Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in Pennsylvania

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.

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.

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.