Best Criminal Justice Degree Programs In Georgia (2025)
Thinking about a career where you can protect communities and shape justice systems? Georgia’s growing demand for criminal justice professionals creates direct pathways to roles like law enforcement officer, probation specialist, or federal investigator—all accessible through online education designed for working adults. With Georgia’s crime labs, court systems, and federal agencies like the ATF expanding their teams, an online criminal justice degree lets you gain credentials while maintaining your current job. Salaries here reflect this demand: probation officers average $46,000 annually, while forensic analysts earn closer to $60,000, with federal roles often exceeding those figures.
Georgia’s mix of urban hubs like Atlanta and rural regions creates diverse opportunities—you could work with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation analyzing evidence, coordinate victim services for county courts, or support cybercrime units tackling digital threats. Employers prioritize candidates who understand local laws and emerging trends, which is why programs from schools like Georgia State University blend foundational coursework with Georgia-specific policies. These programs adapt to your schedule, letting you study juvenile justice reforms or constitutional law between shifts or family commitments.
Job growth in protective services here outpaces national averages, with over 2,000 annual openings projected through 2026. Major employers like the Atlanta Police Department, Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers, and private security firms actively recruit graduates who combine academic training with real-world readiness. Whether you’re pivoting from another field or advancing within your current role, online learning removes barriers—no relocation or rigid class times. Explore how Georgia’s criminal justice programs align with your goals, and you’ll find a state where your skills directly impact public safety and equity.
Best Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs in Georgia
Below are the top-ranked Online Criminal Justice programs in Georgia, ranked according to quality, accreditation, cost, and other important factors.
Georgia State University
Online Criminal Justice Bachelor of Science Degree
Key Highlights
- The program offers two concentrations: Crime and Justice, and Legal Studies.
- Students gain skills in critical thinking and ethical reasoning.
- The curriculum integrates the criminal justice system, emphasizing cooperation across law enforcement, courts, corrections, and the juvenile justice system.
- The Crime and Justice concentration blends traditional criminal justice curriculum with an emphasis on digital criminology.
- A minor in Digital Criminology is available.
- The Legal Studies concentration prepares students for law school.
Program Description
Georgia State's online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice is designed to advance your career with a focus on digital criminology, law, and the justice system. The program offers two concentrations: Crime and Justice, which blends traditional criminal justice curriculum with a forward-thinking emphasis on digital criminology, and Legal Studies, designed for students desiring more intensive exposure to law, often in preparation for law school. An integrated view of the criminal justice system is stressed, highlighting relationships among institutions and the need for cooperation across law enforcement, courts, corrections, and the juvenile justice system. Students can complete the degree on a part-time or full-time basis.
Program Features
- Concentrations: Crime and Justice, Legal Studies, Digital Criminology (minor)
- Transfer Credits: Accepted
Skills You'll Gain
Critical thinking, ethical reasoning, knowledge of crime and justice issues, leadership skills, understanding of the criminal justice system
Tuition & Costs
- In-State Tuition: $7,158/year
- Out-of-State Tuition: $22,389/year
American InterContinental University
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Degree with a Specialization in Homeland Security and Crisis Management
Key Highlights
- This program offers a specialization in Homeland Security and Crisis Management within a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.
- Graduates will gain skills in risk analysis, emergency planning, and strategic communications.
- The curriculum covers crime victim studies, juvenile justice, and constitutional issues in criminal procedures.
- Students gain knowledge of terrorism and counter-terrorism methods.
- The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council For Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Program Description
The online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Specialization in Homeland Security and Crisis Management at American InterContinental University provides a strong criminal justice foundation with an in-depth focus on terrorism and crisis management. The curriculum explores crime theory, the U.S. legal system, crime victim studies, and constitutional procedure. Students will gain knowledge of intelligence gathering, innovative technologies for border protection, national security policy, counter-terrorism methods, and disaster management.
Program Features
- Accreditation: Accreditation Council For Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
- Concentrations: Homeland Security and Crisis Management
- Transfer Credits: Accepted
Skills You'll Gain
Risk analysis, Emergency planning, Strategic communications, Knowledge of terrorism and counter-terrorism, Understanding of ethics and diversity
Tuition & Costs
- In-State Tuition: $12,756/year
- Out-of-State Tuition: $12,756/year
Sample Courses
English Composition I, English Composition II, General College Mathematics, Academic and Professional Success, Technology and Information Literacy...
Why Get Your Criminal Justice Degree in Georgia?
Georgia’s online criminal justice programs position you at the forefront of a sector poised for steady expansion, with statewide job growth projected to outpace national trends through 2030. While police and detective roles nationally are expected to grow 4% through 2033 according to federal projections, Georgia’s demand for criminal justice professionals—particularly in cybercrime, federal law enforcement, and forensic analysis—is accelerating faster due to Atlanta’s emergence as a tech and security hub. Programs integrate training for these high-growth areas, preparing you for roles like crime scene investigator, where average salaries reach $71,380 annually—a figure that reflects both specialization demand and cost-of-living adjustments in metro areas.
The state’s blend of federal agencies, corporate security firms, and expanding court systems creates a localized advantage you won’t find elsewhere. Atlanta hosts regional offices for the FBI, DEA, and Homeland Security, all actively recruiting graduates with expertise in digital forensics and intelligence analysis. Meanwhile, private sector growth in logistics and healthcare has spurred demand for security managers and compliance officers, with companies like Delta Air Lines and Piedmont Healthcare prioritizing candidates who understand Georgia’s regulatory frameworks. Online programs often partner with these employers for internships, letting you build connections while completing coursework.
Financial incentives further strengthen the case for studying in Georgia. The HOPE Scholarship and public safety-specific grants like the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST) fund tuition for qualifying students, reducing debt burdens while aligning your education with state workforce needs. With agencies like the Georgia Bureau of Investigation planning to expand forensic labs in Columbus and Macon, regional opportunities are diversifying beyond Atlanta—ideal if you prefer smaller communities or specialized roles in evidence management or victim advocacy.
By choosing an online Georgia program, you gain flexibility to earn credentials while accessing a job market where criminal justice roles are projected to grow 6% through 2030—outpacing national averages. Whether aiming for federal positions with salary growth potential or tech-driven roles in Atlanta’s cybersecurity startups, your degree becomes a strategic entry point. Start exploring programs today to align your education with Georgia’s evolving public safety priorities.
Where Can You Work After Graduating in Georgia?
Georgia offers diverse opportunities for criminal justice graduates, with employers ranging from state agencies to private security firms. The Salary Guide for Criminal Justice Roles in Georgia highlights the Georgia Department of Corrections as a major employer, offering roles like correctional officers, probation officers, and case managers. The department emphasizes structured training programs and career advancement paths, with many positions based in regional facilities across the state. Another key player is the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), which recruits graduates for forensic specialists, crime scene analysts, and intelligence roles. GBI’s focus on collaborative investigations and access to advanced forensic labs makes it a sought-after workplace for those interested in technical criminal justice careers.
Private sector opportunities include companies like Securitas and Allied Universal, which the Indeed job listings show actively hiring for corporate security managers, loss prevention specialists, and surveillance operators. These firms often provide flexible schedules and opportunities to work with high-profile clients in Atlanta’s bustling corporate sector. For roles in community-focused justice, organizations like Grady Health System hire security and emergency management professionals to handle public safety in healthcare settings, combining crisis intervention skills with healthcare compliance knowledge.
The Criminal Justice Jobs on Indeed list over 900 openings statewide, including niche positions like juvenile justice counselors and cybercrime analysts. Atlanta’s status as a regional hub creates demand for federal agency roles, with the FBI and DEA maintaining field offices that recruit analysts and investigators. Startups like Pathlight Health, a tech-driven security firm, are growing in cities like Savannah and Athens, offering roles in digital forensics and threat assessment for graduates comfortable with emerging technologies.
To maximize your job search, attend career fairs hosted by Georgia’s criminal justice associations or connect with alumni through LinkedIn groups focused on law enforcement and private security. Many state agencies prioritize candidates with internships or volunteer experience, so consider opportunities with local sheriff’s departments or nonprofit reentry programs. Focus your applications on regions with high demand—Metro Atlanta, Augusta, and Columbus consistently show strong hiring trends for both entry-level and specialized roles.
How Much Do Criminal Justice Professionals Make in Georgia?
If you’re considering a criminal justice career in Georgia, salary expectations depend heavily on your role, experience, and education. Entry-level positions like probation officers or community service specialists typically start between $35,000 and $45,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3-7 years of experience, such as police detectives or forensic analysts, often earn $50,000 to $65,000. Senior roles like federal agents or corrections administrators with 8+ years of experience can reach $75,000-$95,000 or higher, especially in metropolitan areas like Atlanta.
According to Criminal Justice Degree Salary in Georgia, those with a bachelor’s degree earn an average of $23.30 per hour ($48,464 annually), which is 12% higher than salaries for professionals without degrees. Geographic location also plays a role—urban agencies often pay 15-20% more than rural counterparts due to higher demand and cost of living. For example, correctional officers in Georgia report a median salary of $41,880 Salary Guide for Different Criminal Justice Roles in Georgia, but officers in metro areas like Fulton County can earn $47,000-$53,000 with overtime and hazard pay.
Specializations directly impact earnings. Certifications like POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) certification for law enforcement or CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) credentials for financial crime roles can increase salaries by 10-15%. Federal positions, such as FBI or DEA roles, typically pay 20-30% more than state-level equivalents. Georgia’s criminal justice salaries align closely with Southeastern averages but trail national figures by 5-8% for mid-career roles.
Job growth in Georgia’s criminal justice sector is projected to rise 6% through 2030, driven by demand for cybersecurity experts, forensic psychologists, and probation officers. Professionals who combine field experience with advanced degrees or niche certifications will likely see the strongest salary gains, particularly in high-demand areas like digital forensics or federal law enforcement.
FAQs About Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs in Georgia
Common Questions About Criminal Justice Degrees in Georgia
Q: Is ACBSP accreditation important for criminal justice programs?
A: ACBSP accreditation matters most for business-focused programs. While AIU’s criminal justice specialization holds this accreditation, employers typically prioritize regional accreditation for criminal justice roles. Always verify a program’s regional accreditation status first, as this affects credit transfers and eligibility for federal jobs.
Q: Can you work while completing an online criminal justice degree?
A: Yes. Most Georgia online programs, like Georgia State University’s Criminal Justice BS, offer asynchronous courses and part-time options. Many students balance full-time jobs with studies—ideal if you’re already in law enforcement or security roles seeking advancement.
Q: What's the difference between Crime and Justice vs Legal Studies concentrations?
A: Crime and Justice focuses on law enforcement, corrections, and crisis response (like AIU’s Homeland Security specialization). Legal Studies emphasizes court systems, legal research, and paralegal skills. Choose based on whether you prefer fieldwork or courtroom/policy roles.
Q: How long does it take to finish an online bachelor's in criminal justice?
A: Typically 4 years full-time. Part-time students often take 5-6 years. Accelerated tracks may shorten this—check if your program offers credit for prior work experience or certifications like POST.
Q: Do Georgia employers recognize online degrees from in-state schools?
A: Yes. Degrees from regionally accredited Georgia schools (like Georgia State or AIU) don’t specify “online” on diplomas. Employers such as the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Atlanta Police Department regularly hire graduates from these programs.
Q: What internships are available for criminal justice students in Georgia?
A: Look for placements with local police departments, county courts, or federal agencies like the ATF. Georgia State’s career resources help connect students to internships in victim advocacy or forensic labs. Some programs partner with private security firms for tech-focused roles.
Q: Are there scholarships specifically for Georgia criminal justice students?
A: Yes. Check your school’s student resources portal and statewide programs like the HOPE Scholarship for eligibility.
Q: How does digital criminology apply to real-world law enforcement roles?
A: It prepares you for cybercrime investigations, social media monitoring, and digital evidence analysis. Georgia agencies like the GBI’s Cyber Crime Unit and Atlanta’s FBI field office increasingly seek these skills to combat identity theft, online fraud, and cyberterrorism.