Criminal Justice online degree tuition?

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by snakebyte, Mar 29, 2012.

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  1. snakebyte

    snakebyte New Member

    Hi, I'm rather new to the site, and have already found a huge amount of info here.
    I'm looking at either an associates or bachelors degree in criminal justice, 100% online.
    I was wondering if anyone knew of a resource for tuition comparison for the different degrees and schools. I would prefer a regionally accredited school, with some brand recognition.
    Or if those of you that have the info or have gone this route could help by posting the relevant info, that would be appreciated. Thanks, Jeff
     
  2. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    I'm glad that you're searching the archives. There are lots of threads related to CJ degrees. I also applaud your interest in pricing programs. However, I think that you'll find that the best known brands are also the most expensive.
     
  3. snakebyte

    snakebyte New Member

    Thanks for the reply, I understand I'm gonna pay for recognition, but I'm also looking at the cheaper options. Just trying to figure out approximate totals, and general experiences with each one. I work full time, and money is a problem. I'd like a bachelors in cj, but don't wanna take 4 years to do it. I'll work my ass off to get it done faster if at all possible. That is a huge motivator for me.
     
  4. friendorfoe

    friendorfoe Active Member

    I'm not so sure about that. The best criminal justice schools are Michigan State, Sam Houston State and I can't remember the third...maybe the University of Cincinnati. Anyhow, none of the schools are as expensive as say...the University of Phoenix. At least they weren't when I last checked.
     
  5. SouthernGent

    SouthernGent New Member

    University of Cincinnati

    My fiancee' is currently going through UC's master's in criminal justice program. We are able to get it pretty darn cheap compared to the competition (about $440 per credit hour, I believe, and that is for in-state or out-of-state students). While I know that US News has its major flaws in methodology, it does seem to influence some people, the fact that it is ranked in the top 5 in Criminal Justice in U.S. News makes it an even better deal.

    We looked at University of Louisville and Florida State, both are good schools, but both were more expensive. University of Louisville was in the $600 per credit hour range and FSU through Academic Common Market was going to run us in the $520-$550 per credit hour range.

    Good luck in your search!
     
  6. snakebyte

    snakebyte New Member

    I've looked at a few, but the ones like msu, univ of Cincinnati are just masters programs. The few I've looked at are 40k and up for tuition for a bs in cj. Hoping to find something substantially cheaper. Lol
    Hopefully I can get some financial aid, or student loans.
     
  7. friendorfoe

    friendorfoe Active Member

    yeah good point, when I was looking I was checking out their grad programs. I honestly would not drop $40K on a CJ degree....given the major it has limited utility in the private sector and government jobs that would benefit from this major often do not pay just a whole lot. I earned my AS in Criminal Justice from Ashworth College (DETC) which was very inexpensive then transfered to Southwestern College and finished my BS. All in all I think I spent around $14K.
     
  8. rebel100

    rebel100 New Member

    I'm curious to know what your goal is.

    The cheapest RA school with "brand" recognition is probably your local CC or University. That's where most of the local cops probably went, and what they will identify with when they hire you. Here in Florida the Police Academy is usually located at the local CC, it's where everyone gets their standards. UF, UCF and FSU are hands down the most popular schools...but that doesn't mean they majored in Criminal Justice.

    For years the FBI wanted applicants with accounting degree's and a JD...certainly applicants made it through the process with a CJ degree...but they probably weren't hired on the bases of the CJ degree as the deciding factor.

    The Big 3, particularly Thomas Edison, can provide you a quick and cheap RA degree. Along the way you might be able to take courses locally and out of your area to satisfy the requirements and make the most of available opportunities to network and gain your education. Our current Sheriff even teaches college classes...an argument can be made that taking some of his classes and doing well would give you at least a leg up on getting an interview. You might find a similar situation where you live.

    Western New Mexico University has an affordable CJ track, you could start taking the 30 credits required for their CJ Bachelors and finish the other 90 credits elsewhere...They sound like what they are....a reputable state school that's RA. I doubt they will have any "brand" recognition in Michigan though. http://www.wnmu.edu/VirtualCampus/programs/BS_Criminal_Justice.shtml

    Find a post by Bruce...he has CJ links in his sig line. I'm surprised he hasn't chimed in already.

    Best,
    Mike
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Mar 30, 2012
  9. rebel100

    rebel100 New Member

    You can consider using CLEP/Straighterline/FEMA and finishing this degree as quickly as possible: Thomas Edison State College: Environmental, Safety & Security Technologies

    I would then look at how fast I could use the same methods to arrive at a BS in business or administration, this would likely be the quickest route to RA Thomas Edison State College: Public Administration Thomas Edison State College: General Management

    You could have the AAS by the end of Summer, the Bachelors inside of 24 months easy.
     
  10. snakebyte

    snakebyte New Member

    I plan on trying to get into a police dept somewhere around here, but currently am a crew leader for an armored truck. I've done security for a while, and also I'm an NRA certified instructor and do ccw classes. I want to get my PI license (bachelors on cj qualifies you for it) because I've always been interested in that field. But figured it would also help with the rest of what I want. I'm working on starting my own small security company as well.
     
  11. PatsGirl1

    PatsGirl1 New Member

    I'm in MI too (SE). Best bet is probably Oakland Community College (very well-known CJ AAS and Academy) or Lansing CC if you're up that way. Most places here require self-sponsored. No PDs are paying for academy at all.
     
  12. PatsGirl1

    PatsGirl1 New Member

    Also, although not technically the same thing, CSU Pueblo has a B.S. in Sociology with an emphasis in Criminology. Classes are awesome, it's independent study, and $149/cr. It's been on my wish list for "fun degrees I just want to do for me" for YEARS.
     
  13. snakebyte

    snakebyte New Member

    I plan on going thru Detroit pd for the first couple years and have some fun...that's where I do most of my work anyway...but for me to continue to live indoors, etc. I need an online course. I work 50-80 hours a week, so most of my free time is late at night.
     
  14. rebel100

    rebel100 New Member

    I second CSU Pueblo....awesome independent studies program.
     
  15. snakebyte

    snakebyte New Member

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