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World Class Online Higher Education

Criminal Justice Online Program

Are You Called to Serve and Protect?

If you feel called to make a difference in your community, the Criminal Justice online degree from Gardner-Webb University is designed to empower you. Our Christ-centered program will equip you to face real-world challenges in the criminal justice system with integrity, service, and compassion. Whether you’re starting out or advancing your career, our 100% online program offers the flexibility and support you need to succeed.

Why Choose Gardner-Webb?

  • Experienced Faculty: Learn from seasoned professionals with hands-on experience in various areas of criminal justice. Our faculty are committed to bridging theory and practice to prepare you for real-world scenarios.

  • Transfer Friendly: Maximize your existing credits by transferring up to 90 credit hours. You may also be eligible for credit based on your professional experience.

  • Flexible Learning: Our fully online program includes six convenient start dates per year, letting you study on your schedule. Accelerate your progress with our option to seamlessly earn your Master’s in Public Administration.

  • Christian Values: Be part of a supportive community that emphasizes ethical decision-making, character development, and lifelong learning, rooted in Christian values.

  • Career-Focused Education: Prepare for impactful roles in law enforcement, criminology, and public service with a curriculum designed to build both leadership skills and specialized knowledge.

Benefits of Earning an Online Criminal Justice Degree

  • Recognized Excellence: We are acknowledged by industry leaders for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility. Our dedication to excellence has also earned us a place among the top Christian Education Schools in North Carolina.

  • Distinguish Yourself: Obtaining your online criminal justice degree from a recognized Christian nonprofit university can help distinguish you in your industry.

  • Comprehensive Skill Development: The courses offered by the Department of Public Service will prepare you with:

    • Increased critical-thinking skills

    • Ethical decision-making abilities

    • Multicultural communication skills

    • A solid foundation of technical and professional skills to address the needs of an evolving, complex society

  • Accelerated Learning: With Gardner-Webb’s 8-week format and six start dates each year, you can complete your online criminal justice degree faster than through traditional campus programs.

Exclusive Benefits for First Responders & Military Personnel

We value those who serve our communities. As an active-duty law enforcement officer, first responder, or military personnel, you can take advantage of:

  • 20% Tuition Discount

  • Potential Credit for Prior Experience

Connect With Your Personal Advisor

At Gardner-Webb University Online, our programs are never one size fits all. Communicate with your personal program advisor to discover just how affordable, flexible, and easy it can be to attain your degree. Ignite Your Future; let’s get started today.

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Program hours
1
Years (avg.)
1
Class Type

Online

Transfer Friendly
Transfer up to 90 hours
Accreditation

Gardner-Webb University is accredited by SACSCOC

Total Credit Hours

120 hours required

Career Options

What You'll Do After Graduation

Your degree in Criminal Justice can open doors to rewarding careers such as:

  • Criminal Intelligence Analyst
    Average Annual Salary: $77,345
  • Criminal Investigator
    Average Annual Salary: $66,976
  • Police Officer
    Average Annual Salary: $60,505
  • Criminologist
    Average Annual Salary: $57,192
  • Paralegal
    Average Annual Salary: $52,947
  • Crime Scene Investigator
    Average Annual Salary: $52,947
  • Juvenile Court Counselor
    Average Annual Salary: $45,422
  • Probation Officer
    Average Annual Salary: $44,099

Meet Our Faculty

Our Criminal Justice faculty are experts in their fields, combining academic knowledge with real-world experience. They are dedicated to guiding you through every step of your educational journey, ensuring you have the tools you need to thrive in your career.

Public Service

Ryan Roberts

Assistant Professor of Public Service
[email protected]
(704) 406-2011

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Homeland Security Administration

Chief Tim Ledford

Instructor of Criminal Justice and Homeland Security
[email protected]

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Public Service

Dr. Stephen P. Gambill, J.D.

Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Administration
[email protected]
(704) 406-2639

See More

Why Choose GWU?

We were founded in 1905, and have long had a commitment to reaching our students anywhere they are. And while our beautiful campus is in the foothills of western North Carolina, our students are all around the globe.

Flexibility - 100% Online

Offering Online Education Since 1999 before some of our competitors even existed. 

Maximize Your Time

  • Transfer up to 90 hours
  • Potential credit for job experience
  • Accelerated Masters Program

Access to Academic Support

  • Writing Center
  • Library
  • Tutoring

Community of Faith

  • Be part of a supportive community that emphasizes ethical decision-making, character development, and lifelong learning, rooted in Christian values.

I want to bring [peace] to people… I want to be the type of person to… make it a better situation than what it is.

Micahla Funderburk, ’24 – Police Officer, Gastonia Police Department

Micahla Funderburk’s path to serving as a police officer with the Gastonia Police Department was shaped by resilience, community support, and a powerful commitment to make a difference. As a standout athlete on Gardner-Webb’s women’s basketball team, Funderburk faced a life-altering challenge with an ACL tear that nearly ended her athletic career. Determined to overcome, she not only returned to the court but thrived with the encouragement of her coaches and teammates, who provided her with a strong foundation of perseverance and teamwork. This journey of personal growth and resilience mirrored her passion for public service, leading her toward a career in law enforcement. Her experience at Gardner-Webb taught her the importance of empathy, integrity, and serving others—a foundation she brings to her role daily as she strives to create peace and provide support in difficult situations.

Ready to Make an Impact?

Start your journey towards a fulfilling career in criminal justice today. Apply Now or Request More Information to learn how Gardner-Webb University can help you achieve your goals.

Gardner-Webb University 110 South Main Street, PO Box 997, Boiling Springs, NC 28017
Call Us: 704-406-4000

Gardner-Webb University: Where Your Future in Criminal Justice Begins.
Empower yourself to serve and protect with integrity.