In addition to having the region’s most affordable tuition, we offer thousands of dollars in scholarships every year. And, if you're currently a first responder, firefighter, or dependent of a first responder or firefighter, or if you're the dependent of a fallen law enforcement officer or firefighter, you may be eligible for 100% tuition credit. Learn more by visiting the links below:
Online Criminal Justice Degree
About the Online Criminal Justice Degree Program
Whether you are interested in starting a career in criminal justice or getting the education you need for your next promotion, Wayne State’s online Criminal Justice degree lets you fit a college education into your busy schedule. Advance your career in the exciting fields of law enforcement, corrections, probation and parole, court services, asset protection, corporate and private security, and juvenile justice. The Criminal Justice program at Wayne State covers the basis for understanding the economic, political, legal, and social environments in which the criminal justice process operates, which means you have the flexibility to apply your Criminal Justice degree to a variety of careers.
Do you have credits from another institution? You may transfer up to 66 credit hours toward a degree from WSC. Learn more.
What Students Are Saying: Our alumni and current students have found the convenience, structure, and content of the online Criminal Justice program to be top-notch. See what they have to say.
Fast Facts
Degrees offered: B.A. or B.S. in criminal justice
Hours required*:
For major: 36
General education: 30
To graduate from WSC: 120
*A minor is also required for this program. View all minors.
Popular minors: Social Sciences, Public Administration, Interdisciplinary Studies (Child and Family Services, Criminology and Offender Behavior), Business Administration, Communication Studies, Pre-Law, Emergency Management
School: Science, Health, and Criminal Justice
Department: Criminal Justice
Costs (2023-24 Tuition):
$309 per credit hour
View cost of attendance
First responders and their dependents are entitled to a credit of 100% of tuition charges. Learn more
Recognized for Excellence
No. 1 in Nebraska; No. 11 in the U.S.
Most Affordable Online School, 2023
Intelligent.com
Most Affordable Online School, 2023
No. 1 in Nebraska; No. 11 in the U.S.
Intelligent.com
Intelligent.com ranked Wayne State College as No. 11 in the U.S. in the category of cheapest online colleges and universities for 2022. For their 2022 online degree report, Intelligent.com reviewed over 250 institutions to determine which schools were the most affordable based on the cost-per-credit tuition rates. Tuition rates vary based on degree level, and not all schools offer all types of degrees. The list includes community colleges, which only offer associate degrees, as well as four-year institutions that grant bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees. Schools on the list also have regional accreditation, which assures a high standard of quality.
In addition to cost, they evaluated these colleges on the basis of reputation, faculty, flexibility, and course strength. They then calculated the Intelligent Score for each school on a scale from 0 to 100.
Learn more about our online degree programs.
Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice Degree Program
Wayne State College delivers comprehensive online degree programs at a lower cost than area schools and well-known online colleges. And with a flat rate for residents and non-residents, you can’t beat our value!
Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice Degree Program
Wayne State College delivers comprehensive online degree programs at a lower cost than area schools and well-known online colleges. And with a flat rate for residents and non-residents, you can’t beat our value!
Learn From the Best
Our faculty are accomplished. Several are highly regarded as experts and have been recognized with notable honors and awards. And with a low student-to-faculty ratio, you'll be sure to receive an excellent education in the online criminal justice degree program.
Our Focus is Results
Wayne State has the keys to your success and offers just what you need to become well prepared for the real world in the online criminal justice degree program.
Skills Learned
- Criminal law and constitutional rights
- Role and function of police and law enforcement
- Correctional processes and probationary concepts
- Criminology theories and understanding criminal behavior
- Forensic crime scene investigation
- Security and loss prevention
- Homeland security and the nature of terrorism
- Research methods in social science
- Oral and written communication
- Time management and organization
Possible Careers
- Police officer / sheriff
- Crime scene investigator
- Fraud investigator
- Anti-terrorism agent
- Correctional officer
- Probation/parole officer
- Border patrol agent
- Immigration specialist
- Case manager
- Lawyer / attorney
- Paralegal
- Youth support worker
- Child protection agent
- Private and corporate security
- Emergency management
Employers
- Law enforcement agencies
- Federal agencies
- Anti-terrorism units
- Probation offices
- Correctional facilities
- Security companies
- Child protective services
- Immigration services
- Crime scene labs
- Law firms
- Social services
Wayne State College’s criminal justice program prepared me very well for life after college. The education I received in the program helped set me apart from other applicants in the hiring process and helped me perform well during the academic portion of the police academy. I use pieces of what I learned at Wayne State College on a daily basis as a law enforcement officer, from writing reports to conducting investigations. I am confident that Wayne State College can prepare you for the career you are seeking in the criminal justice field.”
Keith Jorgensen '14
Deputy Sheriff, Pierce County (Nebraska)
“With the criminal justice program, I gained numerous skills including public speaking, data analysis, critical thinking, and ethical reasoning. The support I received from the faculty advisors was unprecedented. The faculty walked me through class registration, internship experiences, and post-graduation decisions. I became the best student that I was capable of being because the Criminal Justice faculty challenged me to take full advantage of the opportunities Wayne State offered. I had an internship at the local probation office and then opened the door to graduate school and employment with the United States Attorney’s office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. Currently, I am a development director for Collective for Youth.”
Nicole Everingham '04
Development Director, Collective For Youth (Omaha, Neb.)
"I started the online criminal justice program after I transferred to WSC with my associate’s degree in criminal justice. With my degree, I am now working full time as a 911 dispatcher, and the flexibility of online classes works great with my schedule. I am able to do my homework anywhere I want at any time. The communication with the teachers is so simple and they are great about getting back to you with any questions and concerns. Online classes take a lot of discipline and time management, but I am so happy with my choice of WSC's online CJ program."
Bailey Pittner
911 Dispatcher for Buffalo County, Nebraska
"I chose to complete my criminal justice degree by enrolling online at Wayne State. It was simple to get enrolled, and Wayne State made it easy to help get my credits transferred. I am a non-traditional student, and using the online program has been a great way to balance my family life and career, and to further my education. The online program is well-structured and easy to navigate. Lastly, the instructor has been helpful and quickly responsive to any concerns I have had. If you are looking for an online program to study criminal justice, I would highly recommend Wayne State."
Sgt. Kurt Pafford
Fremont, Neb., Police Department
"I am a certified police officer with the State of Nebraska. I have chosen Wayne State College for many reasons. I chose the online criminal justice program for the flexibility it provides. My instructors have been very helpful with giving direction when needed and were prompt with returning questions. I was an average student until I came to Wayne State. In this program I have been able to take average and make it great. I have a career already in the field of law enforcement. I have learned a great deal more from my online classes. I have been able to apply content from my online courses and use them in my career. The price for online makes it affordable. I have chosen this path so that I can keep moving forward in advancement in my career."
David McCart
Nebraska State Police Officer
"My experience in the criminal justice online program at Wayne State has been remarkable. Trying to pursue a higher education while working full time can be challenging and overwhelming. This online program allows the flexibility needed to fit school into my schedule. Communication with the professors is excellent; I always have my questions answered promptly. Professors are willing to go above and beyond to secure a successful online learning environment. The material covered has always been thought-provoking and current in today’s criminal justice society. I wish I would have started the online program sooner."
Amanda Koehn
Current Student
Criminal Justice Organizations
At Wayne State College, you’ll have opportunities to enhance your education in the online criminal justice degree program by participating in clubs and organizations.
Wayne State Criminal Justice Association (WSCJA)
WSCJA is a large and active student club available to all criminal justice majors and minors. Recent activities have included field trips to the federal penitentiary in Colorado, Lincoln Correctional Penitentiary, and the Kansas City Police Department. Students were invited to observe Nebraska parole hearings and interview a prison inmate on death row. The club sponsors field trips, speakers and public service activities. For information, please contact Dr. Jason Karsky at 402-375-7139 or at [email protected].
Alpha Phi Sigma
Alpha Phi Sigma is a criminal justice honorary, which encourages academic excellence, social service, student support, and the development of leadership skills for criminal justice majors. Requirements for membership include 42 hours of course work completed, a 3.2 GPA overall, a 3.2 GPA in the Criminal Justice major, and ranking in the top 35% of the class. For information, please contact Dr. Lisa Wanek at 402-375-7173 or at [email protected].