admin2An online criminal justice degree in Florida will prepare you for a career in law enforcement, legal studies, corrections, forensic science, and more. Unlike a traditional on-campus program, online degrees offer flexibility and convenience.
You’ll take courses like:
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Criminology
- Criminal Law
- Law Enforcement Operations
- Corrections
- Research Methods in Criminal Justice
Some programs may offer concentrations in areas like legal studies, forensic science or homeland security. The curriculum provides an overview of the criminal justice system and how its components work together. You’ll analyze case studies, debate current issues, and learn practical skills.
How it works
Online programs are delivered through a school’s learning management system. You’ll complete assignments, join virtual lectures, and take exams online. Some courses may require proctored testing at an approved location. You’ll work at your own pace, within a set schedule for assignment due dates and live sessions.
An online degree takes work and commitment but can be completed in 2-4 years depending on credits. Acceptance typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Some schools may accept credits from an associate’s degree or professional experience.
Why study criminal justice?
A criminal justice degree opens the door to a rewarding career serving your community. Job opportunities include police officer, legal assistant, probation officer, and forensic scientist. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in law enforcement and legal support will grow over the next decade.
Benefits of an Online Criminal Justice Degree
Studying for an online criminal justice degree in Florida has some major benefits.
1. The flexibility and convenience can’t be beat. You can complete your coursework whenever and wherever works for your schedule. No time-consuming commute to campus means you’ll save time, gas money, and reduce your carbon footprint. The asynchronous format lets you work at your own pace.
2. Online programs typically cost less than traditional on-campus degrees. Lower overhead costs for the university and fewer fees for you mean significant savings. Many Florida schools also offer discounted in-state tuition for online students.
3. You’ll learn useful tech skills that translate to the workplace. Navigating online courses, using chat and messaging to collaborate, and leveraging the web for research are all relevant experiences for many criminal justice jobs today.
4. Online degrees provide opportunities for networking and mentorship. Though virtual, you can connect with professors and peers with similar interests in the field. Some programs facilitate internships and job placement, allowing you to gain experience and land work right after earning your degree.
Top Online Criminal Justice Programs in Florida
Florida offers many reputable online criminal justice degree programs. Here are some of the top schools and programs to consider:
1. University of Central Florida
UCF offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. This 120-credit hour program provides a broad overview of the criminal justice system and careers in law enforcement, corrections, and legal studies. UCF is one of the largest public universities in the U.S. with over 68,000 students.
2. Saint Leo University
Saint Leo University, a private Catholic institution, offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with concentrations in Homeland Security or Forensic Science. This accredited program focuses on developing skills in areas like criminal law, ethical decision-making, and critical thinking. Saint Leo has over 16,000 students across many campuses and online.
3. Florida State University
FSU provides an online Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice. This degree covers topics such as theories of crime, law enforcement, courts, and corrections. FSU is one of the top public research universities in the U.S. with a student population over 41,000. Graduates of this program pursue careers as police officers, probation officers, crime analysts, and criminal investigators.
4. Keiser University
Keiser University, a private nonprofit university, offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. This 120-credit hour program focuses on developing skills in areas such as criminal law and procedure, juvenile justice, criminal investigations, and homeland security. Keiser University has over 20,000 students across 15 campuses statewide.
Admissions Requirements for Online Criminal Justice Programs
To earn an online criminal justice degree in Florida, you’ll need to meet certain admissions requirements that vary by school and program. Here’s what you can typically expect:
1. Undergraduate Admissions
For a bachelor’s in criminal justice, you’ll usually need a high school diploma or equivalent with a minimum GPA, possibly around a 2.0-2.5. Some schools may require certain coursework, like a few years of math, science, English, and social studies. You may need to submit an application, official transcripts, letters of recommendation and possibly an essay.
2. Graduate Admissions
Master’s and PhD programs typically have additional requirements. For a master’s, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree, preferably in criminal justice or a related field like criminology, sociology or law. You may need a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75-3.0. Some programs require GRE or LSAT scores. For a PhD, you’ll need a master’s degree, usually with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Strong GRE scores, a writing sample, and possibly a proposal for your dissertation topic may be required.
Both undergraduate and graduate criminal justice programs often consider relevant work or life experience as part of your application. Having experience in law enforcement, corrections, security, the legal field or a related area can strengthen your application, as can volunteer work, internships, or extracurricular activities associated with criminal justice.
READ ALSO- Top Online Schools for an Education Degree
Conclusion
In summary, online criminal justice degrees in Florida provide an affordable, flexible path to earning your credential. With a strong curriculum, networking, and skill-building, you’ll be prepared for an exciting career serving and protecting your community. The convenience of learning remotely and savings in cost and time make this a worthy investment in your future.
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