Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in Pennsylvania
Considering a career in criminal justice? There’s never been a better time than now to explore the degree and certificate programs available from the best criminal justice programs in Pennsylvania. Learn about online options, program costs and financial aid resources, job opportunities for graduates, and more.
Pennsylvania is known as the Keystone State, in part because of its “key” role in the social, economic, and political development of the U.S. Appropriately, it’s also a hub for criminal justice schools, making it an ideal location to pursue higher education in this field. Attending one of the state’s many criminal justice programs can open up versatile career opportunities in the high-demand areas of law enforcement, social work, forensics, homeland security, and more.
If you’re looking to earn your degree online or through a blended format, many criminal justice schools in Pennsylvania offer flexible options that align with your personal and professional goals. In this guide, we’ve outlined some of the top online criminal justice programs in Pennsylvania, along with degree options, financial aid opportunities, employment outlooks, and student resources.
Top-Rated Online Programs in PA
Many criminal justice schools in Pennsylvania offer online degrees — an ideal solution for working professionals or those wanting more flexibility. Additionally, you may save time and money by eliminating the costs of transportation and on-campus course materials. Because not all online programs operate in the same manner, it’s important to identify the format, delivery, and schedule you can expect before enrolling. For example, some online programs will incorporate synchronous learning (live classes that take place at a certain time), while others will be mostly or fully asynchronous (recorded lectures that can be accessed at any time).
To learn more about what to expect from online learning in this specific degree program, take a look at our guide to online criminal justice degrees. Additionally, we’ve ranked the best online criminal justice degrees in Pennsylvania today.
Types of Criminal Justice Degrees in Pennsylvania
Whether you’re new to the criminal justice field or a seasoned professional looking to advance in your career, earning a degree can be the next step towards achieving your professional goals. Maybe you’re a recent high school graduate deciding between an associate or bachelor’s degree. Or you’re a patrol officer looking to climb the ranks, but you need to boost your resume to qualify. Regardless of your aspirations, Pennsylvania criminal justice colleges offer several on-campus and online degree options that align with your goals. Keep reading to learn about different degree types and where to find them.
Associate Degrees
An associate degree is the first academic level beyond a high school diploma. Completing this criminal justice program typically takes two years and provides a foundational understanding of criminal justice basics. Earning an associate degree can enable students to pursue entry-level jobs in law enforcement, social work, and corrections. It also provides a knowledge base upon which students can seek further education, such as a bachelor’s degree.
Examples of Accredited Pennsylvania Colleges with this Criminal Justice Degree
| College | Location | Delivery | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northampton Community College | Bethlehem | On campus; Online | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Montgomery County Community College | Blue Bell | On campus; Online; Full time; Part time | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Harcum College | Bryn Mawr | On campus; Full time; Part time | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Central Penn College | Summerdale | On campus; Online; Hybrid | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Mansfield Commonwealth University | Mansfield | On campus; Online; Full time | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
Bachelor’s Degrees
A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice is ideal for someone with a high school diploma or associate degree and who wants to explore the foundations of criminal justice at a more advanced level. The four-year program will expose you to a wide variety of criminal justice topics and tracks, so you can choose a career that aligns with your interests. Many students go on to pursue careers in law enforcement, forensics, courts, corrections, investigations, and more. Because these careers can be competitive, having a bachelor’s degree can increase your chances of landing a job.
Examples of Accredited Pennsylvania Colleges with this Criminal Justice Degree
| College | Location | Delivery | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Crest College | Allentown | On campus; Online | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Keystone College | La Plume | On campus | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Point Park University | Pittsburgh | On campus; Online | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Chestnut Hill College | Philadelphia | On campus | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Waynesburg University | Waynesburg | On campus; Online | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
Master’s Degrees
A master’s degree in criminal justice can help students and professionals gain more specialized skills and pursue higher-paying careers. Whether you’re a mid-level police officer wanting to take on a captain’s position or a legal assistant leveling up to a paralegal, a master’s degree can equip you with the knowledge, skills, and qualifications to take on more advanced roles. It also demonstrates your dedication to your craft and a willingness to learn new concepts, which is an appealing trait for employers comparing competitive candidates.
Examples of Accredited Pennsylvania Colleges with this Criminal Justice Degree
| College | Location | Delivery | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Widener University | Chester | Online | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Delaware Valley University | Doylestown | Online | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Mercyhurst University | Erie | Online | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| West Chester University | West Chester; Philadelphia | On Campus | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Marywood University | Scranton | Online | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
Doctoral Degrees
As the highest degree one can earn in criminal justice, a doctoral degree is best suited for someone looking to hone specialized skills and to take on advanced leadership roles in their career. Some of these roles might include chief of police, federal agent, emergency management director, or policy analyst. No matter the role you pursue, a doctoral degree can open doors in field work, research, and policy making — all of which can make a significant impact in your community.
Examples of Accredited Pennsylvania Colleges with this Criminal Justice Degree
| College | Location | Delivery | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temple University | Philadelphia | On campus | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Indiana University of Pennsylvania | Indiana | On campus | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia | On campus | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Pennsylvania Western University | California, Clarion, Edinboro | Online | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Pennsylvania State | University Park | On campus | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
Certificates
Certificate programs can provide specialized training in a particular area of criminal justice, which not only enables you to explore more focused topics, but also helps distinguish your resume from others. Certificate programs are shorter than traditional degrees (ranging from a few months to a year), making them an achievable option for those wanting to avoid the time commitment of a traditional degree.
Examples of Accredited Pennsylvania Colleges with this Criminal Justice Degree
| College | Location | Delivery | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drexel University | Philadelphia | Online | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| PennState | Erie | On campus | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Pennsylvania West California | California | Online | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| University of Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh | On campus; online | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Widener University | Chester | Online | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
Financial Aid for Criminal Justice Students in Pennsylvania
As a criminal justice student in Pennsylvania, you’ll have several opportunities to obtain financial aid through the state and your school. To start, submit your FAFSA in order to determine eligibility for various financial aid options including grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. You may also receive need-based scholarships according to your current financial status, as well as merit-based scholarships based on your academic or athletic achievement. Additionally, some criminal justice schools in Pennsylvania offer scholarships and awards specifically to criminal justice students, such as Temple State University or Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Regardless of which college you attend, it’s important to stay informed about which options are available to you at different points in your education. We’ve put together a criminal justice scholarships and resources guide where you can discover scholarship options and student support resources.
Job Outlook for Criminal Justice Grads in Pennsylvania
Criminal justice careers in Pennsylvania are expected to grow within the next 10 years, both in terms of job openings and wages. Public safety remains a top concern among policymakers and citizens alike, which means jobs in this industry will remain in high demand. The average annual earnings for popular criminal justice careers in the state are slightly above the national average, particularly within large cities like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. The employment opportunities remain higher there as well. While the general projections for criminal justice careers remain positive, it’s important to research your desired career individually, as each will have its own employment and earnings outlook. We’ve outlined some of the top criminal justice careers below, along with their average annual openings and wages.
| Job Growth Rate (2020-2030) | Average Annual Openings (2020-2030) | Annual Mean Wage (2022) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police officers and detectives | 5.2% | 2,350 | $75,260 |
| Probation officers and correctional specialists | 5.4% | 380 | $61,850 |
| Private detectives | 9.5% | 200 | $59,000 |
| Paralegals and legal assistants | 13.5% | 1,540 | $64,730 |
| Forensic scientists | 18% | 40 | $54,820 |
Sources: Projections Central;Bureau of Labor Statistics
Criminal Justice Resources and Organizations in PA
- Alpha Phi Sigma
As the sole criminal justice honor society in the United States, Alpha Phi Sigma is a prestigious society uniting criminal justice students. Several criminal justice schools in Pennsylvania have introduced chapters to their campuses, including Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Point Park University, Mansfield University, and others. - Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission
This resource is relevant for law enforcement officers seeking training, certifications, and practical guidance on a variety of job-related skills including physical fitness, use of force protocols, and firearm usage. - Office of Justice Programs
This federal agency provides training, resources, and funding to state and local criminal justice programs. Their virtual library is composed of over 80,000 materials, including “Pennsylvania’s Criminal Justice System — An Overview.” This can be a helpful resource for entry-level students and professionals looking to familiarize themselves with how the state’s criminal justice system operates. - Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency
With a focus on policy making and support of criminal justice programs in Pennsylvania, the PCCD is a great resource for students and professionals seeking training in firearms, parole, probations, and more. - Pennsylvania State Police
The Pennsylvania State Police department provides helpful resources for current and prospective employees including crime data, community services, eligibility requirements for police officers, training programs, curriculum and more.
