Online Criminal Justice Degrees in Illinois
Illinois has a robust higher education system that makes getting a degree all the easier. On the one hand, you can choose to study criminal justice at any of the dozens of colleges and universities throughout the state. On the other hand, many of Illinois’ institutions of higher learning offer online degrees in this field.
Better still, you can earn a bachelor’s or a master’s degree (or both!) completely online. The flexibility an online program provides is second to none – continue in your current career while you complete your studies and then, upon graduation, have the skills necessary to step into a new criminal justice role.
Programs outlined below represent some of the popular online criminal justice degree options Illinois has to offer.
Online Criminal Justice Degrees in Illinois
Listed below are some of the popular schools offering online criminal justice degrees in Illinois:
- Greenville University
- Aurora University
- Southern Illinois University
- Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
- Penn State University World Campus
- Western Illinois University
- Southern New Hampshire University
- Liberty University
- UMass Global
- Grand Canyon University
Greenville University
Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
At Greenville University, you can complete a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in about four years. During that time, you’ll learn how criminal behavior, social processes, and global intelligence intertwine within the realm of criminal justice. Likewise, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills you need to pursue a career in corrections, law enforcement, and related career areas.
Over the course of 120 credits, you’ll take a wide range of courses both within and outside the criminal justice major. For example, a large portion of this degree is general education requirements. These classes explore broad topics in classic liberal arts fields, such as math, science, social sciences, and language arts.
However, there are many other subject areas you’re required to study as part of the general education coursework. For example, you’ll take courses in history, communications, and writing. You’ll also take courses that enhance your quantitative reasoning skills, your ability to solve problems, and your ability to analyze information.
The major-area courses explore topics specific to criminal justice. The core courses include the following:
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Criminal Justice Community Relations
- Values and Ethics in Criminal Justice
- Crime and Social Deviance
- Principles of Sociology
After that, you must complete a number of courses in specific areas. For example, you’re required to take a course focusing on law enforcement, such as Introduction to Homeland Security, Advanced Law Enforcement Administration, or Law Enforcement Intelligence, to name a few.
Likewise, you’re required to take a research course. You can choose from a Criminal Justice Research Methods class or a Social Work Research Methods Class. You’ll add a statistics course to that, taking either a Psychological Statistics class or a Social Work Statistics class. Further course requirements include Juvenile Delinquency and Policies and Agendas.
You must also take two of the following four classes:
- Crime Scene Investigation
- Criminal Law
- Law Enforcement
- Corrections
The final component of the curriculum is a practicum experience. The purpose of a practicum is to see how the theories and techniques you’ve learned are applied in real-world settings. Usually, practicum experiences include observation of criminal justice workers in their day-to-day activities. You might also have the opportunity to gain work experience.
For example, let’s assume you’re majoring in criminal justice so you can become a probation agent. During your practicum, your supervisor might have you co-lead a psychoeducational class about decision-making with recent probationers.
There are 39 major-area requirements in all. The remainder of the requirements to graduate are general education classes and electives. Your criminal justice classes are eight weeks long, allowing you to complete your major courses more quickly without an overload of classwork.
You must meet the following requirements to be considered for admission:
- Submit the online application linked above.
- Have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
- Submit official high school transcripts or equivalency scores.
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
International students must also submit official English language proficiency scores.
Aurora University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Aurora University offers a flexible and convenient online format that enables you to get your degree with minimal disruptions to your work and personal lives. In fact, the program was specifically designed for working students and those who have experience working in this field.
A total of 120 credits are required to graduate. If you begin this program fresh out of high school, you’ll need about four years to complete all the classes needed to graduate. However, your timeline to graduate might be much shorter if you transfer credits in, like those earned in an associate of arts program.
Assuming you have no previous experience studying criminal justice at the collegiate level, you’ll begin this program by completing general education requirements like those described earlier. For example, you might take College Algebra and Trigonometry to satisfy the course requirement for quantitative reasoning. You might also take Public Speaking to satisfy the communications requirement. Similarly, you could take Art History and Greek History to meet the requirements for the world cultures component of the program.
The core portion of this program requires the completion of 40 credits of criminal justice studies. Eight fundamental courses must be taken as part of this degree. For example, you’ll take Introduction to the Criminal Justice System, which explores the history, structure, and function of the U.S. courts, police organizations, and correctional facilities. You’ll also take a class in Correctional Services to learn more specifically about the incarceration, rehabilitation, and punishment components of criminal justice.
You’ll also take a Criminology class, which explores the theories that explain why crime occurs and how to minimize or control it. You’ll look at the history of criminology, the victim’s experience, and the social components of crime. Related to that is a class in Criminal Law, which examines areas like criminal liability, crimes against people and property, and crimes related to public order. This class also has a field experience in which you observe a criminal court proceeding.
Other required core courses include the following:
- Criminal Justice Report Writing
- Policing in America
- Research Methods
- Strategic Planning and Ethics
You must also choose two classes to supplement your foundational studies. Aurora University offers a laundry list of possible classes, from Homeland Security and Forensic Science to Security Leadership and Criminal Investigation. Other options you might choose include the following:
- Organized Crime
- Terrorism and Counterterrorism
- Criminal Evidence and Procedure
- International Crime and Justice
- Constitutional Law and the Judicial System
You can also choose to complete a criminal justice internship. An internship is an excellent opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in a real-world setting. It’s also a chance to make connections in this industry, which can help you find a job upon graduating from this program.
A unique feature of this program is that many criminal justice professors use open education resources instead of books. This practice is convenient from an access standpoint – you can access your reading materials anytime, anywhere, but it’s also cost-effective because these materials are offered free of charge.
You must meet the following criteria to qualify:
- Complete the undergraduate application for admission linked above.
- Have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
- Submit official high school transcripts or equivalency scores.
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
- Provide a resume outlining at least two years of work experience, military service, or another kind of adult responsibility.
- Write a personal statement in which you explain why you want to learn online and describe how you will schedule your personal, work, and school lives to be successful.
Southern Illinois University
Bachelor of Arts – Criminal Justice
If you’re interested in criminology and criminal justice, Southern Illinois has a Bachelor of Arts in both fields that might be an ideal choice for your studies. The program requires four years of study, during which time you’ll complete 120 college credits.
More specifically, you must take 39 credits of university core curriculum classes, 42 credits of criminology and criminal justice classes, and 39 elective credits to reach the 120-credit threshold to graduate. The university core curriculum is much the same as the general education classes discussed earlier. Broadly speaking, they are introductory classes focusing on essential knowledge and skills required to be competent in the workplace, no matter your major.
For example, your first semester in this program might look something like this:
- Humanities
- English Composition I
- Introduction to Contemporary Math
- Physical Science
- University Success
- Human Health
You’ll note that these classes are all university core – none are in the criminal justice major. Usually, major-area coursework doesn’t begin until the program’s second year. So, you might take 30 credits during your first year of studies, all of which might be university core classes.
Then, as you progress through the program, you’ll take more and more criminology and criminal justice courses. As an example, your second year of studies might include classes like Introduction to the Criminal Justice System, Introduction to Criminological Theory, and Introduction to Criminal Law. You might also take a Criminal Justice Research course, Introduction to Criminal Justice Statistics, and take part in a supervised criminal justice field experience.
The third and fourth years of the program are almost exclusively dedicated to electives. As noted earlier, you need 39 elective credits to graduate. These credits can come from within criminal justice and outside of this field, too.
For example, you might take criminal justice electives like the Victim’s Experience, Crime Scene Investigation, and the U.S. Correctional System. You might take non criminal justice electives, too, like Sociology, Psychology, and Public Policy, to name a few. You’re also free to supplement your learning with an approved minor. You can choose from minors that relate to criminal justice or minors in completely different areas, such as:
- Geography
- Latino and Latin American Studies
- Anthropology
- Political Science
- Psychology
You can also choose to complete an undergraduate certificate in conservation law enforcement. This specialized certification is designed specifically for students who wish to combine law enforcement principles with wildlife, forestry, and conservation applications.
Other unique learning opportunities are available as part of this program, too. For example, you might consider applying for SIU’s Criminology and Criminal Justice Accelerated Master’s program and finish your undergraduate and graduate degrees in just five years. Likewise, you might combine this Criminology and Criminal Justice bachelor’s degree with a Juris Doctorate and complete both degrees in just six years.
You must meet the following requirements to be admitted as a first-year student:
- Complete an application for admission and pay a $40 application fee.
- Provide official high school transcripts or equivalency scores.
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
You will be considered for automatic admission if you meet one of the following criteria:
- A 2.75 cumulative high school GPA or higher.
- A top 10 percent class ranking.
- A 23 on the ACT or 1130 on the SAT
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville
Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice Policy
At SIU-Edwardsville, you can advance your understanding of criminal justice while enhancing your resume for a new criminal justice career by completing the Master of Science in Criminal Justice Policy. This degree explores many different areas, including controversial practices, the court system, and emerging issues like cybercrime.
This fully online program requires just 30 credits to graduate. Assuming you attend school full-time, you can complete this degree in two years (or six consecutive semesters). However, SIU-Edwardsville offers the opportunity to earn credit via Prior Learning Assessments, so you might be able to earn a handful of credits toward graduation based on previous learning or work experience.
The 30 credits needed to graduate are evenly split between required courses and electives. The required courses examine topics closely related to criminal justice policy. For example, you’ll take an Applied Research in Criminal Justice class that allows you to evaluate previous and current research and draw conclusions about the effectiveness of criminal justice policies.
As another example, you’ll take a Criminal Justice Statistics class that enables you to use descriptive statistics and quantitative methods to determine the effectiveness of criminal justice policies. Taking courses like this makes you a more informed criminal justice professional and can lead to employment in the field, within criminal justice organizations, or in research.
Other core courses you’re required to take include the following:
- Criminological Theory
- Criminal Justice Planning and Budgeting
- Policy Analysis
The elective portion of the program required you to take between 9-15 credits. The program offers many different electives, from Civil Liability to Human Trafficking to United States Drug Policy. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Other possible elective courses include the following:
- Theories of a Just Society
- Disparate Treatment in the Criminal Justice System
- Critical Issues in Law Enforcement
- Criminal Justice and the Mental Health System
- Judicial Process in Criminal Cases
The final part of this program is the exit requirement coursework. You have the option of choosing among three options: a thesis, a capstone experience, or an exit exam.
The thesis option is perhaps the most traditional. It requires extensive research on a criminal justice policy topic that you must then present in a publication-ready research paper. You’re also required to defend your thesis to a thesis committee of faculty members.
The capstone option is also heavily focused on research, but it’s a much more applied approach than the thesis. Where a thesis is often theoretical, a capstone is applied. That is, you might be asked to conduct research and make suggestions for addressing a problematic criminal justice policy.
If you choose the exit exam, you’ll replace the research components of the thesis and capstone requirements with a significant summative assessment in criminal justice policy. Think of it as a final exam, but one that addresses central topics and themes from every course you’ve taken in the program.
You can apply to SIU-Edwardsville’s graduate school online at any time. To do so, ensure you satisfy the following requirements:
- Complete the application linked above and pay a $40 application fee.
- Have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
- Provide two letters of recommendation.
- Write a statement of purpose in which you explain your career goals and how this program will help you achieve those goals.
You are welcome to submit GRE scores as well, but this is not required.
Penn State University World Campus
Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
You can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Penn State’s World Campus, a 120-credit program typically requiring about four years of full-time study to complete. However, since this is a work-at-your-own-pace program, you can choose to take more classes each semester to finish early or complete your coursework on a part-time basis to fit your busy schedule.
During your studies, you’ll acquire essential criminal justice skills, such as:
- Solving complex criminal justice-related problems.
- Analyzing criminal behavior.
- Evaluating the efficacy of crime control measures.
- Articulating the legal foundations of the criminal justice system.
- Critically examining criminal justice research.
Your curriculum will focus on several content areas. First, you must complete general education classes in areas like writing and speaking, quantification, and natural sciences. You’ll also need to take introductory courses in the arts and humanities, social and behavioral sciences, and health and wellness, among others.
The criminal justice portion of your curriculum begins with 24 credits of prescribed courses. These foundational classes cover broad topics central to the field, such as Introduction to Criminal Justice, Criminology, and Policing in America.
Additionally, you’ll take prescribed courses focusing on Courts and the Prosecution Process, Corrections in America, and Ethics in Criminal Justice. Research-oriented classes, including a statistics course, are also required to help you understand how to collect, analyze, and report on important criminal justice-related data.
You’ll need another 12 credits of criminal justice coursework in specialized areas within the field, such as Public and Private Policing, Diversity in Criminal Justice, and Special Populations and the Law. Each area offers three or four courses; you can either take all the courses in one area or mix and match courses from each of these three areas.
For example, if you are interested in diversity issues within criminal justice, you might take the following classes:
- Race, Ethnicity, and Culture
- Border Security
- Race, Crime, and Justice
- Criminal Law and Procedure
If you are more interested in administrative issues in criminal justice, your four courses might include:
- Police Administration
- Border Security
- Alternatives to Incarceration
- The Juvenile Justice System
Elective coursework rounds out the requirements for your degree. Penn State offers electives in various criminal justice areas, allowing you to tailor your learning to your interests. For example, you might focus on security management, homeland security, or child welfare.
Moreover, Penn State offers the opportunity to earn credit for police training. The university may accept up to 16.5 credits from ACT 120, Municipal Police Training, or Pennsylvania State Police training and apply them to fulfill the following courses:
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Courts and the Prosecution Process
- Policing in America
- Interpersonal Communication
- Physical Conditioning
- First Aid and CPR
To be admitted, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
- Submit high school or GED transcripts.
- Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
- Provide English proficiency scores (if English is not your native language).
What are the Career Opportunities for Criminal Justice Graduates in Illinois?
As a criminal justice graduate in Illinois, you will find a wide range of career opportunities tailored to your education and skills. The state offers diverse roles across various sectors, each contributing to the robust criminal justice system in Illinois.
In law enforcement, you can consider becoming a police officer or detective, particularly in major cities like Chicago, where the demand for skilled professionals is high. Here, you will be tasked with maintaining public safety, investigating crimes, and working closely with the community to address security concerns. Illinois also has opportunities at the state level, such as working with the Illinois State Police, which involves statewide law enforcement duties.
The corrections sector in Illinois offers roles as a correctional officer or probation officer, where you’ll oversee individuals in correctional facilities or those on probation. The Illinois Department of Corrections is one of the largest employers in this field, providing numerous opportunities for career growth and specialization.
Legal services present another significant avenue. Positions as paralegals or legal assistants in Illinois law firms or corporate legal departments are abundant. These roles require you to support attorneys by conducting legal research, preparing documents, and organizing case files. Additionally, the state’s court system, including the Circuit Court of Cook County, offers positions such as court clerks or bailiffs, where you’ll assist in the administration of justice.
Social services also play a crucial role in Illinois, with opportunities to work as a social worker or case manager. These roles involve helping individuals and families navigate the criminal justice system, providing support and resources to those affected by crime.
The private sector in Illinois offers careers in private security and loss prevention, particularly in the bustling commercial districts of cities like Chicago. Here, you can work to protect assets and ensure the safety of employees and customers.
Furthermore, Illinois provides pathways into federal law enforcement agencies such as the FBI, DEA, and Homeland Security, where additional education and training can lead to specialized careers in national security and criminal investigations.
Related Reading
- Accredited Online Criminal Justice Degrees in California
- Popular Online Criminal Justice Degrees in Florida
- Popular Online Criminal Justice Degrees in New York
- Accredited Online Criminal Justice Degrees in Ohio
- Online Criminal Justice Degrees in Pennsylvania
- Accredited Online Criminal Justice Degrees in Texas