Want to make a real difference but need flexibility? An online criminal justice degree could be your perfect starting point, and you don’t even have to step out of Charlotte.
If you’ve ever felt drawn to a career that blends purpose, people and public service, criminal justice is a field worth looking into. From law enforcement and corrections to roles in social work, homeland security or even legal studies, a criminal justice degree opens a lot of doors. And thanks to online learning, it’s easier than ever to break into the field, even if you’re balancing work, family or other responsibilities.
But what’s it really like to pursue a criminal justice degree online? Is it legitimate? What will you be studying? And most importantly, is it worth the time?
What you’ll learn in a criminal justice degree program
Whether you go to school online or in person, the substance of a degree in criminal justice is largely the same. The curriculum really gets into why our criminal and legal system works the way it does, why people do crime and how we handle them as a society. You will study:
- Criminal law and procedure.
- Criminology and sociology.
- Ethics in criminal justice.
- Policing and corrections.
- Courts and legal systems.
- Juvenile justice.
- Victimology.
On top of the theory, you’ll also pick up skills that are practical for real-world jobs. Think communication, research, decision-making and conflict resolution. Many programs also include electives or specializations in areas like cybercrime, homeland security or forensic psychology.
In short: It’s not just about memorizing laws or watching reruns of Law & Order. You’ll come out with a well-rounded understanding of the entire justice system.
A local option worth considering: Appalachian State University
If you’re in Charlotte or anywhere in North Carolina and thinking seriously about a degree in criminal justice, take a look at Appalachian State University’s online programs. They offer a detailed look at their online bachelor’s degrees, including the online criminal justice degree in North Carolina for anyone interested.
What does App State do differently? Well, for starters, they’re renowned for their seasoned instructors who are not only scholars, but practitioners as well. They design their programs with working adults in mind, with flexible class schedules and course formats so you can get your degree at your convenience. And they’re super transfer-friendly, so you won’t be starting from scratch if you’ve gone to college already.
And even though you’ll be learning at home, you’ll remain a Mountaineer with full access to student services, career networking and job placement assistance.
Why go online?
Going back to school simply isn’t easy when you work full-time, have children or other obligations in your life. That’s where online degrees are a game-changer. An online criminal justice degree gives you the same high-quality education that you’d get on campus but with so much more flexibility. Here’s why it works so well:
Learn at your pace
Online courses enable you to choose when and where you study. You can log in after work, on weekends or during your lunch break. That means you don’t have to quit your job or interfere with your schedule.
Save time and money
No driving, no parking permits, no traffic jam waits on I-77. Maybe even a reduction in housing and campus fees. And because many programs are offered part-time, you can space out your tuition costs to match your budget.
Still get support
Online doesn’t have to mean “on your own.” Many colleges offer access to professors, advisers and career counselors. You can send your professor an email, post on discussion boards or set up Zoom office hours, whatever works for you.
Transfer-friendly options
Have some college credits already? Excellent news, many colleges accept transfer students, so you can bring in your credits and complete your degree more quickly.
What are you going to do with a criminal justice degree?
Now is where things really get exciting. Criminal justice is not a one-way street, it’s more like a multi-paths approach. Depending on your interests and abilities, you might find yourself in:
- Law enforcement: Be a police officer, detective or federal agent in the FBI or DEA.
- Corrections: Manage prisons, probation or parole systems.
- Legal support: Be a paralegal, court clerk or victim advocate.
- Private security: Conduct corporate or risk management investigations.
- Social services: Provide offender rehabilitation or assist youth in the justice system.
- Homeland Security and Emergency Management: Work in disaster response or national defense operations.
And if you’re interested in going even further, this degree can also be a solid stepping stone toward law school, graduate school or specialized certifications.
Charlotte is a great place to put your degree to work
One more reason to consider getting into criminal justice if you’re based in Charlotte? Opportunity. The city has a growing population and a need for professionals who understand the legal system, criminal behavior and public safety. Whether you’re aiming to work with the CMPD, in private investigation or in nonprofits focused on restorative justice, Charlotte offers a broad landscape for applying your skills.
An online degree in criminal justice isn’t something you hang on the wall, it’s an entrance to a career of value. It gives you the tools to work within the system, change lives and build a safe tomorrow, all while accommodating your life, rather than vice versa.
