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On August 4, 2026, American Public University System combined with Rasmussen University and Hondros College of Nursing to form a single higher education institution. American Public University System (the System) now includes American Public University, American Military University, Rasmussen University, and Hondros College of Nursing. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Public Education, Inc. (APEI). We are continuing to update our website to reflect our new structure.
At Rasmussen University, our online Criminal Justice degrees are perfect for those who want to make a positive impact on your community. In our online Criminal Justice Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree programs, you’ll focus on launching or advancing your career in a rewarding field through:
Affordable and fully online courses
$149 self-directed assessments to show that you already have the knowledge for a particular course and don't need to take it
Live interactive sessions with faculty and peers
Real-world projects and scenario-based assessments
Well-rounded curriculum led by experts in the field
In-demand skills and critical-thinking abilities
This Criminal Justice program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in any states. The program has not been approved by any state professional licensing body and does not lead to any state-issued professional license.1
Easily transfer your Associate's degree credits toward a Criminal Justice Leadership and Management Bachelor's degree.
Make a Positive Impact
Be an active leader in the well-being of your organization and local community—and learn how you can help prevent criminal behavior.
Pursue a Variety of Careers
Apply your training in a broad range of environments and situations, from security to juvenile justice and domestic violence.
Stackable Credentials
Education You Can Build On
Total Associate's Degree Credits Needed to Complete
91 Credits
Total Bachelor's Degree Credits Needed to Complete
180 Credits
Our ladder lets you reach higher.
Our "laddering" approach to education allows you to bolster your resume by earning your online Criminal Justice Associate’s degree in the process of earning your online Criminal Justice Bachelor’s degree. Then, once you’re ready, you can transfer those initial credits to complete your Bachelor’s degree. It’s both time- and money-saving. 67% of program requirements may be completed through Knowledge Credit®: transfer credits, self-directed assessments, course waivers or other ways of getting credit for prior learning. Don’t discard credits—make the most of them.
Everything you’ll learn in our online Criminal Justice programs has been validated by criminal justice professionals with experience in the FBI, DEA, United States Secret Services, Homeland Security and more.2 Our instructors bring experience in law enforcement, narcotics, combating human trafficking and corrections.
Plus, transferable skills that take you farther.
Wherever your career takes you, you’ll be a stronger contributor with skills in:
You may assume criminal justice simply means being a police officer but there’s much more to the field and the careers you’ll find in it. The justice system spans from crime prevention to legal careers to corrections and rehabilitation.
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), criminal justice careers are in demand with reasonable salaries to account for the important role these workers play in our society. For example, probation officers and correctional treatment specialists show an average projected job growth of 4% between 2023 and 2033.3
While it may depend on your education level, the criminal justice field can lead to a variety of career options. Some of the most in-demand criminal justice careers are:
Court clerk
Security officer
The Criminal Justice program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in any states. The program has not been approved by any state professional licensing body and does not lead to any state-issued professional license.1
Many students are busy, working adults and need a program that can fit to their schedule. Our program offers you the flexibility to keep working and complete your fully online courses on your own time to give you more control and balance over your busy schedule.
The online program covers the skills you’ll need to serve and protect once you graduate. Through live interactive sessions, real-world projects and scenario-based assessments, and the curriculum led by experts in the field—you’ll be able to gain the in-demand skills, critical-thinking abilities and confidence to enter the workforce and serve your community.
Our online programs are available nationally, and we offer on-the-ground support at 20 campuses in Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin.
The Criminal Justice Leadership and Management Bachelor’s degree and Criminal Justice Associate’s degree programs have not been approved by any state professional licensing body, and the programs do not lead to any state-issued professional license. For further information on professional licensing requirements, please contact the appropriate board or agency in your state of residence. Additional education, training, experience, and/or other eligibility criteria may apply.
In Minnesota, the Criminal Justice Associate’s degree program does not meet the standards established by the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training Board for persons who seek employment as a peace officer.
2019 Criminal Justice Associate's and Bachelor's Degrees Curriculum Summit included industry experts from various organizations who designed and reviewed the curriculum, collected February, 2020.
