Online Criminal Justice Degrees in North Carolina: Comparing Schools

Associate Degrees in North Carolina

An associate degree in criminal justice is a great entry point for students in the early stages of their career or educational journeys. Typically, it only takes two years to complete these degrees, and your classes can be much more affordable than those offered by four-year colleges. Earning an associate in criminal justice opens the doors to entry-level careers like crime scene tech, corrections officer, or police officer. You can also apply credit toward a bachelor’s degree later.

Bachelor’s Degrees in North Carolina

Typically, it takes four years to earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. The length of the program gives you time to develop your skills and explore a broad range of topics related to specific areas of criminal justice. With your degree, you may be able to move into better-paying roles in police forces, corrections facilities, or public policy organizations.

Master’s Degrees in North Carolina

Earning a master’s degree in criminal justice allows you to examine critical components of the system to gain a deep understanding of these concepts. You’ll have more freedom to follow your interests and develop specialized skills in these programs. In the job market, your advanced degree qualifies you for higher-profile positions in management and the development of law enforcement organizations. With a master’s in criminal justice, you’ll be prepared to teach the topic at some colleges in the state.

PhD, Doctoral, and Graduate Certificate Programs in Missouri

If you’re interested in conducting research, teaching the next generation of criminal justice practitioners, or rising to the highest level of management in government or private organizations, then a doctoral degree in criminal justice is the right choice for you. These programs allow you to choose a specialty to gain expertise in the criminal justice area most relevant to your career goals.

Addressing Frequent Questions From North Carolina Criminal Justice Students

Is financial aid available for criminal justice students in North Carolina?

Yes, you can find financial aid from a variety of sources. First, check financial aid programs at your school. Most schools offer some support to students based on academic merit or financial need. For example, you can receive funding directly from schools like East Carolina University and Gardner-Webb University.

Next, look into outside scholarships, grants, and other aid. For example, the North Carolina Department of Justice offers a student loan forgiveness program for criminal justice majors who go on to work for the state. Also, on the federal level, you may be able to receive grants and student loans.

How long does it take to earn a criminal justice degree online in North Carolina?

Completion time depends on the program. If you enroll in a certificate, for example, you may spend about six months to one year on your studies. An associate degree can be completed in two years, while a bachelor’s degree takes four. On the graduate level, you may spend two to six years in school, depending on whether you enroll in a master’s or doctoral program.

Should a criminal justice degree program be accredited?

Yes, it is always best to pay attention to accreditation as you’re exploring degree programs. Generally, criminal justice programs are not accredited by a specific organization, though some may be certified by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS).

You should look for a school that has received institutional accreditation in your search. Colleges and universities are accredited by regional organizations such as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). In North Carolina, schools are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Is an online criminal justice degree worth it?

Yes. A criminal justice degree can prepare you for careers in corrections, law enforcement, or advocacy, and you can use your degree to open doors. When you complete your degree online, you’re able to keep costs down because the tuition rate tends to be lower than traditional degree options.

What is the difference between criminology and criminal justice?

Although criminal justice and criminology are closely related, they are not the same discipline. Criminal justice focuses on the processes related to justice and law, such as police procedure, forensic science techniques, and how a case travels through the court system. Criminology focuses on the nature of crime, including the causes of criminal behavior, the psychological issues that influence offenders, and the impact crime can have on its victims.

Pay & Employment Outlook for Criminal Justice Graduates in North Carolina

Resources for Criminal Justice Students & Professionals in North Carolina

Ready to learn more? There are a number of resources available to augment classroom learning and help throughout your career. The following are some resources that we curated for criminal justice students and professionals.

• All Things Judicial Podcast: Produced by the North Carolina Judicial Branch, this podcast covers the latest news, including court decisions, about the state’s criminal justice system. Also, the show features human interest stories about the impact of the justice system on North Carolinians.
• NC Criminal Debrief: In this podcast, host Phil Dixon, a faculty member at the UNC School of Government, discusses various topics related to criminal law. Episodes cover areas such as federal and state court decisions that affect the criminal justice system in North Carolina.
• NC Law Enforcement Officers Association: The NCLEOA is made up of law enforcement officers around North Carolina. The group provides educational conferences, quarterly newsletters, legislative reports, and opportunities to connect with other professionals around the state.
• North Carolina Association of Chiefs of Police: This organization supports the needs of police chiefs, captains, and assistant and deputy chiefs as they keep communities around the state safe. Members participate in networking events, professional development activities, and community engagement programs.
• 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 the back catalog of journals, information about upcoming events, and scholarship information on the organization’s website.
• North Carolina Department of Adult Correction: 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 statewide job 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 Jail Administrators’ Association: The North Carolina Jail Administrators’ Association caters specifically to corrections officers at every career level. This site is a great resource for industry-related news, networking, and scholarship opportunities.
• The North Carolina Judicial Branch: The state’s judicial branch website includes information on the different types of courts around North Carolina, including the Court of Appeals, business court, district court, recovery courts, and the Supreme Court.
• North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation: This site includes information about the work of the NCSBI, including investigations related to computer crimes, arson, financial offenses, and cold cases. The site also includes statewide crime statistics and information about background checks.

List of the Best Online Criminal Justice Schools in North Carolina

Hybrid and online criminal justice degrees in North Carolina make it easier to attend classes from your couch or a coffee shop. Online programs can be a lifesaver for full-time workers, people managing family obligations, or those 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.

To find the best online criminal justice schools around the state, review our rankings below. Also, we include information about our methodology to help you understand why these schools were chosen.