Criminology & Criminal Justice Degrees Online
Develop the skills you need to protect your community in the ever-changing digital frontier. Whether you want to begin a career in law enforcement, explore how criminological theories are applied to public policy and practice in an increasingly online landscape, or meet the growing need for cybersecurity professionals across many industries, Lindenwood University sets you up for success as a criminal justice professional through our criminology and criminal justice degree paths.
Find the Right Online Criminal Justice Program for You
Our online degrees in criminal justice and criminology programs provide instruction from expert faculty who are experienced professionals in their respective fields. With courses ranging from network security, IT auditing, and forensic science to policing in America, white-collar crime, and criminal justice ethics, graduates of this online criminal justice degree program leave with a well-rounded academic background, regardless of their career path. Criminology and criminal justice major course topics in law enforcement, corrections, criminological theory, the court system, criminal law, criminal behavior, and national security can prepare you for a diverse world of criminal justice job paths in either field. With a strong understanding of criminological theory and policy development, you can even pursue careers in local government or federal agencies. Criminal justice degrees online can help you prepare to make an immediate impact in the field with your criminology and criminal justice degree—at the local or federal government levels—or continue on in your studies in criminal justice and criminology or pursue your law degree.
Bachelor's
Explore our online Bachelors degree options.
Master's
Explore our online Masters degree options.
Criminology & Criminal Justice Faculty
Dr. Weston Anderson
Dr. Anderson is an Assistant Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice and teaches criminology and criminal justice systems. His research interests include police officer backstabbing and police training effectiveness.
Dr. Heather Donovan
Dr. Donovan worked as a criminal defense attorney in the St. Charles trial office of the Missouri Public Defender. Her passions in the criminology and criminal justice field are juvenile justice and mental health issues in the criminal justice system.
Dr. Rachel Gossett
Dr. Gossett has experience teaching Criminology, The Criminal Justice System, Social Class and Crime, Women, Crime, and The Criminal Justice System, Social Aspects of Deviance, and other relevant topics. She is engaged in various research projects, scholarly activities, and reviews textbooks and academic journal article submissions.
Darren Marhanka
Dr. Marhanka is a former police officer with nearly 18 years of law enforcement experience. Marhanka came to Lindenwood in 2002 as an adjunct faculty member. In 2004, he accepted a position with Lindenwood as an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice.
Dr. Billi Patzius
Dr. Patzius teaches Criminology, Juvenile Justice, Victimology, Senior Seminar, and Criminal Minds. She received her B.S. in criminal justice, B.A. in psychology, and M.A. in criminology from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. She later received an M.A. in professional counseling from Lindenwood University and a Ph.D. from Saint Louis University.
Dr. Pernell Witherspoon
Dr. Witherspoon attended Southeast Missouri State University and subsequently joined the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, where he patrolled and worked undercover narcotics. His teaching and research interests are racial issues within the criminal justice system, policing, juvenile justice, criminal justice ethics, and he has found a new interest in criminal justice ethnography.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the differences between the field of criminal justice and criminology?
In a nutshell, criminal justice focuses on the system that navigates and attempts to treat people after they have committed crimes. On the other hand, criminology aims to dissect the behavior of the criminals themselves to better understand, predict, and prevent their dangerous actions.
How is criminology helpful to law enforcement?
Criminology informs and guides police officers, detectives, and other law enforcement officials as they work to solve crimes. With the help of criminologists, investigators can work more quickly and accurately in their work.
What do I need to know before majoring in criminal justice?
If you have a natural interest in the criminal justice system, social services, or want to impact public policy in criminal justice, it makes sense to pursue a career in this dynamic field. We recommend speaking with our advisors about your goals before applying to become a criminal justice and criminology major so we can help you choose the right criminology and criminal justice degree program.
Why Choose Lindenwood University Online?
Since 1827, Lindenwood University has served students worldwide with affordable, high-quality academic programs providing real experience and real success. After nearly 200 years of academic excellence, Lindenwood is committed to a set of core values, including integrity, dedication, excellence, creativity, and community.
Quality
We evolve our online degree programs to reflect the latest in academic research and innovation and to meet the top standards of higher education.
Creativity
We are committed to the development of original ideas, knowledge, and innovative approaches to solving complex problems.
Community
We are committed to creating a connected, diverse community, sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals, and supporting personal and professional growth.
Support
We employ experts who are dedicated to helping our students with financial aid planning, enrollment counseling, tutoring services, and more.
We are committed to helping you succeed.
Throughout each step of your online degree program, you will receive support. From enrollment and tuition planning to staying on the right track, your support team is there to ensure your success.
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