Online Criminal Justice — Paralegal School & Master of Legal Studies 2026
Compare accredited online criminal justice programs for law enforcement professionals, corrections officers, and aspiring attorneys. Find FAFSA-eligible schools with concentrations in homeland security, forensic science, cybercrime, and corrections management.
Paralegal School, Master of Legal Studies & Criminal Justice Degrees Online 2026
Paralegal school online programs prepare graduates for roles supporting attorneys in law firms, corporations, and government agencies. ABA-approved paralegal certificates and associate degrees are available online from schools like Kaplan University and UCLA Extension. Master of Legal Studies (MLS) and Master of Studies in Law (MSL) are non-JD law degrees designed for business professionals, HR managers, compliance officers, and healthcare administrators who need legal literacy without practicing law. Programs are offered at Northwestern, Arizona State, Penn State, and Drexel.
PhD in healthcare administration online programs prepare executives for C-suite roles in hospital systems and health networks. Programs available at Capella University, Northcentral University, and Medical University of South Carolina. Masters in international relations online programs are offered at American University, Johns Hopkins SAIS Online, and Syracuse University Maxwell School.
Top Online Criminal Justice Programs 2025
| University | Degree Level | Total Tuition | FAFSA | Concentrations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purdue Global | AS / BS / MS | $9,240/yr | ✓ Yes | Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Forensics |
| Arizona State University | BS / MS | $8,050/yr | ✓ Yes | Criminology, Law & Political Economy |
| Colorado State Univ. Global | BS / MS | $8,400/yr | ✓ Yes | Corrections, Homeland Security, Law Enforcement |
| Southern New Hampshire Univ. | AS / BS / MS | $9,600/yr | ✓ Yes | Forensic Accounting, Cybercrime, Corrections |
| Liberty University | BS / MS / PhD | $11,700/yr | ✓ Yes | Homeland Security, Law Enforcement Leadership |
| University of Cincinnati | BS / MS | $11,000/yr | ✓ Yes | Criminology, Juvenile Justice, Corrections |
Criminal Justice Careers & Salary Guide
| Career | Minimum Education | Median Salary (BLS) | Growth Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police & Detective | High School / Academy | $69,160 | 3% (avg) |
| FBI Special Agent | Bachelor's + experience | $85,000+ | Competitive |
| Probation / Parole Officer | Bachelor's | $63,190 | 4% |
| Correctional Officer | High School | $47,920 | -7% (declining) |
| Forensic Science Technician | Bachelor's | $61,930 | 14% (fast) |
| Homeland Security Analyst | Bachelor's / Master's | $103,000 | Strong |
| Cybercrime Investigator | Bachelor's + certifications | $112,000 | 33% (very fast) |