Best Criminal Justice Degree Programs In Pennsylvania (2025)
Imagine advancing your career in criminal justice without putting your life on hold—Pennsylvania’s growing demand for skilled professionals creates opportunities to protect communities, shape policies, and drive systemic change. Online criminal justice degrees let you balance work, family, or current roles while preparing for positions like probation officer, federal agent, or cybersecurity analyst. With median salaries near $70,000 for roles like detectives and a projected 8% job growth in Pennsylvania over the next decade, this field offers stability alongside purpose.
Top employers like the Pennsylvania State Police, federal agencies in Philadelphia, and county court systems actively seek candidates with specialized knowledge in forensic science, homeland security, and juvenile justice. An online degree sharpens your understanding of constitutional law, criminology, and crisis management through coursework designed by professionals tackling today’s challenges. You’ll gain skills directly applicable to roles in victim advocacy, corrections reform, or private sector security—all while building a network with peers and instructors embedded in the state’s justice system.
Flexible scheduling means you can apply new strategies immediately if you’re already working in law enforcement or a related field. Whether aiming for promotions in local agencies or federal roles requiring advanced credentials, this path removes barriers between your current position and higher earning potential. Explore online criminal justice programs in Pennsylvania to find formats aligning with your schedule and goals—your next step toward impacting public safety starts here, without upending your daily life.
Best Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs in Pennsylvania
Below are the top-ranked Online Criminal Justice programs in Pennsylvania, ranked according to quality, accreditation, cost, and other important factors.
Penn State World Campus
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Key Highlights
- The Penn State World Campus Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program includes coursework in criminology, law, policing, corrections, and ethics in criminal justice.
- Students will gain skills in problem-solving, research methods, and statistical analysis.
- Options exist to specialize in Homeland Security, Child Welfare, or Security Management.
Program Description
The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program at Penn State World Campus is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system, criminology, ethics, and policing. The program offers a flexible, fully online learning environment, allowing students to customize their degree to meet specific career goals. Course topics include criminology, law, policing, corrections, and ethics in criminal justice. Elective courses provide opportunities to specialize in areas like homeland security and security management.
Program Features
- Concentrations: Homeland Security, Child Welfare, Security Management
- Transfer Credits: Accepted
Skills You'll Gain
Problem-solving, Research methods, Statistical analysis
Tuition & Costs
- Additional Cost Information:
Tuition Costs
Fall 2024 – Summer 2025
- 59 or fewer credits:
- 11 or fewer credits: $632 per credit
- 12–19 credits: $7,678 per semester
- 60 or more credits:
- 11 or fewer credits: $678 per credit
- 12–19 credits: $8,288 per semester
Fall 2025 – Summer 2026
- 59 or fewer credits:
- 11 or fewer credits: $638 per credit
- 12–19 credits: $7,755 per semester
- 60 or more credits:
- 11 or fewer credits: $685 per credit
- 12–19 credits: $8,371 per semester
- 59 or fewer credits:
Sample Courses
Criminology, Introduction to Criminal Justice, Policing in America, Courts and the Prosecution Process, Corrections in America...
St. Joseph's University
B.S. in Criminal Justice Practice and Policy
Key Highlights
- The program is designed for working professionals in the criminal justice field seeking career advancement.
- Graduates will be prepared for further studies or direct entry into the job market.
- The curriculum integrates sociology, political science, psychology, philosophy, and forensic bioscience.
- The program focuses on evidence-based practices, criminal justice policy analysis, and quantitative applications.
- Students will gain critical thinking, analytical skills, and data analysis skills.
Program Description
St. Joseph's University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Practice and Policy designed for working professionals in the criminal justice field seeking career advancement. The program emphasizes evidence-based practices, criminal justice policy analysis, and quantitative applications, providing students with critical thinking skills and a flexible worldview. The curriculum integrates areas like sociology, political science, psychology, philosophy, and forensic bioscience, preparing graduates for further studies or direct entry into the job market.
Program Features
- Transfer Credits: Accepted
Skills You'll Gain
Critical thinking, analytical skills, problem-solving, data analysis, policy analysis, investigation
Tuition & Costs
- In-State Tuition: $33,825/year
- Out-of-State Tuition: $33,825/year
Sample Courses
Sociology, Political Science, Psychology, Philosophy, Forensic Bioscience...
Penn Foster
Criminal Justice Bachelor's Degree
Key Highlights
- The Penn Foster Criminal Justice Bachelor's Degree prepares students with legal skills and knowledge for entry-level careers in law enforcement.
- Skills gained include victim interaction evaluation, evidence analysis, and understanding the policing role.
- Coursework includes Criminal Procedures, Victimology, Criminology, and Administration of Justice.
- The program is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
- Graduates may be prepared for roles such as probation officers.
Program Description
The online Criminal Justice Bachelor's Degree at Penn Foster is designed to provide students with the foundational legal skills and knowledge necessary for entry-level careers in law enforcement and related fields. The program covers essential topics such as criminal law, victimology, criminology, administration of justice, police operations, and the correctional system. With a flexible, self-paced online format, students can complete coursework on their own schedule and prepare for careers as police officers, probation officers, and more.
Program Features
- Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
- Transfer Credits: Accepted
Skills You'll Gain
Legal environment knowledge, victim interaction evaluation, evidence analysis, understanding of policing role, criminal law, psychology, police operations
Tuition & Costs
- Additional Cost Information:
First Semester:
- Original Price: $1,899
- Discounted Price: $1,299
- Savings: $600
- Monthly Payment Option: $75/month
Sample Courses
Criminal Procedures, Victimology, Criminology, Administration of Justice
Why Pennsylvania Is a Smart Choice for Online Criminal Justice Studies
Pennsylvania’s expanding criminal justice landscape positions you for long-term career success, with state-specific advantages that align education to emerging opportunities. While national projections show 4% growth for police and detectives through 2033, Pennsylvania outpaces this trend with a 5% projected increase in law enforcement roles through 2030, creating 2,350 annual job openings in policing and related fields. This growth stems from investments in cybercrime units, community policing initiatives, and federal task forces concentrated in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh—hubs where internships with agencies like the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office provide direct pathways to federal careers.
Online programs here connect you to Pennsylvania’s dense network of county courts, state correctional facilities, and private security firms actively recruiting graduates. With average police officer salaries reaching $71,380 annually—surpassing many neighboring states—specialized roles in digital forensics or counterterrorism offer even greater earning potential as agencies modernize. Regional demand extends beyond traditional law enforcement: Pennsylvania’s juvenile justice reforms and opioid crisis response have increased hiring for case managers and victim advocates, with rural counties offering tuition reimbursement programs to address staffing gaps.
Studying online here means accessing faculty embedded in local agencies and curricula updated to address Pennsylvania’s legislative priorities, like Act 120 certification prep for aspiring officers. Programs often partner with regional employers for capstone projects or virtual simulations, letting you demonstrate skills to potential employers before graduation. Pennsylvania’s centralized job boards for county corrections and state police streamline applications, while professional groups like the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association host virtual networking events exclusive to state residents.
With retirement waves creating leadership vacancies and federal grants funding new positions in crisis negotiation and hate crime prevention, your timing aligns with a transformative period. Explore accredited online programs designed to meet these shifts, where flexible coursework adapts as Pennsylvania’s justice system evolves—positioning you to fill critical roles shaping the state’s public safety future.
Who Hires Criminal Justice Graduates in Pennsylvania?
Criminal justice graduates in Pennsylvania find opportunities across state government, federal operations, and private sector security roles. The Pennsylvania State Police regularly recruits for positions like troopers, forensic analysts, and crime scene investigators, with entry-level roles often requiring completion of their training academy. State correctional facilities managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections hire counselors and case managers, particularly in regions with larger prisons like Camp Hill or Graterford. These roles typically involve rehabilitation programs and risk assessment, with state employees receiving pension plans and tuition reimbursement.
Federal opportunities appear through agencies like the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office, which lists intelligence analyst and special agent positions requiring security clearances. The Federal Bureau of Prisons also operates facilities in Pennsylvania, such as USP Lewisburg, hiring correctional officers and reentry specialists. Job postings on Indeed show over 700 openings statewide, including roles like criminal justice consultants for private firms and juvenile justice counselors for county agencies. Private security companies like Allied Universal and Securitas dominate listings for corporate and retail security supervisors, with many positions emphasizing conflict resolution certifications or prior law enforcement experience.
The Vault Guide highlights regional demand in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, where courthouses, probation departments, and cybersecurity firms cluster. Employers in these hubs often prioritize internships or volunteer experience with community organizations. Growing private firms like Invictus Consulting Group, which specializes in corporate fraud investigations, list roles requiring data analysis skills and familiarity with Pennsylvania’s legal codes.
To maximize job prospects, connect with Pennsylvania-specific professional groups like the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association or attend virtual career fairs hosted by universities with criminal justice programs. Focus on earning state-specific certifications, such as Act 120 for law enforcement or Certified Protection Officer credentials for private security, which appear frequently in employer requirements. Check county government portals directly for probation officer openings, as many rural areas face staffing shortages but post jobs locally rather than on national boards.
How Much Do Criminal Justice Professionals Make in Pennsylvania?
In Pennsylvania, criminal justice salaries reflect your experience level and role. Starting as a probation officer or correctional treatment specialist, you might earn around $56,000 annually based on the $26.94 hourly average for degree holders reported by ZipRecruiter's Criminal Justice Degree salary data. These entry-level figures often depend on location, with urban areas like Philadelphia offering slightly higher starting wages due to cost-of-living adjustments. With 3-7 years of experience, roles like detectives or state police officers typically align with Pennsylvania’s overall criminal justice average of $65,162 per year, as noted in 2025 statewide salary reports. Mid-career salaries can vary by agency type, with county-level positions sometimes lagging behind state or federal equivalents by 5-8%. Senior professionals with 8+ years, including federal agents or police supervisors, often reach higher brackets – police and sheriff’s officers at this level earn a median $85,390 annually according to the Pennsylvania Criminal Justice Salary Guide, with top earners exceeding this by over 10% through overtime and specialized unit assignments. Pennsylvania’s senior federal roles frequently outpace national averages, particularly in agencies like the FBI or DEA operating in major hubs. Certifications like crime scene investigation credentials or bilingual proficiency can boost earnings by 7-12%, while advanced degrees often qualify you for leadership roles with 15-20% salary increases. Specializing in high-demand areas like human trafficking investigations or financial crime analysis may lead to additional pay incentives. Job growth remains steady due to statewide public safety expansions, particularly in cybercrime units and counterterrorism task forces, where technological expertise commands premium salaries. Projections suggest 5-8% salary increases for specialized roles through 2030, driven by retirement waves in law enforcement and increased federal funding for community safety programs.
FAQs About Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs in Pennsylvania
Common Questions About Criminal Justice Degrees in Pennsylvania
Q: How long does it take to finish an online criminal justice degree? A: Most bachelor’s programs take 4 years full-time, but pacing varies. Penn State World Campus charges per credit (e.g., $632–$678/credit in 2024-25), letting you adjust course loads semester-to-semester. Part-time students often complete degrees in 5-6 years while maintaining jobs.
Q: Are these programs accredited and respected by employers? A: Yes – Penn State holds regional accreditation, St. Joseph's is MSCHE-accredited, and Penn Foster has DEAC approval. A Reddit user noted Penn State’s program is “well-regarded by PA law enforcement” source, with coursework meeting state agency standards.
Q: Can you work while completing an online criminal justice degree? A: Absolutely. Programs like Penn Foster offer self-paced courses with monthly payment plans ($75/month), while Penn State’s flat-rate semesters ($7,678–$8,371) suit those taking 12+ credits. Many students balance full-time jobs – one Reddit user mentioned “scheduling classes around shift work” successfully.
Q: What jobs can you get right after graduation? A: Entry-level roles include probation officer ($56k PA average), corrections case manager, or private security supervisor. Federal positions often require additional testing/training, but some graduates secure TSA or border patrol roles immediately.
Q: Do Pennsylvania schools offer financial aid for online students? A: Yes – all accredited programs qualify for federal aid. Penn State’s per-credit pricing allows partial enrollment for aid eligibility, while Penn Foster offers first-semester discounts ($600 off). Complete the FAFSA to access grants/loans.
Q: How do these programs prepare you for federal law enforcement roles? A: Courses cover constitutional law, investigative techniques, and policy analysis – foundational skills for agencies like the FBI. Penn State’s program includes electives in counterterrorism and cybercrime, which meet federal job prerequisites.
Q: Can you transfer credits from community colleges in Pennsylvania? A: Most programs accept transfers. Penn State’s 60-credit tier pricing assumes prior credits, and Reddit users confirm “LPN credits transferred smoothly” from PA community colleges. Always request pre-enrollment credit evaluations.
Q: Are there networking opportunities with local agencies during the program? A: Many programs connect students through virtual career fairs or guest lectures. Penn State students report “Zoom panels with PA State Police recruiters” source, while St. Joseph’s partners with Philadelphia courts for internships.