Online Criminal Justice Degree

Online Associate Degree in Criminal Justice

Indiana Wesleyan University’s criminal justice degree online prepares you for a career path focused on protecting lives and securing justice. With criminal justice classes online in criminal law, procedures, investigations, and more, you’ll gain the interdisciplinary knowledge needed to understand complex justice issues facing society today.

Blending theory with real-world skills, our criminal justice associate degree online helps you develop practical abilities to ensure safety and uphold laws in your community. You’ll also integrate faith into solving criminal justice challenges with wisdom and compassion.

Why Pursue My Associate Degree in Criminal Justice at IWU?

When you enroll at IWU for your online criminal justice degree, you’ll soon find that our program has everything you need to succeed in the field. Our expert, Christian faculty teach through the same biblical worldview found on our main campus, so that students can implement these principles in a fulfilling career. We’ll also lock in your tuition rates on your start date, so you never have to worry about tuition increases while you study through IWU.

What Will I Learn in this Criminal Justice Program?

This intro to criminal justice system program teaches you the roles and inner workings of police, courts, corrections, and more. You'll develop essential competencies including:

Report writing for law enforcement and documentation skills
Criminal justice research, data analysis, and reporting methods
Ethics in criminal justice practice and decision-making
Crisis intervention and community policing strategies
Constitutional law and criminal procedures
Corrections and rehabilitation approaches

We stand by the importance of innovation and character in our provided courses. Our criminal justice program equips you with in-demand skills to create positive change in the lives of individuals, families, and communities.

Apply to get your AA in Criminal Justice at IWU today!

Program FAQs

Indiana Wesleyan University’s criminal justice faculty bring a blend of academic expertise and real-world experience in law enforcement, courts, corrections, and public service. Faculty integrate practical insights into coursework while emphasizing ethics, leadership, and a Christian worldview. Instructors such as Tony McGee, a retired U.S. Army Ranger and Military Police leader with extensive cybersecurity experience, and Cherish Hall, an expert in trauma-informed care and victim advocacy, provide students with applied knowledge rooted in current criminal justice practices. Many faculty also maintain active involvement in their communities, ministries, and professional fields, enriching the student learning experience.

If a student has a financial aid question, what is the fastest way to get assistance and how quickly can they expect a response?

Students can contact the Financial Aid Office by phone or email through the IWU Tuition and Financial Aid page or access their information via the student portal. Most students receive a response within a few business days, depending on the time of year.

IWU’s online criminal justice programs are designed for working adults and emphasize applied learning. Courses are delivered in accelerated five-week formats, allowing students to focus deeply on topics such as criminal procedure, crisis intervention, forensics, victimology, and restorative justice. Assignments are built around real-world scenarios, preparing students to apply their knowledge immediately in professional settings.

This online criminal justice degree prepares students for careers in law enforcement, corrections, probation and parole, courts, juvenile justice, private security, and victim services. Graduates may also pursue roles in public safety agencies, nonprofit organizations, or government positions. The bachelor’s degree supports advancement into leadership roles and prepares students for graduate study in criminal justice, public administration, or related fields.

Key courses include Criminal Procedures, which explores legal processes and constitutional protections; Crisis Intervention, which develops skills for responding to individuals in crisis; and specialized courses such as forensics, victimology, and restorative justice, which provide deeper knowledge in emerging areas of criminal justice.

Graduates often begin or advance careers in criminal justice fields such as law enforcement, corrections, or court systems. Others pursue graduate degrees in criminal justice, criminology, public administration, or related disciplines.

This program is coursework-based and does not include clinicals or student teaching. Students engage in applied projects, case studies, and optional field-related experiences. Many assignments allow students to connect coursework directly to their current job or community.

Yes. IWU’s criminal justice programs are offered fully online with no required in-person residencies or clinical components. Students complete coursework from anywhere while maintaining their professional and personal commitments.

Most courses are delivered in accelerated five-week terms, allowing students to focus on one subject at a time.

Students typically take one course at a time. Each course is divided into weekly modules that include readings, discussions, and assignments, allowing students to stay focused while making steady progress.

Students progress independently rather than in a cohort model. However, they engage with peers through discussions, group assignments, and networking opportunities within each course.

Courses are delivered in an asynchronous format, meaning students can complete coursework on their own schedule within weekly deadlines. This format is ideal for working adults.

Students should plan to spend several hours per week on coursework, including reading, discussions, and assignments. Because courses are accelerated, the workload is focused and consistent.

Students follow a structured schedule with flexibility. They take one course per term and progress through the program according to a recommended sequence while balancing work and personal commitments.

An associate degree can typically be completed in approximately 26–27 months. Bachelor’s degree completion varies depending on transfer credits but often takes two to four years.

Yes. IWU offers multiple start dates throughout the year, allowing students to begin their program at several points during fall, spring, and summer terms.

Students receive access to their online learning platform, course materials, and program plan. They are encouraged to connect with advisors and review course expectations before classes begin.

Students have access to academic advising, online tutoring, library resources, technical support, and career services, including job search tools and résumé assistance.

Yes. Faculty provide mentorship through coursework and feedback. Students also have access to career development tools, workshops, and professional resources.

Internships are not required for these programs, but students may pursue opportunities independently depending on their career goals.

Yes. Up to 75 percent of undergraduate credits and 50 percent of major coursework may be transferred, subject to transcript evaluation.

Yes. Through Prior Learning Assessment, students may receive credit for relevant professional experience after evaluation and documentation review.

IWU’s criminal justice programs combine a Christ-centered approach with practical, career-focused learning. The flexible online format, accelerated courses, and applied curriculum help students immediately connect their education to real-world criminal justice careers.

Students who are self-motivated, organized, and passionate about justice and public service thrive in this program. Many are working professionals seeking career advancement or transition.

Students benefit from a structured yet flexible online environment that supports collaboration, practical learning, and strong connections with faculty and peers.

Yes. Faith is integrated throughout the curriculum, encouraging students to explore justice, ethics, leadership, and service through a Christian worldview.

The Associate of Science in Criminal Justice provides a foundational overview of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Students learn how police officers, attorneys, judges, and correctional professionals work together to uphold the law and protect communities. Coursework also introduces key topics such as victims’ rights, offender rehabilitation, and real-world challenges in modern criminal justice careers.

This 60-credit online criminal justice degree combines core criminal justice courses with liberal arts education to build both professional vocabulary and communication skills. Courses in criminal law, criminal procedures, and investigations teach essential legal concepts, terminology, and step-by-step processes used in real cases, preparing students for entry-level criminal justice roles.

Yes. This associate degree is designed as a seamless pathway into IWU’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Coursework fulfills a significant portion of general education requirements and applies directly toward the 120-credit bachelor’s degree, allowing students to continue their education efficiently.

This program is ideal for students new to criminal justice or exploring careers in law enforcement, corrections, or courts. It provides a flexible, fully online format that allows students to gain foundational knowledge while working, making it a strong starting point for entry-level roles or continued education.

Online Associate Degree in Criminal Justice

Why Pursue My Associate Degree in Criminal Justice at IWU?

What Will I Learn in this Criminal Justice Program?

What Makes IWU Different?

Education Pioneer

Rooted in Christ

Superior Support

Tuition & Aid

What You'll Study

Courses in this Program

After Graduation

Potential Careers

Work in Various Industries

Program FAQs

Program Requirements

Accreditation

Take the Next Step

Related Pages