10 Best Criminal Justice Degrees Online in Illinois

Earning an online criminal justice degree in Illinois can open up a wide range of career opportunities in law enforcement, the court system, corrections, private security, and more. Criminal justice professionals help build safer communities through crime prevention, investigation, and rehabilitation of offenders. As technology transforms the field, a strong understanding of cybercrime, data analysis, and innovative policing strategies is increasingly important.

Illinois’ online criminal justice degrees allow working professionals to advance their careers while balancing work and life commitments. Coursework covers topics like criminal law, police administration, juvenile delinquency, and research methods. Many programs incorporate practical skills in areas like forensics, homeland security, and emergency management. Graduate degrees provide additional leadership training for management roles.

This guide ranks the top 10 online criminal justice degrees in Illinois based on academic quality, affordability, and graduate outcomes. Discover the schools offering a flexible online education for future criminal justice leaders.10 Best Criminal Justice Degrees Online in Illinois

Read Also: 10 Best Criminal Justice Degrees Online in Georgia

The 10 Best Criminal Justice Degrees Online in Illinois:

1. University of Illinois Springfield

The University of Illinois Springfield is the top choice for an online criminal justice degree in Illinois. UIS offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminology and criminal justice through its innovative online campus.

The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, real-world skills, and a broad understanding of justice systems. Undergraduate students can pursue concentrations in law enforcement, corrections, forensic science, homeland security, and crime analysis. The master’s program includes advanced coursework in criminal justice leadership, policy analysis, and program evaluation.105 Good Morning Love Message

UIS has a long track record of excellence in online education. Its online bachelor’s in criminal justice degree was one of the first in the nation. All programs use cutting-edge technologies like virtual labs, simulations, and multimedia course materials. Internship opportunities allow students to gain practical experience in the field.

Notable alumni from UIS’ criminal justice programs work in law enforcement leadership, the FBI, the Secret Service, and other agencies. Competitive tuition rates and scholarships make UIS an affordable option.

2. Southern Illinois University Carbondale

SIU Carbondale is a recognized leader in criminal justice education, with innovative online programs for working professionals. Students can pursue a B.S., M.A., or Ph.D. in criminology and criminal justice entirely online.

The bachelor’s degree provides a strong foundation in criminological theory, research methods, statistics, and the criminal justice system. Students also complete an internship to gain hands-on experience. At the master’s level, students delve deeper into areas like geography of crime, race and crime, and criminal justice administration. SIU’s Ph.D. program develops scholars ready to conduct advanced research and teach at the university level.Romantic Love Messages

Read Also: 10 Fastest Online Criminal Justice Master’s Degrees

The faculty includes internationally recognized criminologists engaged in cutting-edge research. SIU Carbondale’s online students have access to all academic resources, from tutoring to library databases. The programs consistently rank among the most affordable online criminal justice degrees in the Midwest.

3. Western Illinois University

WIU’s online criminal justice programs prepare graduates to excel in diverse professional roles related to criminology, law, public administration, and more. Students can earn an undergraduate certificate, B.A., or M.A. entirely online.Information Guide Nigeria

The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, scientific research methods, and effective communication skills. Undergraduates take courses across the social sciences to understand the psychological, cultural, and economic factors related to criminal behaviour and justice systems. The master’s program offers further specialization through concentrations in cybercrime, corrections, and more.

Faculty members have backgrounds spanning criminal justice agencies, research institutions, and key leadership roles. Small class sizes ensure personalized support and mentorship. WIU graduates have gone on to become police chiefs, FBI agents, prison wardens, criminology researchers, and leaders in victim services.

4. Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University offers an online Master of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology degree grounded in the Jesuit traditions of academic excellence and service to others. The program provides advanced training for law enforcement, legal, and corrections professionals.

Read Also: 10 Best Criminal Justice Forensics Degrees Online

Students examine emerging issues and technologies used to prevent, detect, and respond to criminal activity. Coursework covers cybercrime, geospatial crime analysis, juvenile delinquency, ethics, leadership, and quantitative research methods. Special topics courses allow further exploration of areas like terrorism, gangs, and sex crimes.

Loyola’s distinguished criminology faculty represent a breadth of research specialities, including wrongful convictions, community corrections, violence prevention, and more. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention and mentoring. Graduates are prepared to take on leadership roles and make meaningful contributions to justice systems.NYSC Portal

5. Illinois State University

Illinois State University offers an online M.S. in Criminal Justice Sciences with optional concentrations in cybercrime, policing, and legal studies. The multidisciplinary curriculum provides theoretical foundations and practical skills for advancing in various criminal justice fields.

Core courses cover quantitative data analysis, program evaluation, and criminal justice policy. Students then customize their degrees with electives in areas like geographic information systems, cybersecurity, criminal psychology, and victimology. The final capstone project allows students to conduct original research or evaluate a criminal justice agency.

ISU’s criminal justice faculty represent a diverse range of expertise, from criminological theory to specialized policing tactics. They emphasize teaching critical thinking skills applicable to real-world challenges. Competitive graduate assistantships provide tuition waivers and stipends for qualifying students. ISU alumni work in local, state, federal, and international criminal justice organizations.

6. Chicago State University

Chicago State University confers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal justice fully online through its College of Arts and Sciences. Affordable tuition rates make CSU a top value.

Undergraduates build a foundation in areas like law enforcement, juvenile justice, criminological theory, and research methods. They can also pursue concentrations in social justice and restorative justice. At the graduate level, students take advanced coursework in criminal justice planning, administration, policymaking, and program evaluation.

Experienced practitioners make up CSU’s faculty, bringing insights from careers across the criminal justice system. The curriculum emphasizes cultural competence, ethical leadership, and building trust between justice institutions and local communities. Students gain hands-on experience through internships and capstone projects.JAMB Portal

Read Also: 20 Best Online Schools for Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice

7. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

SIUE offers an online program leading to an M.S. in Criminal Justice Studies. Students develop specialized expertise related to criminological theory, data analysis, criminal justice systems, and administrative leadership.

The 36-credit curriculum provides flexibility to explore interests through elective courses and an individualized capstone project. Specialization options include corrections, policing, legal studies, and justice administration. Students also take courses to build research, statistics, and program evaluation skills needed in leadership roles.

Faculty have experience spanning law enforcement, legal practice, corrections, and academia. They emphasize applying class concepts to develop solutions for real-world criminal justice challenges. SIUE’s online graduate students have access to all campus resources and career guidance.

8. Roosevelt University

Roosevelt University offers an online M.A. in Applied Professional Studies with a concentration in Criminal Justice Leadership. Designed for working professionals, the program combines online coursework with just two on-campus weekend residencies.Why I unfollowed Neo – Tolanibaj opens up

Students develop leadership skills for managing criminal justice organizations and improving community relations. The curriculum covers topics like program planning and grant writing, analytical methods, organizational behaviour, ethics, conflict resolution, and social justice. Electives allow customization based on interests and career goals.

Roosevelt’s expert faculty provides individualized support and mentorship. Students complete collaborative projects and case studies addressing challenges faced by today’s criminal justice administrators. Graduates are prepared to advance into leadership roles in law enforcement, courts, corrections, security, and community advocacy organizations.

9. Lewis University

Lewis University offers an online Master of Science in Criminal/Social Justice fully customizable to diverse professional goals. Students build expertise applicable to careers in law enforcement, courts, corrections, security, social services, and more.BBNaija All Stars: Cross becomes season’s first finalist

The 36-credit curriculum covers topics like research methods, criminal justice ethics, deviant behaviour, and conflict resolution. Students choose elective courses in areas like terrorism, cybercrime, juvenile justice, program planning, and trauma counselling. The final capstone project provides hands-on research experience.

Lewis’s faculty includes distinguished scholars focused on mentoring online students. Small class sizes ensure personalized support. Located near Chicago, Lewis University has deep ties across Illinois’ criminal justice community. Graduates work in leadership roles ranging from police chief to prison warden.

Read Also: How To Get Criminology and Criminal Justice Online Degrees

10. Aurora University

Aurora University offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice providing an affordable, flexible pathway for career advancement. The 120-credit curriculum includes foundational courses in areas like policing, corrections, juvenile justice, criminal law, and research statistics.

Students also take general education courses spanning the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Upper-level electives allow customization based on interests and career goals. Optional concentrations include forensic psychology, forensic science, and homeland security. AU also offers an online criminal justice minor.

The program provides hands-on learning through simulated crime scenes, computer labs, and ride-along with police. AU faculty have experience across law enforcement, legal services, and community organizations. Located just outside Chicago, Aurora University has deep connections across Illinois’ criminal justice community.

Conclusion:

Earning an online criminal justice degree in Illinois opens up exciting career opportunities while allowing flexibility to balance work and life commitments. UIS, SIUC, WIU, Loyola, ISU, CSU, SIUE, Roosevelt, Lewis University, and Aurora University all offer accredited online programs aligned with professional growth in the field.

Whether you aspire to advance in law enforcement, work within the courts or corrections system, or help shape policy, one of these schools has the right online criminal justice program for you. Examine your career goals, academic interests, and budget to determine the best fit. Illinois’ online options make quality criminal justice education accessible to aspiring leaders across the state.

Check JAMB RESULT

Check and Confirm: How much is Dollar to Naira

📢 We are hiring writers!