Best Online Criminal Justice Degrees in Virginia (VA)
Considering a criminal justice career in Virginia? Discover how you can launch or advance that career by earning your degree or certificate from top online programs in the state. Keep reading to browse our rankings and learn about financial aid resources and job opportunities.
Whether you’re interested in law school, public policy, law enforcement, or different professional goal, criminal justice degrees in Virginia offer solid preparation for countless careers and graduate-level studies. Virginia is home to a roster of outstanding undergraduate and graduate criminal justice programs that are available for online learners.
Throughout this page, we’ll walk you through criminal justice programs in Virginia, what you can expect, what you’ll pay, and what your career prospects will be upon graduation. Additionally, we rank the best online criminal justice programs that Virginia has to offer. Keep scrolling to see how a criminal justice degree can help propel your career forward.
Top Online Programs in Virginia
In the world of criminal justice education, online programs in Virginia have not only emerged as a compelling alternative to campus-based options but also have expanded access to higher education. Particularly suited for busy professionals, adult learners, and those seeking convenience and affordability, online criminal justice programs in Virginia offer flexibility while providing quality academic content.
While earning your criminal justice degree online, you’ll likely encounter virtual classes, recorded lectures, online course materials, and group discussions. In addition to course content, standout online criminal justice programs in Virginia provide robust resources for distance learners, including online libraries, tutoring, counseling, and faculty support.
To aid in your pursuit of the right online criminal justice program, we’ve ranked the top options in the state. For a more comprehensive guide to online criminal justice degrees, be sure to check out our main guide to these.
Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Private
Regent University
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Private
Averett University
Danville, Virginia
Private
Bluefield University
Bluefield, Virginia
Private
Hampton University
Hampton, Virginia
Private
Tidewater Community College
Norfolk, Virginia
Public
Northern Virginia Community College
Annandale, Virginia
Public
Types of Criminal Justice Degrees in Virginia You Can Earn
Whether you’re just starting your academic journey or looking to start a new career, you’ll discover a diverse range of criminal justice programs in Virginia. From traditional campus-based options to flexible online programs, Virginia provides academic opportunities for degree-seekers at every stage of their higher education journey. The section below highlights various degree programs that can help you achieve your academic and professional goals. Keep reading to learn more about which criminal justice schools in Virginia stand out.
Criminal Justice Associate Degrees
An associate degree in criminal justice serves as a foundational education for individuals seeking entry-level positions in the field. These programs cover fundamental concepts of law enforcement, corrections, and law, with graduates often securing jobs as police officers, security guards, and in various administrative positions. Additionally, an associate degree from a criminal justice school in Virginia can be a stepping stone for a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Examples of Accredited Virginia Colleges with this Criminal Justice Degree
| College | Location | Delivery | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty University | Lynchburg, VA | On-Campus | SACSCOC |
| Tidewater Community College | Norfolk, VA | On-Campus | SACSCOC |
| Regent University | Virginia Beach, VA | On-Campus, Online | SACSCOC |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Annandale, VA | On-Campus | SACSCOC |
| Virginia Western Community College | Roanoke, VA | On-Campus | SACSCOC |
Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degrees
A bachelor’s degree from a criminal justice school in Virginia is designed for students aspiring to develop in-depth knowledge and prepare for leadership roles in the criminal justice system. These programs suit individuals seeking an understanding of law enforcement, criminology, and legal processes. Graduates are well-prepared for various careers in criminal justice and often pursue advanced degrees in law or graduate studies in criminal justice.
Examples of Accredited Virginia Colleges with this Criminal Justice Degree
| College | Location | Delivery | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty University | Lynchburg, VA | Online | SACSCOC |
| Virginia Wesleyan University | Virginia Beach, VA | Online | SACSCOC |
| Old Dominion University | Norfolk, VA | On-Campus; Online | SACSCOC |
| George Mason University | Fairfax, VA | On-Campus | SACSCOC |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond, VA | On-Campus | SACSCOC |
Criminal Justice Master’s Degrees
A master’s degree from a criminal justice school in Virginia is ideal for individuals pursuing expertise and leadership positions within criminal justice and related fields. Tailored for students seeking a deep understanding of topics such as criminology, law enforcement strategies, and public policy, this program equips graduates for diverse roles, including criminal justice administrators, policy analysts, and forensic psychologists. Additionally, graduates often thrive in dynamic careers across government agencies, research institutions, and advocacy organizations.
Examples of Accredited Virginia Colleges with this Criminal Justice Degree
| College | Location | Delivery | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty University | Lynchburg, VA | Online | SACSCOC |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond, VA | On-Campus | SACSCOC |
| George Mason University | Fairfax, VA | On-Campus | SACSCOC |
| Radford University | Radford, VA | On-Campus; Online | SACSCOC |
| South University | Virginia Beach, VA | Online; Hybrid | SACSCOC |
Criminal Justice Doctoral Degrees
Criminal justice programs in Virginia at the doctoral level are ideal for students wanting to max out their expertise in the field. These programs are crafted for graduate students with a passion for advancing criminological theory, policy analysis, and justice reform, preparing graduates for roles as university professors, high-level researchers, consultants, and leaders in criminal justice–related fields. Graduates often go on to shape forward-looking policies and drive change within the field.
Examples of Accredited Virginia Colleges with this Criminal Justice Degree
| College | Location | Delivery | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty University | Lynchburg, VA | Online | SACSCOC |
| Old Dominion University | Norfolk, VA | On-Campus | SACSCOC |
| George Mason University | Fairfax, VA | On-Campus | SACSCOC |
Criminal Justice Certificates
Criminal justice program certificates in Virginia offer targeted information for individuals seeking specialized skills in the field. These programs are ideal for students who want to enhance their professional toolbox while not committing to the hefty academic requirements and time commitment of a full undergraduate or graduate program. Criminal justice certificates vary, but popular topics include cybersecurity, forensic science, homeland security, criminal justice policy, and crime scene investigation.
Examples of Accredited Virginia Colleges with this Criminal Justice Degree
| College | Location | Delivery | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty University | Lynchburg, VA | Online | SACSCOC |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond, VA | On-Campus | SACSCOC |
| Radford University | Radford, VA | On-Campus | SACSCOC |
| Regent University | Virginia Beach, VA | On-Campus; Online | SACSCOC |
| Reynolds Community College | Richmond, VA | Online | SACSCOC |
Where to Get Help Paying for Your Criminal Justice Degree in Virginia
Attending a criminal justice school in Virginia often requires a significant investment of both time and money. And while a criminal justice degree can significantly enhance your career options and earning potential, finding a way to cut costs and secure funding is often vital when deciding which Virginia criminal justice school offers the best program for you. Thankfully, the state is home to a long list of financial aid opportunities that can help mitigate the financial stress often associated with higher education.
Criminal justice schools in Virginia offer various avenues for students to secure financial aid and scholarships to support their education. The Virginia Department of Education offers the need-based Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program, which provides financial aid to eligible in-state students. Additionally, the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant Program assists Virginia residents attending private, nonprofit colleges in the state.
Scholarships are also widely available, with financial assistance coming from both private sources and schools themselves. From Virginia State University’s institutional awards and George Mason University’s OLLI Scholarship to the Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute scholarship program, these opportunities can help fund your education while empowering you to pursue your academic and career goals.
Be sure to check out our criminal justice scholarships and resources page to learn more ways to fund your criminal justice program in Virginia.
Employment and Earnings Outlook for Criminal Justice Grads in Virginia
Virginia is a large and diverse state and, as a result, the criminal justice career options, employment projections, and earnings outlooks vary widely. Factors such as experience, location, and education impact how much you’ll earn with a criminal justice degree from a school in Virginia.
Whether you’re in the Shenandoah Valley or working in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., many criminal justice jobs are projected to grow over the next decade. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, information security analyst roles could expand by as much as 32% by 2032, forensic science technicians will grow by 13%, and corrections counseling jobs will grow by 9%.
And while workers in Virginia tend to earn less than national averages, these numbers don’t tell the whole story. For example, Virginia police officers earn an average salary of about $58,000, but police in Washington, D.C., begin their careers earning about $66,000. As a result, be sure to consider how your location will impact how much you make.
Read on as we spotlight wage and job growth data for various criminal justice jobs in Virginia below.
| Job Growth Rate (2020-2030) | Average Annual Openings (2020-2030) | Annual Mean Wage (2022) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police and Detectives | 3% | 1,750 | $69,160 |
| Forensic Science Technicians | 13% | 60 | $63,740 |
| Correctional Treatment Specialists | 3% | 240 | $59,860 |
| Information Security Analyst | 32% | 1,970 | $112,000 |
| Private Detectives and Investigators | 6% | 240 | $52,120 |
Sources: Projections Central;Bureau of Labor Statistics
Resources for Criminal Justice Students and Professionals in Virginia
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Careers
This is your hub for DHS jobs, with ample options in Virginia and Washington, D.C. Featured hiring paths include cybersecurity careers, women in law enforcement, and students and recent college graduates. - FBI Jobs
For students interested in a career with the FBI, this page is the home base for all of your FBI career needs. From a job placement quiz to job postings, this recruiting site can help jumpstart your career as one of the over 37,000 FBI professionals across the United States. - Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services
Virginia’s Department of Criminal Justice Services is a state agency providing training, resources, and oversight to enhance professionalism and effectiveness in the state’s criminal justice system. Check out this page for news, conferences, and training. - Virginia Sheriffs’ Association
The Virginia Sheriffs’ Association provides valuable resources, training, and networking opportunities for law enforcement professionals across the state, enhancing their skills and promoting effective law enforcement practices. - University of Virginia’s Center for Criminal Justice
For future lawyers, the University of Virginia’s Center for Criminal Justice is a solid resource that promotes a more just society. This group offers clinics in areas such as juvenile justice, criminal defense and prosecution, and arrest procedures.