Top Criminal Justice Degree Programs In Ohio
Earning a criminal justice degree online in Ohio opens doors to careers where you can directly impact communities while building a stable future. With law enforcement agencies, private security firms, and legal organizations across the state actively hiring, professionals with specialized training stand out in competitive job markets. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth for roles like probation officers (3% increase) and detectives (6% expansion) through 2032, with median salaries ranging from $58,000 to $86,000 annually in Ohio. Major employers like the Ohio State Highway Patrol, FBI Cleveland Field Office, and Cincinnati Police Department consistently seek candidates who combine academic knowledge with practical skills developed through modern programs.
Online education removes barriers for working professionals, letting you balance coursework with current job responsibilities while preparing for promotions or career shifts. Coursework often covers forensic science, constitutional law, and crisis management—skills immediately applicable to roles in corrections administration, victim advocacy, or federal law enforcement. Ohio’s strong network of criminal justice employers means local graduates frequently find opportunities with county sheriff’s offices, corporate security divisions, and statewide task forces addressing cybercrime and human trafficking.
Several Ohio schools offer respected programs blending academic rigor with career-focused training. These programs adapt well to online formats, maintaining interactive elements while accommodating busy schedules. For those exploring options, detailed comparisons of online criminal justice programs in Ohio can help identify paths matching specific professional goals, from entry-level positions to advanced supervisory roles. With Ohio’s diverse opportunities and growing demand for skilled justice professionals, investing in your education creates pathways to meaningful work protecting communities and shaping fairer systems.
Best Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs in Ohio
Below are the top-ranked Online Criminal Justice programs in Ohio, ranked according to quality, accreditation, cost, and other important factors.
The University of Akron
Bachelor of Science, Criminology and Criminal Justice
Key Highlights
- The University of Akron's Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice offers concentrations in Policing, Corrections, or Criminology.
- The program's curriculum blends hands-on experience with research and theory.
- Graduates will gain skills in research, analysis, critical thinking, problem solving, and communication.
- Foundational courses include criminal justice, political science, and sociology.
- Students can tailor the program with electives to match their career interests.
Program Description
The 100% online Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice program at The University of Akron offers foundational courses in criminal justice, political science, and sociology. Students can select a concentration in policing, corrections, or criminology and tailor the program with electives to match their career interests. The curriculum blends hands-on experience with research and theory, preparing graduates for various roles in policing, courts, government, and other related fields. The program is designed for both traditional students and experienced professionals, including military service members.
Program Features
- Concentrations: Policing, Corrections, Criminology
- Transfer Credits: Accepted
Skills You'll Gain
Research, Analysis, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Communication
Tuition & Costs
Why Study Criminal Justice Online in Ohio?
Ohio’s online criminal justice programs position you at the center of emerging opportunities shaped by the state’s unique legal infrastructure and employer networks. With corrections facilities and law enforcement agencies statewide facing staffing shortages, projections from state labor reports indicate a 9% increase in demand for correctional program specialists through 2030—outpacing the national average of 4% for similar roles. This growth aligns with Ohio’s expanding focus on rehabilitation programs and reentry initiatives, creating pathways to roles that blend case management with policy development. Virtual internships offered through partnerships with organizations like the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and regional task forces let you gain hands-on experience analyzing crime trends or supporting victim services without relocating, directly connecting classroom learning to real-world challenges.
The state’s evolving tech security sector further amplifies opportunities, with Columbus ranked among the Midwest’s fastest-growing hubs for cybersecurity innovation. Positions in digital forensics and fraud investigation are projected to grow 11% in Ohio by the end of the decade, driven by increased investment in combating cybercrime. Programs integrate coursework in data analysis and cyber law, preparing you for roles where Police Officers earn an average of $71,380 annually according to recent salary reports—a figure reflecting Ohio’s competitive compensation in public safety sectors.
Scholarships specific to Ohio residents, such as the Buckeye State Criminal Justice Advancement Grant, reduce tuition costs while prioritizing applicants committed to serving local communities. Professional organizations like the Ohio Crime Prevention Association offer networking events and certification programs that keep you informed about legislative changes and emerging hiring needs. As federal agencies expand their presence in Ohio, particularly in counter-narcotics and border security operations, your online degree becomes a strategic asset for accessing roles with the Department of Homeland Security or U.S. Marshals Service. With adaptable programs designed to fit around shift work or family commitments, Ohio’s online criminal justice education bridges immediate skill gaps while positioning you for leadership in a field where innovation meets community impact. Start exploring programs today to align your goals with the state’s growing demand for justice professionals.
Where Can You Work With an Online Criminal Justice Degree in Ohio?
With an online criminal justice degree in Ohio, you can explore roles across state agencies, local law enforcement, tech-driven security companies, and community-focused organizations. The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction regularly hires probation officers, case managers, and correctional treatment specialists, offering stable roles with state benefits like pension plans and professional development programs. City police departments in Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati provide opportunities for patrol officers, crime analysts, and forensic technicians, often prioritizing candidates with formal education in criminal justice for advancement into investigative or leadership roles.
Tech security firms in Ohio’s growing tech hubs, such as those advertising on ZipRecruiter’s remote job board, seek fraud analysts and compliance specialists for remote or hybrid positions. These roles often involve investigating cybercrimes or ensuring regulatory adherence, with salaries ranging up to $81,000 annually. Community organizations like the Ohio Justice & Policy Center or local reentry coalitions hire program coordinators and outreach specialists to lead initiatives addressing recidivism or restorative justice, blending fieldwork with advocacy.
Insurance companies and consulting firms listed on Indeed’s criminal justice job board frequently recruit SIU (Special Investigations Unit) investigators to handle insurance fraud cases, requiring skills in evidence collection and interviews. Adjunct faculty positions at community colleges or universities let you teach criminal justice courses part-time, often favoring candidates with both academic credentials and practical experience.
Ohio’s average criminal justice salary of $64,820, as noted by the Criminal Justice Degree Hub, reflects competitive opportunities statewide. To maximize your job search, attend Ohio-specific criminal justice career fairs or join regional chapters of professional associations like the Ohio Crime Prevention Association. Tailor applications to highlight skills like data analysis or conflict resolution, which align with employer needs in both traditional and tech-driven roles.
What Can You Earn With a Criminal Justice Degree in Ohio?
Starting salaries in Ohio’s criminal justice field often range between $38,000 and $52,000 for entry-level roles like probation officers, according to statewide data from Criminal Justice Salary in Ohio. These figures reflect positions requiring 0-2 years of experience, with variations depending on county budgets or urban versus rural placements. Mid-career professionals, such as investigators with 3-7 years of experience, typically see earnings between $55,000 and $75,000 annually. This aligns with the broader trends highlighted in Criminal Justice Degree Salary in Ohio: Hourly Rate, which reports an average hourly wage of $27.37 ($56,930 yearly) across all experience levels—suggesting mid-career roles often exceed this baseline through specialized skills or overtime opportunities.
Senior positions like security managers (8+ years experience) reach $82,000-$105,000 in Ohio, slightly below the national average for comparable roles. For context, How Much Do Criminal Justice Careers Pay in the State of Ohio? shows police and sheriff salaries spanning $44,590 for entry-level officers to $101,400 for top earners, demonstrating how leadership roles in law enforcement or private security can mirror upper-tier pay scales. Geographic location heavily influences these numbers—Cleveland and Columbus often offer 10-15% higher salaries than smaller cities due to higher caseloads and cost of living.
Certifications like Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) or specialized training in digital forensics can boost earnings by $5,000-$12,000 annually. Federal agency roles or private-sector security management also tend to pay 20% more than local government positions. While Ohio’s criminal justice salaries trail coastal states by 8-12%, demand for roles in cybersecurity analysis and federal law enforcement is projected to grow 9% through 2032, per state labor reports. This growth, paired with retirement waves in public-sector roles, could push senior salaries closer to national averages within the next decade.
FAQs About Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs in Ohio
Common Questions About Criminal Justice Degrees
Q: Are online criminal justice degrees respected by Ohio employers? A: Yes, employers across Ohio recognize accredited online degrees, particularly from programs like The University of Akron’s Criminology and Criminal Justice bachelor’s. Agencies such as county sheriff’s offices and corporate security divisions prioritize skills over delivery format, as long as coursework covers Ohio-specific laws and practices.
Q: What jobs can I get immediately after graduation? A: Entry-level roles like probation officer ($38k-$52k), police dispatcher, or corrections case manager are common starters. Ohio’s city police departments and private security firms often hire graduates directly into training programs for forensic technicians or crime analysts.
Q: How long does completing an online program typically take? A: Full-time students usually finish a bachelor’s in 4 years, but accelerated tracks at schools like The University of Akron can reduce this to 3 years. Part-time enrollment typically adds 1-2 years, depending on transferred credits.
Q: Can I transfer credits from another college? A: Most Ohio programs accept transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions, particularly for general education courses. The University of Akron evaluates transcripts for criminal justice prerequisites—typically allowing up to 60 credits toward bachelor’s degrees.
Q: Do programs help with internship placements? A: Many Ohio online programs partner with state agencies for internships, including virtual options with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. The University of Akron connects students to local police departments and rehabilitation centers for hands-on experience.
Q: What tech tools do I need for online courses? A: You’ll need a reliable computer, high-speed internet, and standard software like Microsoft Office. Some courses may require specialized tools like crime analysis databases—programs typically provide free access through university licenses.
Q: Are scholarships available for Ohio residents? A: Yes, options include the Buckeye State Criminal Justice Advancement Grant and university-specific awards. The University of Akron offers merit-based scholarships covering 15-30% of tuition for qualifying criminal justice students.
Q: Can I work full-time while studying online? A: Absolutely—most Ohio online programs design courses with working professionals in mind, offering evening classes and on-demand lectures. About 65% of The University of Akron’s criminal justice students maintain full-time jobs while enrolled.