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Compare Online Criminal Justice Programs
School of Criminal Justice
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Imagine having a professional career you are proud of and look forward to each day. Choosing the right academic program could be the first step toward pursuing that goal.

The online criminal justice programs offered at Kaplan University are designed to equip you with current knowledge and skills relevant to careers in the fields of criminal justice, fire and emergency services, and security. Earning a degree or professional certificate online at Kaplan University could help you prepare for entry-level employment or career advancement.* Use the program comparison chart below to explore your options and determine which Kaplan University program is right for you.


Master's Degrees

Time Required

Who Should Take This Program?

Master of Science in Criminal Justice

Corrections, Global Issues in Criminal Justice, Law, Leadership and Executive Management, Policing

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55

12 to 18 months full-time or 24 to 33 months part-time

If you currently hold a bachelor's degree and want to advance your criminal justice career with a master's degree, this program is for you. An advanced criminal justice background opens high-level career opportunities in law enforcement, security, court systems, education, and training.

Graduates of this program may pursue these career opportunities:

  • Law enforcement
  • Court systems
  • Education and training
  • Security

Master of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management

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55

12 to 18 months full-time or 24 to 33 months part-time

If you currently hold a bachelor's degree and want to pursue an important career protecting the security and safety of our country, consider this program. An advanced degree could help you pursue high-level career opportunities in federal, state, and local agencies, as well as the private sector.

Graduates of this program may pursue these career opportunities:

  • Management-level positions in the areas of: Emergency preparedness and response
  • Border and transportation security
  • Homeland defense
  • Emergency management
  • Hazard mitigation

Bachelor's Degrees

Time Required

Who Should Take This Program?

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

Emphasis Areas

Computer Crime, Corrections, Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Psychology, Homeland Security, Juvenile Justice, Law Enforcement

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180

4 years or less (full-time)

Those seeking employment in law enforcement, corrections, probation, or parole or those who want to advance their current criminal justice career with a bachelor's degree should consider this program. A criminal justice background opens career opportunities in corporate security, public safety, loss prevention and private protective services, or investigation.

Graduates of this program may pursue these career opportunities:

  • Corrections officer
  • State parks officer
  • State highway officer
  • Private investigator
  • Security expert
  • Disaster relief provider

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration and Management

Emphasis Areas

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180

4 years or less (full-time)

If you are interested in pursuing a criminal justice management position, consider this program. This baccalaureate program includes a variety of management courses that are designed to help you critically evaluate and respond to challenges as a leader in a criminal justice organization.

Graduates of this program may pursue these career opportunities:

  • Law enforcement supervisor or manager
  • Security manager
  • Parole administrator
  • Corrections supervisor or manager
  • Law enforcement systems analyst

Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Management

Emphasis Areas

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180

4 years or less (full-time)

This degree program is designed for those emergency services personnel who want to increase their administrative and management knowledge as well as occupational and life safety awareness. Graduates could pursue managerial positions and leadership roles in fire and emergency services organizations, emergency medical service, and emergency preparedness agencies.

Graduates of this program may pursue these career opportunities:

  • Chief and mid-level fire service personnel
  • Emergency planners
  • Emergency program managers or directors

Bachelor of Science in Fire Science

Emphasis Areas

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180

4 years or less (full-time)

If you are interested in advancing your career in fire services or pursuing a career in the field, Kaplan University's Bachelor of Science in Fire Science may be the right choice for you. This degree program serves fire service professionals seeking enhanced skills and a broad spectrum of knowledge in the field of fire science.

Graduates of this program may pursue these career opportunities:

  • Firefighter
  • Fire inspectors
  • Fire investigators
  • First line supervisors
  • Managers of firefighters

Bachelor of Science in International and Comparative Criminal Justice

Emphasis Areas

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180

4 years or less (full-time)

If you are interested in studying international and comparative criminal justice procedures and investigations, consider this program. Particular emphasis is placed on evaluating policy recommendations, planning, procedural design, emerging trends, and preventative approaches to transnational crime.

Graduates of this program may pursue these career opportunities:

  • Special agent
  • Intelligence research specialist
  • Collection management officer
  • Counterterrorism analyst
  • Protective agent

Associate's Degrees

Time Required

Who Should Take This Program?

Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice

Emphasis Areas

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90

As little as 12 months and up to 2 years (full-time)

Those seeking job opportunities in a police department or correctional facility should consider this program. This two-year degree offers students a solid foundation in criminal justice, as well as the option of pursuing a bachelor's degree later. Students may have prior work experience or courses that can be counted as credit toward their degree.

Graduates of this program may pursue these career opportunities:

  • Corrections officer
  • State parks officer
  • State highway officer
  • Private investigator
  • Security expert
  • Disaster relief provider

Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science

Emphasis Areas

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90

As little as 12 months and up to 2 years (full-time)

If you are looking to pursue opportunities in firefighter safety, strategy, and tactics, you should consider this program. This degree program serves fire service professionals seeking enhanced skills and knowledge in the field of fire science and is modeled on the Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) national curriculum.

Graduates of this program may pursue these career opportunities:

  • Firefighters
  • Fire inspectors
  • Fire investigators
  • First line supervisors
  • Managers of firefighting

Professional Certificates

Time Required

Who Should Take This Program?

Corrections Certificate

Emphasis Areas

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36

To begin your career in corrections, or if you are already working in corrections and need to meet certain regulatory requirements of continuing education, take this program. You can transfer the credits you earn to other Kaplan University degree programs.

Graduates of this program may pursue these career opportunities:

  • Local corrections facilities
  • State corrections facilities
  • Federal corrections facilities

Crime Scene Technician Certificate

Emphasis Areas

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44

If you have a keen eye, an analytical mind, and a dedication to cracking the case, the crime scene technician profession is for you. Our program is designed for those just starting their careers, or for individuals changing careers from allied health, law, and science fields.

Graduates of this program may pursue these career opportunities:

  • Law enforcement agencies
  • Medical examiners' offices
  • Laboratories
  • Insurance companies
  • Large law firms

Management and Supervision Certificate in Criminal Justice

Emphasis Areas

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36

If you wish to seek a more responsible position in the criminal justice field, this program is a great place to start. If you have an associate's degree, or if you can provide proof of employment in the law enforcement or the military during the past 18 months, you're ready to begin.

Graduates of this program may pursue these career opportunities:

  • Correctional management
  • Federal or state law enforcement
  • Loss prevention management
  • Child welfare services

Private Security Certificate

Emphasis Areas

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53

5 quarters or 15 months

If you wish to increase your knowledge of corporate security, fraud examination, and risk management and prepare yourself for work in private security, start here. You can transfer credits earned in fulfillment of this certificate to other Kaplan University degree programs.

Graduates of this program may pursue these career opportunities:

  • Correctional management
  • Federal or state law enforcement
  • Loss prevention management
  • Child welfare services
*Kaplan University's programs are designed to prepare graduates to pursue employment in their field of study, or in related fields. However, the University does not guarantee that graduates will be placed in any particular job, eligible for job advancement opportunities, or employed at all. Additional training or certification may be required.