Study Criminal Justice in North Carolina

North Carolina is a hotbed of higher education. With world-renowned institutions like the University of North Carolina and Duke University, plus an extensive network of other public and private colleges and universities, there is no shortage of opportunities to get an education in the Tarheel State.

Many of North Carolina’s higher education institutions also offer online learning. This includes numerous schools with online programs in criminal justice. The hardest part of starting your education is often choosing which program best fits your needs. If you find yourself in that situation, this guide, which features some of the popular undergraduate and graduate programs in North Carolina, can help!

Best Accredited Online Criminal Justice Degrees in North Carolina - Criminal Justice Bachelor's, Master's and Associate's Programs in NC

Online Criminal Justice Degrees in North Carolina

Listed below are some of the popular schools offering online criminal justice degrees in North Carolina:

  • North Carolina Central University
  • North Carolina A&T University
  • Campbell University
  • Penn State University World Campus
  • North Carolina Wesleyan University
  • Western Carolina University
  • Methodist University
  • Southern New Hampshire University
  • Liberty University
  • Maryville University

North Carolina Central University

Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from North Carolina Central University is a foundational degree that prepares you for entry-level work in criminal justice. At 120 credits, it’s a typical four-year program that explores many different facets of the criminal justice field. Of course, what’s non-traditional about it is that it’s an entirely online program.

This program has a few unique features that make it an interesting choice for completing your degree. On the one hand, it’s certified by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS), an international professional organization that promotes scholarly activities and professional development. Having this certification is another level of assurance that the education you get is aligned with modern industry standards.

On the other hand, this NCCU program offers you the advantage of choosing among numerous criminal justice specializations. These include law enforcement, corrections, juvenile justice, and homeland security. More on those in a moment.

The curriculum begins with general education studies in areas like English, history, physical education, and foreign language studies. You’ll also take courses in health, social sciences, and the natural sciences. These general studies are complemented by specific coursework within the criminal justice field.

Among the first courses you’ll take within the major is Introduction to Criminal Justice. As the name indicates, this course is a broad introduction to the major theories and practices of criminal justice. You’ll learn about the history of the criminal justice system in the U.S., explore major criminal justice theories, and analyze law enforcement, judicial, and correctional practices, both past and present.

Another early course you’re required to take is Introduction to Law Enforcement. This class examines the history of law enforcement in the U.S. and explores features of law enforcement, such as police training, victimology, and criminal investigations. A similarly broad class you’ll take is Introduction to Corrections, which focuses on the development of the U.S. correctional system, the role of rehabilitation in preparing offenders for reentry into society, and problems in the correctional system, too.

As you advance in the program, you’ll move into more specific, high-level studies in criminal justice. For example, you’ll take a 3000-level class in Criminal Justice Theory, which analyzes past and present theories that seek to explain criminal behavior. You’ll also take a class in Criminal Law, Procedure, and Court Processes to develop a better understanding of the experience of people accused and charged with crimes.

This program includes a significant research focus, too. In addition to taking a Research Methods course with a lab component, you’re also required to take a Statistical Methods with a lab component. These courses enable you to be a good consumer of criminal justice research while also developing the skills needed to add to the body of research in this field.

Other required coursework for this degree includes the following:

  • Juvenile Justice
  • Ethics and Diversity in Criminal Justice
  • Senior Seminar in Criminal Justice
  • Criminal Justice Practicum

You must meet the following requirements to apply:

  • Have a high school diploma or its equivalent with a 2.25 cumulative GPA or higher.
  • Submit official high school transcripts or equivalency scores.
  • Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
  • Provide any additional information as requested by the university.

North Carolina A&T University

Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

At North Carolina A&T University, you can complete a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice that focuses on cutting-edge aspects of the field, such as data analytics, forensic science, and crime scene investigation. In fact, this program is interdisciplinary. You’ll take classes from multiple departments, including criminal justice, engineering, and the Center of Excellence in Cybersecurity, Research, Education, and Outreach (CREO).

This 120-credit program requires four years of full-time studies to complete. During that time you’ll take classes in several different categories. For example, you’ll complete 32 credits of general education courses in areas like math, science, languages, and social sciences. Likewise, you’ll explore studies in areas such as:

  • History
  • Sociology
  • Psychology
  • Political Science
  • Biology

These and other general education courses are very broad; their purpose is to help you develop a general understanding of each subject while also developing the necessary skills to be successful in more advanced classes. For example, your coursework in English enables you to hone your written communication skills, which in turn helps you be more successful in the criminal justice research courses you’ll take later in the program.

Likewise, courses like Introduction to Sociology and Introduction to Psychology give you basic insights into the human condition. More specifically, you’ll explore the social influences on human behavior as well as the individual factors that make some people more likely to commit crimes.

The required general education courses are supplemented by 15 hours of free electives. These courses can be from any undergraduate field of study. You can choose to take courses adjacent to criminal justice (e.g., additional sociology or psychology classes), or you can take courses in subjects further afield (e.g., chemistry, foreign language).

Within the major, you’ll take 34 credits of required criminal justice classes. These courses include typical studies like Corrections, Research Methods in Criminal Justice, and Criminology. You’ll also take courses such as:

  • Applied Methods in Criminal Justice
  • Policing: Administration and Process
  • Introductory Statistics for Criminal Justice and Lab

You’re also required to participate in an internship during your senior year. The University helps arrange internship options for you in your local area, so you don’t have to travel too far to complete this requirement. You might be placed in a law enforcement setting, in the court system, or in a correctional setting, depending on your specific interests and the availability of internship locations in your area.

Beyond that, you’ll complete 15 credits of criminal justice electives and an additional 24 credits of departmental courses. You can choose to add a Forensic Science Certificate as well. This certificate focuses on Crime Scene Investigation, and requires you to complete 24 credits of CSI coursework in addition to the requirements outlined above for the criminal justice degree.

You must meet the following requirements to apply as a first-year student:

  • Have a high school diploma or its equivalent that indicates you’ve completed the following coursework:
    • Four units of English
    • Four units of math
    • Three units of science
    • Two units of social studies
    • Two units of the same foreign language
  • Submit official high school transcripts or equivalency scores.
  • Submit transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.

Campbell University

Campbell University offers a number of undergraduate programs in criminal justice. In fact, you can choose from any of the following:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice – Pre-Law
  • Bachelor of Applied Science in Criminal Justice
  • Bachelor of Applied Science in Criminal Justice – Pre-Law
  • Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Social Science

In each case, you’ll complete around 124 credits to graduate. All coursework is done completely online, and each class follows an accelerated 8-week term (as opposed to the typical 16-week semester format). Likewise, these programs share similar learning outcomes.

For example, no matter which track you pursue, you’ll learn about criminal justice policy, explore issues related to the use of force, and analyze recent calls for social justice in the criminal justice field. You’ll gain an understanding of strategies for criminal justice reform, learn how to be an ethical professional, and learn effective research and analytical methods for criminal justice research.

Likewise, you’ll gain a number of professional skills necessary for carrying out your work in this field. These include the following:

  • Improved critical thinking skills
  • Expanded communication skills
  • Ethical thinking skills
  • Enhanced problem-solving skills
  • An improved understanding of criminal justice policies, processes, and procedures

Each concentration has slightly different course options. But we can use the Criminal Justice BA Pre-Law option to gain a basic understanding of the classes you might take.

In addition to general education coursework like the classes discussed earlier, you must complete 73 credits of criminal justice coursework. This coursework begins with lower-division classes like Introduction to Criminal Justice, Introduction to Criminology, and Courts and Procedures. You’ll also take classes in Introduction to Law Enforcement, Ethics in Government, and Correctional Philosophies and Issues.

Beyond that, you’ll take classes like Criminal Justice Administration, which focuses on the day-to-day activities necessary for running organizations like law enforcement agencies and correctional facilities. Furthermore, you’ll take a class in Juvenile Justice, which examines the unique approaches used in rehabilitating juvenile offenders and explores the challenges of administering justice when youth is involved.

You’re also required to participate in a criminal justice internship. This experience is critical for your development. It allows you to see first-hand how workers in the criminal justice field operate from one day to the next. Furthermore, it enables you to apply what you’ve learned in a real-world environment. The experience you gain in an internship can also be highly informative regarding which field of law enforcement is most appealing to you.

As a pre-law student, you must also complete various political science, history, and communications courses. For example, you’ll take classes on The National Government, State and Local Government, and Introduction to Law. Classes in U.S. History, Public Speaking, and English are also required.

You can apply to Campbell University online at any time. Follow these steps to apply:

  • Complete the application linked above. There is no fee to apply.
  • Submit official high school transcripts or equivalency scores.
  • Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.

If applying as a first-year student without any college experience, the primary factor in determining admission eligibility is your high school GPA or military experience. If you have taken college classes, the most important factor the University considers is your undergraduate GPA. It’s recommended that you have at least a 2.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA when applying.

Penn State University World Campus

Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

In Penn State’s online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program, you’ll complete 120 credits, typically taking four years if studying full-time, although the program allows flexibility to adjust your pace. By choosing to take more or fewer courses each semester, you can accelerate or slow down your studies as needed for your schedule.

Through this degree, you’ll gain key skills in criminal justice, such as:

  • Tackling complex issues in criminal justice.
  • Analyzing behaviors related to crime.
  • Assessing the effectiveness of crime control approaches.
  • Understanding legal principles of the justice system.
  • Evaluating criminal justice research critically.

The program begins with general education courses in areas like writing, communication, mathematics, and natural sciences. You’ll also study introductory topics in humanities, social sciences, and wellness.

The core criminal justice curriculum includes 24 credits in required courses, where you’ll cover topics such as Introduction to Criminal Justice, Criminology, and Policing in America. You’ll also explore Courts and the Prosecution Process, Corrections in America, and Ethics in Criminal Justice. A statistics course will teach you to gather, analyze, and interpret data within the criminal justice field.

To specialize your studies, you’ll complete 12 additional credits in areas of criminal justice. Options include Public and Private Policing, Diversity in Criminal Justice, and Special Populations and the Law, which you can mix to create your own concentration.

For instance, if you are interested in diversity issues, you might choose courses like:

  • Race, Ethnicity, and Culture
  • Border Security
  • Race, Crime, and Justice
  • Criminal Law and Procedure

If you are more focused on criminal justice administration, courses such as Police Administration, Border Security, Alternatives to Incarceration, and The Juvenile Justice System will provide administrative insight.

To further customize your degree, you may choose electives in areas like security management, homeland security, or child welfare.

If you have prior police training, you may be able to receive credit for up to 16.5 credits from ACT 120 Municipal Police Training or Pennsylvania State Police training, which can apply toward specific courses such as:

  • Introduction to Criminal Justice
  • Courts and the Prosecution Process
  • Policing in America
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Physical Conditioning
  • First Aid and CPR

To be admitted to this program, you must:

  • Hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Submit transcripts from high school or GED.
  • Provide official transcripts from any post-secondary institutions attended.
  • Demonstrate English proficiency if English is not your first language.

North Carolina Wesleyan University

Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice

North Carolina Wesleyan’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice enables you to build off your undergraduate studies and develop advanced competencies in the criminal justice field. Whether you’re seeking this degree after completing your undergraduate program in criminal justice, using this degree to change careers, or want an advanced education to pursue a better criminal justice job, this program is for you!

As an online degree, you reap the benefits of a convenient and flexible way to continue your education. Each class is accelerated and follows an 8-week format. This allows you to take fewer classes at once, direct more of your attention to a smaller class load, and still graduate in the same amount of time as a traditional master’s program.

Having said that, this program provides flexibility in terms of full-time or part-time studies. You can study full-time to minimize the time required to graduate, or work at your own pace on a part-time schedule to account for work and life obligations. Whichever path you choose, you can select from multiple start dates throughout the year which add to the flexibility of this program.

You’re required to complete 33 credits to graduate. Eighteen of these credits are required courses, while the remaining 15 credits are electives. The six required courses are as follows:

  • Overview of Criminal Justice
  • Victimology
  • Criminological Theories
  • Research Methods
  • Current and Legal Issues in Criminal Justice
  • Capstone

Some of these courses explore highly specific topics. For example, the Victimology class analyzes the experience of crime victims. More specifically, you’ll explore the relationship between victims, offenders, and society at large.

Other required classes are much more broad. The Overview of Criminal Justice course, for example, examines the structures of the criminal justice system, their functions, and the processes used to prevent crime. This class also examines the court system, corrections, and juvenile justice, to name a few.

The Capstone requirement is a unique opportunity to demonstrate what you learn in this program. The Capstone requires you to complete a major project, such as a program analysis paper or a comprehensive examination. No matter which option you choose, you’ll deeply examine criminal justice principles, demonstrate your understanding of those principles, and apply what you’ve learned in the context of addressing relevant criminal justice issues or problems.

This program offers two concentrations as well: Administration or Practice. The concentration you choose determines which electives you take to complete this degree. For example, the Administration option includes coursework in areas like:

  • Community Leadership Strategies
  • Grant Writing and Legal Aspects
  • Organization Management and Administration for Criminal Justice
  • Human Resources Management and Legal Aspects
  • Management in a Diverse Labor Society

Meanwhile, the Practice option includes classes such as:

  • Terrorism, Drugs, and Human Trafficking
  • Prevention and Intervention
  • Clinical Supervision Seminar in Drugs and Crime
  • Race, Class, and Gender
  • Grant Writing and Legal Aspects

Both concentrations further require directed study, which is an intensive study opportunity in a specific criminal justice area that’s selected by the instructor. Both concentrations also require you to complete an internship to gain relevant field experience.

You can apply to this program here at any time. The admissions requirements are as follows:

  • Have an undergraduate degree with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above.
  • Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
  • Provide a current resume with two letters of reference.
  • Submit a statement of purpose in which you discuss your career goals in this field and how this program will help you achieve those goals.

Is It Better to Get a Degree in Criminology or Criminal Justice?

A degree in criminology is typically more research-oriented, focusing on understanding the causes of crime, the behavior of criminals, and the societal impact of crime. This field involves studying theories of crime, criminal behavior, and the social contexts in which crime occurs. Careers for criminology graduates often include roles in research, policy analysis, academic positions, and specialized areas such as criminal profiling and forensic psychology.

On the other hand, a degree in criminal justice is more practical and system-focused, concentrating on the structure and function of the criminal justice system itself. This includes law enforcement, the court system, corrections, and related agencies. Criminal justice programs typically prepare students for careers in policing, corrections, legal assistance, and administration within various criminal justice agencies.

If you are interested in directly working within the criminal justice system, such as becoming a police officer, detective, probation officer, or correctional officer, a criminal justice degree may be more suitable. It provides a broad understanding of the system and practical skills relevant to these roles.

If you are drawn to understanding why crimes occur, developing policies to prevent crime, or conducting research and analysis, a degree in criminology may be a better fit. This path is ideal for those who wish to work in research, academia, or policy development.

What are the Career Opportunities for Criminal Justice Graduates in North Carolina?

North Carolina offers various roles across different sectors, each contributing to the effective functioning of the criminal justice system in North Carolina.

In law enforcement, you can pursue a career as a police officer or detective in cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, or Greensboro. These roles involve ensuring public safety, investigating crimes, and engaging with the community to address security concerns. Additionally, you may consider positions with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, which focuses on statewide traffic enforcement and public safety.

The corrections sector in North Carolina provides roles such as correctional officer or probation officer, where you’ll oversee individuals in correctional facilities or those on probation. The North Carolina Department of Public Safety is a key employer in this field, offering numerous opportunities for career advancement and specialization.

Legal services in North Carolina present another pathway. Positions such as paralegal or legal assistant are available in law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies. These roles involve supporting attorneys by conducting legal research, preparing documents, and organizing case files. Additionally, the North Carolina court system, including the Supreme Court of North Carolina and various county courts, offers positions like court clerks or bailiffs, assisting in the administration of justice.

Social services offer career options as well, with roles such as social worker or case manager. In these positions, you’ll help individuals and families navigate the criminal justice system, providing essential support and resources to those affected by crime.

The private sector in North Carolina also offers opportunities in private security and loss prevention, particularly in commercial centers and large retail operations. Here, you can work to protect assets and ensure the safety of employees and customers.

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