Online Degree Programs

Explore comprehensive guides to online degree programs in criminal justice, law, and legal studies. Find accredited programs, career paths, salary data, and ROI analysis to make informed decisions about your education and career.

Career Guides

Comprehensive Program Directories

1M+

Jobs Available

Legal & Criminal Justice Careers

$61K+

Median Salary

Paralegal & Legal Professionals

Featured Online Degree Programs

Our comprehensive guides provide detailed information about accredited online degree programs, career paths, salary data, and return on investment analysis. Each guide includes program costs, accreditation requirements, and practical career information to help you make informed educational decisions.

LAW & JUSTICE

Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs

Comprehensive guide to online criminal justice degrees including associate, bachelor's, and master's programs. Explore law enforcement, corrections, forensic science, cybercrime, and homeland security careers.

Program Highlights:

826,000+ Jobs: Current employment in criminal justice occupations
$77,270 Median Salary: Police officers and detectives (BLS 2024)
+3% Growth: Job growth projected through 2034
Top Programs: University of New Haven #1, UC Irvine #2, UMass Lowell #3
Cost Range: $5,300-$56,000 depending on degree level

Degree Levels Covered:

Associate Degree (2 years, $5,300-$33,600)
Bachelor's Degree (4 years, $13,000-$56,000)
Master's Degree (2 years, $14,000-$50,000+)

Career Paths:

Law Enforcement: Police officer, detective, federal agent
Corrections: Correctional officer, probation officer, parole officer
Forensics: Forensic science technician ($67,440 median, +13% growth)
Cybercrime: Computer forensics specialist (+33% growth projected)
Homeland Security: TSA, border patrol, emergency management

View Complete Criminal Justice Guide →

LEGAL CAREERS

Online Law Schools and Degree Programs

Complete guide to online law degrees, paralegal programs, legal studies, and court reporting certifications. From ABA-accredited JD programs to affordable paralegal certificates, explore flexible paths to legal careers.

Program Highlights:

376,200 Paralegal Jobs: Current U.S. employment (BLS 2024)
$61,010 Median Salary: Paralegals and legal assistants
18 ABA-Accredited Programs: Online or hybrid JD degrees available
93% Positive ROI: Law degrees yield positive financial returns
Cost Range: $700-$200,000+ depending on program type

Programs Covered:

JD Programs: ABA-accredited online law degrees ($75K-$200K+)
Paralegal Programs: Associate, bachelor's, certificate ($700-$70K)
Legal Studies: Bachelor's degrees in legal studies ($30K-$70K)
Court Reporting: NCRA-approved stenography programs ($20K-$50K)
Legal Assistant: Entry-level certificates (Penn Foster $708 total)

Career Paths:

Attorneys: Licensed lawyers ($145,760 median, +6% growth)
Paralegals: Legal research, drafting, case management ($61,010)
Court Reporters: Stenographers ($63,940 median, top 10% $117K+)
Compliance Officers: Corporate legal compliance ($76,710, +5% growth)
Legal Assistants: Administrative legal support ($50,780)

View Complete Law & Legal Guide →

Browse Programs by Career Path

Explore online degree programs organized by career field and educational goals:

Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice Degrees - Associate, bachelor's, master's programs for law enforcement, corrections, and criminal justice careers
Career Paths: Police officer, detective, correctional officer, probation officer, federal agent
Median Salary: $77,270 for police/detectives
Job Growth: +3% through 2034

Legal Professions

Law Schools & Legal Programs - ABA-accredited JD programs, paralegal degrees, legal studies, court reporting
Career Paths: Attorney, paralegal, legal assistant, court reporter, compliance officer
Median Salary: $145,760 (attorneys), $61,010 (paralegals)
Job Growth: +6% for attorneys, 0-1% for paralegals

Forensic & Investigative Sciences

Forensic Science Programs - Specializations in forensics, crime scene investigation, cybercrime
Career Paths: Forensic science technician, crime scene investigator, computer forensics specialist
Median Salary: $67,440 (forensic technicians)
Job Growth: +13% for forensic science, +33% for cybercrime

Legal Support & Administration

Paralegal Programs - Associate, bachelor's, certificate programs for legal support careers
Career Paths: Paralegal, legal assistant, legal secretary, contract administrator
Median Salary: $61,010 (paralegals), $50,780 (legal secretaries)
Entry Cost: As low as $708 for certificate programs

Why Choose Online Degree Programs?

Flexibility & Convenience

Study from anywhere with internet connection
Balance education with work and family commitments
Self-paced or part-time enrollment options
No relocation required for quality programs

Accreditation & Quality

ABA-accredited online JD programs (18 schools)
Regionally accredited paralegal programs
NCRA-approved court reporting training
Same credentials as on-campus programs

Affordability & ROI

Lower costs than traditional on-campus programs
Save on housing, commuting, and relocation expenses
Continue earning while studying part-time
Strong ROI: 93% of law degrees yield positive returns

Career Advancement

Qualify for promotions and higher salaries
Career change opportunities in stable fields
Network with professionals nationwide
Gain credentials recognized by employers

Choosing the Right Program

Key Factors to Consider

Accreditation: Verify ABA accreditation for law schools, regional accreditation for paralegal programs, NCRA approval for court reporting
Total Cost: Compare tuition, fees, and opportunity costs vs. expected salary increases
Career Goals: Match program type to desired career path (JD for attorneys, associate for paralegals, etc.)
Employment Outcomes: Research job placement rates, bar passage rates (for JD), and graduate employment statistics
Program Format: Assess whether self-paced, part-time, or full-time enrollment fits your schedule
Financial Aid: Complete FAFSA for federal aid, research scholarships and employer tuition assistance

Career Salary Comparison (BLS 2024)

Career Path	Median Salary	Top 10% Earn	Entry Education	Job Growth 2024-2034
Lawyers	$145,760	$239,200+	JD + Bar Exam	+6%
Police & Detectives	$77,270	$120,460+	Associate/Bachelor's	+3%
Compliance Officers	$76,710	$133,190+	Bachelor's	+5%
Forensic Science Technicians	$67,440	—	Bachelor's	+13%
Court Reporters	$63,940	$117,770+	NCRA Certificate/AAS	0% (stable)
Paralegals & Legal Assistants	$61,010	$98,040+	Associate/Certificate	0-1% (stable)
Correctional Officers	$54,700	$92,660+	High School/Associate	-6% (declining)
Legal Secretaries	$50,780	$81,650+	Certificate/Associate	-13% (declining)

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Disclaimer: Information about online degree programs, career salaries, and job outlook is compiled from publicly available sources including Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), American Bar Association (ABA), U.S. Department of Education, and individual institution websites. Program availability, costs, accreditation status, and employment data change over time. Always verify current program details, accreditation status, and costs directly with institutions before enrolling. This directory provides educational information and does not constitute career, legal, or financial advice.