Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice 2025

Badge for BEST ONLINE MASTER'S IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski
Published:
Updated:

Find top-ranked online master’s in criminal justice degree programs to help students strengthen leadership skills within the context of criminal justice, law enforcement, and national security.

Key Takeaways

  • Top online master’s programs in criminal justice often offer specialized tracks in areas like forensic psychology, homeland security, and criminal behavior, allowing students to focus on their career interests and gain expertise in a specific field.
  • The best online master’s in criminal justice programs integrate real-world applications, case studies, and policy analysis, preparing students to address contemporary criminal justice challenges and advancing their skills for roles in law enforcement, policy-making, and public administration.
  • The programs in our ranking are designed for those balancing work and personal commitments, featuring flexible, asynchronous coursework and part-time options that allow students to complete their degree at their own pace.

Top 10 Online Master's in Criminal Justice in 2025

  1. University of Southern California
    +1
  2. Boston University
    +5
  3. University of Arizona
    +3
  4. University of California, Irvine
    +7
  5. Florida State University
    –4
  6. Texas A&M University
    +3
  7. University of Cincinnati
    –3
  8. Wayne State University
    +9
  9. University of Louisville
    +12
  10. University of Mississippi
    –2

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top schools in our ranking of the best online master’s in criminal justice saw a considerable amount of movement. The University of Louisville gained the most ranking positions as the university has enhanced its online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program for the 2025 academic year by introducing a more flexible curriculum that allows students to tailor their studies to specific interests within the field. The program now offers increased opportunities for enriched learning, such as internships, service learning, and study abroad, enabling online students to gain practical experience and global perspectives.

Additionally, the university has expanded its online resources, providing access to virtual labs and interactive modules that facilitate hands-on learning in a digital environment.

Featured Programs

25 Best Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Degree Programs

  1. #1

    University of Southern California

    Los Angeles , CA
    #9 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges #14 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #14 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #17 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $65K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    54K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/33

    Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at University of Southern California

    Cost of Degree: $68,128
    Expenses: $22,216
    Starting Salary: $109,229
    Salary after 4 years: $114,954
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 24
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  2. #2

    Boston University

    Boston , MA
    #19 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2025 #3 Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in Massachusetts 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    44K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1425/32

    Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at Boston University

    Cost of Degree: $64,712
    Expenses: $21,195
    Starting Salary: $93,362
    Salary after 4 years: $98,254
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 32
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  3. #3

    University of Arizona

    Tucson , AZ
    #3 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #18 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #20 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #20 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    54K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1255/25

    Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at University of Arizona

    Cost of Degree: $14,389
    Expenses: $19,500
    Starting Salary: $62,226
    Salary after 4 years: $65,390
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    Master in Legal Studies

    Concentrations

    • Compliance and Legal Risk Management
    • International Economic Law and Policy
    • Intellectual Property
    • Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy
    • Human Rights
    • Mining Law and Policy
    • Environmental Law and Policy
    • Tax Law and Policy
    • Criminal Law and Policy
    • Family and Juvenile Law
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  4. #4

    University of California, Irvine

    Irvine , CA
    #19 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2025 #21 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #21 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2025 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    21%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    39K

    Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at University of California, Irvine

    Cost of Degree: $14,275
    Expenses: $24,814
    Starting Salary: $73,116
    Salary after 4 years: $76,833
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Criminology
    • Required Credits: 52
    • Completion time: 3-4 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  6. #5

    Florida State University

    Tallahassee , FL
    #4 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #24 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    25%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    51K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1290/28

    Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at Florida State University

    Cost of Degree: $11,553
    Expenses: $20,296
    Starting Salary: $59,893
    Salary after 4 years: $62,938
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Criminology
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MS in Criminology and Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 21
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  8. #7

    University of Cincinnati

    Cincinnati , OH
    #10 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #2 Best Public Colleges in Ohio 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Ohio 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Ohio 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    48K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1260/26

    Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at University of Cincinnati

    Cost of Degree: $14,902
    Expenses: $19,772
    Starting Salary: $55,226
    Salary after 4 years: $58,034
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  9. #8

    Wayne State University

    Detroit , MI
    #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Michigan 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in Michigan 2025 #3 Best Grad Schools in Michigan 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    29K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1150/24

    Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at Wayne State University

    Cost of Degree: $20,482
    Expenses: $17,488
    Starting Salary: $58,115
    Salary after 4 years: $61,070
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  10. #9

    University of Louisville

    Louisville , KY
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Kentucky 2025 #2 Best Grad Schools in Kentucky 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in Kentucky 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Kentucky 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1170/23

    Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at University of Louisville

    Cost of Degree: $14,418
    Expenses: $20,878
    Starting Salary: $54,003
    Salary after 4 years: $56,749
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  12. #10

    University of Mississippi

    University , MS
    #1 Best Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in Mississippi 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools in Mississippi 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Mississippi 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    68%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1125/25

    Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at University of Mississippi

    Cost of Degree: $9,412
    Expenses: $19,540
    Starting Salary: $62,893
    Salary after 4 years: $66,091
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MAS in Criminal Justice

    Concentrations

    • Homeland Security
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 1 year
    • Format: Online
    MAS in Criminal Justice

    Concentrations

    • Leadership
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: 1 year
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  13. #11

    Florida International University

    Miami , FL
    #6 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2025 #5 Best Colleges in Florida 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    72K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/23

    Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at Florida International University

    Cost of Degree: $11,334
    Expenses: $19,406
    Starting Salary: $57,781
    Salary after 4 years: $60,719
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  14. #12

    University of Central Florida

    Orlando , FL
    #7 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #7 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #19 Most Affordable Graduate Schools Ranked for 2025 #4 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    41%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    82K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1280/27

    Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at University of Central Florida

    Cost of Degree: $8,872
    Expenses: $18,300
    Starting Salary: $56,892
    Salary after 4 years: $59,785
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  15. #13

    University of North Texas

    Denton , TX
    #8 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Texas 2025 #5 Best Public Colleges in Texas 2025 #9 Best Research Universities in Texas 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    49K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1120/23

    Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at University of North Texas

    Cost of Degree: $9,062
    Expenses: $15,823
    Starting Salary: $54,781
    Salary after 4 years: $57,567
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Criminal Justice, Justice Policy and Admin.
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  18. #15

    University of Alaska Fairbanks

    Fairbanks , AK
    #1 Best Grad School in Alaska 2024 #1 Best Colleges in Alaska 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Alaska 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Graduation

    39%

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at University of Alaska Fairbanks

    Cost of Degree: $13,181
    Expenses: $16,700
    Starting Salary: $50,114
    Salary after 4 years: $52,662
    Cost Recoup Time: 7 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Criminal Justice Administration
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  19. #16

    Marshall University

    Huntington , WV
    #2 Best Grad Schools in West Virginia 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in West Virginia 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in West Virginia 2025 #2 Best Colleges in West Virginia 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    97%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    13K

    Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at Marshall University

    Cost of Degree: $9,160
    Expenses: $16,352
    Starting Salary: $46,336
    Salary after 4 years: $48,692
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  20. #17

    Wichita State University

    Wichita , KS
    #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Kansas 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Kansas 2024 #3 Best Public Colleges in Kansas 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    18K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1106/22

    Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at Wichita State University

    Cost of Degree: $7,678
    Expenses: $18,490
    Starting Salary: $50,448
    Salary after 4 years: $53,013
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  21. #18

    Sam Houston State University

    Huntsville , TX
    #10 Best Colleges and Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees 2025 #1 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2025 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice #4 Best Online Master’s in Executive MBA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1050/21

    Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at Sam Houston State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,954
    Expenses: $16,966
    Starting Salary: $55,226
    Salary after 4 years: $58,034
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    MS in Criminal Justice

    Concentrations

    • Leadership and Management
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  22. #19

    Nova Southeastern University

    Fort Lauderdale , FL
    #3 Best Private Colleges in Florida 2024 #9 Best Research Universities in Florida 2025 #10 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2024 #1 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/23

    Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at Nova Southeastern University

    Cost of Degree: $24,140
    Expenses: $22,596
    Starting Salary: $68,391
    Salary after 4 years: $71,976
    Cost Recoup Time: 8 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Criminal Justice

    Concentrations

    • Child Protection And Juvenile Justice
    • Behavioral Science
    • Business Administration
    • Conflict And Crisis Management
    • Emergency Preparedness Leadership
    • Strategic Community Planning
    • Substance Abuse
    • Information Security
    • Information Systems
    • Investigative Forensic Technology
    • Public Administration
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MS in Disaster And Emergency Management

    Concentrations

    • Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  24. #20

    University of Massachusetts Lowell

    Lowell , MA
    #3 Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts Ranked for Students in 2024 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Massachusetts 2025 #2 Best Online Associate in Information Technology
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    22K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1259/28

    Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at University of Massachusetts Lowell

    Cost of Degree: $16,050
    Expenses: $17,994
    Starting Salary: $63,559
    Salary after 4 years: $66,791
    Cost Recoup Time: 6 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  25. #21

    University of Nebraska Omaha

    Omaha , NE
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Nebraska 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in Nebraska 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    18K

    Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at University of Nebraska Omaha

    Cost of Degree: $7,978
    Expenses: $16,604
    Starting Salary: $54,781
    Salary after 4 years: $57,567
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Criminology & Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    MPA in Public Administration

    Concentrations

    • Criminology & Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 39
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  28. #24

    University of Texas at Tyler

    Tyler , TX
    #6 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Cybersecurity 2025 #14 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Psychology Programs #14 Best Online Master's in Kinesiology Degree Programs #15 Best Online Master's in English 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1110/21

    Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at University of Texas at Tyler

    Cost of Degree: $8,444
    Expenses: $16,662
    Starting Salary: $56,115
    Salary after 4 years: $58,968
    Cost Recoup Time: 5 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    MS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 2-3 years
    • Format: Online
    Compare school

Career Outlook for Students with Criminal Justice Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration

Degree Level: Master's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $11,765
  • Avg. Expenses*: $17,161
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $53,317
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $56,028
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 6 years
  • Job Growth: 5.52%
  • Number of Jobs: 1,443,100
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Managers, All Other5.75%$133,560
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives3.81%$101,750
Detectives and Criminal Investigators2.29%$91,100
Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers3.92%$72,280
Transit and Railroad Police4.17%$72,250

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Managers, All Other$133,560
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives$101,750
Detectives and Criminal Investigators$91,100
Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Justice Degrees

Why get a master’s in criminal justice?

A master’s in criminal justice helps to strengthen leadership skills within the context of criminal justice, law enforcement, and national security.

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What can I specialize in?

Students will have the opportunity to focus on a range of specialized topics including criminal psychology, legislative policy, and administration practices in law enforcement.

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How long does it take to get a master’s in criminal justice?

Students can pursue this degree either online or on-campus, and most programs require the completion of between 30 and 36 credits. This typically takes two to three years to complete.

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What can I do with a master’s in criminal justice?

Graduates can go on to hold supervisory positions in law enforcement, work in the field of forensic science, or act as district attorneys. The master’s degree in criminal justice may also be a basic threshold for many leadership roles in national intelligence, security and cybersecurity.

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Learn more about what you can do with a master’s in criminal justice.

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Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require some adjustment. While you’ll generally learn the same content and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, the medium will likely require you to manage much of this experience independently. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, your ability to harness the technology at your fingertips, and your ability to focus on the lectures, lessons, and assignments at hand. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take it upon yourself to build relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier is actually getting there. Taking the commute out of the equation means getting to class should be a lot more manageable. But that’s where it ends. In general, your online courses will incorporate the very same materials, concepts, and testing methods as would a traditional classroom.

And in many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning or working with remote learning technology for the first time, online college may even be a little more challenging for you. For a few insights on how to manage this new experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable institutions and less-than-reputable for-profit schools. Accreditation gives you the power to differentiate between the two. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency which indicates that a college or university is meeting standards of quality, credibility, and currency. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university which is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. When seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that students opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited, you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer. In many cases, you will be required to navigate a bureaucracy in which some of your credits will be transferred and others will be jettisoned. However, provided that you have attended an online school with the proper regional accreditation, you should have plenty of options for transfer.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript or resume differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

While some employers may express concern about making the adjustment from online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st Century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will require some adjustment.

While there is much that can be supplanted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing which can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual classroom setting. As you make the adjustment to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face is overcoming this difference in order to the get the most out of your classes. Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here