support to students based on academic merit or financial need. Next, look into outside scholarships, grants, and other aid. For example, The North Carolina Department of Justice runs a student loan forgiveness program for criminal justice majors who go on to work for the state. Many of the organizations we link to at the end of this article run scholarship programs, too. You can also look for federal financial aid through the FAFSA program.

These strategies are just a starting point. If you want to get serious about lowering your tuition, you’ll want to visit our criminal justice scholarships and resources page for more tips on how to find funding.

Salaries and Job Demand for Criminal Justice Grads in North Carolina

Before you start buying textbooks, consider the job outlook for criminal justice majors in North Carolina. Below, we’ll look at some typical jobs for people with criminal justice degrees to help you evaluate if your time spent in school will pay off.

While the need for criminal justice grads in North Carolina isn’t skyrocketing, there will still be plenty of chances to put your degree to use. You’ll see in the table below that there are thousands of job openings for people with criminal justice backgrounds each year, with investigation, technician, and teaching offering some of the better growth areas. And, once you’re in the door, you can look forward to ample opportunities for career advancement and, in many cases, the support of a strong union.

Overall, working in law enforcement, corrections, or criminal justice education is a solid bet for North Carolina residents.

Sources: Projections Central;Bureau of Labor Statistics

Resources for Criminal Justice Students and Professionals in North Carolina

Ready to widen your area of exploration and learn more? The resources below will give you more valuable insight into how to get your criminal justice degree and what you can expect after graduation.

• North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections
  This state-run site consolidates all the information for correction facilities across North Carolina. Here, you can learn about state-sponsored resources for corrections officers, keep current on the latest research, and browse job opportunities state-wide.
• North Carolina Jail Administrators’ Association
  The North Carolina Jail Administrators’ Association caters specifically to corrections officers at every level. This site is a great resource for industry-related news, networking, and scholarship opportunities.
• North Carolina Fraternal Order of Police
  North Carolina police officers benefit from their local chapter of The Fraternal Order of Police. Nationally, The Fraternal Order of Police is the largest organization for police officers and supports its members through professional development, scholarships, and legal funds.
• North Carolina Criminal Justice Association
  The North Carolina Criminal Justice Association links career professionals and academia. Their goal is to keep people in the field up to date with emerging research and current best practices. You can access their back catalog of journals, information about upcoming events, and scholarship information on their site.