Top Criminal Justice Degree Programs In New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s growing focus on public safety and community well-being creates strong demand for skilled criminal justice professionals. Whether you’re drawn to law enforcement, corrections, victim advocacy, or legal support, an online criminal justice degree offers a practical path to advance your career without pausing your current responsibilities. The state’s unique blend of urban and rural communities means diverse opportunities—from supporting local police departments to collaborating with federal agencies like the U.S. Marshals Service or Homeland Security offices in the region. With New Hampshire’s law enforcement salaries averaging above national benchmarks for some roles, and projected job growth in areas like probation and private security, this field rewards specialized training with stability and competitive pay.
Online programs allow you to build expertise in criminal law, forensic psychology, and crisis management while maintaining your job or personal commitments. You’ll gain skills directly applicable to New Hampshire’s priorities, such as addressing opioid-related crimes or improving juvenile justice outcomes. Employers like the New Hampshire State Police, county sheriff’s offices, and regional nonprofits actively seek candidates with updated knowledge of digital forensics, ethical policing practices, and restorative justice approaches—all areas covered in modern curricula.
For those considering education options, explore online criminal justice programs in New Hampshire to find options that align with your career timeline and goals, positioning yourself for leadership in a field where your impact reaches far beyond the classroom.
Best Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs in New Hampshire
Below are the top-ranked Online Criminal Justice programs in New Hampshire, ranked according to quality, accreditation, cost, and other important factors.
Southern New Hampshire University
BS in Criminal Justice Concentration - Criminology Degree Online
Key Highlights
- The BS in Criminal Justice offers a concentration in Criminology and Crime Analysis.
- Graduates gain knowledge of laws, regulations, and ethical standards.
- The program equips students with skills in crime reduction and prevention strategies.
- Students learn empathetic practices for diverse populations.
- The curriculum combines criminology theory with practical crime analysis skills.
- Skills gained include technology and societal trend analysis.
- The program prepares students for career paths in law enforcement and social services.
- Courses include Data-Based Policing Strategies and Crime Analysis and Solutions.
- The university is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
- Students will learn to apply criminological theories to understand criminal motivation.
Program Description
The online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Criminology and Crime Analysis at Southern New Hampshire University offers an exploration of deviant behavior and the development of crime reduction and prevention strategies. The program is designed to equip students with specialized knowledge in criminology theory, positioning them for success in fields such as law enforcement and social services. Students will learn to apply criminological theories to understand criminal motivation, analyze data to predict criminal behavior, and develop effective crime prevention strategies. Graduates will be prepared for various career paths, including police and detective work, probation and correctional treatment, and social and community service management.
Program Features
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Concentrations: Criminology and Crime Analysis
- Transfer Credits: Accepted
Skills You'll Gain
Human behavior theory comprehension, Crime reduction and prevention strategies, Technology and societal trend analysis, Empathetic practices for diverse populations, Knowledge of laws, regulations and ethical standards, Field-relevant communication tactics
Tuition & Costs
- Cost Per Credit: $330
Sample Courses
Introduction to Criminal Justice, Policing in the United States, The United States Judicial System, The United States Correctional System, Technology in Criminal Justice...
Why Study Criminal Justice Online in New Hampshire?
Studying criminal justice online in New Hampshire positions you to meet emerging regional needs while leveraging flexible education pathways aligned with the state’s evolving public safety priorities. While certain roles like forensic science technicians and compliance officers are projected to grow 6% statewide through 2032, specialized fields such as criminal psychology show even stronger potential. Online programs let you align coursework with high-demand niches like crisis intervention or digital forensics, directly addressing state challenges such as opioid-related crime and juvenile justice reform without relocating or disrupting current responsibilities.
Local internship partnerships with agencies like the New Hampshire Department of Corrections or regional Homeland Security offices provide hands-on experience in settings shaping statewide policy. These opportunities often lead to roles in Nashua’s expanding cybersecurity sector or Manchester’s nonprofit networks, where hybrid work models are becoming standard. You’ll also tap into New Hampshire’s concentrated job market—85% of criminal justice positions cluster within 30 miles of Concord and Portsmouth, making in-person networking feasible even while studying remotely. Professional organizations like the New Hampshire Association of Chiefs of Police frequently host virtual career fairs, bridging online learners with employers prioritizing skills in restorative justice and ethical policing practices.
With 10 annual openings projected through 2030 for roles requiring advanced training, as noted in O*NET’s state-specific trends, online programs help you build credentials while maintaining employment in related fields like private security or social services. This dual approach strengthens your competitiveness for promotions in New Hampshire’s collaborative public safety ecosystem, where cross-sector experience is increasingly valued. By choosing a program that integrates New Hampshire’s legislative updates and regional case studies, you’ll graduate prepared to contribute immediately to initiatives reducing recidivism or improving community-police relations. Explore programs designed for working professionals to secure your role in a field where local expertise drives meaningful change.
Where Can You Work With a Criminal Justice Degree in New Hampshire?
Earning a criminal justice degree in New Hampshire opens doors to roles across state agencies, private security, and community organizations. Recent job postings show strong demand: Indeed lists 72 criminal justice positions statewide, including correctional officers at facilities like the New Hampshire State Prison for Men in Concord. These roles often involve inmate rehabilitation programs and require crisis management training, with state benefits like tuition reimbursement for career advancement. Private employers like Securitas USA also appear frequently, hiring for armed security supervisors in Manchester to protect corporate campuses or healthcare facilities, often requiring conflict de-escalation certifications.
Nonprofits such as Waypoint NH actively seek case managers in cities like Manchester, as shown in Indeed’s 62 criminal justice degree listings. These roles focus on supporting vulnerable populations through housing assistance or substance abuse programs, with hybrid work options common in larger organizations. Regional police departments in Nashua or Portsmouth regularly recruit investigators, offering structured training academies and pension plans.
Higher-paying opportunities emerge in ZipRecruiter’s criminology job board, where federal contractors like BAE Systems hire analysts in the Seacoast region to support law enforcement data projects. These roles often require security clearances but provide advanced tech tools and flexible scheduling. Smaller agencies like the New Hampshire Juvenile Justice Services Division prioritize recent graduates for probation officer roles, emphasizing mentorship programs and fieldwork in rural communities.
To connect with these employers, attend the annual New Hampshire Public Safety Career Fair in Concord or join the New Hampshire Police Association’s networking events. Many correctional facilities and nonprofits post openings directly through the state’s official jobs portal, while private security firms often recruit via LinkedIn or local trade schools. Building relationships with faculty in online programs can also reveal unadvertised roles, especially in specialized areas like cybercrime or victim advocacy.
How Much Can You Earn With a Criminal Justice Degree in New Hampshire?
Earning potential with a criminal justice degree in New Hampshire varies significantly based on experience level and location. If you’re starting out with an associate degree, expect entry-level roles like probation officers or community service specialists to pay around $19.32 per hour ($40,200 annually) statewide, according to Criminal Justice Associate Degree Salary data. However, regional differences exist—Portsmouth offers higher starting salaries at $48,385 yearly ($23.26 hourly) for entry-level positions like juvenile justice associates, as reported by Criminal Justice: Average Salary in Portsmouth. These figures sit slightly below the national average for similar roles, which often start closer to $45,000-$50,000 in major metro areas.
Mid-career professionals (3-7 years) in law enforcement or social services typically see earnings between $55,000 and $65,000 in New Hampshire. Salary growth often comes with specialized certifications—for example, becoming a certified fraud examiner or completing crisis intervention training can boost pay by 8-12%. Leadership roles in agencies or federal positions (like DEA or FBI field agents) frequently push salaries above $70,000 for those with bachelor’s degrees and tactical training.
Senior-level professionals (8+ years) in roles like police chiefs, forensic supervisors, or clinical social services directors can earn $82,000-$95,000 annually. Geographical factors strongly influence these ranges—urban centers like Manchester and Nashua often pay 10-15% more than rural counties for equivalent experience. While New Hampshire salaries generally align with New England averages, they trail high-cost states like Massachusetts by approximately 7-9% for comparable positions.
Future salary growth looks stable, particularly in cybersecurity-focused law enforcement and victim advocacy services. State projections show 6% job growth for criminal justice fields through 2032, with forensic science technicians and compliance officers seeing the sharpest increases. Combining your degree with in-demand skills like data analysis or bilingual communication can further accelerate earning potential in this field.
FAQs About Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs in New Hampshire
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are online criminal justice degrees respected by employers? A: Yes, employers typically respect accredited online degrees. Programs like Southern New Hampshire University's BS in Criminal Justice hold regional accreditation from NECHE, the same standard as campus-based degrees. New Hampshire's top-ranked online programs align with hiring requirements for state and local agencies.
Q: What accreditation should I look for in a program? A: Prioritize regional accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which ensures quality standards. This accreditation is required for federal financial aid eligibility and recognized by New Hampshire employers like law enforcement agencies.
Q: Can I transfer credits from another school? A: Most programs accept transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions. SNHU evaluates transcripts on a case-by-case basis, often allowing up to 90 credits toward bachelor's degrees. Check with your target school for specific transfer policies.
Q: What jobs can I get right after graduation? A: Entry-level roles include correctional officers ($40,200 average salary), probation assistants, or private security specialists. Recent job boards show openings at facilities like NH State Prison and nonprofits such as Waypoint NH requiring bachelor's-level skills.
Q: How long does it take to complete an online degree? A: Full-time students typically finish a bachelor’s in 4 years. Accelerated programs or transfer credits can reduce this to 2-3 years. Part-time options allow flexibility if you’re working while studying.
Q: Is financial aid available for these programs? A: Yes – complete the FAFSA to access federal loans/grants. Some schools offer discounts for active law enforcement personnel. SNHU’s criminal justice program costs $330 per credit hour before aid.
Q: Do I need a background check to enroll? A: Most programs don’t require background checks for enrollment. However, internships or jobs with agencies may require one later, as seen in police hiring standards.
Q: Can I specialize in areas like cybercrime or forensics? A: Some programs offer concentrations – SNHU’s criminology focus covers crime analysis. Check course lists for digital forensics or cybercrime electives. Specialized skills increase competitiveness for roles in federal agencies or private security firms.