Best Criminal Justice Degree Programs In Illinois (2025)
Considering a career protecting communities or shaping justice systems? Illinois offers dynamic pathways into criminal justice, where your skills can directly impact public safety and legal processes. An online criminal justice degree gives you the tools to advance in this field without pressing pause on your current job—courses adapt to your schedule while preparing you for roles in law enforcement, corrections, legal analysis, or emerging areas like cybersecurity. With Illinois projecting steady demand for criminal justice professionals, positions like probation officers and forensic specialists are expected to grow faster than average statewide, offering median salaries ranging from $60,000 to over $85,000 for federal agents or security managers.
Top employers like the Illinois State Police, Cook County Sheriff’s Office, and federal agencies such as the Chicago Field Office of the FBI actively seek candidates with formal training. Private sector opportunities also thrive here—major corporations and security firms in Chicago need experts in risk assessment and fraud prevention. Whether you’re aiming to step into a first-response role or lead policy initiatives, an online degree builds credibility while connecting you to Illinois’ robust network of professionals. The flexibility of remote learning means you can immediately apply coursework to real-world scenarios, from analyzing case studies to understanding digital forensics—skills that set you apart in a competitive job market where specialized knowledge drives promotions and leadership opportunities. Explore options that align with your goals, and you’ll find Illinois’ criminal justice landscape offers both stability and the chance to make a tangible difference where it matters most.
Best Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs in Illinois
Below are the top-ranked Online Criminal Justice programs in Illinois, ranked according to quality, accreditation, cost, and other important factors.
National Louis University
B.A. in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Key Highlights
- The program provides an interdisciplinary understanding of the criminal justice system.
- Students develop critical thinking and analytical skills.
- The curriculum emphasizes ethical decision-making and social justice.
- Coursework includes Criminal Law and Procedure, Constitutional Law, and Crime, Media and Public Opinion.
- The program prepares students for careers in law enforcement, courts, and corrections.
- Students can complete an Internship Practicum (CSJ 490).
Program Description
The Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice at National Louis University is an interdisciplinary program providing a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system. It explores the social, cultural, political, and economic factors contributing to crime and its prevention. The curriculum emphasizes ethical decision-making, social justice, critical thinking, and research methodology, preparing students for various careers in law enforcement, courts, corrections, and related fields. Flexible class options include fully online formats to fit busy schedules. Students develop a solid foundation in critical thinking, research methodology, and analytical skills.
Program Features
- Transfer Credits: Accepted
Skills You'll Gain
Critical thinking, Research methodology, Analytical skills, Ethical decision-making
Tuition & Costs
- In-State Tuition: $13,776/year
- Out-of-State Tuition: $13,776/year
Sample Courses
CSJ 106 Law Enforcement, CSJ 107 Criminal Justice System, CSJ 205 Criminology, CSJ 206 Criminal Law and Procedure, CSJ 207 Punishment...
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Key Highlights
- This Bachelor of Arts degree prepares students for careers in law enforcement, corrections, counseling, research, and security.
- Students gain skills in criminal justice principles, criminological theories, research and analysis, law enforcement procedures, corrections practices, counseling techniques, and security management.
- A dual degree option with the SIU School of Law is available, allowing students to earn a bachelor's and law degree in six years.
- Students can specialize with a Forensic Science Minor or a Conservation Law Enforcement certificate.
Program Description
The Criminology and Criminal Justice program at SIU offers a Bachelor of Arts degree designed to prepare students for careers in various law-related fields, including law enforcement, corrections, counseling, research, and security. The program provides a comprehensive overview of criminology and criminal justice, allowing students to specialize through electives based on their career goals. It's available both on-campus and entirely online, offering flexibility for students worldwide. A dual degree option with the SIU School of Law is available, allowing students to earn a bachelor's and law degree in six years.
Program Features
- Concentrations: Forensic Science Minor, Conservation Law Enforcement certificate, Dual Degree Option (B.A. in CCJ and J.D.)
- Transfer Credits: Accepted
Skills You'll Gain
Criminal justice principles, criminological theories, research and analysis, law enforcement procedures, corrections practices, counseling techniques, security management
Tuition & Costs
Contact Information
- Breanne Pleggenkuhle, Program Coordinator; Matthew Giblin, School Director
- [email protected], [email protected]
- 618-453-6374, 618-453-6360
Sample Courses
CCJ 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice System, CCJ 290 Introduction to Criminological Theory
Why Get Your Criminal Justice Degree Online in Illinois?
Earning your criminal justice degree online in Illinois positions you to capitalize on a job market where demand for skilled professionals is rising faster than the national average. With state projections forecasting a 9% increase in law enforcement roles through 2030—compared to 7% nationally—Illinois offers accelerated pathways into agencies like the Illinois State Police and county sheriff’s departments. Online programs here are uniquely designed to connect you with local internships at hubs such as the Cook County Juvenile Court or Chicago’s Regional Organized Crime Task Force, providing hands-on experience that directly aligns with employer needs.
Your earning potential grows alongside this demand. Police officers in Illinois earn an average of $71,380 annually, with suburban departments like Naperville and Aurora offering signing bonuses for candidates with degrees. Beyond traditional law enforcement, Illinois’ expanding legal tech sector—fueled by Chicago’s growth in cybersecurity firms—creates hybrid roles in digital forensics and fraud detection. Online programs adapt to these trends, integrating certifications like Crime Scene Technician or Crisis Intervention Training into curricula so you graduate with credentials employers prioritize.
Regional networking opportunities further amplify your advantages. Organizations like the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police host virtual career fairs exclusively for degree holders, while Chicago’s annual Public Safety Summit connects online students with federal recruiters. With Illinois allocating millions in state grants for criminal justice education, scholarships and tuition reimbursement programs are accessible for those pursuing online degrees. As agencies accelerate hiring to address retirements and evolving crime challenges, your ability to earn a degree without relocating or sacrificing current income becomes a strategic edge. Start building relationships with Illinois’ criminal justice network today—every course you complete online brings you closer to roles shaping the future of public safety statewide.
Where Can You Work With a Criminal Justice Degree in Illinois?
Earning a criminal justice degree in Illinois opens doors to roles across law enforcement, court systems, and private security. The Chicago Police Department consistently ranks among the state’s top employers, hiring patrol officers, crime analysts, and community outreach specialists. With over 12,000 sworn officers, CPD emphasizes neighborhood policing initiatives and offers tuition reimbursement for advanced training. The Illinois State Police provides another major pathway, recruiting troopers for highway patrol and forensic investigators for its statewide crime labs. Both agencies prioritize candidates with degrees for promotional opportunities into leadership roles.
Cook County Courts, highlighted in Illinois job listings, regularly seek court officers, probation officers, and victim advocates. These roles often involve collaborating with social services or managing diversion programs for nonviolent offenders. Recent postings emphasize bilingual candidates to serve Chicago’s diverse communities. Private sector options include firms like SafeFront, a Chicago-based security company expanding its corporate client base. They hire loss prevention specialists and cybersecurity consultants, offering hybrid roles that blend field work with data analysis for retail and tech clients.
Chicago’s legal tech startups present newer opportunities, as noted by Illinois State’s career resources. Companies like JusticeLabs develop software for case management or predictive policing analytics, often seeking criminal justice graduates with tech aptitude for roles in product testing or client support. These startups frequently partner with public defenders’ offices to streamline workflows, creating positions that bridge legal expertise and technical skills.
For job seekers, attending Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority workshops or joining groups like the Illinois Academy of Criminology can provide local connections. Many employers in Chicago and Springfield actively recruit through LinkedIn and university job boards, so updating profiles with keywords like “crime analysis” or “juvenile justice” helps algorithms surface your resume. Consider shadowing professionals through short-term internships—organizations like the Cook County Sheriff’s Office often list these opportunities seasonally.
What Can You Earn With a Criminal Justice Degree in Illinois?
Starting salaries in criminal justice roles across Illinois show clear progression as you gain experience. If you’re entering the field with 0-2 years of experience, expect to earn between $27,056 and $52,000 annually, according to statewide salary data. Roles like probation officers typically fall in the higher end of this range ($38,000-$52,000), while support positions such as corrections assistants may start closer to the lower threshold. These figures reflect base pay before accounting for overtime or shift differentials, which are common in law enforcement and corrections roles.
Mid-career professionals with 3-7 years of experience see significant jumps, with salaries averaging $62,992 per year according to Illinois wage reports. Detectives and crime analysts often land in the $65,000-$85,000 range during this phase, particularly in metropolitan areas like Chicago where demand is higher. Specialized certifications—such as crime scene investigation credentials or crisis negotiation training—can push earnings toward the top of this bracket. Illinois salaries in this tier outpace national averages by approximately 8%, partly due to the state’s higher cost of living in urban centers.
Senior roles for those with 8+ years of experience show the most dramatic earning potential. Police supervisors and federal agents in Illinois earn median salaries of $98,430 annually, as reported in state-specific career guides, with top earners in federal agencies reaching $130,000. Leadership positions in agencies like the FBI or DEA often require advanced degrees or specialized tactical training, which directly correlate with higher pay grades. Geographic location plays a key role here too: federal offices in Chicago and Springfield offer salaries 12-18% higher than rural counterparts.
Earning potential grows further with graduate degrees in criminal justice or related fields, which qualify you for administrative and policy roles. Fluency in high-demand languages like Spanish or Arabic can also increase starting offers by 5-10%. Projections suggest salaries for senior criminal justice roles in Illinois will rise 4-6% annually through 2030, driven by retirements in law enforcement and expanded federal security initiatives. While entry-level pay remains modest, strategic career moves can accelerate your progression into higher brackets.
FAQs About Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs in Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to finish an online criminal justice degree? A: Most bachelor’s programs take 4 years full-time. Accelerated options at schools like National Louis University may let you finish in 3 years. Part-time students typically take 5-6 years, depending on course load and transfer credits.
Q: Can I transfer credits from another college? A: Yes – most Illinois programs accept transfer credits. Southern Illinois University Carbondale allows up to 90 credits from regionally accredited schools. Check specific program policies, as criminal justice courses often transfer more easily than electives.
Q: Do Illinois employers accept online degrees? A: Absolutely, if the program is accredited. Employers like the Illinois State Police and Cook County Sheriff’s Office regularly hire graduates from National Louis University and SIU Carbondale’s online programs. Regional accreditation is key for credibility.
Q: What internships are available during the program? A: You can intern with state agencies, courthouses, or nonprofits. Some students secure roles with cybercrime units or victim advocacy groups through school partnerships.
Q: Are there scholarships for criminal justice students? A: Yes. National Louis University offers merit-based awards, while SIU Carbondale provides need-based aid. External options include the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association Scholarship ($500-$1,000) and Illinois Academy of Criminology grants.
Q: Can I specialize in areas like forensics or cybersecurity? A: Some programs offer focused electives. Southern Illinois University Carbondale includes cybercrime courses, while National Louis University lets you customize 25% of your criminology degree with courses in digital evidence or criminal psychology.
Q: What tech do I need for online classes? A: You’ll need a reliable computer, webcam, and internet. Courses often use Zoom for live discussions and platforms like Blackboard for assignments. Some programs recommend Windows 10+ or macOS Catalina+ for compatibility with security software.
Q: How do I connect with alumni for job opportunities? A: Use your school’s alumni portal – National Louis and SIU Carbondale both have LinkedIn groups for graduates. Attend virtual career fairs hosted by Illinois criminal justice programs, where agencies like the Chicago Police Department often recruit.